The postsynthetic modification (PSM) of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is an attractive approach for enhancing the functionality and boosting the performance of these nanoporous materials. Often, PSM relies on the elaboration of either metal nodes or organic linkers of candidate MOFs. Herein, we introduce an alternative approach, sculpting the pores of a zirconium-based MOF, NU-903, with a size-matching Keggin polyoxometalate (POM), and apply the approach to the separation of Xe/Kr mixtures as a test application. The computationally optimized structure of POM@NU-903 showed that the original three-dimensional pore network was sculpted to a two-dimensional pore. Although the pore volume decreased by 20%, Xe and Kr uptake capacities were nearly doubled at 298 K and 1 bar, with significantly boosted selectivity and heats of adsorption. Given the agreement between computational and experimental results and the great variety of MOFs and POMs, we envision a sizable library of pore-sculpted MOFs for demonstration and optimization of desired chemical separations.
Fertilizers are essential for agricultural production and vital to global food security. Nevertheless, the production and use of fertilizers, primarily the nitrogen type, contribute substantially to global greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, fertilizer markets are closely intertwined with a changing geopolitical landscape and disruptions induced by the war in Ukraine. Despite a growing number of studies that have explored these various dimensions of fertilizers, the intricate interdependencies across these different variables along global fertilizer supply chains remain insufficiently examined. Adopting a nexus perspective, this review unravels a reshaping of the global fertilizer landscape led by intertwined driving forces, namely the mounting quest for a more secure supply of fertilizers, efforts to decarbonize production with local renewable energy feedstocks, and the pursuit of industrial upgrading and geopolitical goals. The intertwined nature of these trends, this review argues, warrants a distinct agenda of nexus-based research to dissolve socio-political and environmental conundrums for more sustainable global fertilizer supply chains.
Agricultural mulch films (AMFs) enhance crop productivity by controlling soil temperature and moisture and suppressing weed growth. Conventional AMFs made from polyethylene (PE) pose disposal challenges and contribute to long-term plastic pollution. Biodegradable mulch films (BMFs) offer a promising alternative, but their degradation in soil remains slow and inconsistent. This study employed a culture-enrichment approach to isolate soil bacteria (i.e., Pseudomonas guariconensis and Achromobacter denitrificans) capable of accelerating BMF biodegradation. Bioaugmentation with P. guariconensis enhanced CO₂ evolution in soil, with 48
Biodegradable plastic mulch films (BMFs) have been used in agriculture as an alternative to conventional polyethylene mulches, offering benefits such as reduced labor costs and in-soil biodegradability. However, BMFs often degrade slowly, and fragments remain in the soil for multiple years. This study introduces a novel multi-layer agricultural mulch film (MLAMF) with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) outer layers and a thermoplastic starch (TPS) core, designed to enhance biodegradation and reduce plastic accumulation. In laboratory composting (LC), the MLAMF achieved 64% mass loss over 365 days, while pure PBAT films degraded by only 12%. In industrial composting (IC) conditions, the MLAMF and PBAT films showed 58% and 33% mass loss in 14 days, respectively. Respirometry tests indicate that the presence of TPS accelerates mineralization relative to the monolayer film. A small scale field trial revealed no statistically significant differences in onion yield or rot incidence between MLAMF and the commercial films.
