Themed collection RSC Sustainability 2023 Hot Papers
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Exploring metal oxides for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in the field of nanotechnology
As the global energy landscape transitions towards a more diversified mix, with electricity and hydrogen constituting half of the final energy consumption by 2050, the focus on efficient and sustainable hydrogen production intensifies.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 2180-2196
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00179B
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Chemistry and pathways to net zero for sustainability
Chemistry has a vital role in enabling the reductions in greenhouse gases, stewardship of material resources and new production processes needed to bring net CO2 emissions to zero by 2050, keeping within 1.5 °C of global warming.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1704-1721
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00125C
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White & grey biotechnologies for shaping a sustainable future
The developments in enzymology and biocatalytic processes designed as per the rules of green chemistry and green engineering are the keys to the concepts of biorefinery and bioeconomy which in turn enable sustainable development.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1722-1736
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00174A
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The lignin challenge in catalytic conversion of biomass solids to chemicals and fuels
Presented here is an overview of progress in one approach to reducing greenhouse gas emission, namely substituting photosynthesis generated, woody biomass for fossil carbon as feedstock in the production of chemicals and liquid fuels.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1686-1703
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00117B
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A perspective on catalytic production of olefinic compounds from biomass
Key reactions and possible biomass resources for the synthesis of industrially important unsaturated compounds are summarized.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 814-837
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00033H
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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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Recent advances in Cu-BTC MOF-based engineered materials for the photocatalytic treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater towards environmental remediation
Cu-MOF has gained attention due to its exceptional thermal stability, large surface area and pore volume. This review summarizes its advantages covering synthesis, reactivity and applications in removing toxic pharmaceutical residues from wastewater.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1952-1961
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00276D
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3D printing for flow biocatalysis
3D printing has been elaborated in all stages of a continuous flow biocatalytic process, from the reactor to the support material for biocatalyst confinement or the peripheral accessories that can establish a highly controlled process.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1672-1685
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00155E
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Utilizing cellulose-based conducting hydrogels in iontronics
This review highlights how the inherent properties of cellulose have been employed to improve the properties of ionic conductive hydrogels (IHCs) and their application in fabricating iontronics.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1369-1385
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00139C
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Recent advances in radical polymerization of bio-based monomers in aqueous dispersed media
Vegetable oils and lipids, terpenes, lignin derivatives, carbohydrates, and proteins are used as biomass feedstock to prepare new bio-based monomers for radical polymerization in aqueous dispersed media, producing bio-based latexes.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 788-813
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00097D
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Replacing all petroleum-based chemical products with natural biomass-based chemical products: a tutorial review
Production quantity ratio of petroleum derived chemical products. This also presents the concept of replacing all petroleum-based chemical products with natural biomass-based chemical products.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 179-212
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00014H
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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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From rocks to bioactive compounds: a journey through the global P(V) organophosphorus industry and its sustainability
This tutorial review showcases the diversity & utility of organophosphorus molecules, focusing on P(V) structures. Their rich nomenclature, application & industrial synthesis will be highlighted within the context of sustainable chemistry.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 11-37
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00015F
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Eutectic solvents and low molecular weight gelators for next-generation supramolecular eutectogels: a sustainable chemistry perspective
Immobilization of eutectic mixtures in supramolecular gels formed using low molecular weight gelators is a smart strategy to expand their design space. Advances in the last five years are reviewed from the viewpoint of sustainability.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 288-319
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00264K
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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 on recent trends in selective hydrodeoxygenation of lignin derived molecules
A review on the selective catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of lignin biomass derived compounds. The focus is on recent reports which highlight achievements in selectively and reactivity trends which lead to deoxygenated aromatic products.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1608-1633
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00232B
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Towards the sustainable extraction and purification of non-animal proteins from biomass using alternative solvents
This review aims to assess the advances in protein extraction and separation from non-animal biomass using alternative solvents, namely ILs, and DESs. Also, the economic and environmental challenges of using such alternative solvents are discussed.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1314-1331
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00062A
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Recovery of metals and valuable chemicals from waste electric and electronic materials: a critical review of existing technologies
The growing development of technology has increased the amount of waste generated by electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) every year.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1085-1108
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00034F
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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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Advancements in organic and inorganic shell materials for the preparation of microencapsulated phase change materials for thermal energy storage applications
The current generation is looking for new materials and technology to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels, exploring sustainable energy sources to maintain the future energy demand and supply.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 665-697
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00116K
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Copper nanoparticles decorated on cobalt oxide nanosheets derived from bimetallic metal–organic-framework for hydrolysis of ammonia borane
