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From Waste to Wealth: Sustainable Synthesis and Processes for Environment and Energy Applications

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Waste and Recycling".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 11421

Special Issue Editors

Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre, School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
Interests: nanomaterial and nanocomposite synthesis; surface modification; polymeric nanocomposite; membranes; desalination and wastewater treatment; energy production
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Marine Technology Center, Institute for Vehicle System & Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
Interests: marine environmental sustainability; smart mobility; ocean renewable energy; fluid-structure interaction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The alarming level of waste generation has urged more studies and research to focus on approaches related to waste management, product life cycle assessment, and circular economy. Circular economy frameworks offer an opportunity for various technological innovations. This resource-efficient model emphasizes eliminating waste and makes the entire economy more sustainable through waste reuse, reduction, and recycling. Numerous efforts have been devoted to minimizing the environmental impacts of a wide range of material production and industrial processes. These efforts include reducing the use of chemicals or using green solvents as alternatives to hazardous solvents. Developing sustainable, bio-based, and biodegradable materials is another straightforward strategy for achieving this goal.

This Special Issue aims at collecting a compilation of articles, which covers research articles, reviews, and communications, with topic areas focused on waste reutilization, green material synthesis, and sustainable processes for energy and environmental applications. We are pleased to invite you to submit your original manuscript to this Special Issue. 

Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Waste reutilization for material synthesis;
  • Waste conversions via bioremediation;
  • Green solvent for material synthesis;
  • Green manufacturing;
  • Life cycle analysis for sustainable waste conversions;
  • Water and wastewater treatment;
  • Biofuel and bioenergy;
  • Hydrogen production and utilization;
  • Hydrogen storage and transportation;
  • Renewable energy;
  • Computational studies/ modelling

Dr. Pei Sean Goh
Prof. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail
Dr. Jun Wei Lim
Dr. Hooi Siang Kang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable
  • waste reutilization
  • green manufacturing
  • green synthesis
  • renewable energy

