Search Results (9,733)

Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) have emerged as a transformative platform for high-performance sensing technologies, yet their full potential can be realized only through coordinated performance optimization. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent strategies employed in polymer OFETs to enhance key parameters, including carrier mobility (μ), threshold voltage (Vth), on/off current ratio (I_on/I_off), and operational stability. These strategies encompass both physical and chemical approaches, such as annealing, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), modification of main and side polymer chains, dielectric-layer engineering, buffer-layer insertion, and blending or doping techniques. The development of high-performance devices requires precise integration of physical processing and chemical design, alongside the anticipation of processing compatibility during the molecular design phase. This article further highlights the limitations of focusing solely on high mobility and advocates a balanced optimization across multiple dimensions—mobility, mechanical flexibility, environmental stability, and consistent functional performance. Adopting a multi-scale optimization framework spanning molecular, film, and device levels can substantially enhance the adaptability of OFETs for emerging applications such as flexible sensing, bioelectronic interfaces, and neuromorphic computing. Full article

Saturated and branched high molecular weight organic esters are highly valued as emollients in the cosmetic industry due to their superior properties. Their saturated character provides resistance to oxidation and rancidity. Additionally, their branched structure endows them with low melting temperatures, enabling them to remain liquid over a broad temperature range. These esters can be obtained from branched alcohols, branched fatty acids or both, using chemical or enzymatic processes. Among branched alcohols, Guerbet alcohols stand out. Due to their characteristic properties as branched, saturated alcohols with superior oxidative stability and extremely low volatility, they are proposed as excellent substrates for the enzymatic synthesis of these compounds. This study represents the first investigation into the biocatalytic synthesis of three specific esters: those formed between 2-octyl-1-dodecanol (C20 Guerbet alcohol) and the fatty acids myristic (MA), palmitic (PA), and stearic acid (SA). To achieve this, an environmentally sustainable biocatalytic process was developed. The synthesis involves a solvent-free esterification catalyzed by the commercial immobilized lipase, Lipozyme^® 435, conducted within a vertically stirred, thermostated batch tank reactor. Optimal conditions for lipase concentration and temperature were established, and the sustainability of the process was successfully quantified using various “green metrics”. Full article

This systematic review aims to describe the current state of research on soil remediation utilizing digestates inoculated with fungi, as a cost-effective alternative. This study was performed according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and nine papers were finally selected for review. The application of digestates augments the soil microbial community in terms of bacterial strains, mycorrhizal colonization, and enzymes. Digestates inoculated with fungi have notable impacts on soil stabilization. Some authors reported an improvement of up to 100% in plant growth when using digestates. HM removal rates of 17% for Si, 40% for Cd, and up to 80% for Pb have been achieved. Antibiotics and PFCAs showed low or no accumulation. The biomass source used for anaerobic digestion has a very important impact on the resulting digestate’s quality and effect in soils: the use of cattle manure resulted in an increase in biomass yield from 9% up to 100% when compared to manure co-digested with organic wastes. The fungal strain, environmental conditions, and existing contaminants must be considered with respect to the specific practical application. These insights can contribute to the management of environmental risks and the prevention of negative impacts on human health, ecosystems, and the economy. Full article

Chlorobenzoic acids (CBAs) are a group of chlorinated persistent environmental pollutants with hard biodegradability, high water solubility, and well-documented carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting properties. Electrocatalytic hydrodechlorination (ECH) is a highly efficient method under mild conditions without harmful by-products, but the ECH process commonly requires adding precious metal catalysts such as palladium (Pd). To address the economic constraints and more effective utilization of Pd, a palladium/manganese dioxide (Pd/MnO₂) composite catalyst was developed in this study by chemical deposition. This method utilized the excellent electrochemical activity of MnO₂ as a carrier as well as the hydrogen storage and activation capacity of Pd. The test showed the optimal Pd loading was 7.5%, and the removal percent of 2,4-dichlorobenzoic acid (2,4-DCBA), a typical CBA, reached 97.3% using 0.5 g/L of Pd/MnO₂ after 120 min of electrochemical reaction. Under these conditions, the dechlorination percent can also be as high as 89.6%. A higher current density enhanced the dechlorination efficiency but showed the lower current utilization efficiency. In practical applications, current density should be minimized on the premise of compliance with the water treatment requirement. Mechanistic studies showed that MnO₂ synergistically promoted hydrolysis dissociation and hydrogen spillover and facilitated Pd-mediated adsorption of atomic hydrogen (H*) for dehydrogenation of 2,4-DCBA. The presence of MnO₂ can effectively disperse the loaded Pd and reduce the amount of Pd via the above process. The catalyst exhibited excellent stability over multiple cycles, and the 2,4-DCBA removal could still reach more than 80% after the five cycles. This work establishes electrocatalytic strategies for effectively reducing Pd usage and maintaining high removal of typical CBAs to support CBA-related water treatment. Full article