Cu nanoparticles decorated on CoOx nanosheets are synthesized by an in situ reduction of bimetallic Cu-Co-MOF-74 which simultaneously catalyses efficient AB hydrolysis.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1962-1966
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00306J
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Synthesis of platinum group metal nanoparticles assisted by CO2 reduction and H2 cogeneration at gas-diffusion electrodes
Platinum group metal nanoparticles (Pt, Pd, and Rh) were synthesized in aqueous NaCl solutions using, as reducing agent, H2/CO electrogenerated in situ by the reduction of CO2 and water.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 454-458
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00046J
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An improved Hummers method derived graphene oxide wrapped ZIF-8 polyhedron derived porous heterostructure for symmetric supercapacitor performance
By exposing more interfaces, utility of heterostructured electrodes in capacitance retention has been further expanded to devices with a large-scale 3D network. IGO@ZIF-8-NC was described as a symmetric supercapacitor device which paves the way forward for sustainable capacitive devices.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 233-238
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00327B
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Recovery of palladium from waste fashion items through food waste by-products
We propose an affordable and safe route to recover palladium in its metallic form from waste fashion items and recycle it in electronic devices.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 2350-2357
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00242J
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The heat-promoted metal–support interaction of a PtCu/SiO2 carbon-free catalyst for the methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions
Pt shows excellent catalytic activity towards the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), but suffers from deactivation due to the weak interaction with the carbon support and the oxidation of carbon.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1989-1994
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00193H
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Visible-light driven fumarate synthesis from pyruvate and gaseous CO2 with a hybrid system of photocatalytic NADH regeneration and dual biocatalysts
Visible-light driven fumarate synthesis from pyruvate and gaseous CO2 with a hybrid system of photocatalytic NADH regeneration and dual biocatalysts (malate dehydrogenase and fumarase) was developed.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1874-1882
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00194F
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Exploration of bis(pentafluorophenyl)borinic acid as an electronically saturated, bench-top stable Lewis acid catalyst
Bis(pentafluorophenyl)borinic acid was investigated as a bench-stable Lewis acid catalyst for the hydrosilyation of carbonyl functionalities. The reactivity was benchmarked to other effective frustrated Lewis pair catalysts.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1547-1553
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00222E
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Effective photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine-B over Zn-doped BaO2 and SrO2 composites under UV and sunlight irradiation
Environmental pollution due to dye industries is a major concern as it affects both aquatic and human life.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1511-1521
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00091E
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Catalyzing sustainability: phytic acid as a green precursor for metal-free carbon electrocatalysts in ORR
Phytic acid (PA) carbonization at 900 °C produces P-doped carbons with outstanding ORR electrocatalytic activity, highlighting the potential of PA-derived carbon materials in energy conversion.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1270-1277
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00119A
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An integrated green process for the extraction of triterpenic acids from Eucalyptus globulus leaves after hydrodistillation
An integrated process using Eucalyptus globulus essential oil as a bio-based solvent to extract triterpenic acids from hydrodistilled leaves is discussed.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1016-1024
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00076A
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Flow-through reductive catalytic fractionation of beech wood sawdust
The use of flow-through (FT) systems in the lignin-first approach can improve the proficiency of the process. Herein, the reductive catalytic fractionation of beech wood sawdust was conducted in an FT system using 35Ni/NDC pellets.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 459-469
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00076H
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Supercritical carbon dioxide/nitrogen/air extraction with multistage stripping enables selective recovery of rare earth elements from coal fly ashes
Using supercritical fluids, our novel process selectively extracts rare earth elements from coal fly ashes that were previously considered as waste and an environmental threat.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 251-260
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00033D
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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
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Functionalised graphite felt anodes for enhanced power generation in membrane-less soil microbial fuel cells
Testing composite carbon-based anode materials for high-perfoming soil microbial fuel cells.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 310-325
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00079B
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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
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Triazaphosphaadamantane-functionalized terpyridine metal complexes: cyclohexane oxidation in homogeneous and carbon-supported catalysis
A metal complex bearing 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane and terpyridine scaffolds as a single polydentate ligand was used as a recyclable catalyst for synthesizing the nylon precursor, KA oil.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 147-158
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00017B
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Tailoring the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of iron nanoparticles with amino benzoic acid
Antibacterial resistance is a massive universal health crisis and one of the most significant threats to human life. Many bacterial species have evolved and acquired resistance against multiple drugs.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 139-146
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00044J
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Phosphate-induced enhancement of fumarate production from a CO2 and pyruvate with the system of malate dehydrogenase and fumarase
The phosphate-addition induced improvement of the synthesis yield of fumarate from CO2 and pyruvate in an aqueous medium using a multi-biocatalytic system of ME from Sulfobus tokodaii and FUM from porcine heart in the presence of NADH was demonstrated.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 90-96
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00031H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.139/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Biologically bound nickel accelerated de-polymerization of polyethylene to high value hydrocarbons and hydrogen
The synergy of Ni-phytocat and microwave driven process leads to highly desirable monocyclic aromatics and low molecular weight hydrocarbons, and H2, thereby paving the way to harness complete circular chemical potential of plastic waste.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 117-127
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00001F
About this collection
We are delighted to highlight some of the most impactful and significant work published in RSC Sustainability in 2023. These papers are already beginning to shape and influence the future direction of the field.