Research Articles (Chemical Engineering)

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Thermal decomposition behavior and characterization of automotive paint sludge
Kalani, Pfulwani; Oliver, Ines; Molto-Berenguer, Julia; Conesa, Juan A.; Yapi, Litha; Nofemele, Zuko; Mavukwana, Athi-Enkosi (Wiley, 2025-11)
Automotive paint sludge (APS) is a ubiquitous, recalcitrant waste product of the vehicle manufacturing process. The potential of APS for energy and chemical production via pyrolysis and gasification is undermined by the absence of methodologically consistent, cross-stream physicochemical characterization. This impedes process design for the valorization of APS. This work aims to rectify that by presenting a direct physicochemical characterization and thermogravimetric comparison of five APS types: electrocoat, phosphate coat, primer, base coat, and clear coat. Thermogravimetric (TGA/DTG) experiments were conducted at three heating rates, i.e., 5, 10, and 20°C/min, under both nitrogen and air atmospheres. The study revealed that the decomposition of APS occurs in three distinct stages. The first stage involves the removal of moisture and the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), occurring at temperatures ranging from 30°C to 220°C. The second stage, which occurs at approximately 220°C–550°C, exhibits a further subdivision profile comprising two subsections. This entails the devolatilization stage, which occurs between 200°C and 380°C. Subsequent to this, the cracking of resins, heavy hydrocarbons, and the formation of char occur at temperatures ranging from 380°C to 550°C. The third and final stage occurs at a range of 550°C–800°C, accounts for the least mass loss, and is characterized by the carbonization and decomposition of inorganic compounds. In this work, we have established temperature intervals for drying/VOC removal, VOC recovery, and secondary cracking/carbonization, providing comparative evidence to optimize APS-to-energy conversion.
Promoted bubble dynamics by S-site-induced Cu nucleating agent on the NiFe-based array electrode for efficient oxygen evolution process
Jiang, Runlai; Wang, Hanxiao; Wang, Zheng; Jiang, Yuanye; Gunasekaran, Sundaram; Wang, Xuyun; Liu, Jian; Song, Hongbing; Ren, Jianwei; Wang, Rongfang (American Chemical Society, 2026-03-09)
Please read abstract in the article.
Determination of South African carbon dioxide emission factors for selected solid fuels
Kornelius, Gerrit; Forbes, Patricia B.C.; Garland, Rebecca M. (Academy of Science of South Africa, 2026-03-26)
South Africa’s National Climate Change Response Policy requires accurate reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To achieve this, the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment initiated a process to develop country-specific emission factors (referred to as Tier 2 factors by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)) for fuels produced or used locally, which are more accurate than those currently used (Tier 1). In this work, we report on the development of such county-specific emission factors for the solid fuels most commonly produced and used in South Africa, based on the analysis of 107 samples. The samples received were classified into types based on the IPCC fuel classification method, which has some differences from that used in South Africa. The CO2 emission factor for sub-bituminous coal, mainly used for power generation and in the liquid fuels/chemical sectors of South Africa, was found to be 97 807 kg CO2/TJ. For ‘other bituminous coal’, the CO2 emission factor was found to be 101 171 kg CO2/TJ. These emission factors are higher than the IPCC default (also referred to as Tier 1) factors, which have been in use in South Africa to date. As solid fossil fuel use is a major contributor to South Africa’s GHG emissions, this implies higher than previously estimated CO2 emissions from this sector as well as a higher contribution to global emissions. SIGNIFICANCE: • South African Tier 2 carbon dioxide emission factors for solid fuel use are reported for the first time, as required by South Africa’s commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Climate Agreement. • The Tier 2 carbon dioxide emission factors were derived from the analysis of over 100 South African solid fuel samples. • Emission factors for the fuels used in the largest amounts are higher than the default Tier 1 factors previously used, leading to an increase in reported emissions for a similar fuel use. • The main user of coal in South Africa, the power generation sector, uses sub-bituminous coal based on the IPCC classification system, which includes volatile matter as a classification criterion. • Using the same IPCC criteria, the majority of samples from other South African industrial and commercial users are classified as ‘other bituminous coal’.
