Abstract The utilization of CO 2 and CH 4 through dry reforming of methane (DRM) offers a promising pathway for syngas production while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, its practical application is hindered by rapid catalyst deactivation due to coke formation, metal sintering, and instability under high-temperature conditions. This review critically examines recent advances in DRM catalyst design, focusing on the interplay between reaction thermodynamics, kinetics, and catalyst architecture. Ni-based catalysts, bimetallic systems, and promoted supports are discussed in terms of their roles in enhancing CO 2 activation, oxygen mobility, and resistance to deactivation. Advanced synthesis techniques, including atomic layer deposition, flame spray pyrolysis, and plasma-assisted methods, are highlighted for their ability to control metal dispersion and metal–support interactions. Special emphasis is placed on core–shell structures, where optimized shell composition and porosity enable improved stability by regulating sintering and carbon formation pathways. Overall, this review provides an integrated framework linking fundamental reaction constraints with catalyst design strategies, offering insights for the development of robust and scalable DRM catalysts.
Abstract As a result of recent advances, solvent-based postcombustion CO 2 capture (PCC) systems have shown markedly improved absorption capacity, regeneration efficiency, and solvent stability compared with conventional monoethanolamine systems. This review provides a comparative assessment of seven major solvent classes, namely, amine blends and promoters, amino acid-based solvents, phase-change solvents, water-lean and nonaqueous systems, ionic liquids (ILs), deep eutectic solvents (DESs), and nanofluids. Among these solvent classes, amine blends remain the most practical short-term solution, achieving 33–60 % reductions in regeneration energy with proven scalability. Phase-change and biphasic solvents deliver the lowest regeneration energies (0.74–1.3 GJ t −1 CO 2 ) among solvent classes, whereas water-lean systems balance energy savings with corrosion resistance and reduced water use. DESs and ILs offer long-term potential through molecular tunability and environmental compatibility. However, their viscosity and recyclability remain key challenges. Nanofluids expand the research frontier by coupling chemical reactivity with enhanced mass transfer. Progress in solvent-based PCC depends on integrating molecular design, process optimization, and pilot-scale validation to achieve low-energy, stable, and scalable CO 2 capture technologies.
Abstract Understanding the properties of porous media is important in a wide range of applications. However, they are often difficult to determine using experimental techniques or fluid simulations. In light of this, methods for predicting properties using machine learning have become popular. A wide range of machine learning techniques have been commonly used for porous media property prediction including the convolutional neural network (CNN) and the graph neural network (GNN). Many early studies represent porous media with 2D images, however, this is often an over-simplification that does not translate well to the properties of 3D porous media. Building 3D models, such as the 3D CNN can lead to more accurate results, but scalability issues are introduced for porous media at the representative elementary volume (REV) scale. In this review, the current state of the art in deep learning for predicting porous media properties, such as permeability of thermal conductivity, is accessed, focusing on both the accuracy and scalability of the models, when considering porous structures of a representative scale. Finally, future areas of research are suggested to achieve more accurate, robust and scalable models, such as couplings of GNNs and CNNs to produce models that exhibit the benefits of both techniques.
Abstract Cold plasma (CP) directly responds to this challenge by uniting disinfection, oxidation, and surface modification within a single process, enabling simultaneous remediation of diverse pollutants and microbial threats in short timeframes. The multifunctionality of CP stems from its concurrent generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), ultraviolet photons, transient electric fields, and shock waves. This unique synergy enables rapid degradation of persistent organic pollutants, achieving >5–6 log 10 (CFU/mL) microbial reductions within minutes, along with efficient virus inactivation and oxidative fragmentation of microplastics. Beyond water purification, plasma-activated water (PAW) has demonstrated benefits in agriculture through enhanced germination, growth promotion, and soil detoxification, while CP applications in food systems ensure microbial safety, extend shelf life, and preserve nutritional quality. In materials science, CP enables precise surface engineering of membranes, sorbents, and nanomaterials, improving catalytic efficiency, adsorption performance, and biocompatibility. Despite these advances, translation from laboratory to large-scale deployment remains restricted by energy efficiency, reactor scalability, electrode durability, and the absence of standardized protocols. This review critically examines the state-of-the-art in CP research, benchmarks its performance against conventional advanced oxidation processes, and outlines future directions, emphasizing its role as a transformative platform technology contributing to Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 12.
