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This article describes a method for the modification of paper with single-wall carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs) to form stable suprastructures. The SWCNHs form stable dahlia-like aggregates in solution that are then self-assembled into superior structures if the solvent is evaporated. Dipping paper sections into a dispersion of SWCNHs leads to the formation of a thin film that can be used for microextraction purposes. The coated paper can be easily handled with a simple pipette tip, paving the way for disposable extraction units. As a proof of concept, the extraction of antidepressants from urine and their determination by direct infusion mass spectrometry is studied. Limits of detection (LODs) were 10 ng/L for desipramine, amitriptyline, and mianserin, while the precision, expressed as a relative standard deviation, was 7.2%, 7.3%, and 9.8%, respectively.

As a kind of biomass resource, waste office paper can be used as a carbon precursor to prepare carbon materials. In this work, carbon microspheres with regular shape, uniform particle size and high carbon content were successfully prepared from waste office paper via a hydrothermal synthesis method with sulfuric acid as the catalyst. The effects of reaction temperature and sulfuric acid dosage on the morphology of the carbon microspheres were studied. The formation mechanism of the carbon microspheres was investigated by analyzing the structure and composition of the products. The results show that the hydrolysis of cellulose in waste paper under hydrothermal conditions was the key for the formation of carbon microspheres. The temperature of hydrothermal reaction and the use of sulfuric acid can affect the morphology of carbon microspheres. The carbon microspheres synthesized at 210 °C with 10 mL sulfuric acid have the best surface morphology, with uniform particle size and higher dispersion. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy show that the carbon microspheres have good capacitance performance and can be used in capacitors. This study provides a low-cost precursor for carbon microspheres as well as a new method for the recycle of waste paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A carbonized interlayer effectively helps to improve the electrochemical performance of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. In this study, a simple and inexpensive carbon intermediate layer was fabricated using a traditional Korean paper called "hanji". This carbon interlayer has a fibrous porous structure, with a specific surface area of 91.82 m2 g−1 and a BJH adsorption average pore diameter of 26.63 nm. The prepared carbon interlayer was utilized as an intermediary layer in Li–S batteries to decrease the charge-transfer resistance and capture dissolved lithium polysulfides. The porous fiber-shaped carbon interlayer suppressed the migration of polysulfides produced during the electrochemical process. The carbon interlayer facilitates the adsorption of soluble lithium polysulfides, allowing for their re-utilization in subsequent cycles. Additionally, the carbon interlayer significantly reduces the polarization of the cell. This simple strategy results in a significant improvement in cycle performance. Consequently, the discharge capacity at 0.5 C after 150 cycles was confirmed to have improved by more than twofold, reaching 230 mAh g−1 for cells without the interlayer and 583 mAh g−1 for cells with the interlayer. This study demonstrates a simple method for improving the capacity of Li–S batteries by integrating a functional carbon interlayer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon containing waste has a certain calorific value and utilization value due to the presence of carbon elements. However, the current treatment methods are mostly traditional landfill disposal, incineration, or expensive physical and chemical reaction methods, which clearly do not comply with the rules of the current clean and resource-saving society. In this paper, a new technology and system for carbon containing wastes is proposed, which comprehensively treats and recycles carbon containing wastes, including solid waste, wastewater, waste gas, etc., using pyrolysis–gasification two-stage-cycle technology. The calculation results indicate that the technical scheme proposed in this article is feasible and can achieve the recycling of intermediate and final products, the efficient and clean utilization of carbon containing waste, and the graded utilization of energy. The clean utilization rate of carbon containing waste can be effectively improved, the energy consumption and cost of separate treatments can be reduced, and zero waste emissions can be completely achieved by the comprehensive pyrolysis–gasification two-stage-cycle treatment and resource utilization technology, which is one of the preferred solutions for future resource-saving societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate novel graphite-on-paper piezoresistive devices. The graphite was used as sensing component. The fabrication process can be finished in a short time with simple tools (e.g., a scissor and a pencil). A small array of six paper-based piezoresistive devices is made. The whole device is flexible. The test results showed that the change of resistance was proportional to the applied force. A paper-based weighing balance was also made as an example of applications. This novel array of paper-based piezoresistive devices will open wide applications in force and acceleration sensing areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-doped carbon nanofiber mats can be prepared by the addition of cobalt acetate to the polyacrylonitrile/DMF electrospun solution. Wastewater obtained from food industries was utilized as the anolyte as well as microorganisms as the source in single-chamber batch mode microbial fuel cells. The results indicated that the single Co-free carbon nanofiber mat was not a good anode in the used microbial fuel cells. However, the generated power can be distinctly enhanced by using double active layers of pristine carbon nanofiber mats or a single layer Co-doped carbon nanofiber mat as anodes. Typically, after 24 h batching time, the estimated generated power densities were 10, 92, and 121 mW/m2 for single, double active layers, and Co-doped carbon nanofiber anodes, respectively. For comparison, the performance of the cell was investigated using carbon cloth and carbon paper as anodes, the observed power densities were smaller than the introduced modified anodes at 58 and 62 mW/m2, respectively. Moreover, the COD removal and Columbic efficiency were calculated for the proposed anodes as well as the used commercial ones. The results further confirm the priority of using double active layer or metal-doped carbon nanofiber anodes over the commercial ones. Numerically, the calculated COD removals were 29.16 and 38.95% for carbon paper and carbon cloth while 40.53 and 45.79% COD removals were obtained with double active layer and Co-doped carbon nanofiber anodes, respectively. With a similar trend, the calculated Columbic efficiencies were 26, 42, 52, and 71% for the same sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture is increasing globally, providing protein to a growing population, but little is known regarding the nutrient budgets in aquaculture. To obtain insight into how management practices impact nutrient fluxes in freshwater aquaculture earthen ponds worldwide, we conducted a literature review. Our literature search yielded 23 papers in which nutrient budgets were reported. Our results showed that the main nutrient inputs are inlet water, feed, and fertilizers, but they varied according to location and management practices. Overall, feed and fertilizers constituted the predominant nutrient sources, accounting for up to 99% of the total inputs. The most quantified outputs were outlet water, fish, and sedimentation. Our findings indicate that only up to 20% of carbon, 45% of nitrogen, and 60% of phosphorus are assimilated by the fish. In some systems, up to 80% of carbon, 80% of nitrogen, and 60% of phosphorus accumulate in pond bottoms; in other systems, the outflow represents substantial losses of up to 16% of carbon, 76% of nitrogen, and 55% of phosphorus. More insight into nutrients' fate in fishponds is crucial from a sustainability perspective, as feed and fertilizer use can likely be optimized, reducing operational costs and the potential impact on the surrounding environment and atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power sector is one of the major CO2-emitting industries in China. It is also the first key emissions control industry included in China's national carbon trading market established in 2021. Therefore, based on the data of 30 provinces and cities in China from 2015 to 2022, this study analyzes the impact of the national carbon market policy on the carbon emissions of the power industry based on the generalized Difference-in-Difference (DID) model. Based on the method of text analysis, this paper constructs the carbon market policy intensity index of each region and incorporates it into the DID model. Empirical analysis finds that the national carbon market policy can significantly inhibit the carbon emissions of the power industry. However, the heterogeneity analysis of 30 provinces and cities shows that the national carbon market policy has a significant impact on the regions that already have a carbon pilot, but not on the non-pilot regions. Therefore, this paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the national carbon market policy in the power industry emissions control, and also exposes the heterogeneity between regions, providing an important empirical basis for the inclusion of other energy-intensive industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of nonmetallic conductor materials in RF applications has recently become a highlighted issue when it comes to sustainability in the electronics industry, mainly because of the waste problems associated with heavy metals and the necessity of reducing and managing them. The replacement of metal in functional applications such as in electronics is therefore very important. Among these new materials, organic conductors are of great interest since they are, in general, biocompatible and biodegradable, allowing for the disposal of electronic devices, which reduces the negative environment impact caused by electronics waste. In this work, PEDOT:PSS and Carbon are investigated. Since these materials are available as conducting pastes or inks, the production of conducting patterns by printing techniques such as screen printing is possible, which can make the process less harmful to the environment, since it permits the use of organic substrates such as paper. In order to investigate the feasibility of these materials for RF signal transmission, screen printed PEDOT:PSS and Carbon transmission lines have been designed, fabricated and characterized. Results regarding conductivity, thickness, electric permittivity and S21 parameter are presented and will serve as a foundation for the development of further reaching applications utilizing organic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a sealed ageing study of palm oil (PO) and coconut oil (CO) in the presence of insulation paper. The type of PO under study is refined, bleached, and deodorized palm oil (RBDPO) olein. Three different variations of RBDPO and one sample of CO are aged at temperatures of 90 °C, 110 °C, and 130 °C. The properties of RBDPO and CO as well as paper under ageing are then analysed through dielectric and physicochemical measurements. It is found that the effect of ageing is not significant on the alternating current (AC) breakdown voltages and relative permittivities of RBDPO and CO. There is a slight increment trend of the resistivity for CO, while for all of the RBDPO, the resistivity slightly decreases as the ageing progresses. Only CO shows an apparent reduction of the dielectric dissipation factor. Throughout the ageing time, the acidities of all of the RBDPO and CO remain at low level, while the moisture in oils decreases. The tensile index (TI) of the papers for all of the RBDPO and CO retain more than 50% of the TI. A significant increment of the paper ageing rates of all of the RBDPO and CO is observed at an ageing temperature of 130 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In city-integrated energy systems containing electric–thermal multi-energy sources, the uncertainty of renewable energy sources and the fluctuation of loads challenge the safe, efficient, economic and stable operation of the integrated energy systems. This paper introduces a novel approach for the operation of a carbon capture plant/CHP with PV accommodation within a city-integrated energy system. The proposed strategy aims to maximize the utilization of photovoltaic (PV) power generation and carbon capture equipment, addressing issues related to small-scale CHP climbing constraints and short-term output regulation. Additionally, this paper presents a multi-timescale optimal scheduling strategy, which effectively addresses deviations caused by PV fluctuations and load changes. This was achieved through a detailed analysis of the CHP climbing constraints, carbon capture equipment operation and real-time characteristics of PV power generation. This paper introduces a fully distributed neural dynamics-based optimization algorithm designed to address multi-timescale optimization challenges. Utilizing rolling cycles, this algorithm computes both day-ahead and real-time scheduling outcomes for urban integrated energy systems. Theoretical analyses and numerical simulations were conducted to validate the precision and efficacy of the proposed model and algorithm. These analyses quantitatively evaluate the scheduling performance of PV power generation and carbon capture CHP systems across various timescales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is regarded as the EU's key policy tool to address carbon leakage, might have a non-negligible impact on China's exports, as China is an important trading partner for the EU's carbon-intensive products. This paper uses the GTAP-E model to simulate the impact of the EU CBAM on China's exports to the EU from four aspects, export price, trade structure, trade value and terms of trade, by setting up