Soil degradation, declining fertility, and rising greenhouse gas emissions highlight the urgent need for sustainable soil management strategies. Among them, biochar has gained recognition as a multifunctional material capable of enhancing soil fertility, sequestering carbon, and valorizing biomass residues within circular economy frameworks. This review synthesizes evidence from 186 peer-reviewed studies to evaluate how feedstock diversity, pyrolysis temperature, and elemental composition shape the agronomic and environmental performance of biochar. Crop residues dominated the literature (17.6%), while wood, manures, sewage sludge, and industrial by-products provided more targeted functionalities. Pyrolysis temperature emerged as the primary performance driver: 300–400 °C biochars improved pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), water retention, and crop yield, whereas 450–550 °C biochars favored stability, nutrient concentration, and long-term carbon sequestration. Elemental composition averaged 60.7 wt.% C, 2.1 wt.% N, and 27.5 wt.% O, underscoring trade-offs between nutrient supply and structural persistence. Greenhouse gas (GHG) outcomes were context-dependent, with consistent Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) reductions in loam and clay soils but variable CH₄ responses in paddy systems. An emerging trend, present in 10.6% of studies, is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve predictive accuracy, adsorption modeling, and life-cycle assessment. Collectively, the evidence confirms that biochar cannot be universally optimized but must be tailored to specific objectives, ranging from soil fertility enhancement to climate mitigation. Full article

This research examined the mechanical, physical, thermal, and durability properties of plastic-based composites made from MSW, namely ultra-high-temperature (UHT) cartons, plastic bags, aluminum foil, and foil bags under both unweathered and accelerated weathering conditions to evaluate their potential as paving slab materials. Composite samples with varying mixing ratios were fabricated and tested based on an experimental design. Statistical analyses using one-way ANOVA confirmed the significant effects of composition on material performance (p < 0.05). The results demonstrated that the mixing ratio markedly influenced mechanical properties. The composite containing 50 wt% UHT carton and 50 wt% foil bags (U50F50) achieved the highest modulus of rupture (121.20 MPa) and modulus of elasticity (2.98 GPa), as well as compressive strength (28.56 MPa), compressive modulus (2.12 GPa), screw withdrawal resistance (54.25 MPa), and hardness (66.25). Under accelerated weathering, all of the composites showed moderate reductions in strength (10 to 30%) due to plastic degradation and surface cracking. In contrast, the composites containing high paperboard fractions (U80P15A5) exhibited greater WA (3.55%) and TS (3.04%), attributed to the hydrophilic nature of cellulose. The inclusion of foil bags effectively reduced WA and TS by limiting moisture penetration. Density measurements demonstrated a gradual increase (0.99 to 1.05 g/cm³) with higher foil content, while accelerated weathering induced an average 10% density reduction. Abrasion resistance improved in foil-rich composites, with U50F50 showing the lowest weight loss (8.56 to 14.02%), confirming its superior structural integrity under mechanical wear. Thermal analysis indicated low conductivity values (0.136 to 0.189 W/m·K), demonstrating favorable insulation performance compared to conventional paving materials. However, higher foil bag fractions enhanced heat conduction, balancing mechanical strength with thermal functionality. Overall, MSW-derived composites containing 30 to 50 wt% foil bags exhibited optimal mechanical durability, abrasion resistance, and thermal stability, making them promising candidates for sustainable paving slab production with low environmental impact and enhanced service life. Full article

Owing to their tunable and biocompatible characteristics, collagen- and gelatin-based hydrogels have gained attention in numerous applications, including biomedical, food, pharmaceutical, and environmental. The gelation mechanisms and resulting network structures of collagen and gelatin differ significantly depending on the presence of intra- and intermolecular crosslinks. These differences enable the tailoring of mechanical properties to achieve desired characteristics in the final product. Mechanical gel strength and elasticity determine how effectively hydrogels can mimic natural tissues and respond to deformations. Probing the rheological properties of these gels enables a deeper understanding of their structure, physical attributes, stability, and release profiles. This review provides an in-depth evaluation of the factors affecting the mechanical strength of collagen- and gelatin-based hydrogels, highlighting the influence of co-molecules and the application of physical, chemical, and mechanical treatments. Herewith, it brings insights into how to manipulate the mechanical properties of these gels to improve their end-use functionality. Full article