Abstract The global textile industry is an important economic driver, but at the same time it generates serious environmental challenges. These challenges are twofold: the vast amounts of textile waste generated each year and the substantial climate impacts caused mainly during the production phase. According to the European Environment Agency, about 80 % of the total climate impact of textiles derives from production, 14 % from the use phase (washing, drying, ironing), 3 % from distribution and retail, and 3 % from end-of-life stage, which includes collection, sorting, recycling, incineration, and landfilling. By 2030, global apparel (clothing + footwear) consumption is projected to rise from around 70 million tons today to approximately 105 million tons. Despite this growth, less than half of textile items are collected for reuse or recycling after use, and only a very small fraction – under 1 % – are recycled into new garments. This gap is primarily due to technical barriers: the processing of mixed fibers, chemical finishing and additives, as well as the lack of scalable and cost-competitive processing systems. This review examines current work on textile waste processing, taking into account technological, regulatory, economic, and environmental factors. It also identifies innovations and strategies for developing a circular economy.
Abstract Bentonite, a smectite clay mineral, is essential in petroleum operations for its swelling capacity, thixotropy, and cation exchange properties. However, its effectiveness in high-salinity and high-temperature environments remains a significant challenge. This review synthesizes advanced engineering strategies to enhance bentonite’s performance for modern petroleum applications. It examines activation methods, including acid, thermal, alkaline, and nanomaterial treatments, and their effects on colloidal stability and rheological properties. The review highlights bentonite’s role in enhanced oil recovery, showing that polymer-clay nanocomposites improve thermal stability and conformance control. Data indicate that adding bentonite can extend polyacrylamide gel lifespan from 37 to 120 days at 100 °C and increase elastic modulus by 40 %. The review also evaluates Iranian bentonite reserves as a case study, analyzing their mineralogy and activation needs. By linking fundamental properties with targeted engineering, this review offers a strategic framework for developing advanced bentonite technologies to support more sustainable and efficient hydrocarbon recovery.
Abstract Microplastics in wastewater pose significant environmental hazards owing to their toxic and bioaccumulative characteristics, rendering them resistant to degradation. Annually, over 1.5 million tons of microplastics infiltrate global waterways. While traditional wastewater treatment methods, including sedimentation and filtration, attain about 60–70 % removal effectiveness and inadequately collect microplastics, advanced techniques utilizing adsorption, electrostatic attraction, and degradation have efficiencies of 95 %, 99 %, and 95 %, respectively. Functionalized coatings, such as hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces, magnetic composites, and bio-based polymers like chitosan, can improve the mitigation of microplastic issues, such as membrane fouling. New technologies include photocatalytic TiO 2 -polymer membranes and 3D-printed porous scaffolds that can achieve approximately 90 % effectiveness in hybrid models. Various comparative studies have shown that the efficiencies of conventional sand filters (45–55 %) and basic membranes (65–75 %) can be increased to 82–88 % and 92–96 %, respectively, with coatings such as polydopamine. Despite these promising results, issues such as scalability, coating durability, and cost persist. Future directions include AI-driven material design, circular economy solutions such as enzyme-embedded coatings (with approximately 95 % efficiency), and robust policy frameworks. Incorporating sophisticated, environmentally friendly coatings into wastewater infrastructure offers a sustainable approach to reducing microplastic contamination and promoting global environmental conservation.
Abstract Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) present in mixed plastic waste poses a significant challenge to chemical recycling processes. This is due to the potential release of chlorine as HCl and its subsequent migration into oils, solids, and catalysts in both inorganic and organic forms. This review deals with the current understanding of chlorine behavior during the co-pyrolysis of PVC with major polymer classes, focusing on (i) dechlorination pathways and the phase-wise distribution of chlorine, (ii) interaction mechanisms in representative blends (PVC/polyolefins, PVC/PS, and PVC/PET), and (iii) catalytic and process-engineering strategies for chlorine management. Research within the field suggests that polyolefins can postpone the apparent dehydrochlorination process through mechanisms of melt encapsulation and transport limitation. In contrast, aromatic or polar matrices may enhance chlorine retention in condensable products via radical-mediated or functional-group-assisted pathways. The most consistent results in mitigation are observed with staged (two-stage/stepwise) approaches that separate low-temperature dehydrochlorination from high-temperature catalytic upgrading. This is particularly effective when combined with appropriate sorbents and specifically designed zeolite catalysts, such as ZSM-5. These findings reveal the synergistic and antagonistic roles of polymer mixtures and catalysts in governing chlorine migration, thereby offering practical insights for developing cleaner and more efficient PVC valorization routes.