multiple scenarios. The results show that the EU CBAM reduces the export prices of China's taxed sectors to the EU, and that the export prices of other sectors show the same change characteristics. The export volume of China's taxed sectors decreases differently with the export transfer effect and export inhibition effect. In terms of trade value, the EU carbon tariffs not only reduce China's export value but also lead to a reduction in EU exports. The implementation of the EU CBAM improves the terms of trade of the EU and worsens the terms of trade of China. An expansion of the scope of taxation and a change in the calculation method of carbon emissions would aggravate the change in the terms of trade. The results suggest that feasible measures should be taken to strengthen international cooperation, promote the construction of a unified national carbon market and export diversification, and establish a firm carbon emission accounting system in order to mitigate the negative impact of the EU CBAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lyotropic liquid crystals represent an important class of anisotropic colloid systems. Their integration with optically active nanoparticles can provide us with responsive luminescent media that offer new fundamental and applied solutions for biomedicine. This paper analyzes the molecular-level behavior of such composites represented by tetraethylene glycol monododecyl ether and nanoscale carbon dots in microfluidic channels. Microfluidic confinement allows for simultaneously applying multiple factors, such as flow dynamics, wall effects, and temperature, for the precise control of the molecular arrangement in such composites and their resulting optical properties. The microfluidic behavior of composites was characterized by a set of analytical and modeling tools such as polarized and fluorescent microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and fluorescent spectroscopy, as well as image processing in Matlab. The composites were shown to form tunable anisotropic intermolecular structures in microchannels with several levels of molecular ordering. A predominant lamellar structure of the composites was found to undergo additional ordering with respect to the microchannel axis and walls. Such an alignment was controlled by applying shear and temperature factors to the microfluidic environment. The revealed molecular behavior of the composite may contribute to the synthesis of hybrid organized media capable of polarized luminescence for on-chip diagnostics and biomimetics.

Due to a large number of harmful chemicals flowing into the water source in production and life, the water quality deteriorates, and the use value of water is reduced or lost. Biochar has a strong physical adsorption effect, but it can only separate pollutants from water and cannot eliminate pollutants fundamentally. Photocatalytic degradation technology using photocatalysts uses chemical methods to degrade or mineralize organic pollutants, but it is difficult to recover and reuse. Woody biomass has the advantages of huge reserves, convenient access and a low price. Processing woody biomass into biochar and then combining it with photocatalysts has played a complementary role. In this paper, the shortcomings of a photocatalyst and biochar in water treatment are introduced, respectively, and the advantages of a woody biochar-based photocatalyst made by combining them are summarized. The preparation and assembly methods of the woody biochar-based photocatalyst starting from the preparation of biochar are listed, and the water treatment efficiency of the woody biochar-based photocatalyst using different photocatalysts is listed. Finally, the future development of the woody biochar-based photocatalyst is summarized and prospected., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

This study presents research into the unique method of depositing carbon layers onto processed surfaces, during finishing with abrasive films, on a global basis. The authors of this article are holders of the patent for this method. What makes this technology outstanding is that it integrates processes, whereby micro-finishing and the deposition of a carbon layer onto freshly exposed surface fragments is achieved simultaneously, in a single process. Among the main advantages accruable from this process is the reduction of surface irregularities, while the deposition of a carbon layer is achieved simultaneously. Ultrathin graphite layers can be widely used in conditions where other methods of reducing the coefficient of friction are not possible, such as in regard to micromechanisms. This article illustrates the application of carbon coating, end on, on a surface processed with abrasive film, containing intergranular spaces, saturated with graphite. Thin carbon layers were obtained on two substrates that did not contain carbon in their initial composition: soda–lime glass and a tin–bronze alloy. It was performed through microscopic examinations of the produced surface, roughness analyses of these surfaces, and analysis of the chemical compositions determined by two methods, namely EDS and GDOES, proving the existence of the coatings. The aim of this paper is to prove the possibility and efficiency of using graphite-impregnated lapping films in the deposition process of carbon films, with improved surface smoothness, durability, and wear resistance. The produced coatings will be tested in regard to their operational properties in further research. The authors underline the potential of this method to revolutionize surface treatment processes, due to the significant advantages it offers across various industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon content as received (Car) of coal is essential for the emission factor method in IPCC methodology. The traditional carbon measurement mechanism relies on detection equipment, resulting in significant detection costs. To reduce detection costs and provide precise predictions of Cars even in the absence of measurements, this paper proposes a neural network combining MLP with an attention mechanism (MSA-Net). In this model, the Attention Module is proposed to extract important and potential features. The Skip-Connections are utilized for feature reuse. The Huber loss is used to reduce the error between predicted Car values and actual values. The experimental results show that when the input includes eight measured parameters, the MAPE of MSA-Net is only 0.83%, which is better than the state-of-the-art Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) method. MSA-Net exhibits better predictive performance compared to MLP, RNN, LSTM, and Transformer. Moreover, this article provides two measurement solutions for thermal power enterprises to reduce detection costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon storage services play an important role in maintaining ecosystem stability. Land use/cover change (LUCC) is the main factor leading to changes in ecosystem carbon storage. Understanding the impact of LUCC on regional carbon storage changes is crucial for protecting regional ecosystems and promoting sustainable socio-economic development. This paper selects Shanxi province as the study