Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are promising building blocks for nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices, yet reliable and stable doping, particularly n type, remains challenging due to strong environmental sensitivity and competing extrinsic effects. Encapsulation of charge transfer molecules within the SWCNT cavity offers a promising route to stable doping while preserving the nanotubes outer surface for subsequent processing. Here, we systematically investigate the filling of arc discharge SWCNTs with the electron donor tetrathiafulvalene and electron acceptor tetracyanoquinodimethane, comparing different methods for filling, including melt filling, solution reflux, and vacuum phase sublimation. We follow the entire processing workflow from raw, unfilled powders to aqueous dispersions and employ density gradient ultracentrifugation to separate filled from empty nanotubes as well as metallic from semiconducting ones. Encapsulation efficiency and electronic modification are assessed using absorption spectroscopy, resonant Raman scattering, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance. Finally, we introduce a complementary vacuum-phase method that removes externally adsorbed molecules without extensive solvent washing, enabling cleaner encapsulated systems.
Cities worldwide are increasingly seeking to offset the environmental harm of motorway infrastructures in dense urban cores. One prominent approach, tunneling over existing motorways, or “capping”, mitigates harm and creates new green spaces but comes with high price tags that often exceed available public funding. Public value capture (PVC) tools are frequently promoted to bridge these financing gaps. However, while PVC has proven effective for large metropolitan transport projects, its potential for projects in smaller urban settings is far less understood. This study examines that question by estimating the revenue potential of five common local PVC mechanisms for a planned capping project in Antwerp, Belgium. Monte Carlo simulations indicate that, collectively, these tools could cover only about 8% of total investment costs. The modest return underscores the limited scalability of conventional PVC in smaller urban contexts. The paper calls for adaptive, context-specific value capture strategies that better monetize the broad public benefits of capping projects, while cautioning against treating them purely as funding sources.
Bitumen modification using biomass is currently in the spotlight, and among the various types of biomass, lignin and waste cooking oil (WCO) are some of the most promising ones. However, their complex nature, multiple extraction and processing methods, lead to varying chemical properties which can influence the performance of the modified bitumen. This experimental study aims to investigate the link between the chemical characteristics of two types of lignin (Kraft and Soda) and WCO, and their impact on the rheological performance of modified bitumen. For this purpose, the chemical characteristics of the biomasses were explored via Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). This analysis showed potential antioxidant properties for Kraft lignin, compared to Soda lignin, due to its higher phenolic content. The rheological performance of the modified bitumen blends was tested through frequency sweeps using a Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), showing that lignin led to stiffer and more elastic binders, with improved high temperature performance (G* increased by up to 93.1%) but compromised low temperature performance at higher contents. Opposite to lignin, WCO resulted in softer binders, with increased low temperature performance (G* decreased by up to 49.19%) , but compromised high-temperature performance. Chemomechanical analysis via multivariate statistical methods, such as Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression, was conducted. The results suggested that the syringyl and moisture content of lignin may have a bigger impact on the rheological performance of the resulting bio-modified binders. Overall, the underexplored synergy of both types of biomass results in binders with a more balanced rheological behaviour.
Marine conservation has become a global priority, with the United Nations recently pledging to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 through the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs). Local support is critical to the success of MPAs, yet few studies have quantitatively assessed which MPA design features are most acceptable to local communities. Accounting for community preferences could, in turn, promote compliance with applicable rules. Despite their vital roles in seafood value chains and their contribution to positive conservation outcomes, women's perspectives in particular remain underexplored. This study uses a discrete choice experiment (DCE) among 424 fishers and seafood collectors in Senegal to examine local community acceptance of MPAs. In particular, we focus on gendered differences in preferences and mechanisms that could potentially enhance compliance. Overall, MPAs received broad support, but long-term fishery closures were widely opposed. Gender significantly shaped preferences for specific MPA design features, primarily due to different patterns in marine space and resource uses. As potential deterrents to non-compliance, men placed greater importance than women on increased community participation in surveillance activities. Regarding sanctions, women favoured temporary penalties, like daily catch or monthly gear confiscations, over monetary fines, while men only strongly opposed permanent gear confiscation. For compensatory infrastructure, women supported all options equally, while men preferred cold storage rooms and processing facilities over fish markets. Our findings reemphasise that incorporating women's perspectives into marine resource governance and management is not only a matter of equity but essential to designing effective and widely supported MPAs.
