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Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes (2nd Edition)

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2025 | Viewed by 7692

Special Issue Editors


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Faculty of Engineering, University of Rome ‘Niccolò Cusano’, Via Don Carlo Gnocchi 3, 00166 Rome, Italy
Interests: manufacturing processes; laser technologies; coatings and surface finishing and functionalization; metal foams; additive manufacturing
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Faculty Engineering Sciences, Hochschule Mittweida - University of Applied Sciences, 09648 Mittweida, Germany
Interests: manufacturing materials; manufacturing technologies; machining; laser machining; 3D printing; DOE
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The green approach is no longer (and it can no longer be) a goal of the future, but rather it is a real and practical necessity of the present. Recently, we have finally seen an acceleration in the development and application of green materials and manufacturing processes, and the importance of environmentally responsible materials or sustainable manufacturing processes has never been higher.

The aim of this Special Issue is to focus on the most recently developed green materials and the remarkable progress/developments in manufacturing processes in order to take stock of these new trends. 

Scientific contributions can focus on any alternative to traditional materials or processes that carry an environmental advantage, such as: the reduction in the use of hazardous substances in manufacture; the use of fewer natural resources; the reduction in waste and pollution, the recycle and reuse of materials, and moderate emissions in these processes.

Prof. Dr. Stefano Guarino
Dr. Flaviana Tagliaferri
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • green materials
  • green manufacturing processes
  • waste reduction
  • pollution reduction
  • recycling
  • sustainable manufacturing
  • energy efficiency
  • green and smart manufacturing

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 4861 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Vertical Fixed-Bed Pyrolysis for Enhanced Biochar Production from Diverse Agricultural Residues
by Tasi-Jung Jiang, Hervan Marion Morgan, Jr. and Wen-Tien Tsai
Materials 2024, 17(12), 3030; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17123030 - 20 Jun 2024
Viewed by 587
Abstract
This study examines the pyrolysis of agricultural residues, namely, coconut shells, rice husks, and cattle manure, in a vertical fixed-bed reactor at varying temperatures from 300 to 800 degrees Celsius for biochar production. The research aimed to evaluate the potential of biochar as [...] Read more.
This study examines the pyrolysis of agricultural residues, namely, coconut shells, rice husks, and cattle manure, in a vertical fixed-bed reactor at varying temperatures from 300 to 800 degrees Celsius for biochar production. The research aimed to evaluate the potential of biochar as biofuels, adsorbents, and soil amendments. Proximate, ultimate, and elemental analyses were conducted to determine their composition and caloric values. Several analytical techniques were used in the physical and chemical characterization of the biochar (SEM, FTIR, BET). The results indicated that the highest SBET values were achieved under different conditions for each biochar: 89.58 m2/g for BC-CS-700, 202.39 m2/g for BC-RH-600, and 42.45 m2/g for BC-CD-800. Additionally, all three biochars exhibited the highest caloric values at 600 °C. The results showed that 600 °C is the general optimal temperature to produce biochar from an assortment of biomass materials, considering their use for a variety of purposes. BC-CS-800 had the highest elemental carbon content at 93%, accompanied by a relative decrease in oxygen content. The van Krevelen diagram of biochar products shows that biochars derived from coconut shells and rice husks are suitable for use as fuels. Furthermore, FTIR analysis revealed the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups on the biochar surface, enhancing their pollutant adsorption capabilities. This study provides valuable insights into the scalable and environmentally sustainable production of biochar, emphasizing its role in improving soil quality, increasing energy density, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes (2nd Edition))
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16 pages, 6648 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Pore Characteristics of Graphite-Based Anode for Li-Ion Batteries by Control of the Particle Size Distribution
by Yun-Jeong Choi, Young-Seak Lee, Ji-Hong Kim and Ji-Sun Im
Materials 2023, 16(21), 6896; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16216896 - 27 Oct 2023
Viewed by 2216
Abstract
We investigate the reassembly techniques for utilizing fine graphite particles, smaller than 5 µm, as high-efficiency, high-rate anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Fine graphite particles of two sizes (0.4–1.2 µm and 5 µm) are utilized, and the mixing ratio of the two particles [...] Read more.
We investigate the reassembly techniques for utilizing fine graphite particles, smaller than 5 µm, as high-efficiency, high-rate anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Fine graphite particles of two sizes (0.4–1.2 µm and 5 µm) are utilized, and the mixing ratio of the two particles is varied to control the porosity of the assembled graphite. The packing characteristics of the assembled graphite change based on the mixing ratio of the two types of fine graphite particles, forming assembled graphite with varying porosities. The open porosity of the manufactured assembled graphite samples ranges from 0.94% to 3.55%, while the closed porosity ranges from 21.41% to 26.51%. All the assembled graphite shows improved electrochemical characteristics properties compared with anodes composed solely of fine graphite particles without granulation. The sample assembled by mixing 1.2 µm and 5 µm graphite at a 60:40 ratio exhibits the lowest total porosity (27.45%). Moreover, it exhibits a 92.3% initial Coulombic efficiency (a 4.7% improvement over fine graphite particles) and a capacity of 163.4 mAh/g at a 5C-rate (a 1.9-fold improvement over fine graphite particles). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes (2nd Edition))
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13 pages, 8778 KiB  
Article
Effect of Recycling on the Mechanical Properties of 6000 Series Aluminum-Alloy Sheet
by Daniele De Caro, Michele Maria Tedesco, Jaume Pujante, Andrea Bongiovanni, Giovanni Sbrega, Marcello Baricco and Paola Rizzi
Materials 2023, 16(20), 6778; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16206778 - 20 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1570
Abstract
Sustainability is one of the biggest values of today and for the future of our society; a responsible usage of material in every sector is fundamental to achieving sustainability goals. Aluminum alloys are some of the most promising materials in terms of strength [...] Read more.
Sustainability is one of the biggest values of today and for the future of our society; a responsible usage of material in every sector is fundamental to achieving sustainability goals. Aluminum alloys are some of the most promising materials in terms of strength and weight, but their production implies the emission of a high amount of CO2. For that reason, the study and development of aluminum alloys with increasing scrap content play a central role in future applications. In the current study, two sheet-aluminum 6181 alloys with different scrap content were analyzed and compared with a 6181 alloy coming from primary production. The alloys were compared in terms of chemical composition, microstructure, tensile properties, and forming behaviors. The results showed that the alloys coming from secondary productions contained a higher amount of manganese, iron, and copper. The metallurgical and mechanical behaviors were very similar to those of the primary produced alloy. Nevertheless, a drop in formability was shown in the aluminum alloys containing a high scrap amount when stressed in a biaxial condition. The study demonstrated the viability of 6181 alloy production using a high scrap amount, highlighting the main difference with the same alloy coming from primary route production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes (2nd Edition))
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18 pages, 3348 KiB  
Article
Preparation of a High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitor by Recycling Aluminum Paper and Filter Components of Heated Tobacco
by Ha-Yeong Kim, Suk Jekal, Chan-Gyo Kim, Jungchul Noh, Jiwon Kim, Yeon-Ryong Chu, Zambaga Otgonbayar, Won-Chun Oh, Sang Hun Lee and Chang-Min Yoon
Materials 2023, 16(19), 6454; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16196454 - 28 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1243
Abstract
In this study, Al paper and cellulose acetate (CA) filters derived from heated tobacco waste were successfully converted into current collectors and active materials for a supercapacitor device. Typically, heated tobacco contains electrically discontinuous Al paper. First, Al was extracted from the tobacco [...] Read more.
In this study, Al paper and cellulose acetate (CA) filters derived from heated tobacco waste were successfully converted into current collectors and active materials for a supercapacitor device. Typically, heated tobacco contains electrically discontinuous Al paper. First, Al was extracted from the tobacco waste using HCl to produce Lewis acid (AlCl3). This acid was then used in an Al electrodeposition process utilizing the chloroaluminate ionic liquid reaction between the acid and the base (RCl) at room temperature. To enhance the conductivity, a supplementary coating of Al metal was applied to the Al paper through electrodeposition, thus re-establishing the electrical continuity of the discontinuous parts and forming an Al-coated current collector. Moreover, the CA filters were carbonized under a nitrogen atmosphere, yielding carbon precursors (C-CA) for the supercapacitor electrodes. To further enhance the electrochemical performance, nickel oxide (NiO) was incorporated into C-CA, resulting in C-CA@NiO with pseudocapacitance. The specific surface area of CA increased with carbonization and the subsequent incorporation of NiO. The as-synthesized C-CA and C-CA@NiO materials were applied to an Al-coated current collector to obtain C-CA- and C-CA@NiO-based electrodes, exhibiting stable electrochemical behavior in the voltage range of −1.0 to 0 V and 0 to 1.0 V, respectively. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device was assembled with C-CA@NiO and C-CA as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively. This ASC device demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 40.8 F g−1, while widening the operating voltage window to 2.0 V. The high electrochemical performance of the device is attributed to the successful Al electrodeposition, which facilitates the electrical conductivity and increased porosity of the C-CA@NiO and C-CA materials. To the best of our knowledge, this is a pioneering study in regards to the conversion of biomass waste into current collectors and active materials to fabricate a practical ASC device. Our findings highlight the potential of reusing Al paper and CA filters from heated tobacco waste as essential components of energy storage devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes (2nd Edition))
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Review