area and explores the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of carbon storage in Shanxi province based on the InVEST model and univariate spatial autocorrelation. The results show that the total carbon storage in Shanxi Province in 2000, 2010, and 2020 is 513.51 × 104 t C, 513.46 × 104 t C, and 509.29 × 104 t C, respectively. High carbon storage areas are distributed in forest and grassland land types, while low carbon storage areas are widely distributed in building land in urban metropolitan areas. Shanxi Province is mainly dominated by farmland, which has decreased by 3448.60 km2 in the past 20 years. Grassland has decreased by 1588.31 km2 and the area of building land has increased by 4205.73 km2. Due to the influence of carbon conversion among different land use types, the total carbon storage loss of Shanxi Province in the past 20 years was 4.21 × 104 t C. The transfer of farmland resulted in an increase in carbon stock of 14.46 × 104 t C. The transfer of grassland resulted in an increase of 17.15 × 104 t C, while the transfer of forest resulted in a decrease of 41.44 × 104 t C. The increase in land use types with low carbon density and the decrease in land use types with high carbon density led to the decrease in carbon storage in Shanxi Province. Furthermore, social factors were more likely to influence the carbon storage than natural factors, and the influence of social factors was often negative. On this basis, regional development countermeasures were proposed for the current situation of carbon storage in Shanxi Province and provide a scientific basis for Shanxi Province to achieve the carbon neutrality target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the effect of a nanostructured C-Pd film deposited in the gate area of a field-effect transistor (FET) with a carbon–palladium composite gate (C-Pd/FET) on the hydrogen-sensing properties of the transistor. The method of preparing a field-effect transistor (FET) with a C-Pd film deposited as a gate and the properties of such a transistor and the film itself are presented. The C-Pd film deposited by PVD method on the gate area serves as an active layer. The PVD process was carried out in a dynamic vacuum of 10−5 mbar from two separated sources—one containing fullerenes (C60) and the other containing palladium acetate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS, EDX) and electrical property studies were used to the characterize C-Pd films and FET/C-Pd structures. SEM observations revealed the topography of C-Pd films and FET/C-Pd transistors. EDS/EDX microanalysis was applied to visualize the arrangement of elements on the studied surfaces. The changes in electrical properties (resistance and relative resistance) due to the presence of hydrogen were studied in a designed and computerized experimental set-up. The enhanced properties of the FET/C-Pd transistor are demonstrated in terms of hydrogen detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper shows the three-point bending strength analysis of a composite material consisting of polyamide doped with chopped carbon fiber and reinforced with continuous carbon fiber produced by means of the material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing technique. For a comparison, two types of specimens were produced: unreinforced and continuous fiber-reinforced (CFR) with the use of carbon fiber. The specimens were fabricated in two orientations that assure the highest strength properties. Strength analysis was supplemented by additional digital image correlation (DIC) analysis that allowed for the identification of regions with maximum strain within the specimens. The utilization of an optical microscope enabled a fractographic examination of the fracture surfaces of the specimens. The results of this study demonstrated a beneficial effect of continuous carbon fiber reinforcement on both the stiffness and strength of the material, with an increase in flexural strength from 77.34 MPa for the unreinforced composite to 147.03 MPa for the composite reinforced with continuous carbon fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dots (CDs) are luminescent carbon nanoparticles with significant potential in analytical sensing, biomedicine, and energy regeneration due to their remarkable optical, physical, biological, and catalytic properties. In light of the enduring ecological impact of non-biomass waste that persists in the environment, efforts have been made toward converting non-biomass waste, such as ash, waste plastics, textiles, and papers into CDs. This review introduces non-biomass waste carbon sources and classifies them in accordance with the 2022 Australian National Waste Report. The synthesis approaches, including pre-treatment methods, and the properties of the CDs derived from non-biomass waste are comprehensively discussed. Subsequently, we summarize the diverse applications of CDs from non-biomass waste in sensing, information encryption, LEDs, solar cells, and plant growth promotion. In the final section, we delve into the future challenges and perspectives of CDs derived from non-biomass waste, shedding light on the exciting possibilities in this emerging area of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon emission intensity is an important index reflecting an entity's low-carbon competitiveness. This paper presents an extended logarithmic mean divisia index (LMDI) model to dissect carbon intensity within China's civil aviation from 1998 to 2019, revealing a significant reduction in CO2 emissions per air transport revenue. It attributes this decrease to technological advancements, optimized fleet structures, and improved operational efficiencies, highlighting the impact of larger, more efficient aircraft and enhanced load factors. The study also explores economic factors influencing carbon efficiency, suggesting a comprehensive approach encompassing technological innovation and strategic operational improvements for sustainable aviation development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving the net zero emissions target that was set in the Paris Agreement to mitigate the risks of climate change seems increasingly difficult as countries and sectors of the economy are falling behind the expected trajectory. The building and construction industry, as one of the main contributors to global emissions, has an essential role to play toward this aim. Net zero emissions target has been introduced to this sector as well; however, achieving it is a very challenging and complex task. Many studies have been undertaken on implementing different measures and strategies to reduce the industry's carbon footprint. These studies identified many challenges and barriers in transforming the industry. This paper aims to provide a systematic review of challenges that organisations face in delivering new net zero emissions buildings. The relevant journal articles published since the Paris Agreement were identified and analysed using mixed-method data analysis, including quantitative (science mapping) and qualitative (thematic) analysis. The result showed increased attention to the subject over this period, with China, the UK, and Australia being the top contexts for