The global fluoride contamination of groundwater poses significant risks to health and the environment, making remediation methods unavoidable. To give an overall picture of the research environment, a bibliometric analysis is conducted to determine key publications, rising research hotspots, and top contributors in the research area. Between 2012 and 2014, few publications existed (∼100) but increased steadily to 200 per year by 2020 with increasing emphasis on water treatment. A steep increase post-2020 indicates advances in defluoridation technologies. Between 2012 and 2024, 2,994 papers by 7,232 authors were published, with an average of 28.63 citations per article and a growth rate of 12 % per year. The majority were research articles (89.5 %), while the proportion of reviews, book chapters, and conference papers were smaller. Additionally, this review incorporates sustainability factors through assessing cost-effectiveness, regenerative capability, environmental performance, and conformity with circular economy principles. The results identify major enhancements in biosorption performance but also emphasize a requirement for sophisticated modifications, hybrid systems, and pilot-scale investigations to close the gap between laboratory research and operational practice. In general, this study not only solidifies recent advances but also offers interdisciplinary insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners towards developing sustainable fluoride remediation measures.
The quest for effective hydrogen production through water electrolysis depends on the performance. Yet, making good models for performance improvement is naturally difficult because operation of an electrolyzer is both a multi-physics and multi-scale problem. Interaction of such complex phenomena across disparate spatial and temporal scales makes system design and optimization an extremely difficult task that indeed calls for advanced computational approaches. This review explores the application of recently developed computational methods to address such problems. Key methods examined include the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), response surface methodology (RSM), and artificial intelligence (AI) methods. Water electrolyzer simulations are dominated by two-phase liquid–gas models; the LBM is particularly effective for microscale flows and interfacial phenomena where surface effects are important, while Eulerian volume of fluid approaches are the most effective for treating bubble behavior. Briefly, optimal surrogate models for integrated systems are provided by empirical correlations and experiment design techniques (such as RSM). AI and hybrid AI-CFD techniques are making modeling and optimization easier and faster. For instance, DeepONet has predicted current density, oxygen mole fraction, and cell temperature with a root-mean-squared error of less than 1 %. This review concludes that LBM is a valuable tool for microscale multiphase dynamics and that AI-augmented CFD has proven capable of supplementing, and in certain situations, even replace conventional CFD workflows for the design and optimization of electrolyzers.
Wood adhesives have come a long way from urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins to waterborne poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) latex polymerized by emulsion polymerization. Nevertheless, while modern adhesives are more environmentally friendly, they still contain low concentrations of substances considered to be toxic or carcinogenic. Increasing social awareness about the environmental friendliness and toxicity of chemical compounds has pressured producers of wood-based materials and furniture to develop new green technologies and eliminate potentially dangerous chemical compounds. The crucial parameter for wood adhesives is the durability class of water resistance according to the EN204:2016 standard. To achieve a higher class, i.e., D3 or D4, it is necessary to use a crosslinked polymer. Crosslinking is usually performed using N-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide monomer (NMA), UF resins, or glutaraldehyde. NMA contains and emits formaldehyde, which is poisonous and carcinogenic, so the chemical industry is trying to replace this substance with greener, formaldehyde-free, and eco-friendly substitutes, such as silanes, bio vinyl and acrylate monomers, or 2,5-diformylfuran. In this short review, we focus on demonstrating updated green approaches to developing wood adhesives and methods to eliminate the presence of unwanted substances such as formaldehyde. We present the technologies for producing PVAc step by step and the stages that need to be further investigated or improved.
Heteropolyacids (HPAs) are well known for their application as catalysts in organic synthesis owing to their oxidizing capabilities and strong Brönsted acidity. However, a notable drawback of HPAs is their solubility in various reaction media, which has prompted the development of strategies to convert them into heterogeneous catalysts through immobilization on diverse materials. This review aims to describe recent advancements in the utilization of alumina as a support for HPAs and their applications as heterogeneous catalysts in the synthesis of organic compounds. Various strategies, methodologies, loading techniques, and the nature of HPAs, along with their acid and redox properties, are analyzed and compared. Several organic reactions, including oxidation processes, esterification, and the condensation synthesis of heterocycles, such as chromones and pyrroles, are explored.