The biological accumulation of microcontaminants and associated antibiotic resistance in food poses significant threats to both human and environmental health. Therefore, it is particularly crucial to design and develop methods of efficient identification and detection. Recently, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and aptamers (Apts), as novel hybrid recognition elements, have received widespread attention from researchers. Because the dual recognition-based sensors have demonstrated enhanced performance and desirable characteristics, including high sensitivity, strong binding affinity, a low detection limit, and excellent stability under harsh environmental conditions, which are expected to be applied in food safety fields. This paper compares the characteristics of MIP and Apt, highlighting the significant advantages of molecularly imprinted polymer–aptamer (MIP-Apt) dual recognition in selectivity, sensitivity, and stability, which stems from their symmetric integration, akin to an extension of the ‘lock-and-key’ model. It then systematically discusses three synthetic strategies for MIP-Apt hybrid recognition systems and their applications for food safety detection, focusing on analyzing their detection strategies, sensing mechanisms, construction methodologies, performance evaluations, and potential application value. It also offers substantive perspectives on both the prevailing limitations and promising developmental pathways for MIP-Apt hybrid recognition-based sensing platforms. Full article

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is recognized for its exceptional strength and durability. However, the adoption of UHPC frequently leads to higher material and environmental costs. Accurate prediction of compressive strength is crucial for optimizing material design and reducing construction costs. In this study, a dataset of 800 samples was compiled from published articles. Four models, including random forest (RF), Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Gradient Boosting (GB) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), were applied. Results show that ANN and GPR achieved the best accuracy and stability. GB also performed well with good adaptability. RF captured general trends but produced larger errors in the high-strength range. Feature importance analysis highlighted curing age and cement content as the most influential factors, with a combined contribution above 65%. The water-to-binder ratio also affected strength through matrix densification. Extended evaluation with regression error characteristic (REC) curves and environmental impact index (EII) revealed the balance between performance and environmental impact. Higher compressive strength often required higher energy, CO₂, and resource use. The range of 150–250 MPa showed a better balance between performance and sustainability. This study confirms the robustness of machine learning models for strength prediction and provides guidance for green and low-carbon ultra-high-performance concrete design. Full article

Mercury (Hg) contamination in water and soil poses severe ecological and human health risks, yet conventional sorbents often suffer from limited capacity, selectivity, and stability. Here, we report a bifunctional porous organic polymer (AMTD-TCT) rationally constructed by covalently crosslinking 2-amino-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole with trichlorotriazine, thereby integrating abundant sulfur and nitrogen coordination sites within a stable mesoporous framework. AMTD-TCT exhibits an ultrahigh Hg(II) adsorption capacity of 1257.7 mg g⁻¹, far exceeding most reported porous sorbents. Adsorption follows monolayer chemisorption, governed by strong S–Hg and N–Hg coordination and Na⁺/Hg²⁺ ion exchange, while hierarchical porosity ensures rapid diffusion and efficient utilization of active sites. The polymer maintains robust performance over a wide pH range and demonstrates strong retention with minimal desorption, underscoring its environmental durability. These findings highlight AMTD-TCT as a highly effective and scalable platform for Hg(II) remediation in complex aqueous–soil systems and illustrate a generalizable molecular design strategy for developing multifunctional porous polymers in advanced separation and purification technologies. Full article

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used plastics globally, and its poor post-consumer management poses serious risks to the environment and human health. Tackling this issue requires innovative strategies that combine recycling and sustainable manufacturing with the principles of the circular economy. This study addresses this challenge by investigating the use of recycled PET, along with reverse logistics, to produce a cell phone holder through additive manufacturing (AM). Characterization was performed using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, intrinsic viscosity measurements, and mechanical tensile tests. Environmental and circular performance were evaluated using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI), comparing production with 100% virgin PET resin and 100% recycled PET resin. The results showed that the recycled route achieved a tensile strength of 37.7 MPa, with 7.6% strain before rupture, and thermal analysis confirmed its stability during processing. The LCA revealed a 12% reduction in overall environmental impacts when recycled PET replaced virgin resin, with electricity consumption identified as the main critical point. The circularity assessment suggested potential savings of up to 70% if recycled PET products are reprocessed at the end of their life cycles. These findings demonstrate that combining open-loop recycling with additive manufacturing (AM) can effectively turn waste into high-quality, value-added products, advancing circularity and sustainable material innovation. Full article