research. The most discussed groups of barriers were "economic", "knowledge", and "technical", respectively, followed by "organisational", "market", "technological", and "legal" barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to discuss the importance of the climate crisis and embodied carbon in the landscape architecture sector. The study was carried out in a multiprofessional team with the collaboration of the Landscape Institute (LI) Chartered Body of Landscape Architecture, UK, and experts in the field. Using the expertise and knowledge of professionals as well as existing landscape examples and pioneering tools on carbon, this review paper focuses on the importance of low/net-zero carbon landscapes for our cities and regions and the ways in which these can contribute to the broader health and wellbeing of our communities. Examining the current situation on carbon methodologies and the latest knowledge on carbon calculations through a landscape lens, the paper explores why embodied carbon is important for open spaces/landscapes and the necessary policies to support a more efficient implementation of these concepts. The intensity of recent environmental challenges demands action. This review highlights the need for holistic approaches that integrate embodied carbon calculations on large-scale landscape design. Using the innovative example of the Pathfinder App, a carbon calculation tool, as well as other similar software, this paper argues that more steps are needed towards the calculation and adaptation of CO2 emissions resulting from design, construction and materials in landscape schemes. The low availability of carbon calculation tools, specially developed for landscape schemes, is a major concern for the profession as it creates several issues with the sustainable development of the landscape projects as well as fragmented policies that exclude spatial and open spaces. Even though carbon calculation and embodied carbon are being calculated in buildings or materials, it is a relatively new area when it comes to land, the landscape and open and green space, and therefore, this study will present and discuss some of the pioneering carbon calculation tools focusing on landscape projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass pyrolysis is a promising route for synthesizing graphene-like carbon (GLC) structures, potentially offering a cost-effective and renewable alternative to graphene. This review paper responds to the call for highlighting the state of the art in GLC materials design and synthesis from renewable biomass microwave pyrolysis. This paper includes an introduction of the microwave pyrolysis technology, information on feedstock variability and selection, discussion on the correlation between microwave pyrolysis process conditions and pyrolyzed product characteristics, and, more importantly, a section identifying any differences between pyrolyzing feedstock using the microwave pyrolysis method vs. conventional pyrolysis method. Furthermore, this work concludes by detailing the knowledge currently missing with the recommendation for future research/innovation directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the world takes a more strategic approach to the climate crisis, carbon in its various forms has become a key factor in ascertaining the sustainability of the landscape. Landscape has been recognised as a resource and mechanism for addressing the role of carbon in the environment, with literature focused on the landscape's carbon capacity as interconnected systems of land, soil, water and organic life. It has, however, largely neglected the crucial role of the cultural, social and historical aspects of the landscape, particularly at the level of design. This paper acknowledges and explores the complexity of landscape as a natural-cultural system with the consequent difficulties this poses in legislating, calculating and measuring carbon for global, national and local targets for low/zero carbon and carbon offsetting. The discussion takes place in the arena of landscape architecture at regional/city/local scales and the life-cycle of a project including its integration into its wider social, cultural and environmental setting. This paper develops the discourse in three major areas: first, by examining how the complexity of landscape is obscured in the context of carbon-measuring tools used in landscape architecture; secondly exploring one such tool in practice to demonstrate how site-specific design decisions can impact carbon levels; and third by proposing how an integrated understanding of landscape can be built into projects to embrace complexity and operationalise low carbon visions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the properties of mesoporous carbon (MC), used as a catalyst support within electrodes, MC fibers (MCFs) were successfully synthesized by combining organic–organic self-assembly and electrospinning deposition and optimizing heat treatment conditions. The pore structure was controlled by varying the experimental conditions. Among MCFs, MCF-A, which was made in the most acidic condition, resulted in the largest pore diameter (4–5 nm), and the porous structure and carbonization degree were further optimized by adjusting heat treatment conditions. Then, since the fiber structure is expected to have an advantage when MCFs are applied to devices, MCF-A layers were prepared by spray printing. For the resistance to compression, MCF-A layers showed higher resistance (5.5% change in thickness) than the bulk MC layer (12.8% change in thickness). The through-plane resistance was lower when the fiber structure remained more within the thin layer, for example, +8 mΩ for 450 rpm milled MCF-A and +12 mΩ for 800 rpm milled MCF-A against the gas diffusion layer (GDL) 25BC carbon paper without a carbon layer coating. The additional advantages of MCF-A compared with bulk MC demonstrate that MCF-A has the potential to be used as a catalyst support within electrodes in energy devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a highly conductive alkali-activated graphitized carbon (a-GC) was prepared using tilapia fish scales as precursors through enzymolysis, activation and pyrolytic carbonization methods. The prepared a-GC was modified on the surface of a screen-printed carbon electrode to construct a flexible portable electrochemical sensing platform, which was applied to the differential pulse voltametric detection of dopamine (DA) using a U-disk electrochemical workstation combined with a smart phone and Bluetooth. The prepared a-GC possesses good electrical conductivity, a large specific surface area and abundant active sites, which are beneficial for the electrooxidation of DA molecules and result in excellent sensitivity and high selectivity for DA analysis. Under the optimal conditions, the oxidation peak current of DA increased gradually, with its concentrations in the range from 1.0 μmol/L to 1000.0 μmol/L, with the detection limit as low as 0.25 μmol/L (3S/N). The proposed sensor was further applied to the determination of DA in human sweat samples, with satisfactory results, which provided an opportunity for developing noninvasive early diagnosis and nursing equipment.