Iron is a foundational bulk commodity in China. However, the supply of iron ore falls far short of meeting the demands of the steel industry, leading to long-term dependence on imports. Red mud, a by-product of the alumina industry, with its high-grade iron content and polluting nature, is emerging as a novel iron resource possessing dual attributes of resource potential and environmental pollution, urgently requiring development. This paper primarily introduces the physicochemical properties of red mud. It then focuses on reviewing modern iron recovery methods from red mud, including physical separation, pyrometallurgical smelting reduction, leaching, magnetization roasting, and fluidization magnetization roasting, detailing their reaction mechanisms and process characteristics. Existing technologies generally face technical bottlenecks such as high energy consumption, low iron phase conversion efficiency, suppression of separation efficiency by alkaline components, and secondary pollutant emissions. The variability in red mud composition and the complexity of mineralogical occurrence also present multiple challenges. Current development trends focus on creating low-temperature, high-efficiency, and environmentally friendly combined process systems. By coupling the advantages of microwave selective heating with enhanced mass transfer in fluidization, microwave fluidization magnetization roasting technology enables the targeted conversion of hematite to magnetite under low-temperature conditions, thereby achieving high-efficiency iron recovery.
The deposition of inorganic scales is a significant problem in the industrial sector and desalination plants. Due to the crucial importance of injecting chemical inhibitors to mitigate mineral scaling, several testing techniques have been developed to evaluate their performance. The evaluation methods used can be classified as electrochemical, non-electrochemical, or static and dynamic. However, to date, there has been no comprehensive review of the literature that exhaustively groups and compares these different approaches, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and complementarity. To fill this gap, this review outlines these evaluation methods and explores their suitability and limitations in different systems. Furthermore, the review examines whether laboratory evaluation techniques are suitable for use in the field. It covers the main methods established thus far, focusing on determining whether they represent a scaling formation process that occurs in real life. This study concluded that the type of scales precipitated and the field conditions influence the selection of the optimal evaluation method. Furthermore, the use of multiple experiments yields complementary information for a comprehensive study of scale crystallization and inhibition.
This review examines the application potential of hybrid MOF-COF structures in fabricating advanced membranes for gas separation. MOF-COF membranes demonstrate exceptional gas separation performance, surpassing the Robeson upper bound for several gas mixtures, including H2/CH4, CO2/CH4, CO2/N2 and O2/N2. Key findings indicate that thin-film MOF-COF membranes exhibit remarkable selectivity and permeability, with some hybrids achieving permeance values exceeding 1,000,000 GPU and ideal separation factors over 30. Additionally, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) containing MOF-COF hybrids show potential for combining mechanical robustness with high separation efficiency, despite challenges in achieving uniform dispersion. Future research should prioritize scaling up production methods, enhancing the mechanical stability of thin films, and improving polymer-hybrid compatibility in MMMs. Experimental validation of theoretical predictions is essential to address discrepancies and unlock the full potential of these materials. MOF-COF hybrids are poised to revolutionize gas separation technologies and offer promising directions for broader applications, including catalysis and energy storage.
The water matrix plays a complex and significant role in photocatalytic degradation by influencing several factors, including dissolved anions and cations, the presence of natural organic matter, dissolved oxygen, suspended particles, turbidity, pH, and temperature. Optimizing photocatalytic processes for practical water treatment applications necessitates understanding these relationships. The efficiency and efficacy of photocatalytic water treatment systems in degrading organic contaminants can be enhanced by carefully considering and manipulating the water matrix. Based on literature published between 2000 and 2024, this review aims to comprehend the effects of contaminants and water quality on the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Researchers have employed various water matrices and reaction conditions to understand the interactions and impacts of different water matrix pollutants on photodegradation. The literature analysis revealed that when chloride and sulfate ions interact with reactive oxygen species and photocatalysts, their effects are predominantly inhibitory, thereby reducing the photocatalytic activity of the catalysts. Conversely, nitrate ions can exhibit an inhibitory effect under certain conditions by scavenging hydroxyl radicals while promoting photodegradation in other scenarios by generating more reactive oxygen species. The degree of inhibition varies according to the concentration of these factors.
