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Advanced Materials for Environmental Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 April 2024) | Viewed by 12207

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Willem D van Driel

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Guest Editor
Electronic Components, Technology and Materials (ECTM) Group, Department of Microelectronics, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 4, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
Interests: reliability; systems; integration; virtual prototyping; statistics; health monitoring
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Maryam Yazdan Mehr

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Electronic Components, Technology and Materials (ECTM) Group, Department of Microelectronics Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 4, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
Interests: photoactive materials; reliability; degradation and failure; optical materials; characterization; nanobiotechnology; integration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Afrouzossadat Hosseini-Abari

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Cell and Molecular Biology & Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Interests: microbial biomaterials; nanobiotechnology; antibacterial materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental challenges and issues have become a major concern in the last few years. Global warming, water pollution, and CO2 emission have dramatically impacted economic growth and industrial development. Different industrial sectors have recently become increasingly interested in finding sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions and products. Sustainable solutions for environmental challenges are often based on the use of advanced materials. Many high-tech devices for environmental applications are indeed developed using highly functional nanomaterials.

This Special Issue on “Advanced Materials for Environmental Applications” intends to collect recent developments, technical reports, and review papers related to the development and use of advanced materials for environmental applications. We welcome the submission of original manuscripts, technical papers, and reviews on all aspects of materials and the environment, including advanced catalyst materials, sensors, polluted water treatment, anti-bacterial materials, recycling, and innovations in green production in all industrial sectors. This Special Issue is oriented not only to researchers from universities and research centers but also to the industries involved in environmental challenges.

Topics addressed in this Special Issue may include, but are not limited to:

  • Optical, magnetic, and electrical materials for environmental solutions;
  • Catalyst materials;
  • Sensors for environmental applications;
  • Sustainability and reliability assessments; 
  • Anti-bacterial materials;
  • Self-healing materials;
  • Recycling;
  • Green and environmentally friendly solutions and products.

Prof. Dr. Willem D van Driel
Dr. Maryam Yazdan Mehr
Dr. Afrouzossadat Hosseini-Abari
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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

  • modeling
  • reliability
  • nanomaterials 
  • materials characterization
  • anti-bacterial materials
  • green products and materials 
  • recycling