Comparative study of biogenic iron oxide nanoparticles from various extracts of Punica granatum and their efficient application for removal of BTEX
Enemuo, Ngozi; Daramola, Michael Olawale; Richards, Heidi (Elsevier, 2026-03)
This study investigated the potential of Punica granatum-mediated iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) in the adsorptive removal of BTEX from wastewater. To gain insight into achieving optimum BTEX removal, the study highlighted the role of phytochemical composition in determining the features of the resulting nanoparticles and, subsequently, the FeNPs' adsorption capacity. It established the Punica granatum part that generates ideal FeNPs with optimum performance in BTEX adsorption. Three Punica granatum parts, the leaves, peels, and seeds, were utilized for the biogenic synthesis of the FeNPs, and the features and performance of the FeNPs in BTEX adsorptive removal were analyzed. It was found that the FeNPs from various Punica granatum parts, namely FeNPs-leaves, FeNPs-peels, and FeNPs-seeds, exhibited distinct features due to the unique phytochemical composition of these parts, as indicated by their total phenolic content (TPC) measurement and GC–MS analysis. The XRD result showed that bio-reduction using the leaves extract yielded magnetite, while bluish-black maghemite and yellowish-brown maghemite were obtained from the peels and seeds extracts, respectively. The three FeNPs also have different specific surface areas, at 8.61 m²/g, 48.45 m²/g, and 35.40 m²/g for FeNPs-leaves, FeNPs-peels, and FeNPs-seeds, respectively. The properties of the FeNPs influenced their BTEX adsorption capacity, with the FeNPs-peels (48.45 m²/g) and FeNPs-seeds (35.40 m²/g) exhibiting higher specific surface area than the FeNPs-leaves (8.61 m²/g), which reflected in the higher BTEX adsorption capacity obtained for the FeNPs-peels and FeNPs-seeds. The BTEX adsorption on the FeNPs mainly occurs through chemisorption in a monolayer surface, as indicated by the adsorption data fitting in pseudo-second-order and the Langmuir isotherm model. HIGHLIGHTS • Pomegranate leaves, peels, and seeds have different concentration and composition of phytochemicals. • Bio-reduction of FeCl3 using extracts of the three pomegranate parts produced FeNPs with distinct features. • The produced FeNPs exhibited varying tendencies for the adsorptive removal of BTEX in wastewater. • The peels extract yields FeNPs with the highest BTEX adsorption capacity. • The pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherm models describe the processes involved in BTEX adsorption.
Boosting hydrogen evolution reaction performance via island effect-driven interfacial charge tuning and bubble kinetics optimization on Co/Ni(OH)2 array electrode
Jiang, Runlai; Wang, Zheng; Ma, Xianguo; Wang, Xuyun; Song, Hongbing; Wang, Hui; Li, Zihao; Ren, Jianwei; Wang, Rongfang (Elsevier, 2026-01)
Please read abstract in the article.
Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles by a mining- adapted bacterial consortium : physicochemical properties and environmental applications
Mpeta, Miranda; Tendenedzai, Job T.; Tichapondwa, Shepherd Masimba; Chirwa, Evans M.N. (Elsevier, 2026-06)
Please read abstract in the article. HIGHLIGHTS • Media type (broth, MSM, and water) influenced nucleation differing AuNP size. • 60-70 nm range constituted the highest frequency of biosynthesized AuNPs at 23%. • Dose-dependent inhibition of Enterococcus spp. strongest at 50 μg/mL AuNPs. • AuNPs raised Degussa rate constant: 1.67 × under visible light, 2.5 × under sunlight.
Food waste to biogas : continuous operation of a low-lost laboratory-scale anaerobic digestion system under real-world operating constraints
Kleynhans, Caela; Brink, Hendrik Gideon; Haneklaus, Nils; Nicol, Willie (MDPI, 2026-02)
Please read abstract in the article.