Photocatalytic hydrogen production is a key pathway toward sustainable energy, driven by semiconductors that utilize sunlight for water splitting. This review highlights recent advances in material design, theoretical modeling, and data-driven discovery. Focus is given to visible-light-active semiconductors with optimal band gaps (1.8–2.4 eV), such as BiVO 4 , g-C 3 N 4 , and CdS, which enable efficient redox reactions. Hybrid architectures, including Pt-loaded TiO 2 and CdS/ZnS core–shell systems, demonstrate hydrogen evolution rates exceeding 10 5 mol m −2 s −1 . Upconversion nanomaterials based on rare-earth-doped fluorides extend light harvesting into the NIR, enhancing quantum yields when combined with quantum dots. Engineered heterojunctions and carbon-based 2D interfaces improve charge separation and suppress recombination. Thermodynamic parameters such as low overpotentials (<0.3 V) and high absorption coefficients (>10 5 cm −1 ) correlate with high catalytic efficiency. Time-dependent simulations and density functional theory (DFT) offer insights into structure–property relationships. Additionally, machine learning models expedite discovery by navigating complex compositional and structural spaces. While integrating theoretical, experimental, and AI-driven approaches, this review presents a framework for the rational design of scalable photocatalysts that meet future energy demands.
The introduction of SAPO-34/ZSM-5 composite zeolites has significantly advanced the field of catalysis due to their unique hierarchical structure, adjustable acidity, and shape-selective properties. By combining the distinct features of ZSM-5 and SAPO-34, these composites have improved catalytic activity, stability, and selectivity in processes such as methanol-to-olefins (MTO). Since 2010, various synthesis techniques, including hydrothermal, ultrasonic-assisted, steam-assisted, microwave assisted, and solid-solid transformation methods, have been developed to optimize the textural and chemical properties of these materials. This review aims to comprehensively examine these synthesis methods, focusing on their conditions, impact on physicochemical properties, and catalytic efficiency. By highlighting recent advancements and addressing existing challenges, we hope to provide insights that will improve composite synthesis and encourage broader industrial applications in catalysis.
Hydrogen is a key energy carrier for decarbonizing high-emission sectors, supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future. This review evaluates critical hydrogen storage and transportation technologies essential for a hydrogen-powered economy. Storage methods, including compressed gas (350–700 bar), cryogenic liquid (−253 °C), cryo-compressed (−233 °C, 250–350 bar), material-based approaches (e.g., metal hydrides, LOHCs), and underground storage (salt caverns, aquifers), are analyzed for their technical feasibility, energy efficiency, and scalability. Transportation methods, including pipelines (up to 6,000 km), truck/rail (200–700 bar), and maritime shipping (e.g., liquefied hydrogen, ammonia, and LOHCs), are evaluated, with an emphasis on infrastructure requirements and cost optimization. The study emphasizes advancements in integrating green hydrogen with renewable energy, addressing safety concerns (e.g., hydrogen embrittlement, ammonia toxicity, and leakage risks), and technical challenges (e.g., boil-off losses and material durability), to support global decarbonization objectives.
The article provides a comprehensive analytical review of the literature on the use of nanoparticles in polymer composite materials aiming at an in-depth analysis of technological approaches to their integration and influence on the structural and functional properties of the polymer matrix. Particular attention is paid to the systematization of modern approaches to the classification of nanofillers by chemical composition and morphological features, as well as to the identification of effective ways to incorporate nanocomponents into the polymer base. This paper deals with the actual problems related to the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles, ensuring stability and effective interfacial interaction in polymer systems, which are critical for achieving the specified performance characteristics of materials. A comparative analysis of nanocomposites using carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, nanodispersed silica, aerogels, and other nanostructured modifiers was performed. Optimal choice of nanofiller has been shown to significantly improve the mechanical, thermal, optical, electrical, conductive, and barrier characteristics of composites, which expands their application in fields such as biomedicine, electronics, energy, ecology, and construction. The technological challenges in the scaled-up production of polymer nanocomposites are generalized, and modern studies in nanochemistry and polymer synthesis are examined to outline the perspectives for their development.