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 5531 KiB  
Article
Effect of Thickener Type on Change the Tribological and Rheological Characteristics of Vegetable Lubricants
by Rafal Kozdrach
Materials 2024, 17(16), 3959; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17163959 - 9 Aug 2024
Viewed by 874
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a study on the effect of the dispersed phase on the lubricating and rheological properties of selected lubricant compositions. A vegetable oil base (rapeseed oil) was used to prepare vegetable lubricants, which were then thickened with lithium [...] Read more.
This paper presents the results of a study on the effect of the dispersed phase on the lubricating and rheological properties of selected lubricant compositions. A vegetable oil base (rapeseed oil) was used to prepare vegetable lubricants, which were then thickened with lithium stearate, calcium stearate, aluminum stearate, amorphous silica, and montmorillonite. Based on the results of the tribological tests of selected lubricating compositions, it was found that calcium stearate and montmorillonite have the most beneficial effect on the anti-wear properties of the tested lubricating greases, while silica thickeners (amorphous silica and montmorillonite) provide the effective anti-wear protection in compared to the lubricants produced on lithium and aluminum stearate. The lowest structural viscosity was found for grease thickened with montmorillonite. Much higher values of this parameter were observed for composition, where aluminum stearate was the dispersed phase, while the highest value of structural viscosity was observed for composition, where aerosol–amorphous silica was the thickener. The composition thickened with amorphous silica had the highest yield point value, while the composition in which montmorillonite was the dispersed phase had the lowest value. Dynamic viscosity decreases with temperature, which is characteristic of lubricants. No significant differences in dynamic viscosity were found for the lubricating compositions tested at temperatures above 50 [°C]. The most favorable rheological properties were observed for composition, which was produced using calcium stearate, as it allows the lowest dynamic viscosity at −20 [°C]. Lubricants produced with lithium stearate or aluminum stearate were characterized by higher viscosity at low temperatures. For grease, in which the lithium stearate was used as a thickener, the value of the elasticity index determines the weak viscoelastic properties of tested grease and a greater tendency to change structure under the influence of applied forces. For vegetable grease thickened with aluminum stearate, more than 15 times lower values of the MSD function were observed, and the calculated elasticity index value proves the stronger viscoelastic properties of the aluminum stearate grease in relation to grease thickened with the lithium stearate. The elasticity index value for grease thickened with amorphous silica was lower than for greases thickened with lithium and aluminum stearate, indicating its stronger viscoelastic properties in relation to these two greases. For grease composition prepared on the vegetable oil base and thickened with montmorillonite. The value of the elasticity index was lower than most of the tested grease compositions, without the composition, in which the calcium stearate was used as a thickener. Such results testify to moderately strong viscoelastic properties, which leads to the conclusion that the produced lubricant was a stable substance on changes in chemical structure under the influence of variable conditions prevailing during work in tribological joints. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Environmental Applications)
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19 pages, 5276 KiB  
Article
Mechanochemical Synthesis of Cross-Linked Chitosan and Its Application as Adsorbent for Removal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Simulated Electroplating Wastewater
by Giovanni Cagnetta, Zhou Yin, Wen Qiu and Mohammadtaghi Vakili
Materials 2024, 17(12), 3006; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17123006 - 19 Jun 2024
Viewed by 843
Abstract
Chitosan is a promising adsorbent for removing a wide range of pollutants from wastewater. However, its practical application is hindered by instability in acidic environments, which significantly impairs its adsorption capacity and limits its utilization in water purification. While cross-linking can enhance the [...] Read more.
Chitosan is a promising adsorbent for removing a wide range of pollutants from wastewater. However, its practical application is hindered by instability in acidic environments, which significantly impairs its adsorption capacity and limits its utilization in water purification. While cross-linking can enhance the acid stability of chitosan, current solvent-based methods are often costly and environmentally unfriendly. In this study, a solvent-free mechanochemical process was developed using high-energy ball milling to cross-link chitosan with various polyanionic linkers, including dextran sulfate (DS), poly[4-styrenesulfonic acid-co-maleic acid] (PSSM), and tripolyphosphate (TPP). The mechanochemically cross-linked (MCCL) chitosan products exhibited superior adsorption capacity and stability in acidic solutions compared to pristine chitosan. Chitosan cross-linked with DS (Cht-DS) showed the highest Reactive Red 2 (RR2) adsorption capacity, reaching 1559 mg·g−1 at pH 3, followed by Cht-PSSM (1352 mg·g−1) and Cht-TPP (1074 mg·g−1). The stability of MCCL chitosan was visually confirmed by the negligible mass loss of Cht-DS and Cht-PSSM tablets in pH 3 solution, unlike the complete dissolution of the pristine chitosan tablet. The MCCL significantly increased the microhardness of chitosan, with the order Cht-DS > Cht-PSSM > Cht-TPP, consistent with the RR2 adsorption capacity. When tested on simulated rinsing wastewater from chromium electroplating, Cht-DS effectively removed Cr(VI) (98.75% removal) and three per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (87.40–95.87% removal), following pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetics. This study demonstrates the potential of the cost-effective and scalable MCCL approach to produce chitosan-based adsorbents with enhanced stability, mechanical strength, and adsorption performance for treating highly acidic industrial wastewater containing a mixture of toxic pollutants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Environmental Applications)