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 3802 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Study of Eggshell and Commercial Sorbent-Based Catalysts through Synthesis and Characterization for SESR Process
by Muhammad Qasim, Muhammad Ayoub, Karamjit Singh, Abrar Inayat, Rashid Shamsuddin, Mohammed Danish and Sarah Farrukh
Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 14762; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152014762 - 11 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 802
Abstract
Hydrogen is a clean and valuable energy carrier, and there is growing consensus that a hydrogen-based economy could be the key to ensuring the long-term reliability and environmental friendliness of the world’s energy supply. There are a variety of methods and technologies that [...] Read more.
Hydrogen is a clean and valuable energy carrier, and there is growing consensus that a hydrogen-based economy could be the key to ensuring the long-term reliability and environmental friendliness of the world’s energy supply. There are a variety of methods and technologies that may be used to produce hydrogen; among them, sorption-enhanced steam reforming is regarded as the way that is the most effective. For the purpose of making a decision about which catalysts to employ in SESR in the future, this study compared three distinct kinds of catalysts. The wet impregnation method was used to manufacture the waste-derived CaO-implemented Ni-based catalysts, which were then used in sorption-enhanced steam reforming (SESR) to produce hydrogen (H2). X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) were used to analyze the catalysts. XRD results showed that the crystallinity behavior for all types of catalysts such as 10NMA, 10NCMA-E, and 10NCMA was identical. The spinel compounds such as NiAl2O4 and MgAl2O4 were identified in all three types of catalysts. At high temperatures, such as at 800 °C, all catalysts were stable, evident from TGA results. During three sorption cycles, the 10NCMA-based catalyst demonstrated the highest sorption capacity among the three varieties of catalysts, followed by the 10NCMA-E catalyst. During the first, second, and third calcination cycles, the 10NCMA-based catalyst released 23.88%, 22.05%, and 23.33% CO2, respectively. 10NCMA-E can be a potential catalyst for the SESR process by decreasing the material manufacturing cost and overall cost of the SESR process. Full article
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23 pages, 4322 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Modeling Study on the Removal of Mn, Fe, and Zn from Fiberboard Industrial Wastewater Using Modified Activated Carbon
by Syafiqa Ayob, Wahid Ali Hamood Altowayti, Norzila Othman, Faisal Sheikh Khalid, Shafinaz Shahir, Husnul Azan Tajarudin and Ammar Mohammed Ali Alqadasi
Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6734; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086734 - 17 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1270
Abstract
In this work, the use of agricultural waste from oil palm petioles (OPP) as a raw material for the production of activated carbon (AC) and its characterization were examined. By soaking these chars in nitric acid (HNO3) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) [...] Read more.
In this work, the use of agricultural waste from oil palm petioles (OPP) as a raw material for the production of activated carbon (AC) and its characterization were examined. By soaking these chars in nitric acid (HNO3) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) at a 10% concentration, AC with favorable high-porosity carbons was generated. To maximize AC synthesis, the AC was pyrolyzed at 460, 480, and 500 °C temperatures for 20 min. Based on micrographs of formed pores and surface functional groups, 480 °C carbonization temperature on both chemical HNO3 and KOH was shown to be the best. The FTIR measurements reveal that chemical activation successfully transformed the raw material into AC. Moreover, FESEM micrographs show the pores and cavities of the prepared AC achieve a high surface area. This is further supported by BET results of HNO3 OPP AC and KOH OPP AC with surface areas of 883.3 and 372.4 m2/g, respectively, compared with the surface area of raw OPP of 0.58 m2/g. Furthermore, the tests were revealed by an optimization model, namely response surface methodology (RSM), using a central composite design (CCD) technique. The findings showed that all three parameters (pH, time, and dose) had a substantial impact on the removal of Zn, Fe, and Mn. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analytical error indicated that the models were accurate, with a low error value and a high R2 > 0.9. Remarkably, the good correlation between actual and predicted removal values showed that the modified activated carbon is a promising adsorbent for heavy metal removal from wastewater. Full article
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13 pages, 4121 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Annona diversifolia Seed Extract as A Natural Coagulant for Water Treatment
by Ibrahim Muntaqa Tijjani Usman, Foo-Wei Lee, Yeek-Chia Ho, Han-Ping Khaw, Qi-Wen Chong, Yong-Ming Kee, Jun-Wei Lim and Pau-Loke Show
Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 6324; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15076324 - 06 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1318
Abstract
The ever-present environmental crises are current research hotspots. Nature-based solutions have been shown to have multiple co-benefits toward solving these crises. Plant-based coagulants are known to be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach for coagulation and flocculation processes for drinking-water treatment. In this [...] Read more.
The ever-present environmental crises are current research hotspots. Nature-based solutions have been shown to have multiple co-benefits toward solving these crises. Plant-based coagulants are known to be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach for coagulation and flocculation processes for drinking-water treatment. In this study, a natural coagulant was extracted from Annona diversifolia seed, and its effectiveness was investigated for turbidity reduction using jar test in kaolin suspension, river water, and evaluation of factors for sludge dewatering. The characterisation studies of Annona diversifolia seed extract were carried out using techniques including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential analyser, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Response surface methodology (RSM) was also performed for the optimisation study. The results from FTIR showed that Annona diversifolia seed extract contains carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups. The charge density was found to be negative. A web-like structure surface morphology was observed from TEM. The optimum treatment settings were found to be at pH 3 and a dosage of 25 mg/L for water treatment, and 50 mg/L for sludge dewatering, which were comparable to the metal–salts coagulants. Annona diversifolia seed extract has been shown to be a good natural coagulant. Further research can be conducted to modify and enhance its performance. Full article
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Review