This paper characterizes the composition of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) in different types of activated sludge (AS) processes and analyzes the biosorption of soluble organics when waste AS (WAS) is mixed with raw wastewater for primary carbon diversion. The fraction of AS organics identified as EPSs was 26% in a membrane bioreactor (MBR), 54% in conventional AS (CAS), and 51% in a trickling filter/solids contact (TF/SC) process. EPSs were found to be approximately 15% carbohydrates, 40% proteins, 40% humics, and 5% uronics in CAS and MBR AS. Biosorption was not correlated to the organic portion (VSS) of the WAS; however, statistically significant correlations were found for the total amount of EPSs (for TF/SC and CAS) and the protein fraction (for TF/SC and MBR) in the VSS. EPSs from different types of AS biosorbed the same amount of soluble organics, removing 1.43 ± 0.15 (n = 16) mg of soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD), and 1.20 ± 0.18 (n = 16) mg of truly soluble COD (ffCOD), per mg of cation exchange resin (CER) total extracted EPSs. Utilizing multiple extraction methods in series (CER–base–sulfide) increased EPS extraction yields by nearly 100% relative to CER alone and indicated different EPS fractionization for CAS (a smaller fraction of carbohydrates and a larger fraction of humics). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe/N-doped carbon (Fe-NC) is an excellent base-metal catalyst for use in an electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with high activity. In this paper, graphite phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was first obtained from the pyrolyzing of melamine, and then different proportions of FeCl3 were separately doped into g-C3N4 to further prepare the Fe-NC catalyst. The Fe-NC catalyst was applied in an ORR reaction, and the results show that the Fe-NC catalyst doped with 0.5 mmol FeCl3 possesses exceptional electrocatalytic performance, with an onset potential of 0.96 V and a half-wave potential of 0.81 V, which approaches that of a Pt/C catalyst. Meanwhile, the Fe-NC catalyst displays high stability and methanol resistance. The results supply a new way to prepare efficient ORR electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eco-efficiency optimisation study on unidirectional carbon/glass fibre-reinforced hybrid composites with natural fibre (i.e., flax) and without flax is presented in this paper. The mechanical performance was assessed by determining the flexural properties obtained via finite element analysis (FEA)-based simulation. Given the required flexural strength, optimal candidate designs were found using a set of design rules and regression analysis, with minimising the cost and weight being the objectives. An eco-efficiency framework was applied to determine the eco-efficient hybrid composites. Life cycle assessment was an indispensable component of the framework as it helped determine the life cycle environmental impacts and costs of the hybrid composite materials. The environmental impacts and cost values were converted to the eco-efficiency portfolios of these composites for both comparison and selection purposes. The hybrid composites using bio-based flax fibre have been found to be eco-efficient in most of the cases due to the avoidance of energy-intensive and expensive reinforcing materials. The environmental impacts of the hybrid composites using flaxes are 12 to 13% less than the ones using no flaxes and the former are 7 to 13% cheaper than the latter, making the flax-based hybrid composites eco-efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pt-Pd-based noble metal catalysts are widely used in engine exhaust aftertreatment because of their better carbon soot oxidation performance. At present, the synergistic effect of Pt and Pd in CDPFs, which is the most widely used and common doping method, in catalyzing the combustion of carbon smoke has not been reported, and it is not possible to give an optimal doping ratio of Pt and Pd. This paper investigates the carbon soot oxidation performance of different Pt/Pd ratios (Pt/Pd = 1:0, 10:1, 5:1, 1:1) based on physicochemical characterization and particle combustion kinetics calculations, aiming to reveal the Pt-Pd synergistic effect and its carbon soot oxidation law. The results show that Pt-based catalysts doped with Pd can improve the catalyst dispersion, significantly increase the specific surface area, and reduce the activation energy and reaction temperature of carbon soot reactions, but excessive doping of Pd leads to the enhancement of the catalyst agglomeration effect, a decrease in the specific surface area, and an increase in the activation energy and reaction temperature of the carbon soot reaction. The specific surface area and pore capacity of the catalyst are the largest, and the activation energy of particle oxidation and the pre-exponential factor are the smallest (203.44 kJ∙mol−1 and 6.31 × 107, respectively), which are 19.29 kJ∙mol−1 and 4.95 × 108 lower than those of pure carbon soot; meanwhile, the starting and final combustion temperatures of carbon soot (T10 and T90) are the lowest at 585.8 °C and 679.4 °C, respectively, which are 22.1 °C and 20.9 °C lower than those of pure carbon soot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate carbon emission accounting for electric vehicles (EVs) is particularly important, especially for those participating in the carbon market. However, the participation of numerous EVs in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) scheduling complicates the precise accounting of individual EV emissions. This paper presents a novel approach to carbon accounting and benefits distribution for EVs. It includes a low-carbon dispatch model for a distribution system (DS), aimed at reducing total emissions through strategic EV charging scheduling. Further, an improved carbon emission flow accounting model is proposed to calculate the carbon reduction of EVs before and after low-carbon dispatch. It enables real-time carbon flow tracking during EV charging and discharging, then accurately quantifies the carbon reduction amount. Additionally, it employs the Shapley value method to ensure equitable distribution of carbon revenue, balancing low-carbon operation costs and carbon reduction contributions. A case study based on a 31-node campus distribution network demonstrated that effective scheduling of 1296 EVs can significantly reduce system carbon emissions. This method can accurately account for the carbon emissions of EVs under different charging states, and provides a balanced analysis of EV carbon reduction contributions and costs, advocating for fair revenue allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium is the most used material for implant production. To increase its biocompatibility, continuous research on new coatings has been performed by the scientific community. The aim of the present paper is to prepare new coatings on the surfaces of the