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18 pages, 2726 KiB  
Article
Application of Composts’ Biochar as Potential Sorbent to Reduce VOCs Emission during Kitchen Waste Storage
by Joanna Rosik, Jacek Łyczko, Łukasz Marzec and Sylwia Stegenta-Dąbrowska
Materials 2023, 16(19), 6413; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16196413 - 26 Sep 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1514
Abstract
It is expected that due to the new European Union regulation focus on waste management, managing kitchen waste will become more important in the future, especially in households. Therefore, it is crucial to develop user-friendly and odour-free containers to store kitchen waste. The [...] Read more.
It is expected that due to the new European Union regulation focus on waste management, managing kitchen waste will become more important in the future, especially in households. Therefore, it is crucial to develop user-friendly and odour-free containers to store kitchen waste. The study aimed to test the effectiveness of composts’ biochar in reducing noxious odours and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during kitchen waste storage. Various amounts of compost biochar (0%, 1%, 5%, and 10%) were added to food waste samples and incubated for seven days at 20 °C. The released VOCs were analysed on days 1, 3, and 7 of the storage simulation process. The results indicated that adding 5–10% of composts’ biochar to kitchen waste significantly reduced the emissions in 70% of the detected VOCs compounds. Furthermore, composts’ biochar can be used to eliminate potential odour components and specific dangerous VOCs such as ethylbenzene, o-xylene, acetic acid, and naphthalene. A new composts’ biochar with a unique composition was particularly effective in reducing VOCs and could be an excellent solution for eliminating odours in kitchen waste containers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Environmental Applications)
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13 pages, 5742 KiB  
Article
Biosynthesis of Copper Oxide and Silver Nanoparticles by Bacillus Spores and Evaluation of the Feasibility of Their Use in Antimicrobial Paints
by Arkan Alali, Afrouzossadat Hosseini-Abari, Abbas Bahrami and Maryam Yazdan Mehr
Materials 2023, 16(13), 4670; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16134670 - 28 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1613
Abstract
Modification of paint with nanoparticles (NPs) provides self-cleaning, water/dirt-repellent, and other properties. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to biosynthesize silver (Ag) and copper oxide (CuO) NPs and to prepare NP-modified paint. To this end, AgNPs and CuONPs were biosynthesized using [...] Read more.
Modification of paint with nanoparticles (NPs) provides self-cleaning, water/dirt-repellent, and other properties. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to biosynthesize silver (Ag) and copper oxide (CuO) NPs and to prepare NP-modified paint. To this end, AgNPs and CuONPs were biosynthesized using Bacillus atrophaeus spores and commercial and crude dipicolinic acid (DPA) extracted from the spore of this bacterium. The synthesized NPs were characterized using electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) methods. A minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay of NPs against Escherichia coli ATCC8739 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538 was carried out. The antibacterial effects of prepared NP–paint complexes were assessed using an optical density (OD) comparison before and after adding metal sheets coated with NP–paint complexes into the nutrient broth medium. Four different types of NPs were synthesized in this research: AgNPs synthesized by spore (A), AgNPs synthesized by commercial DPA (B), AgNPs synthesized by crude DPA (C), and CuONPs synthesized by spore (D). SEM analysis confirmed the spherical shape of NPs. According to the results, NPs A, B, and D showed higher antibacterial activity against S. aureus compared to E. coli. Furthermore, the analysis of the antibacterial effects of NP–paint complexes suggested that paint–NPs A, B, and C displayed higher activity on E. coli compared to S. aureus. Moreover, the antibacterial effect of paint–NP D was significantly lower than other NPs. According to this robust antibacterial effect on pathogenic bacteria, it seems that these NP–paint complexes could be useful in public places such as hospitals, airports, dormitories, schools, and office buildings, where the rate of transmission of infection is high. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Environmental Applications)
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15 pages, 13247 KiB  
Article
Photocatalytic Removal of Antibiotics from Wastewater Using the CeO2/ZnO Heterojunction
by Nicolae Apostolescu, Ramona Elena Tataru Farmus, Maria Harja, Mihaela Aurelia Vizitiu, Corina Cernatescu, Claudia Cobzaru and Gabriela Antoaneta Apostolescu
Materials 2023, 16(2), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020850 - 15 Jan 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2323
Abstract
CeO2/ZnO-based photocatalytic materials were synthesized by the sol-gel method in order to establish heterojunctions that increase the degradation efficiency of some types of antibiotics by preventing the recombination of electron–hole pairs. The synthesized materials were analysed by XRD, SEM, EDAX, FTIR, [...] Read more.
CeO2/ZnO-based photocatalytic materials were synthesized by the sol-gel method in order to establish heterojunctions that increase the degradation efficiency of some types of antibiotics by preventing the recombination of electron–hole pairs. The synthesized materials were analysed by XRD, SEM, EDAX, FTIR, and UV-Vis. After several tests, the optimal concentration of the catalyst was determined to be 0.05 g‧L−1 and 0.025 g‧L−1 for chlortetracycline and 0.05 g‧L−1 for ceftriaxone. CeO2/ZnO assemblies showed much better degradation efficiency compared to ZnO or CeO2 tested individually. Sample S3 shows good photocatalytic properties for the elimination of ceftriaxone and tetracycline both from single solutions and from the binary solution. This work provides a different perspective to identify other powerful and inexpensive photocatalysts for wastewater treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Environmental Applications)
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Review

