Themed collection UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

33 items
Open Access Perspective

A sustainable future: the impact of real-time feedback systems on water conservation efforts

Smart feedback water system with Arduino flow sensors, AI/ML analytics, mobile dashboard, real-time tracking, predictive insights, personalized reports for global sustainability challenges and efficient water management solutions.

Graphical abstract: A sustainable future: the impact of real-time feedback systems on water conservation efforts
Open Access Perspective

Towards sustainable wood–plastic composites: polymer types, properties, processing and future prospects

Advancing the future of wood plastic composites: a synergy of materials, methods, and sustainability.

Graphical abstract: Towards sustainable wood–plastic composites: polymer types, properties, processing and future prospects
From the themed collection: RSC Sustainability Recent Review Articles
Open Access Perspective

Chemical bio-manufacture from diverse C-rich waste polymeric feedstocks using engineered microorganisms

Engineering microbial metabolism is tapped potential to convert industrial waste and by-products into high-value chemical products, providing a more sustainable alternative to traditionally oil-derived chemicals.

Graphical abstract: Chemical bio-manufacture from diverse C-rich waste polymeric feedstocks using engineered microorganisms
Open Access Tutorial Review

Bioactive compounds in coffee husk: extraction, functional properties, applications, and sustainable approach in circular economy

Coffee husk is rich in bioactive compounds with functional properties and holds significant potential for various applications that promote a sustainable circular economy.

Graphical abstract: Bioactive compounds in coffee husk: extraction, functional properties, applications, and sustainable approach in circular economy
From the themed collection: RSC Sustainability Recent Review Articles
Open Access Tutorial Review

Waste-derived green N-doped materials: mechanistic insights, synthesis, and comprehensive evaluation

Nitrogen (N)-doped materials derived from biomass hold great promise for energy storage, gas adsorption, catalysis, and water treatment, offering an effective strategy for waste valorization.

Graphical abstract: Waste-derived green N-doped materials: mechanistic insights, synthesis, and comprehensive evaluation
Open Access Tutorial Review

Towards polycotton waste valorisation: depolymerisation of cotton to glucose with polyester preservation

Polycotton waste textile valorisation; upgrading waste cotton from polycotton (left) to the platform chemical glucose without affecting the polyester (right).

Graphical abstract: Towards polycotton waste valorisation: depolymerisation of cotton to glucose with polyester preservation
Open Access Tutorial Review

Recent breakthroughs in the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass for advancements in the construction industry: a review

This review highlights the potential of lignocellulosic biomass as an eco-friendly component in green and sustainable construction materials, addressing environmental challenges through up-to-date research, applications, and life-cycle assessments.

Graphical abstract: Recent breakthroughs in the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass for advancements in the construction industry: a review
Open Access Critical Review

Advances in lead-free perovskite solar cell design via SCAPS-1D simulations

PSCs still face challenges such as lead toxicity. SCAPS-1D stands out as a valuable tool for investigating alternative metals as replacements for lead. This article reviews 54 simulation studies using SCAPS-1D, focusing on lead-free PSCs.

Graphical abstract: Advances in lead-free perovskite solar cell design via SCAPS-1D simulations
From the themed collection: RSC Sustainability Recent Review Articles
Open Access Critical Review

Negative emission technologies: a way forward?

The role and potential implications of Negative Emission Technologies (NETs) for atmospheric CO2 removal and long-term storage, supporting global efforts toward net-zero climate goals.

Graphical abstract: Negative emission technologies: a way forward?
Open Access Critical Review

Reducing fossil fuel demand by using biofuels as an alternative hydrothermal liquefaction is a promising process for transforming biomass into drop-in fuels

A currently accepted strategy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuels is to replace them with biofuels.

Graphical abstract: Reducing fossil fuel demand by using biofuels as an alternative hydrothermal liquefaction is a promising process for transforming biomass into drop-in fuels
Open Access Critical Review

Powering the sustainable future: a review of emerging battery technologies and their environmental impact

A comparative analysis of battery types, including primary, secondary, specialty, and emerging technologies. Key findings highlight charge time variations, energy storage efficiency, and scalability for future advancements in battery technology.

Graphical abstract: Powering the sustainable future: a review of emerging battery technologies and their environmental impact
Open Access Critical Review

Unlocking renewable energy materials in Nigeria: availability, application, and roadmap for sustainability

This study assesses Nigeria's renewable energy materials landscape, highlighting solar, wind, biomass, and hydro resources, challenges, and pathways for enhancing local capacity for a sustainable energy future.

