Search

Low-carbon transition in the non-electric energy sector, which includes transport and heating energy, is necessary for achieving the 2 °C target. Meanwhile, as non-electric energy accounts for over 60% of total water consumption in the energy supply sector, it is vital to understand future water trends in the context of decarbonization. However, few studies have focused on life-cycle water impacts for non-electric energy; besides, applying conventional LCA methodology to assess non-electric energy has limitations. In this paper, a Multi-Regional Hybrid Life-Cycle Assessment (MRHLCA) model is built to assess total CO 2 emissions and water consumption of 6 non-electric energy technologies – transport energy from biofuel and gasoline, heat supply from natural gas, biogas, coal, and residual biomass, within 7 major emitting economies. We find that a shift to natural gas and residual biomass heating can help economies reduce 14–65% CO 2 and save more than 21% water. However, developed and developing economies should take differentiated technical strategies. Then we apply scenarios from IMAGE model to demonstrate that if economies take cost-effective 2 °C pathways, the water conservation synergy for the whole energy supply sector, including electricity, can also be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalysis, as a sustainable and environmentally friendly green technology, has garnered widespread recognition and application across various fields. Especially its potential in environmental disinfection has been highly valued by researchers. This study commences with foundational research on photocatalytic disinfection technology and provides a comprehensive overview of its current developmental status. It elucidates the complexity of the interface reaction mechanism between photocatalysts and microorganisms, providing valuable insights from the perspectives of materials and microorganisms. This study reviews the latest design and modification strategies (Build heterojunction, defect engineering, and heteroatom doping) for photocatalysts in environmental disinfection. Moreover, this study investigates the research focuses and links in constructing photocatalytic disinfection systems, including photochemical reactors, light sources, and material immobilization technologies. It studies the complex challenges and influencing factors generated by different environmental media during the disinfection process. Simultaneously, a comprehensive review extensively covers the research status of photocatalytic disinfection concerning bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It reveals the observable efficiency differences caused by the microstructure of microorganisms during photocatalytic reactions. Based on these influencing factors, the economy and effectiveness of photocatalytic disinfection systems are analyzed and discussed. Finally, this study summarizes the current application status of photocatalytic disinfection products. The challenges faced by the synthesis and application of future photocatalysts are proposed, and the future development in this field is discussed. The potential for research and innovation has been further emphasized, with the core on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and strengthening the practical application of photocatalysis in environmental disinfection. [Display omitted] • Mechanisms elaboration from the perspectives of photocatalysts and microorganisms. • Investigation on the modification strategies of photocatalysts for disinfection. • Systematic overview on photocatalytic disinfection of various microorganisms. • Evaluation of economy/effectiveness in photocatalytic disinfection systems. • Discussion on the development prospects and challenges of photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]