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15 pages, 2100 KiB  
Review
Advances in Emerging Catalytic Materials for the Conversion of Carbon Dioxide
by Bingyue Sun, Bingquan Wang and Rui Wang
Materials 2023, 16(23), 7309; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16237309 - 24 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1743
Abstract
The use of fossil fuels leads to significant CO2 emissions, thus highlighting the importance for investigating the utilization of CO2 for generating high-value chemical products toward achieving the dual-carbon goal. CO2 can be efficiently used in synthesizing valuable organic compounds [...] Read more.
The use of fossil fuels leads to significant CO2 emissions, thus highlighting the importance for investigating the utilization of CO2 for generating high-value chemical products toward achieving the dual-carbon goal. CO2 can be efficiently used in synthesizing valuable organic compounds through C-C, C-O, C-H, and C-N bond construction, with reduction technologies effectively converting CO2 to organic carbon sources. Therefore, the research in developing environmentally friendly catalysts for efficient and renewable CO2 conversion holds great importance. New materials for catalytic conversion include zeolites, activated carbon, graphene, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), ionic liquids, semiconducting photocatalysts, single-atom catalysts (SACs), and dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs). The proper research and use of these materials can aid in the quest to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. This Review focuses on the utilization of single-atom catalysts (SACs), ionic liquids (ILs), dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs), and carbene-metal catalytic systems in CO2 conversion. The potential for new materials in catalyzing the conversion of CO2 is examined by analyzing various common chemical carbon sequestration methods, ultimately providing possible research directions for effective solutions to climate and environmental pollution problems. On the basis of the high reaction rate and high treatment efficiency of the catalyst for the catalytic conversion of CO2, the Review focuses on the simpler and more economical synthesis method of the catalyst itself and the wider application prospects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Environmental Applications)
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26 pages, 2403 KiB  
Review
Bisphenols—A Threat to the Natural Environment
by Magdalena Zaborowska, Jadwiga Wyszkowska, Agata Borowik and Jan Kucharski
Materials 2023, 16(19), 6500; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16196500 - 29 Sep 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2226
Abstract
Negative public sentiment built up around bisphenol A (BPA) follows growing awareness of the frequency of this chemical compound in the environment. The increase in air, water, and soil contamination by BPA has also generated the need to replace it with less toxic [...] Read more.
Negative public sentiment built up around bisphenol A (BPA) follows growing awareness of the frequency of this chemical compound in the environment. The increase in air, water, and soil contamination by BPA has also generated the need to replace it with less toxic analogs, such as Bisphenol F (BPF) and Bisphenol S (BPS). However, due to the structural similarity of BPF and BPS to BPA, questions arise about the safety of their usage. The toxicity of BPA, BPF, and BPS towards humans and animals has been fairly well understood. The biodegradability potential of microorganisms towards each of these bisphenols is also widely recognized. However, the scale of their inhibitory pressure on soil microbiomes and soil enzyme activity has not been estimated. These parameters are extremely important in determining soil health, which in turn also influences plant growth and development. Therefore, in this manuscript, knowledge has been expanded and systematized regarding the differences in toxicity between BPA and its two analogs. In the context of the synthetic characterization of the effects of bisphenol permeation into the environment, the toxic impact of BPA, BPF, and BPS on the microbiological and biochemical parameters of soils was traced. The response of cultivated plants to their influence was also analyzed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Environmental Applications)
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