Themed collection Topic highlight: Sustainable materials
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The global burden of plastics in oral health: prospects for circularity, sustainable materials development and practice
Plastics in oral healthcare: innovations to move away from landfills to create value and sustainable care.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 881-902
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00364G
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Safe-and-sustainable-by-design chemicals and advanced materials: a paradigm shift towards prevention-based risk governance is needed
We need a paradigm shift towards prevention-based risk governance of chemicals and advanced materials via a transition towards SSbD. Defining SSbD metrics and trade-offs should be a co-creative process and can benefit from applying digital tools.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 838-846
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00045A
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Unlocking the holy grail of sustainable and scalable mesoporous silica using computational modelling
Enabling the design of silica materials with ordered and controllable pore structure using the principles of green and sustainable chemistry.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 432-438
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00019B
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Status, implications and challenges of European safe and sustainable by design paradigms applicable to nanomaterials and advanced materials
Current European (EU) policies, such as the Green Deal, envisage safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) practices for the management of chemicals, which cogently entail nanomaterials (NMs) and advanced materials (AdMa).
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 234-250
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00101B
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Bio-based polycarbonates: progress and prospects
The review covers the advancements in bio-based polycarbonates with regards to their raw materials, polymerization techniques, and modification strategies.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 2162-2179
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00248A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
A tutorial mini-review on nanoporous carbons from biosourced compounds: ordered hierarchical nanoarchitectures through benign methodologies
This tutorial mini-review gives critical insight into sustainable strategies to prepare ordered mesoporous hierarchically structured nanoporous carbons from biosourced compounds. Modified soft-templating methods are proposed as promising candidates.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1354-1368
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00123G
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Sustainability applications of rare earths from metallurgy, magnetism, catalysis, luminescence to future electrochemical pseudocapacitance energy storage
Rare Earths (REs) are referred to as ‘industrial vitamins’ and play an indispensable role in a variety of domains.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 38-71
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00054G
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A review on polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production through the use of lignocellulosic biomass
This work examines the process of using lignocellulosic biomass for cost-effective polyhydroxyalkanoate production, from pre-treatment to extraction.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 2120-2134
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00126A
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A review of past promises, present realities and a vibrant future for wound dressing from naturally occurring to sustainable materials
In the contemporary world, evolution of the scientific field has reached an elevation but has its own intricacies.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 763-787
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00065F
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A one-step facile process for extraction of cellulose from rice husk and its use for mechanical reinforcement of dental glass ionomer cement
The extraction of cellulose was optimized using only hypochlorite and characterized and then utilized as a filler in glass ionomer cement where its strength and elasticity were studied.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1743-1750
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00230F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
High degree of silanization of olive wood shell stone and its use in polyester biocomposites
A full optimization of the reaction conditions for the high degree of functionalization of olive wood shell stone (OS) with silanes of different nature has been conducted.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 1030-1039
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00475A
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Sustainable low temperature carrier gas-free growth of graphene on non-catalytic substrates
Sustainable vertically aligned graphene is grown on soda lime with an orange oil precursor, then utilized as a humidity sensor.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 995-1002
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00417A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Castor-oil biobased foam: the effect of the composition on the physical and mechanical properties via a statistical mixture design
Optical microscope image of castor oil biobased foam.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 975-987
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00374D
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Self-assembled lignin nanoparticles produced from elephant grass leaves enable selective inactivation of Gram-positive microorganisms
Plant-derived lignin nanoparticles produced through a self-assembly method show selective toxicity against Gram-positive bacteria.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 459-474
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00400G
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Elucidating multiple reaction pathways for the degradation of antibiotics in water by a self-active single-atom zinc catalyst on biochar
Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have gained notable attention for the degradation of organic contaminants in water.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 2296-2304
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00265A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Highly efficient synthesis of sustainable bisphenols from hydroxycinnamic acids
A series of bisphenols were efficiently prepared from bio-based hydroxycinnamic acids via thermal decarboxylation followed by [Ru]-catalyzed olefin metathesis.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1765-1772
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00175J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Isolation of hydroxyapatite from Atlantic salmon processing waste using a protease and lipase mixture
