Sustainability
Browse 60 curated documents about sustainability in The Archive — the 2RA-Edition digital library for engineering and scientific research. This collection of books, journal articles, theses, reports, and technical documents on sustainability spans extractive metallurgy, mining engineering, chemistry, and applied science. Every document is searchable in full text; sign in to read, download, ask AI questions about any document, or generate cited research drafts with the AI Researcher.
Sustainable Copper Production Based on Fluid-Bed Roasting Technology
M. Wrobel, J. Hammerschmidt
Fluid-bed technology plays a crucial role in the pyrometallurgical processing of various ores and concentrates. This paper discusses the extensive research and development by Metso Outotec over the past 50 years to broaden the applicability of fluid-bed technology in copper production. Specifically, it highlights processing routes that include partial, sulfate-producing, and dead roasting, with a
Advances in composite materials
Raul Duarte Salgueiral Gomes Campilho, Sandra Luz
Composite materials have emerged as a fundamental pillar in engineering and materials science, driven by the rising demand for lightweight and high-performance systems. This editorial provides an overview of recent advancements in composite materials, highlighting their significance in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and biomedical applications. The versatility of composites,
Analysis of thermal properties of coffee grounds left over from coffee percolation
Szymon Głowacki, Weronika Tulej
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. The goal of this work is an estimation of the qualities of waste coffee grounds as a material used in biofuel production. There were selected two most popular coffee beans mixtures: arabica and arabica with robusta, as well as chocolate-flavoured coffee and green coffee (unroasted coffee beans). All types of coffee had approximately the same a
Viability Analysis of Heat Recovery Solution for the Industrial Process of Roasting Coffee
Miroslav V. Kljaji}, Aleksandar S. Andjelkovi}
This paper presents a viability analysis of a heat recovery solution specifically designed for the industrial process of roasting coffee. The objective is to assess the potential for energy savings and improved process efficiency while adhering to the stringent quality and safety standards of the food industry. A combination of measuring techniques and analytical methods is employed alongside a st
Effect of The Screw-Barrel Clearance and The Cooling Fan on Non-Wheat Noodle Extruder Performance
U Hanifah, ATaufan
This research was related to the development of technology for making non-wheat noodles. The process of making non-wheat noodles requires special treatment because of their different characteristics from wheat noodles. One solution that can be used is extrusion technology. Therefore, a single-screw extruder with a small capacity was developed which is expected to meet the needs of SMEs producing n
Sustainable and highly efficient production of high-purity iron from oxide ores by acidic electrowinning in anion-rich electrolytes
Jing Liu, Thomas Webb
Iron (Fe) and steel-making industries are major contributors to global CO2 emissions, accounting for 7% of total industry emissions. Electrolytic ironmaking processes emerge as one promising route for sustainable ironmaking, because of their potential to decarbonize process heat and eliminate carbon-based reductants, the two major carbon emission sources in ironmaking. Among various electrolytic i
OPTIMIZING ANNEALING HEAT TREATMENT FOR IMPROVED DUCTILITY IN RECYCLED HIGH-PRESSURE DIE CAST AlSi7MnMg ALLOY
Cristian Cascioli, Riccardo Arcaleni
The increasing use of recycled aluminium in automotive applications requires the development of energy-efficient heat treatments capable of optimizing mechanical performance while preserving microstructural integrity. In this study, the effect of annealing on the microstructure and mechanical behaviour of a recycled AlSi7MnMg alloy produced by high-pressure die casting was systematically investiga
SCORODITE IN THE CESL PROCESS FOR COPPER-ARSENIC CONCENTRATES
K. Mayhew, H. Salomon-De-Friedberg
The increasing proportion of arsenic-bearing copper concentrates in the supply to the copper industry presents significant challenges for miners and smelters, as existing blending strategies to reduce average arsenic levels are becoming unsustainable. This study evaluates the CESL Cu-As Technology as a viable alternative to traditional smelting processes, which has benefits including simultaneous
HEAP LEACHING TECHNIQUE in MINING Within the Context of BEST AVAILABLE TECHNIQUES (BAT)
Caner Zanbak
This document provides an overview of heap leaching, a mining technique crucial for the economic extraction of certain ores that may otherwise remain unexploitable. The objective is to present heap leaching within the framework of Best Available Techniques (BAT) as established by European regulations. A comprehensive methodology employed includes gathering insights from industry experts and litera
Sustainable management of lithium-ion batteries after use in electric vehicles
Kirti Richa
This dissertation explores the sustainable management of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) following their use in electric vehicles (EVs). The objective is to evaluate current practices and propose improved systems for the post-consumer phase of LIBs aimed at minimizing environmental impact and resource depletion. The methodology includes a comprehensive literature review, case studies, and an analysis
Evaluating the environmental sustainability of biomass-based interfacial solar evaporators: Life cycle and cost assessment perspective
Maryam Nooman AlMallahi, Mohammed H. Alzard
Interfacial solar evaporation (ISE) is an emerging technology for freshwater production that relies on solar energy; however, ISE systems often rely on complex materials that are not environmentally friendly or economically viable. This study presents a cradle-to-gate life cycle analysis (LCA) and economic analysis (EA) of biomass-based interfacial solar evaporators to enhance the sustainability o