Graphical abstract: Unlocking renewable energy materials in Nigeria: availability, application, and roadmap for sustainability
Open Access Critical Review

Design for recycle of devices to ensure efficient recovery of technology critical metals

Design for recycle unlocks selective and efficient recycling of technology critical metals.

Graphical abstract: Design for recycle of devices to ensure efficient recovery of technology critical metals
Open Access Critical Review

Integrating traditional ecological knowledge into a circular economy framework using the example of consumer durable goods for northern rural communities

Integrating Circular Economy (CE) principles with Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to promote equitable, sustainable and proactive materials design of consumer durable goods.

Graphical abstract: Integrating traditional ecological knowledge into a circular economy framework using the example of consumer durable goods for northern rural communities
Open Access Critical Review

State-of-the-art of industrial PET mechanical recycling: technologies, impact of contamination and guidelines for decision-making

A design of PET mechanical recycling at the industrial scale requires the inspection of the relevance of pre-treatment steps, degradation reactions and repair potential, accounting for the impact of contamination (e.g. NIAS) and regulations.

Graphical abstract: State-of-the-art of industrial PET mechanical recycling: technologies, impact of contamination and guidelines for decision-making
Open Access Critical Review

Incorporating hyperaccumulating plants in phytomining, remediation and resource recovery: recent trends in the African region – a review

Phytomining, the extraction of valuable metals from soil or waste substrates using plants, has gained increasing attention as a sustainable and economically viable alternative to conventional mining practices.

Graphical abstract: Incorporating hyperaccumulating plants in phytomining, remediation and resource recovery: recent trends in the African region – a review
From the themed collection: RSC Sustainability Recent Review Articles
Open Access Critical Review

Lignocellulose saccharification: historical insights and recent industrial advancements towards 2nd generation sugars

This study reviews saccharification technologies, focusing on HCl-based methods, their industrial evolution, and challenges in scaling, emphasizing the historical progress and ongoing need for innovation.

Graphical abstract: Lignocellulose saccharification: historical insights and recent industrial advancements towards 2nd generation sugars
Open Access Critical Review

Fungal pretreatment methods for organic wastes: advances and challenges in biomass valorization

The image displays various biowastes, important constituents, and possible products of the pretreatment process.

Graphical abstract: Fungal pretreatment methods for organic wastes: advances and challenges in biomass valorization
From the themed collection: RSC Sustainability Recent Review Articles
Open Access Critical Review

Thermochemical and chemo-biological molecular recycling of plastic waste and plastic-biomass waste mixtures: an updated review

Thermochemical and bioprocessing are feasible for recovering valuable building block molecules from plastic residues. Chemo-enzymatic treatment of waste plastic-biomass mixtures is an open challenge due to the diverse composition of the residues.

Graphical abstract: Thermochemical and chemo-biological molecular recycling of plastic waste and plastic-biomass waste mixtures: an updated review
From the themed collection: RSC Sustainability Recent Review Articles
Open Access Paper

Visible-light-induced photocatalytic oxidation of C–H bonds with O2 employing simple porphyrins as photocatalysts under solvent-free conditions

An efficient, low-energy consumption, low-carbon emission and sustainable oxidation of C–H bonds with O2 was realized utilizing porphyrins as photocatalysts under irradiation of visible light, and a successful reference of learning from nature.

Graphical abstract: Visible-light-induced photocatalytic oxidation of C–H bonds with O2 employing simple porphyrins as photocatalysts under solvent-free conditions
Open Access Paper

Vanillin-derived epoxy resin as a high fracture toughness high stiffness matrix for carbon fibre reinforced structural composites

The following study cements vanillin’s position as a leading replacement for BPA-based epoxy resins in high performance epoxy–amine composite applications.

Graphical abstract: Vanillin-derived epoxy resin as a high fracture toughness high stiffness matrix for carbon fibre reinforced structural composites
Open Access Accepted Manuscript - Paper

Controlled surface acetylation of cellulosics to tune biodegradability - expanding their use towards conventional plastics

Open Access Paper

Methanolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using non-stoichiometric protic ionic liquids

Microwave-assisted methanolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) was catalysed by a recyclable, inexpensive non-stoichiometric protic ionic liquid from sulfuric acid and triethylamine.

Graphical abstract: Methanolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using non-stoichiometric protic ionic liquids
Open Access Paper

Morphological and chemical profiling of biochar derived from invasive aquatic weed towards bio-nanofertilizer development

Since the early 21st century, biochar (BC) has garnered attention for its agricultural and environmental applications.

Graphical abstract: Morphological and chemical profiling of biochar derived from invasive aquatic weed towards bio-nanofertilizer development
Open Access Paper

ProFA – valorization of macroalgae biomass as a source of proteins and formic acid

The ProFA process aims for the production of proteins and formic acid from macroalgae with a focus on resource utilisation and innovation.