An endoprotease and a lipase were used together for enzymatic treatment of waste salmon frames to produce hydroxyapatite. This environmentally friendly treatment uses mild conditions readily employable in seafood processing plants.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1554-1564
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00102D
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Spent-coffee grounds-derived biochar-supported heterogeneous photocatalyst: a performance evaluation and mechanistic approach for the degradation of pentachlorophenol
A detailed description of the CGBT nanocomposite synthesis and photocatalytic mechanism for pentachlorophenol.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1484-1496
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00153A
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Substituting fossil-based with bio-based chemicals: the case of limonene as a greener pore expander for micellar templated silica
Limonene from citrus peel waste is applied as a renewable expander molecule for the synthesis of large-mesopore templated silica. Comparative life cycle assessment with the conventional expander TMB demonstrates the lower environmental impact.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1449-1461
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00068K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
A pyridinium-modified chitosan-based adsorbent for arsenic removal via a coagulation-like methodology
Green chemistry afforded modification of chitosan to afford solid phase extraction of arsenic with unique adsorbent properties and sustainability.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1259-1269
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00130J
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Deep eutectic solvent assisted preparation of cellulose nanofibers and graphene composite films for supercapacitors
Cellulose nanofibers have been prepared directly from rice biomass with green solvent DES for graphene/CNF composite electrodes of high-performance supercapacitors.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1006-1015
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00107A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
The effect of size and delignification on the mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites reinforced with wood fibres via extrusion
Raw short wood fibres generally showed better mechanical performance than long ones. Alkaline treatment did not improve the mechanical properties of the composites after reactive extrusion and injection moulding.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 876-885
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00039G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Degradable copper(II)-doped starch-based biopolymeric films with antibacterial activity
New copper(II) coordination compounds bearing ammonia and carboxylate ligands were assembled, fully characterized, and applied as antimicrobial dopants for producing sustainable starch-based biopolymeric films with remarkable antibacterial activity.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 866-875
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00150K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Detoxification of bisphenol A via sulfur-mediated carbon–carbon σ-bond scission
Environmental contamination with bisphenol A (BPA), produced via degradation of plastic waste, can be disintegrated to monoaryls by its reaction with elemental sulfur.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 535-542
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00138A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Formulation of biobased soap gels from waste-derived feedstocks
Novel thermoresponsive biobased soap gels are formulated from waste fats and oils to prevent their disposal and mitigate their environmental impacts.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 584-591
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00130F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Sustainable materials for renewable energy storage in the thermal battery
This work demonstrates the feasibility of aliphatic dicarbamate PCMs as inexpensive, stable and sustainable materials for the storage of renewable energy in the “Thermal Battery”.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 470-480
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00111J
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Platinum–tin as a superior catalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Upon alloy Pt with tin significant improvement in fuel cell performance is achieved.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 368-377
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00129B
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Upcycling of textile waste into high added value cellulose porous materials, aerogels and cryogels
Aerogels and cryogels were obtained from cellulose-based textile waste.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 335-345
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00084A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
From waste to wearable: an alternative waste stream for unusable textiles turned into piezoelectric textiles
A new recyclability path for unusable textiles are processed into electronic textiles. These materials can be implemented into such applications as energy harvesting or sensing devices that can be worn as demonstrated by our smart mask.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 326-334
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00068G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Sustainable and efficient production of furoic acid from furfural through amine assisted oxidation with hydrogen peroxide and its implementation for the synthesis of alkyl furoate
Furan based building blocks have potential of introducing new commodity chemicals at low cost with low carbon impact.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 303-309
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00102K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Unlimited recyclable wearable sensors based on a homogeneous ionic liquid and polyvinyl alcohol network
Smart wearable electronics are now of great significance in the fields of biomedical applications and environmental sensors.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 261-269
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00040G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Color stability of blue aluminates obtained from recycling and applied as pigments
Aluminates have been used as synthetic inorganic pigments due to their structural stability.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 159-166
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00057A
About this collection
RSC Sustainability welcomes all solutions-focused research dedicated to solving sustainability challenges. Sustainable materials have a key part to play, from their roles in efficient energy conversion and storage technologies and pollution control, to their material properties themselves – are they produced in a way that reduces resource consumption and waste generation?
This selection of our recent publications in this area includes contributions on biocomposites, fuel cell catalysts, and supercapacitor materials.
To contribute your own research to the journal, visit our submission platform.