Sustainable green nanoadsorbents for remediation of pharmaceuticals from water and wastewater: A critical review

In the last three decades, pharmaceutical research has increased tremendously to offer safe and healthy life. However, the high consumption of these harmful drugs has risen devastating impact on ecosystems. Therefore, it is worldwide paramount concern to effectively clean pharmaceuticals contaminated water streams to ensure safer environment and healthier life. Nanotechnology enables to produce new, high-technical material, such as membranes, adsorbent, nano-catalysts, functional surfaces, coverages and reagents for more effective water and wastewater cleanup processes. Nevertheless, nano-sorbent materials are regarded the most appropriate treatment technology for water and wastewater because of their facile application and a large number of adsorbents. Several conventional techniques have been operational for domestic wastewater treatment but are inefficient for pharmaceuticals removal. Alternatively, adsorption techniques have played a pivotal role in water and wastewater treatment for a long, but their rise in attraction is proportional with the continuous emergence of new micropollutants in the aquatic environment and new discoveries of sustainable and low-cost adsorbents. Recently, advancements in adsorption technique for wastewater treatment through nanoadsorbents has greatly increased due to its low production cost, sustainability, better physicochemical properties and high removal performance for pharmaceuticals. Herein, this review critically evaluates the performance of sustainable green nanoadsorbent for the remediation of pharmaceutical pollutants from water. The influential sorption parameters and interaction mechanism are also discussed. Moreover, the future prospects of nanoadsorbents for the remediation of pharmaceuticals are also presented

Microwave Foaming of Materials: An Emerging Field

In the last two decades, the application of microwave heating to the processing of materials has to become increasingly widespread. Microwave-assisted foaming processes show promise for industrial commercialization due to the potential advantages that microwaves have shown compared to conventional methods. These include reducing process time, improved energy efficiency, solvent-free foaming, reduced processing steps, and improved product quality. However, the interaction of microwave energy with foaming materials, the effects of critical processing factors on microwave foaming behavior, and the foamed product’s final properties are still not well-explored. This article reviews the mechanism and principles of microwave foaming of different materials. The article critically evaluates the impact of influential foaming parameters such as blowing agent, viscosity, precursor properties, microwave conditions, additives, and filler on the interaction of microwave, foaming material, physical (expansion, cellular structure, and density), mechanical, and thermal properties of the resultant foamed product. Finally, the key challenges and opportunities for developing industrial microwave foaming processes are identified, and areas for potential future research works are highlighted

Development of solar photovoltaic model for wide range of operating conditions

Assorted climatic conditions such as irradiation, temperature and shading due to clouds, trees, buildings, communication towers etc. has an unavoidable impact on the output of solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This creates a need for the analytical performance study of solar PV system in changing atmospheric condition in order to design and install an optimized solar PV system for both, stand alone and grid connected. The present work shows the developed PV model in MATLAB codes and simulation is done under varying climate conditions showing change in irradiation and temperature using different arrangements of PV system. PV parameters are obtained in different setup and I-V and P-V characteristics of the developed model of the PV modules are analyzed. A comparative study of the parameters obtained is quite beneficial for an optimized design of the PV system under different atmospheric conditions

Optimized parameter extraction techniques for enhanced performance evaluation of organic solar cells

The global energy landscape is in the midst of a transformative shift, compelled by the urgent need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and embrace eco-friendly alternatives. Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have emerged as a promising alternative, offering the distinct advantage of performing well in low-light conditions, including indoor environments. Extensive research and development efforts are dedicated to realizing the full potential of OPVs as adaptable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solar energy solutions. This paper conducts a thorough examination of the intricate characterization of organic solar cells, with a specific emphasis on crucial parameters like power conversion efficiency, open-circuit voltage, and fill factor. The study utilizes a single diode model to simulate these cells' behavior, employing a meticulous process for parameter extraction. This method leverages Origin software and Python programming, incorporating open-source packages to ensure robust validation. This systematic and rigorous approach significantly enhances our comprehension of OPVs and plays a substantial role in optimizing their performance. In essence, this research represents a significant step forward in advancing sustainable energy technologies, laying a foundation for a greener and more environmentally conscious future

Comparative Adsorptive Removal of Phosphate and Nitrate from Wastewater Using Biochar-MgAl LDH Nanocomposites: Coexisting Anions Effect and Mechanistic Studies

In this study, date-palm biochar MgAl-augmented double-layered hydroxide (biochar–MgAl–LDH) nanocomposite was synthesized, characterized, and used for enhancing the removal of phosphate and nitrate pollutants from wastewater. The biochar–MgAl–LDH had higher selectivity and adsorption affinity towards phosphate compared to nitrate. The adsorption kinetics of both anions were better explained by the pseudo-first-order model with a faster removal rate to attain equilibrium in a shorter time, especially at lower initial phosphate-nitrate concentration. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacities of phosphate and nitrate by the non-linear Langmuir model were 177.97 mg/g and 28.06 mg/g, respectively. The coexistence of anions (Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, CO32− and HCO3−) negligibly affected the removal of phosphate due to its stronger bond on the nano-composites, while the presence of Cl− and PO43− reduced the nitrate removal attributed to the ions’ participation in the active adsorption sites on the surface of biochar–MgAl–LDH. The excellent adsorptive performance is the main synergetic influence of the MgAl–LDH incorporation into the biochar. The regeneration tests confirmed that the biochar–MgAl composite can be restored effortlessly and has the prospective to be reused after several subsequent adsorption-desorption cycles. The biochar-LDH further demonstrated capabilities for higher removal of phosphate and nitrate from real wastewater