Synthesis of carboxylic cellulose nanocrystals from yellow thatching grass (Hyparrhenia filipendula) via citric acid hydrolysis
Ayaa, Fildah; Lubwama, Michael; Iwarere, Samuel Ayodele; Daramola, Michael Olawale; Kirabira, John Baptist (Wiley, 2026-03)
Grass is an abundant and renewable source of cellulose, which makes it a sustainable and cost-effective source for producing cellulose nanocrystals. Moreover, the extraction of cellulose nanocrystals from grass provides a value-added product from an otherwise low-value agricultural waste material, which can contribute to the development of a circular economy. In this study, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were extracted from Hyparrhenia filipendula via citric acid hydrolysis. The Hyparrhenia filipendula stems were pre-processed through mechanical size reduction and Soxhlet extraction. The extractive-free stems were fractionated using two solvents: 10 wt% (w/v) sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and deep eutectic solvent of ethylene glycol:citric acid (1:2 molar ratio). The fractionated samples were bleached with acidified sodium chlorite and hydrolyzed with 80 wt% citric acid for 4 h at 120°C in a Parr reactor. The samples obtained at each treatment stage were characterized using standard scientific procedures for chemical composition, morphology, elemental composition, crystallinity, and thermal stability. The results show that CNCs were successfully extracted from Hyparrhenia filipendula via citric acid hydrolysis. The surface morphology of alkali fractionated CNCs was needle-like, whereas the surface morphology of DES fractionated CNCs was rod-like. The alkali fractionated and hydrolyzed sample, NaCNC, had the highest cellulose purity (91%), as well as the highest thermal stability. The FTIR analysis proved the removal of non-cellulosic components in the CNCs, except for the unbleached CNCs that had significant quantities of hemicellulose and lignin. The XRD analysis revealed the presence of characteristic cellulose Iβ in the CNCs, with the UNNaCNC sample (NaOH fractionated, unbleached, acid hydrolyzed sample) having the highest crystallinity index of 81% and the largest crystallite size of 4.20 nm. The properties of the CNCs obtained in this study are comparable to CNCs derived from previously reported lignocellulosic materials. The CNCs from Hyparrhenia filipendula therefore have a wide range of potential applications.
Bioprospecting heavy-metal rhizospheres for novel therapeutics against high-priority multi-drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii : a case of toxic to treatment
Millard, Kylah B.; Onuofin, John O.; Invernizzi, Luke; Daramola, Michael Olawale; Iwarere, Samuel Ayodele (Wiley, 2025-09)
This study investigated the antimicrobial potential of rhizospheric microbiota isolated from heavy-metal-contaminated soils against two extremely drug-resistant (XDR) pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (strain ATCC 27853) and Acinetobacter baumannii (strain ATCC-BAA-1605). Heavy-metal-contaminated rhizospheres were sequentially exposed to ex-situ and in vitro enrichment with heavy metals from battery waste and incubated for 168 h. The surviving microbiota were screened against P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii, and crude extracts of high-performing strains were tested against the pathogens using agar well diffusion assays. The novelty and components of the extracted secondary metabolites from environmentally stressed rhizospheric microorganisms were inferred using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). Results indicated that these secretions inhibited the growth of XDR pathogens (approximately 3.0 × 108 CFU/mL), forming inhibition zones of up to 50 mm. Furthermore, the pathogens were more responsive to exudates from microbiota in environmentally stressed rhizospheres compared to those from organic rhizospheres (control). Heavy-metal-stressed microbiota secrete metabolites that show superior antimicrobial activity and successfully inhibit the growth of XDR pathogens. The UPLC-HRMS analysis indicated the tentative characterisation of the metabolites, particularly Tolyposamine and Gentiatibetine, by the evaluated microbiota, suggesting their relevance as biopharmaceuticals, and could lead to future antibiotic production.
Dependencies of the European Union and the world on Russian nuclear fuel cycle services, and how to reduce them
Haneklaus, Nils; Vlcek, Tomas; Nosko, Andrej; Brink, Hendrik Gideon; Ochmann, Jakub; Skorek-Osikowska, Anna; Gładysz, Paweł; Gajda, Paweł; Misík, Matús; Bartela, Łukasz (Elsevier, 2025-11)
While the European Union (EU) and other Western nations are weaning themselves off the Kremlin's fossil energy resources, global nuclear energy producers remain closely tied to Russia's nuclear industry. One in four nuclear reactors worldwide is connected to Russia (either operating domestically, built abroad, or under construction using Russian technology), and relies on spare parts, maintenance, and fuel from state-owned Rosatom. Russia contributes approximately 6 % of global uranium production, 20 % of conversion capacity, 46 % of enrichment capacity, and 10 % of nuclear fuel fabrication capacity. This work explores the EU's and the global community's dependence on Russian nuclear fuel cycle services. In response to growing geopolitical tensions, particularly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the EU has taken steps to reduce this reliance and enhance self-sufficiency. Key measures include expanding uranium conversion capacity, increasing fuel production for VVER-440 reactors, and better utilization of existing enrichment infrastructure. Reducing Russia's influence is possible but will require long-term commitment, political determination, and acceptance of higher nuclear energy costs, especially for conversion and enrichment services. With continued effort, full independence from Russian nuclear fuel cycle services is considered achievable between 2030 and 2035.
