Green Chemistry

The development of biodegradable polymers derived from renewable resources has been motivated by the environmental impact of plastic waste. The objective of our research is to improve
the degradation rate of spiro-polyacetals by integrating linear acetal units into their structure while preserving their desirable thermomechanical properties. The polymer, VPA-CDVE, was produced by reacting vanillin-based spiro-acetal monomer (VPA) with cyclohexanedimethanol vinyl ether (CDVE). The polyacetal that resulted was characterized using NMR spectroscopy, which

This study presents the synthesis and functionalization of urea-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), specifically TMU18, TMU19, with a focus on their application to carbon dioxide conversion. MOFs were synthesized using urea-based organic ligands and commercially available pillaring linkers. The frameworks were then functionalized with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), taking advantage of their structural flexibility for efficient integration.

This work focuses on the development of sustainable strategies for carbon capture and utilization (CCU), a key technology for mitigating global warming by using CO₂ as a renewable carbon source.

Here we explored the role of quaternary ammonium salts in enhancing CO₂ capture and activation with NaBH₄. The presence of these salts resulted in both shorter reaction times and improved efficiency.

             Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of synthetic compounds widely used for their dual hydrophobic and lipophobic properties. They comprise more than 4700 CAS-registered compounds according to the OECD and have been used intentionally in nonstick, grease-and waterproof, and stain-resistant consumer products, particularly food packaging materials. PFAS are inherently persistent, and many are mobile, bio-accumulative, and toxicity to a wide array of organisms, making them emerging contaminants of concern.

Chemical Looping Ammonia Synthesis has been developed as a promising ammonia production route, offering minimal reliance on fossil fuels, enhanced process conditions, flexibility and potential for renewable energy integration. Chemical Looping Ammonia Synthesis (CLAS) typically operates by decomposing the overall ammonia synthesis reaction into two or more sub-reactions which is carried out using a mediating Nitrogen carrier.

The natural environment is facing several contaminants including hazardous metals, dyes, medicines, and plastics. In particular, plastics, one of the most sought-after synthetic materials, are widely used in a variety of applications, including electronics, building, and packaging, due to their ease of manufacture and low weight. One novel recycling method that has been introduced as a mild and sustainable technology for processing waste plastic is electrochemistry, particularly when driven by renewable energy sources.

Two-dimensional materials and their van der Waals heterostructures have demonstrated enormous potential for advancing technological innovations in electronics, optoelectronics, catalysis, and energy storage. The methods used to synthesize these heterostructures play a crucial role in determining their final applications [4]. In this context, atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) has been widely used to synthesize MoS₂ monolayers with tunable optoelectronic properties.

During the production of quince paste, significant waste is generated, including skin, peel, and seeds. Quince is rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, interesting for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Their extraction is of strategic importance to obtain bioactive ingredients from agro-industrial waste.

The sustainability of agricultural practices is increasingly critical amid environmental challenges. While effective, traditional soil-based agricultural methods often contribute to soil degradation and resource depletion. The earth’s topsoil has eroded by 50% during the last 150 years. In addition to this, soil has also been affected by agricultural practices.  These effects include compaction, loss of soil structure, nutrient degradation, and soil salinity [1].