Development of a new hyper crosslinked resin based on polyamine-isocyanurate for the efficient removal of endocrine disruptor bisphenol-A from water

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a diphenylmethane derivative often used as a building block of polycarbonate in the production of plastic and plastic additives. Different sectors of the chemical industry release daily high concentrations of BPA in treatment plants, leading to polluting the environment. Due to chemical characteristics, BPA is considered highly toxic to animals and humans health. Adsorption is considered one of the promising techniques for the removal of BPA from water. In this study, we report the synthesis of a new polyamine-isocyanurate-based hyper crosslinked resin (ICYAN-PA) for the adsorptive removal of BPA from aqueous solution. The porous resin showed good thermal stability with a surface marked by smooth porous layers covered by particles of different sizes. The resin exhibited optimum removal of BPA at pH 5, with an adsorption capacity of 260 mg g−1. The isothermal studies suggested that adsorption was favored with increasing temperature (318 K). The Koble-Corrigan model was more adequate to represent the isothermal data. Moreover, the adsorption process was favorable, spontaneous, and endothermic (ΔH0 = 50.9 kJ mol−1). Furthermore, the magnitude of ΔH° was compatible with physical adsorption. The kinetic profiles indicated that the adsorption equilibrium was attained in <180 min of contact time, and the pseudo-first order model best represented the kinetic data. Given the relatively fast kinetics and high thermal stability (Td < 220 °C), ICYAN-PA holds a promise in the decontamination of effluents containing BPA

Sustainable cement replacement using waste eggshells: A review on mechanical properties of eggshell concrete and strength prediction using artificial neural network

Though the European Commission classifies eggshell as a hazardous material, using eggshell powder in place of cement can aid in waste reduction and contribute to sustainability initiatives. Eggshell powder replaces cement in concrete manufacturing due to its high calcium content. Eggshell is impermeable in nature, so it helps in reducing the permeability of concrete. Eggshell powder fastens the process of hydration of cement by the formation of monocarboaluminate during the mixing of material at the time of casting. This paper includes a detailed study of the process production of eggshell powder, the properties of eggshell powder concrete, and the relationship between different properties has been determined. In addition, Artifical Neural Network approach has been used to predict the strength of eggshell powder concrete to reduce the labour cost and experimental time. In the end, microstructure of eggshell powder and its application in various engineering products have been reviewed. After analyzing the qualities of eggshell powder concrete, it was determined that replacing up to 20% of the cement in concrete with eggshell powder increases the material's strength. The ANN model's results also demonstrate its effectiveness in forecasting the strength of eggshell powder concrete, with an R2 value of 0.96. So, it clearly shows that eggshell powder can be used to replace cement to improve the properties of concrete and reduce the percentage of cement usage. Finally, the conclusions and discussion of this study addressed the eco-friendly utilization of eggshell powder in construction applications

Adsorption of the first-line covid treatment analgesic onto activated carbon from residual pods of erythrina speciosa

In this study, the residual pods of the forest species Erythrina speciosa were carbonized with ZnCl2 to obtain porous activated carbon and investigated for the adsorptive removal of the drug paracetamol (PCM) from water. The PCM adsorption onto activated carbon is favored at acidic solution pH. The isothermal studies confirmed that increasing the temperature from 298 to 328 K decreased the adsorption capacity from 65 mg g−1 to 50.4 mg g−1 (C0 = 175 mg L−1). The Freundlich model showed a better fit of the equilibrium isotherms. Thermodynamic studies confirmed the exothermic nature (ΔH0 = −39.1066 kJ mol−1). Kinetic data indicates that the external mass transfer occurs in the first minutes followed by the surface diffusion, considering that the linear driving force model described the experimental data. The application of the material in the treatment of a simulated effluent with natural conditions was promising, presenting a removal of 76.45%. Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of residual pods of the forest species Erythrina speciosa carbonized with ZnCl2 is highly efficient in the removal of the drug paracetamol and also in mixtures containing other pharmaceutical substances

Comparative adsorption of tetracycline onto unmodified and NaOH-modified silicomanganese fumes: kinetic and process modeling

Silicomanganese fumes (SMF) are industrial waste and a potential low-cost adsorbent for the removal of contaminants from water. In this study, the adsorption performance of SMF and NaOH-modified SMF (SMF-Na) for the removal of tetracycline (TC) from an aqueous solution was investigated. The characterization results showed the presence of functional groups (SiO2, -OH and C-O-C), a considerably higher surface area of the SMF-Na (142.59 m2 g−1) compared to the SMF (7.73 m2 g−1). The TC adsorption was favored under acidic conditions (pH 2–3) and increased with an increasing amount of adsorbent. The adsorption equilibrium was achieved in 360 min, and the presence of Na+ ions insignificantly influenced the TC adsorption. The Avrami model fitted better to the kinetic data with R2 = 0.995. The isothermal data was well represented by the Redlich-Peterson and Langmuir model. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of SMF and SMF-Na was 117 and 129 mg g−1, respectively. The thermodynamic results confirmed that the TC adsorption was endothermic and predominantly governed by physical forces. The removal of TC onto SMF and SMF-Na was maintained above 90 % even after five regeneration cycles The results suggested that SMF-Na is a promising alternative adsorbent for the removal of tetracycline antibiotics from wastewater streams