Adiponitrile-enabled low-solvation strategy to mitigate the shuttle effect in lithium-sulfur batteries
Liu, Fangfang; Feng, Lijuan; You, Huijuan; Ren, Jianwei; Liang, Yangjie; Wang, Hui (Wiley, 2025-12)
Lithium–sulfur batteries are promising for meeting growing global energy needs and supporting sustainable development. However, the shuttle effect is a key barrier to their wide use. Reducing Li⁺ ion solvation is an effective solution. In this study, adiponitrile (ADN), featuring two highly electronegative cyano groups, forms a stable [Li(ADN)]⁺ complex that contracts the solvation shell of Li⁺. Its moderate molecular size also helps form a denser interfacial protective film on the sulfur cathode, boosting surface stability. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations show ADN's cyano groups bind strongly to Li⁺, forming stable local structures that suppress polysulfide migration and improve cycle stability. Experimentally, batteries with ADN retain 75% of initial capacity after 120 cycles at 0.2 C and have a 744 mAh g−1 discharge capacity at 2 C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirms ADN-Li⁺ interaction and reveals ADN's role in regulating the electrolyte's solvation environment. This work provides new insights for electrolyte design in next-generation Li–S batteries.
Enhanced bubble dynamics via P-site–induced Cu nucleation on NiFe-based array electrodes for efficient oxygen evolution
Jiang, Runlai; Wang, Zheng; Wang, Hui; Ren, Jianwei; Wang, Xuyun; Song, Hongbing; Wang, Rongfang (Elsevier, 2026-06)
Please read abstract in the article.
Coal fly ash-based adsorbents for tetracycline removal : comparative insights into modification and zeolite conversion
Houghton, Eric Emmanuel; Yapi, Litha; Haneklaus, Nils; Brink, Hendrik Gideon; Tichapondwa, Shepherd Masimba (MDPI, 2025-03-01)
Emerging xenobiotics, such as tetracycline (TC), pose significant risks to both the environment and human health. Adsorption is a recognized method for removing these contaminants, and in this study, fly ash (FA), a by-product of coal combustion, was modified to develop adsorbents. Acid-modified FA (AM-FA) and base-modified FA (BM-FA) were prepared, and zeolite Na-P1 (ZNa-P1) was synthesized via hydrothermal treatment. Adsorption tests revealed that BM-FA and ZNa-P1 removed 76% and 90% of TC, respectively, compared to 35% with unmodified FA. AM-FA had the lowest performance, removing just 11% of TC. ZNa-P1’s superior performance was linked to its high zeolite purity, with a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 6.37 meq/g and a surface area of 35.7 m2/g. Though BM-FA had a larger surface area of 110.8 m2/g, it exhibited a lower CEC of 3.42 meq/g. Adsorption efficiency was more closely related to CEC than surface area. Optimal TC removal with ZNa-P1 was achieved at a 7.5 g/L dosage and pH 5. The process followed pseudo second order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm, with a maximum capacity of 46.34 mg/g at 30 °C. The adsorption thermodynamics indicated that the adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous. The adsorption mechanism of tetracycline on ZNa-P1 involved electrostatic attraction, hydrogen, and ion exchange. This study aligns with SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Green carbon dots from pinecones and pine bark for amoxicillin and tetracycline detection : a circular economy approach
Sanni, Saheed O.; Bayode , Ajibola A.; Haneklaus, Nils H.; Fu, Lin; Shang, Jianping; Fan, Hua-Jun Shawn (MDPI, 2025-03-11)
Over the years, the abuse of antibiotics has increased, leading to their presence in the environment. Therefore, a sustainable method for detecting these substances is crucial. Researchers have explored biomass-based carbon dots (CDs) to detect various contaminants, due to their low cost, environmental friendliness, and support of a circular economy. In our study, we reported the synthesis of CDs using pinecones (PCs) and pinebark (PB) through a sustainable microwave method. We characterized the PCCDs and PBCDs using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscope, and Fourier transform infrared, Ultraviolet-visible, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The PCCDs and PBCDs were tested for the detection of amoxicillin (AMX) and tetracycline (TC). The results indicated that the sizes of the PCCDs and PBCDs were 19.2 nm and 18.39 nm, respectively, and confirmed the presence of the 002 plane of the graphitic carbon structure. They exhibited excitation wavelength dependence, good stability, and quantum yields ranging from 6% to 11%. PCCDs and PBCDs demonstrated “turn-off” detection for TC and AMX. The limits of detection (LOD) for TC across a broader concentration range were found to be 0.062 µM for PCCDs and 0.2237 µM for PBCDs. For AMX detection, PBCDs presented an LOD of 0.49 µM.