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29 pages, 2480 KiB  
Review
Reviewing Advanced Treatment of Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Oilfield-Produced Water with Recovery of Lithium
by Rabia Khatoon, Ratchaprapa Raksasat, Yeek Chia Ho, Jun Wei Lim, Khairulazhar Jumbri, Chii-Dong Ho, Yi Jing Chan, Eman Alaaeldin Abdelfattah and Kuan Shiong Khoo
Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 16016; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152216016 - 16 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 996
Abstract
The global demand for lithium, which is indispensable for electric cars and electrical devices, has increased. Lithium recovery from oilfield-produced water is necessary to meet the growing need for lithium-ion batteries, protect the environment, optimize resource utilization, and cut costs to ensure a [...] Read more.
The global demand for lithium, which is indispensable for electric cars and electrical devices, has increased. Lithium recovery from oilfield-produced water is necessary to meet the growing need for lithium-ion batteries, protect the environment, optimize resource utilization, and cut costs to ensure a successful energy transition. It is useful for keeping water supplies in good condition, adhering to legal requirements, and making the most of technological advances. Oil and gas companies might see an increase in revenue gained through the lithium extraction from generated water due to the recouping of energy costs. Therefore, this review focuses on contamination and treatment strategies for the oilfield-produced water. It includes a discussion of the global lithium trade, a financial analysis of lithium extraction, and a comparison of the various methods currently in use for lithium extraction. It was evaluated that economic considerations should be given priority when selecting environmentally friendly methods for lithium recovery from oilfield-produced water, and hybrid methods, such as adsorption–precipitation systems, may show promising results in this regard. Lastly, future prospects for the lithium industry were also discussed. Full article
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17 pages, 1080 KiB  
Review
Comprehensive Review of Modification, Optimisation, and Characterisation Methods Applied to Plant-Based Natural Coagulants (PBNCs) for Water and Wastewater Treatment
by Ibrahim Muntaqa Tijjani Usman, Yeek-Chia Ho, Lavania Baloo, Man-Kee Lam, Pau-Loke Show and Wawan Sujarwo
Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4484; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054484 - 02 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1511
Abstract
This review investigates the modification, optimisation, and characterisation of plant-based natural coagulants applied to water treatment. The disadvantages of plant-based materials hinder their application as alternatives to chemical coagulants, necessitating their modification to alter and enhance their physicochemical properties, making them suitable for [...] Read more.
This review investigates the modification, optimisation, and characterisation of plant-based natural coagulants applied to water treatment. The disadvantages of plant-based materials hinder their application as alternatives to chemical coagulants, necessitating their modification to alter and enhance their physicochemical properties, making them suitable for application. Modification via microwave-assisted grafting copolymerisation has been found to be the most preferred approach compared to conventional methods. Optimisation of the coagulation process using response surface methodology has been shown to be practical. Different techniques are used in determining the physicochemical properties of plant-based natural coagulants. Some of these techniques have been tabulated, describing the properties each technique is capable of investigating. In conclusion, modification and optimisation of plant-based natural coagulants will result in the production of new materials that are stable and suitable for application as coagulants in water treatment. Full article
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35 pages, 3263 KiB  
Review
Montmorillonite for Adsorption and Catalytic Elimination of Pollutants from Wastewater: A State-of-the-Arts Review
by Zakariyya Uba Zango, Abdurrahman Garba, Zaharaddeen Nasiru Garba, Muttaqa Uba Zango, Fahad Usman and Jun-Wei Lim
Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16441; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416441 - 08 Dec 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 1841
Abstract
Clay minerals have been recognized as one of the cheap and effective materials for wastewater remediation. Among the various clay minerals, montmorillonite (MMT) has received much attention due to its wide availability, low-cost and promising properties such as high porosity, mechanical strength, and [...] Read more.
Clay minerals have been recognized as one of the cheap and effective materials for wastewater remediation. Among the various clay minerals, montmorillonite (MMT) has received much attention due to its wide availability, low-cost and promising properties such as high porosity, mechanical strength, and cation exchange capacity. Additionally, MMT has high swelling properties. These features make it an ideal material for wastewater remediation applications. In addition, it possessed good cationic exchange capacity, making it easier to interact with various molecules. MMT and its composites exhibited good selectivity and catalytic activity for contaminants elimination from wastewater. Surface modification and functionalization have been identified as a way to improve the MMT’s adsorptive performance and endow it with light and light-harnessing properties. Thus, MMT composites, especially metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles, have shown good adsorption and photocatalytic activity toward the elimination/mineralization of various contaminants such as dyes, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, and other organic and inorganic species. As such, MMT and its composites can be adopted as potential materials for wastewater remediation. Full article
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32 pages, 2928 KiB  
Review
Smart Modelling of a Sustainable Biological Wastewater Treatment Technologies: A Critical Review
by Wahid Ali Hamood Altowayti, Shafinaz Shahir, Taiseer Abdalla Elfadil Eisa, Maged Nasser, Muhammad Imran Babar, Abdullah Faisal Alshalif and Faris Ali Hamood AL-Towayti
Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 15353; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142215353 - 18 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2539
Abstract
One of the most essential operational difficulties that water companies face today is the capacity to manage their water treatment process daily. Companies are looking for long-term solutions to predict how their treatment methods may be enhanced as they face growing competition. Many [...] Read more.
One of the most essential operational difficulties that water companies face today is the capacity to manage their water treatment process daily. Companies are looking for long-term solutions to predict how their treatment methods may be enhanced as they face growing competition. Many models for biological growth rate control, such as the Monod and Contois models, have been suggested in the literature. This review further emphasized that the Contois model is the best and is more suited to predicting the performance of biological growth rate than the other applicable models with a high correlation coefficient. Furthermore, the most well-known models for optimizing and predicting the wastewater treatment process are response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN). Based on this review, the ANN is the best model for wastewater treatment with high accuracy in biological wastewater treatment. Furthermore, the present paper conducts a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer to assess research performance and perform a scientific mapping of the most relevant literature in the field. A bibliometric study of the most recent publications in the SCOPUS database between 2018 and 2022 is performed to assess the top ten countries around the world in the publishing of employing these four models for wastewater treatment. Therefore, major contributors in the field include India, France, Iran, and China. Consequently, in this research, we propose a sustainable wastewater treatment model that uses the Contois model and the ANN model to save time and effort. This approach may be helpful in the design and operation of clean water treatment operations, as well as a tool for improving day-to-day performance management. Full article
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