Sustainable Chemical Engineering

The Roles of Deep Eutectic Solvents in Batteries for Sustainable Energy Storage

M R RAMESH — 2024-07-31

The escalating demand for sustainable and efficient energy storage solutions has catalyzed the exploration of advanced materials and technologies in battery systems. Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES), a novel class of ionic liquids, have emerged as promising candidates due to their unique physicochemical properties, including low volatility, high thermal stability, and tunable solvation capabilities. This paper investigates the roles of DES in enhancing the performance and sustainability of batteries, particularly focusing on lithium-ion and sodium-ion technologies. DES-based electrolytes offer significant advantages, such as improved ionic conductivity and enhanced electrochemical stability, which are critical for the longevity and efficiency of battery systems. Furthermore, the eco-friendly nature of DES, derived from biodegradable and non-toxic components, aligns with the overarching goal of developing green and sustainable energy storage solutions. This study synthesizes recent advancements in DES research, evaluates their practical applications in current battery technologies, and discusses future directions for integrating DES in next-generation energy storage systems. The findings underscore the potential of DES to revolutionize battery technology, contributing to a sustainable energy future through enhanced battery performance and reduced environmental impact.

Jovanovic and Sips Isotherm Parameters of Mango Seed Shell Cadmium Ion Sorption from Aqueous Solution

Abdulhalim Musa Abubakar — 2024-11-25

Cadmium (Cd) is not crucial for animal and plant life, and its total elimination from irrigation or drinking water supply will not deprive water consumers of any beneficial nutrient. Its toxicity to humans has been reiterated and several mechanisms to get rid of it via numerous adsorbents over several decades ago have been researched, without capturing mango seed shell (MSS) adsorption data performance under 2-parameter Jovanovic and the 3-parameter Sips isotherm models. The present study tried to address those gaps. As such, the parameter values, q_max = 97.51 mg/g and K_J = -0.0202 L/mg for Jovanovic, and K_s = 20.42 L/g, β_s = 1.16 and a_s = -0.046 L/g for Sips model, was computed and obtained. After a series of fine-tuning them to improve model fitting at greater convergence, it led to an R² value of 0.7231 and 0.9998, respectively. In addition to error functions, residuals and chi-squares evaluated, it was found that the Jovanovic equation couldn’t describe Cd(II) uptake by MSS, due to its larger return of statistical metrics values compared to Sips. Therefore, an existing Cd²⁺-MSS data favouring the Langmuir model as the best was re-evaluated -which then pinpoints Sips isotherm as the best (in this study) at a low % difference of 0.04-20.59% for predicted vs. observed equilibrium Cd²⁺ uptake (q_e). The adsorption mechanism of Cd(II) unto MSS described by Sips is favorable and efficient adsorption, where the heterogeneous MSS surface has a high affinity for Cd²⁺ at low concentration. A huge research gap still exists, as Jovanovic and Sips isotherm models are less commonly assessed during adsorption studies. For sustained water purification using MSS as an adsorbent, its abundance must be taken into consideration.

Environmentally Benign Green Approach for the Synthesis of IONPs Using Vicia Faba Fruit Extract and Their Antioxidant Activities

Rucika Prakash — 2024-09-26

Iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized from plant materials have garnered considerable attention due to their environmentally friendly nature and wide-ranging applications in various fields. These NPs possess unique attributes, including biocompatibility, low toxicity, catalytic capabilities, and intricate reaction mechanisms, making them highly desirable for diverse biomedical uses. This study presents an innovative green synthesis approach for utilizing the fruit extract of Vicia faba (V. faba). The synthesized NPs underwent comprehensive characterization using advanced techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). Notably, the V. faba fruit extract served as an effective reducing agent, facilitating the synthesis of Iron oxide nanoparticle (IONP) with well-defined structural and chemical properties. The size of Iron oxide nanoparticles falls between the range of 299.3-527.4 nm. Furthermore, the synthesized Iron oxide nanoparticles were evaluated for their antioxidant activity, revealing promising results against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl DPPH and 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) ABTS radicals. These findings highlight the significance of V. faba fruit extract in producing IONPs endowed with valuable bioactive properties, offering considerable potential for applications in biomedicine and beyond.

Assessment of Metal Accumulation in Medicinal Plants and Their Soil in District Kamber-Shahdadkot, Sindh, Pakistan

Abdul Hameed Lanjwani — 2024-11-22

The current study was carried out to investigate the physiochemical, major elements such as Na, K Ca, Mg and heavy metals like Zn, Fe, Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, and Mn in medicinal plants and their soil of district Kamber-Shahdadkot, Sindh, Pakistan. The five plant samples were collected from the study area and divided into five different parts such as root, stem, leaf, seed, and flower. Five soil samples were collected from the same location at a 90 cm deep ditch. Samples were prepared using acid digestion and analyzed using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS). The multivariate statistical analysis correlation coefficient principle component analysis, cluster diagram, and Piper diagram were drawn for better interpretation of the data. The results of Na, K, Mg, and Ca in plants varied from 368 to 2,480 mg/Kg, 866 to 1,349, 455 to 1,530 and 1,840 to 17,360 mg/Kg and heavy metals varied Fe 10.96 to 1,115.2, Mn 0-59.04, Cu 0-68.4, Cr 0-7.68, Pb 0.32-25.28, Zn 0.0-56.28, Ni 0.88-8.40 mg/Kg. The trace element values vary from plant to plant and also vary in their parts. The correlation and principle component analysis indicated major parameters are good positive loading for each other and the Piper diagram indicated calcium is a predominance cation. The present study compares the major and trace metals in medicinal plant and their soil. The physiochemical results of the soil samples indicated different values from place to place due to the soil quality varied from location to location.