In response to the problem of high energy consumption caused by inefficient temperature control of energy storage aggregates in traditional building envelope structures, this study developed a decanoic acid–stearic acid composite phase-change ceramsite aggregate to improve the thermal performance of buildings and promote the utilization of solid waste resources. Based on the theory of minimum melting, composite phase-change materials were screened through thermodynamic models. The capric acid–stearic acid (CA-SA) melt system, whose theoretical phase-transition temperature falls within the building indoor thermal environment control range (18–26 °C), was preferred as the experimental object of this study, and its characteristics were verified through step cooling curves and thermal property tests. Subsequently, the ceramsite adsorption process was optimized, and the encapsulation process was studied. Finally, the encapsulation performance was evaluated through thermal stability and stirring crushing rate tests. The results showed that the phase-transition temperature of the decanoic acid–stearic acid melt system was 24.83 °C, which accurately matched the indoor thermal environment control requirements. The ceramsite particles treated by a physical vibrating screen can reach equilibrium after 30 min of adsorption at room temperature and pressure, which is both efficient and economical. The encapsulation layer of sludge biochar cement slurry with a water–cement ratio of 0.5 and a biochar content of 3% has both thermal conductivity and encapsulation integrity. The thermal stability test showed that the percentage of leakage of sludge biochar cement slurry and epoxy resin encapsulated aggregates was 0%, and the thermal stability rating was “very stable”. However, the percentage of leakage of unencapsulated and spray-coated encapsulated aggregates was as high as 193% and 40%, respectively. The results of the mixing and crushing rate test show that although the mixing and crushing rate of sludge biochar cement slurry encapsulation is slightly higher, its production cost is much lower than that of epoxy resin, and it is also environmentally friendly. This study improves the thermal performance of buildings by using composite phase-change ceramsite aggregate, and simultaneously realizes the resource utilization of sludge biochar, providing a solution for building energy saving and efficiency that combines environmental and engineering value. Full article

Amid long-term human consumption of surface resources and the intensifying climate crisis, underground space has increasingly attracted attention as a viable alternative for habitation, survival, and urban resilience. Historical and contemporary examples—from the Derinkuyu Underground City in Cappadocia, Turkey, to Iran’s “Shavadan” cooling system, as well as subterranean dwellings in hot arid regions such as the Berbers’ homes in Tunisia and miners’ settlements in Coober Pedy, Australia, and underground complexes in cold regions like Harbin, Sapporo, and Helsinki—demonstrate the significant advantages of underground spaces in thermal regulation, protection from extreme weather, and efficient resource utilization. With climate change driving increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events, including tornadoes, typhoons, and prolonged droughts, surface buildings face growing vulnerability, further emphasizing the potential of underground space for sustainable urban development. In parallel, advances in science and technology, particularly in space exploration, have accumulated extensive practical knowledge, creating pathways to extend terrestrial construction experience into extraterrestrial environments. The Moon, despite its strategic significance and potential resource value, presents an extremely hostile surface environment characterized by microgravity, near-vacuum conditions, extreme diurnal temperature variations of several hundred degrees, and very low thermal conductivity, all of which render conventional surface habitation challenging and prohibitively costly. Consequently, contemporary research has gradually shifted focus from lunar surface facilities toward the development and utilization of lunar underground spaces, which could provide enhanced environmental stability and habitation potential. This paper reviews the historical development and current research on lunar underground space utilization, proposes five guiding principles for its progressive exploration and construction, and presents a phased “1.0–4.0 era” framework for systematic development. Additionally, based on an adaptive design theoretical framework, spatial, environmental, and climatic strategies are proposed to guide future lunar habitation and ensure sustainable extraterrestrial development, providing a comprehensive reference for long-term planning and construction of lunar underground habitats. Full article

This study evaluated the responses of five sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids (Surimi CL, Integral CL, Alexa SU, Neta SU, and Davero SU) to three planting densities (84,034, 68,027, and 57,143 plants/ha) in terms of agronomic performance and photosynthetic efficiency. Higher plant density reduced leaf area and seed weight but enhanced uniformity of head formation. Among the tested hybrids, Integral CL and Surimi CL demonstrated superior performance under high density, maintaining higher chlorophyll content, photosynthetic activity, and yield stability. In contrast, Davero SU performed best under low density, characterized by greater leaf expansion, seed filling, and overall productivity. These findings highlight the potential of integrating physiological and agronomic traits to inform hybrid-specific planting density optimization under diverse environmental conditions. Full article

Wastewater nitrogen pollution is a serious environmental problem, and traditional treatment techniques are frequently constrained by their high energy requirements and operational complexity. The anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process combined with membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology (anammox-MBR) offers a practical and energy-efficient solution for the sustainable removal of nitrogen, further enhanced by its potential to minimize emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential nearly 300 times that of carbon dioxide. This review outlines the most recent advancements in anammox-MBR systems, highlighting their ability to achieve nitrogen removal efficiencies of more than 70–90% and, in integrated systems with reverse osmosis, to recover up to 75% of the inflow as high-quality reusable water. Significant advancements such as high-rate activated sludge coupling, reverse osmosis integration, microaeration methods, and membrane surface modifications have decreased membrane fouling, accelerated startup times, and enhanced system stability. Despite these achievements, there are still issues that hinder widespread use, such as membrane fouling exacerbated by hydrophobic anammox metabolites, sensitivity to low temperatures (≤10 °C), and the persistent challenge of suppressing nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), which compete for the essential nitrite substrate. To enable cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally sustainable large-scale applications, future research directions will focus on creating cold-tolerant anammox strains, advanced anti-fouling membranes, and AI-driven process optimization. Full article