Graphical abstract: ProFA – valorization of macroalgae biomass as a source of proteins and formic acid
Open Access Paper

Microbial degradation of tannery chrome-solid waste using Bacillus thuringiensis: optimization of collagen hydrolysate extraction via response surface methodology

Bacillus thuringiensis was isolated from soil and used to biodegrade chrome shaving dust. Optimal degradation (94.8%) was achieved at 35% seed, 12.86% nutrients, and 101.27 h. This simple, efficient microbial process outperforms enzymatic methods.

Graphical abstract: Microbial degradation of tannery chrome-solid waste using Bacillus thuringiensis: optimization of collagen hydrolysate extraction via response surface methodology
Open Access Paper

Minimum GHG emissions and energy consumption of U.S. PET and polyolefin packaging supply chains in a circular economy

Systems analysis tools such as material flow analysis, process simulation, life cycle assessment, and system optimization were applied to minimize environmental impacts of the U.S. plastics packaging recycling infrastructure in a circular economy.

Graphical abstract: Minimum GHG emissions and energy consumption of U.S. PET and polyolefin packaging supply chains in a circular economy
Open Access Paper

Transparent and flexible MXene-chitosan nanocomposite film for effective UV and high-energy blue light shielding applications

CMX-0.04 composite films exhibited high UV (≈100%) and HEBL (≈97.5%) blocking performance with enhanced mechanical properties (303% and 830% increased tensile and Young's modulus, respectively) and excellent film flexibility.

Graphical abstract: Transparent and flexible MXene-chitosan nanocomposite film for effective UV and high-energy blue light shielding applications
Open Access Paper

The impact of co-feeding carbon dioxide in Fischer–Tropsch-to-olefin catalysis: an inelastic neutron scattering study

An investigation into the addition of CO2 to the feedstock for a Fischer–Tropsch-to-olefins catalyst indicates a role for CO2 perturbing the equilibrium between iron carbides and oxides.

Graphical abstract: The impact of co-feeding carbon dioxide in Fischer–Tropsch-to-olefin catalysis: an inelastic neutron scattering study
Open Access Paper

Superior proton conductivity and selectivity in sulfonated ionomer biocomposites containing renewably processed and fractionated lignin

Herein, we have synthesized high-performance, low-cost ionomer biocomposites comprised of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and softwood Kraft lignin with proton selectivities three- to ten-fold higher than that of neat SPEEK.

Graphical abstract: Superior proton conductivity and selectivity in sulfonated ionomer biocomposites containing renewably processed and fractionated lignin
Open Access Paper

Microplastics in the rough: using data augmentation to identify plastics contaminated by water and plant matter

Microplastics are present in nearly all environments.

Graphical abstract: Microplastics in the rough: using data augmentation to identify plastics contaminated by water and plant matter
Open Access Paper

A high-performance nanofiltration membrane synthesized by embedding amino acids and ionic liquids in cellulose acetate for heavy metal separation

Cellulose acetate (CA) membranes incorporated with amino acids (AAs) and ionic liquids (ILs) fabricated using phase inversion technique have been proven to be efficient and effective for nanofiltration to treat heavy metal ion solutions.

Graphical abstract: A high-performance nanofiltration membrane synthesized by embedding amino acids and ionic liquids in cellulose acetate for heavy metal separation
Open Access Paper

Decarbonizing specialty chemical manufacturing: opportunities for electrochemists

The specialty chemical sector offers unique opportunities for the development of electrochemical reaction processes to integrate low-carbon electricity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Graphical abstract: Decarbonizing specialty chemical manufacturing: opportunities for electrochemists
33 items

About this collection

RSC Sustainability features solutions-focused research dedicated to solving sustainability challenges. We champion chemical science discoveries that support and enable any of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing new sustainable technologies and greener chemical solutions that drive real-world impact.

We’ve collated recent articles published in RSC Sustainability that align with each of the UN SDGs.

This collection highlights Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. These articles explore sustainable material innovations, waste valorisation, and pollution reduction, such as bio-manufacturing from waste. Other topics include advanced recycling of plastics and PET and ensuring safe drinking water. These efforts aim to enhance resource efficiency, reduce environmental contamination, and support circular economies for greener cities.

To find out more about the United Nations Global Sustainability Goals visit: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

Check out the other UN SDG collections in the series:

UN Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty Home

UN Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger Home

UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being Home

UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education Home

UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality Home

UN Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation Home

UN Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Home

UN Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Home

UN Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure Home

UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequality. Home

UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production Home

UN Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action Home

UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life below water Home

UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land Home

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