Fire performance of highdensity polyethylene sheets protected by a coating of plasticized polyvinyl chloride/modified-vermiculite
Focke, Walter Wilhelm; Mhike, Washington; Asante, Joseph Kwaku Ofori; Van der Westhuizen, Isbe; Snyman, Eduard Jacobus; Atanasova, Maria Todorova (Sage, 2025-11)
Treatment of Palabora vermiculite with ammonium chloride or ammonium nitrate solutions caused the collapse of its structure, resulting in a reduction of the exfoliation onset temperature by more than 200°C. It is speculated that ammonium ions enter the hydrobiotite galleries as guest ions partially replacing the hydration water associated with the magnesium ions. The effectiveness of various modified vermiculite flakes as flame-retardant fillers was evaluated in laminates of high-density polyethylene and plasticized polyvinyl chloride/vermiculite-modified composites. The laminates comprised a high-density polyethylene sheet coated with polyvinyl chloride plasticized with 100 phr of a phosphate ester and filled with 40 phr vermiculite. Cone calorimetry results, measured at a radiant flux of 35 kW m−2, revealed that copper-ion modified vermiculite was the most effective flame-retardant additive. Laminates coated with polyvinyl chloride containing copper-ion-modified vermiculite exhibited a significantly reduced peak heat release rate of 64kW/m2, compared to 677kW/m2 for uncoated high-density polyethylene, demonstrating the potential of polyvinyl chloride–based flame-retardant coatings incorporating copper-ion-modified vermiculite for polyethylene.
Biomethane as a promising renewable carbon feedstock for the synthesis of zeolite templated carbons for hydrogen storage application
Mosupi, Keaoleboga; Dyosiba, Xoliswa Lindokuhle; Langmi, Henrietta Wakun; Musyoka, Nicholas M. (Springer, 2025-11-24)
Biogas, generated through the anaerobic digestion of organic matter, is an attractive renewable energy source due to its continuous production and utilisation cycle. Rising concerns about the environmental impact of fossil fuel-derived energy have sparked interest in developing sustainable energy alternatives. Consequently, considerable research efforts have been directed towards biogas valorisation, particularly its main component, methane (CH4). This is achieved by converting raw or upgraded biogas into high-value products, such as Zeolite-templated carbons (ZTCs), and concurrently producing cleaner hydrogen gas. ZTCs are highly ordered porous structures that exhibit high surface areas, uniform pore size distributions, and large pore volumes, rendering them attractive for various applications. These applications include gas storage, CO2 capture, supercapacitors and batteries. In this study, we focused on the utilisation of simulated biogas (CH4 and CO2 mixture) and pure CH4 (in this case, simulated ‘biomethane’) for the synthesis of zeolite-templated carbons (ZTCS). When CH4 was utilised on both the one-step and two-step processes, the obtained ZTCs had higher surface area and hydrogen (H2) adsorption. The highest surface area obtained was 2974 m2/g, while the best H2 storage capacity, at 1 bar, was 2.77 wt%. Structural (XRD) and morphological (SEM and TEM) characterisations were found to be indistinguishable from those of the samples obtained when fossil-derived ethylene was used as a carbon source. Unfortunately, ZTCs were not obtained when simulated biogas was used as a carbon source, due to the zeolite having a greater affinity towards CO2 than CH4, primarily because of the large quadrupole moment of CO2. This study has demonstrated that a sustainable source of carbonaceous feedstock, such as biogas-derived ‘biomethane’, can be converted into value-added products (ZTCs), thereby creating additional economic opportunities for industries within the biogas sector.