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32 pages, 2546 KiB  
Review
Renewable Carbonaceous Materials from Biomass in Catalytic Processes: A Review
by Juan J. Villora-Picó, Judith González-Arias, Francisco M. Baena-Moreno and Tomás R. Reina
Materials 2024, 17(3), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17030565 - 25 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1637
Abstract
This review paper delves into the diverse ways in which carbonaceous resources, sourced from renewable and sustainable origins, can be used in catalytic processes. Renewable carbonaceous materials that come from biomass-derived and waste feedstocks are key to developing more sustainable processes by replacing [...] Read more.
This review paper delves into the diverse ways in which carbonaceous resources, sourced from renewable and sustainable origins, can be used in catalytic processes. Renewable carbonaceous materials that come from biomass-derived and waste feedstocks are key to developing more sustainable processes by replacing traditional carbon-based materials. By examining the potential of these renewable carbonaceous materials, this review aims to shed light on their significance in fostering environmentally conscious and sustainable practices within the realm of catalysis. The more important applications identified are biofuel production, tar removal, chemical production, photocatalytic systems, microbial fuel cell electrodes, and oxidation applications. Regarding biofuel production, biochar-supported catalysts have proved to be able to achieve biodiesel production with yields exceeding 70%. Furthermore, hydrochars and activated carbons derived from diverse biomass sources have demonstrated significant tar removal efficiency. For instance, rice husk char exhibited an increased BET surface area from 2.2 m2/g to 141 m2/g after pyrolysis at 600 °C, showcasing its effectiveness in adsorbing phenol and light aromatic hydrocarbons. Concerning chemical production and the oxidation of alcohols, the influence of biochar quantity and pre-calcination temperature on catalytic performance has been proven, achieving selectivity toward benzaldehyde exceeding 70%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes (2nd Edition))
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