pure Ti Grade 2 and the Ti6Al4V alloy. Three types of coatings were achieved by applying anodization and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods: TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) were formed by anodization, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were obtained through a metal-catalyst-free CVD process, and a bilayer coating (TiO2 nanotubes/carbon nanostructures) was prepared via successive anodization and CVD processes. The morphology and structure of the newly developed coatings were characterized using SEM, EDX, AFM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. It was found that after anodization, the morphology of the TiO2 layer on pure Ti consisted of a "sponge-like" structure, nanotubes, and nano-rods, while the TNTs layer on the Ti alloy comprised mainly nanotubes. The bilayer coatings on both materials demonstrated different morphologies: the pure Ti metal was covered by a layer of nanotubular and nano-rod TiO2 structures, followed by a dense carbon layer decorated with carbon nanoflakes, and on the Ti alloy, first, a TNTs layer was formed, and then carbon nano-rods were deposited using the CVD method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional trade leads to carbon transfer, which in turn raises the issue of carbon inequality. However, less existing research has focused on carbon inequality within megaregions. Combining multi-regional input-output analysis, carbon Gini coefficients and carbon deviation coefficients, this paper presents a comprehensive analysis of carbon equity in inter-provincial trade in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YEB) from the perspective of economic benefits and environmental pressure. The results show that: (1) Carbon emissions from the production and consumption sides of the 11 provinces in the YEB vary considerably. (2) Significant carbon inequality exists in the YEB region. This is manifested in the unequal relationship between the transfer of embodied carbon emissions and economic benefits, as well as the difference in carbon deviation coefficients. Based on the results of our research, this paper can help provide theoretical support and decision-making reference for implementing a differentiated carbon emission reduction responsibility mechanism and establishing a coordinated carbon emission reduction responsibility system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many research papers describe selective hydrogenation of functional groups, such as nitro groups, carbonyl groups, or unsaturated carbon bonds to obtain fine chemicals or precursors of pharmaceuticals. Quite often, the catalyst performance is investigated in batch or continuous flow reactors without finding advantages and disadvantages of this or that regime. At the same time, the transition from batch processes to continuous flow occurs on the industrial scale. However, the batch process can be preferable for some reactions, in spite of its drawbacks. This review article aims to identify all publications that consider selective hydrogenation of functional groups in organic compounds, both in batch and continuous flow reactors, at the same reaction conditions that allow making conclusions about the benefits of one of the regimes in a particular case.

Temperature determines biochar structure during pyrolysis. However, differences in holding time and feedstock types may affect this relationship. The conditional process analysis model was used in this paper to investigate the potential to affect this mechanism. The branch and leaf parts of Taxodium ascendens were separately pyrolyzed at 350, 450, 650, and 750 °C, and kept for 0.5, 1, and 2 h at each target temperature. We measured the fixed carbon and ash contents and the elemental composition (C, H, O and N) of the raw materials and their char samples. After plotting a Van Krevelen (VK) diagram to determine the aromatization of chars, the changes in the functional groups were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results revealed that pyrolysis at temperatures between 450 and 750 °C accounted for the aromatization of biochar because the atomic H/C ratio of branch-based chars (BC) decreased from 0.53–0.59 to 0.15–0.18, and the ratio of leaf-based chars (LC) decreased from 0.56–0.68 to 0.20–0.22; the atomic O/C ratio of BC decreased from 0.22–0.27 to 0.08–0.11, while that of LC decreased from 0.26–0.28 to 0.18–0.21. Moreover, the average contents of N (1.89%) and ash (13%) in LC were evidently greater than that in BC (N:0.62%; Ash: 4%). Therefore, BC was superior to LC in terms of the stability of biochar. In addition, the increasing ID/IG and ID/I(DR+GL) ratios in BC and LC indicated an increasing amount of the amorphous aromatic carbon structure with medium-sized (2~6 rings) fused benzene rings. According to the CPA analysis, an extension of the holding time significantly enhanced the increase in aromatic structures of LC with temperature. But this extension slightly reduced the growth in aromatic structures of BC. All indicate that holding time and feedstock types (branch or leaf feedstock) could significantly affect the variation in biochar aromatic structure with respect to temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to a series of problems brought about by rapid economic development, such as global warming and the continuous deterioration of the ecological environment, China has taken the initiative to shoulder the responsibility of a major country and continued to contribute Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to the goal of "carbon peak and carbon neutrality" at an early date. In this paper, Henan Province has been selected as the study area, and the changes in land use and carbon storage in Henan Province from 2000 to 2020 have been analyzed spatially and temporally. The PLUS model is used to predict future land use changes under different scenarios, and the InVEST model is used to estimate carbon storage under the corresponding scenarios. The results showed that (1) During 2000–2020, the farmland in Henan Province has been in a decreasing trend, grassland and construction land showed a decreasing trend and then an increasing trend, and woodland showed a decreasing trend. From 2000 to 2020, Henan's overall carbon storage showed a downward trend each year, with storage mainly in the western and southern regions of the province, with a spatial distribution of high storage in the west and low storage in the east. (2) Under the normal development scenario (SSP2-RCP4.5) from 2030 to 2050, the area of farmland and woodland basically showed a continuous downward trend, while construction land showed an upward trend annually, and farmland and construction land showed an increasing trend under the normal development scenario (SSP2-RCP4.5) and economic priority scenario (SSP5-RCP8.5). The decreasing trend of carbon storage was the smallest under the normal development scenario (SSP2-RCP4.5) and the ecological protection scenario (SSP1-RCP2.6). The results provide a basis for decision-making regarding low-carbon and circular developments and rational and optimal land use in Henan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, carbon-matrix-supported copper (Cu) and cobaltous oxide (CoO) nanoparticles were obtained by using coordination polymers (CPs) as a precursor. The aqueous solutions of copper methacrylate (CuMA) and cobalt methacrylate (CoMA) were preferentially prepared, which were then mixed with anhydrous ethanol to fabricate dual metal ion coordination polymers (CuMA/CoMA). After calcination under an argon atmosphere, the Cu-CoO/C nanocomposite was obtained. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed that the material has banded morphology, and the dual functional nanoparticles were highly dispersed in the carbon matrix. The prepared material was used in a heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction, with the aim of replacing traditional ferric catalysts to solve pH constraints and the mass production of ferric slime. The obtained nanocomposite showed excellent catalytic performance on the degradation of methylene blue (MB) at near-neutral conditions; the discoloration efficiency is about 98.5% within 50 min in the presence of 0.15 mmol/mL H2O2 and 0.5 mg/mL catalyst. And good reusability was verified via eight cycles. The plausible pathway for MB discoloration and the possible catalytic mechanism was also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of fibre-reinforced polymer materials (FRPs) for the retrofitting of reinforced concrete (RC) structures has become very popular. However, the main concern for the exploitation of FRPs is their premature debonding failure modes. This paper presents two different universal models for calculating flexed RC elements strengthened with externally bonded and near-surface mounted FRP reinforcements, which were derived by coupling principles of the fracture mechanics of solids and generally accepted assumptions. The first model allows a complete analysis of the behaviour, development, and propagation of rupture of the joint. The main advantages of the proposed model, compared to existing ones, are that it does not require additional bond shear tests to identify missing factors, and it is versatile and suitable for both externally bonded reinforcements (EBR) and near surface mounted (NSM) strengthening techniques. In addition, the concrete–FRP connection is divided into zones and the current phase and length of each zone are determined, allowing for more detailed analysis of the connection at different load stages. The proposed computational model and its derivation focus on the performance of the joint between the two cracks and the distribution of the shear stresses in that joint. The second one requires fewer computations and can be fully exploited when the joint is treated as a unit, without division. The results of the calculations have been validated using the experimental database of 77 RC beams and strengthened with externally bonded and near-surface mounted carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) sheets, plates, strips, and bars taken from 13 different studies. Both the prestress force and the initial stress state before strengthening were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The imperative to achieve a climate-neutral industry necessitates CO2-free alternatives for H2 production. Recent developments suggest that plasma technology holds promise in this regard. This study investigates H2 production by methane pyrolysis using a lab-scale plasma furnace, with the primary objective of achieving a high H2 yield through continuous production. The plasma furnace features a DC-transferred thermal plasma arc system. The plasma gas comprises Ar and CH4, introduced into the reaction zone through the graphite hollow cathode. The off-gas is channeled for further analysis, while the plasma arc is recorded by a camera installed on the top lid. Results showcase a high H2 yield in the range of up to 100%. A stable process is facilitated by a higher power and lower CH4 input, contributing to a higher H2 yield in the end. Conversely, an increased gas flow results in a shorter gas residence time, reducing H2 yield. The images of the plasma arc zone vividly depict the formation and growth of carbon, leading to disruptive interruptions in the arc, hence declining efficiency. The produced solid carbon exhibits high purity with a fluffy and fine structure. This paper concludes that further optimization and development of the process are essential to achieve stable continuous operation with a high utilization degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose-based carbon (CBC) is widely known for its porous structure and high specific surface area and is liable to adsorb gas molecules and macromolecular pollutants. However, the application of CBC in gas sensing has been little studied. In this paper, a ZnO/CBC heterojunction was formed by means of simple co-precipitation and high-temperature carbonization. As a new ammonia sensor, the prepared ZnO/CBC sensor can detect ammonia that the previous pure ZnO ammonia sensor cannot at room temperature. It has a great gas sensing response, stability, and selectivity to an ammonia concentration of 200 ppm. This study provides a new idea for the design and synthesis of biomass carbon–metal oxide composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy efficiency is one of the most powerful strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change by reducing energy demand, which in turn reduces the emissions of Green House Gases (GHG), as well as reducing the burden on the supply side renewable generation expansion. Because electric motors systems represent such a large share of the overall electricity consumption (over 50%), large savings potential could be made available by the use of energy-efficient motor systems both in new installations and by accelerating the replacement of old inefficient motors. Since electric motors are very reliable, their lifetime is long (according to recent studies it may exceed 20 years) which translates into a very inefficient existing stock despite worldwide policy efforts. This paper analyzes the current efficiency of the installed stock and the causes for its low efficiency, possible policy options to increase its the efficiency, the role of new technologies and improvements possible by targeting the entire motor system at the time of motor replacement. The paper presents an innovative analysis of the estimated impact of increasing the uptake of high-efficiency motors and motor systems; effective policies could translate into 100 TWh/year in the European Union if additional measures, such as addressing oversizing, proper controls (VSDs) and digitisation, are also implemented. If similar measures were adopted globally, the savings triggered could be at least tenfold reaching over 1000 TWh/year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]