Overcoming dual dehydrogenation barriers in the oxidation of 1-methoxy-2-propanol on the electronically modulated Mn–Ni(OH)2/NF electrode for efficient production 1-methoxy-2-propanone
Han, Xingyu; Liu, Fangfang; Wang, Hanxiao; Liu, Yangjing; Huo, Shuhui; Wang, Min; Ren, Jianwei; Wang, Xuyun; Song, Hongbing; Liu, Jian; Wang, Rongfang (Elsevier, 2026-06)
Please read abstract in the article.
Production of a nutrient enriched biochar : a techno-economic feasibility analysis
Trollip, Brendon; Merckel, R.D. (Ryan David) (Wiley, 2025-11)
A techno-economic feasibility analysis was conducted for a biomass pyrolysis plant that utilized Eucalyptus to produce fertilizer-enriched biochar. Key parameters – biomass throughput, fertilizer loading, and selling price – were optimized for financial viability using net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), return on investment (ROI), and payback period (PP). Four case scenarios were assessed, focusing on energy and co-product utilization, particularly pyrolysis oil for herbicide production and synthesis gas for electricity generation. Results show that Scenario 2 (electricity generation from synthesis gas and wood vinegar combustion, with separate sale of the phenolic fraction) and Scenario 4 (separate sale of both wood vinegar and phenolic fractions) may be profitable, though their low IRR (1.1%) could deter investment. Optimization indicated that increasing biomass feed rates and reducing the fertilizer-to-biomass ratio may enhance economic outcomes. However, the high cost of enriched biochar relative to conventional fertilizers poses a significant challenge to both short- and long-term economic feasibility. These findings underscore the need for innovative strategies to improve the economic viability of biochar and to support its adoption among agricultural stakeholders.
Sustainable synthesis of energy-dense hydrochar from food waste blends via hydrothermal carbonisation : process optimisation and characterisation using response surface methodology
Pasipanodya, Danai; Seedat, Naadhira; Patel, Bilal; Roopchund, Rishen (Elsevier, 2026-05)
Hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) was used to convert food waste (FW), comprising butternut waste (BW) and potato peels (PP), into hydrochar (HC). A central composite design (CCD) with response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the effects of HTC temperature (140–300 °C), residence time (22–248 min), solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio (1:11–1:15), and BW/PP ratio on HC yield, surface area (SA), and higher heating value (HHV). The quadratic model well-described the yield, SA, and HHV responses. The RSM-CCD maximum yield (40.22 %), SA (7.86 m2/g), and HHV (29.351 MJ/kg) was achieved at temperature of 204 °C, residence time of 131.39 min, S/L ratio of 1:12.89, and BW/PP ratio (0.5:0.5). The predicted responses were closer to experimental runs, proving good model reproducibility. Notably, temperature had the most significant influence on SA and HHV, except for yield, which depends greatly on the FW ratio. This is because at higher temperatures, volatiles are more effectively driven off, concentrating the carbon-rich components that enhance both SA and HHV. At the same time, the yield is more dependent upon the FW ratio due to variations in feedstock composition. Elemental analysis showed lower H/C and O/C ratios at elevated temperatures, indicating improved carbonisation typically leads to a higher HHV and improved fuel quality. SEM and FTIR confirmed the flask-like structures and functional groups, which can play a significant role in the adsorption capabilities of HC for pollutant removal. The valorisation of FW into adsorbents and biofuels represents a dual breakthrough, transforming waste management practices while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions. HIGHLIGHTS • Hydrothermal carbonisation of butternut and potato peel waste produces energy-dense hydrochar. • Response surface methodology optimised temperature, time, S/L ratio, and feedstock blend for yield, HHV, and surface area. • Optimised hydrochar at 220 °C, 113 min, 1:13 S/L ratio, and equal butternut and potato peel blend shows high HHV, surface area, and thermal stability.
Oxygen-bridged electronic coupling of Ir single-atom sites for durable acidic oxygen evolution reaction
Xiang, Yijun; Wang, Hui; Li, Shaoxiong; Li, Linlin; Ren, Jianwei; Xing, Gengyu; Deng, Liming; Peng, Shengjie (Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026-02)
Please read abstract in the article.

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