Precious metal recoveries in secondary copper smelting with high-alumina slags
Katri Avarmaa, Hugh O’Brien
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) represents a significant urban resource for precious metals. To maximize the recoveries and sustainable use of these metals, their behavior needs to be characterized in the secondary copper smelting of WEEE. The current study experimentally determined the distributions of gold, silver, platinum and palladium between copper alloy and FeOx–SiO2–Al2O3/
Renewable and non-renewable energy shocks and environmental sustainability in Nigeria: a nonlinear analysis
Azeezat Quadri Ibrahim, Musa Ilias Biala
Despite Nigeria’s simultaneous reliance on fossil fuels for growth and efforts to promote renewable energy, there is limited understanding of whether shocks to these contrasting energy sources influence environmental sustainability in asymmetric ways. This study examines whether positive and negative changes in renewable and non-renewable energy consumption have differing effects on environmental
Progress in Direct Recycling of Spent Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) Cathodes
Juntian Fan, Huimin Luo
With the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in portable electronics and electric vehicles (EVs), the end-of-life (EOL) LIBs are projected to reach 1336 GWh by 2040 under the sustainable development scenario. Proper recycling is urgently needed to minimize the release of hazardous waste and reduce mining activities by reintroducing critical minerals into the supply chain. Lithium nickel
Application of Electric Smelting Furnace to Ironmaking
Shabnam Sabah, Ujwal Kudaru
The blast furnace (BF) has been the predominant technology for producing molten iron since its invention and widespread adoption. Challenges of decarbonisation and production of direct reduced iron (DRI) from low-grade iron ore have raised the potential for incorporating electric smelting furnaces (ESFs) into the direct reduced iron-basic oxygen furnace (DRI-BOF) pathway to produce molten iron. Th
Progress Toward Biocarbon Utilization in Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking: Current Status and Future Prospects
Christopher DiGiovanni, Thomas Echterhof
Steel is an essential material in modern infrastructure and industry, but its production is associated with significant carbon dioxide emissions. Biocarbon utilization in electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking represents a promising pathway toward reducing the carbon footprint of steel production. This review draws new perspectives on the current state of biocarbon utilization in EAF steelmaking b
Insights into the Valorization of Electric Arc Furnace Slags as Supplementary Cementitious Materials
Anton Andersson, Jenny Isaksson
The transition to hydrogen-based reduction processes within the iron and steelmaking industry will generate new types of slag compositions that require valorization routes. Using slags as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) addresses the carbon dioxide emissions of the cement industry since the SCM requires neither calcination nor clinkering. Conventionally, ironmaking slags from the blast
A Comprehensive Review of Secondary Carbon Bio-Carriers for Application in Metallurgical Processes: Utilization of Torrefied Biomass in Steel Production
Lina Kieush, Johannes Rieger
This review aims to show the significance of the use of secondary carbon bio-carriers for iron and steel production. The term ‘secondary carbon bio-carriers’ in this review paper refers to biomass, torrefied biomass, biochar, charcoal, or biocoke. The main focus is on torrefied biomass, which can act as a carbon source for partial or complete replacement of fossil fuel in various metallurgical pro
2022 Yiliang Liu Research Progress on Controlled Low Strength Materials Metallurgical Waste Slag as Cementitious Materials ma15030727
Yiliang Liu, Youpo Su
Increasing global cement and steel consumption means that a significant amount of greenhouse gases and metallurgical wastes are discharged every year. Using metallurgical waste as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) shows promise as a strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by reducing cement production. This strategy also contributes to the utilization and management of waste resou
Replacing Fossil Carbon in the Production of Ferroalloys with a Focus on Bio-Based Carbon: A Review
Marcus Sommerfeld, Bernd Friedrich
The production of ferroalloys and alloys like ferronickel, ferrochromium, ferromanganese, silicomanganese, ferrosilicon and silicon is commonly carried out in submerged arc furnaces. Submerged arc furnaces are also used to upgrade ilmenite by producing pig iron and a titania-rich slag. Metal containing resources are smelted in this furnace type using fossil carbon as a reducing agent, which is res
Recycling routes of lithium‑ion batteries: A critical review of the development status, the process performance, and life‑cycle environmental impacts
Ronja Wagner‑Wenz, Anke Weidenkaff
This review examines the status of development, process performance and life cycle environmental impact of the three major recycling routes for lithium ion batteries and considers the impact of changes in legislation in the European Union (EU). Today, new lithium‑ion battery‑recycling technologies are under development while a change in the legal requirements for recycling targets is under way. Th
Circular Recycling Strategies for LFP Batteries: A Review Focusing on Hydrometallurgy Sustainable Processing
D.d.S. Vasconcelos, J.A.S. Tenório
The exponential growth of electric and hybrid vehicles in the last five years forecasts a waste problem when their batteries achieve end-of-life. Li-ion batteries for vehicles have been assembled using materials from natural resources (as Li, Fe, Al, Cu Co, Mn and P). Among them, LiFePO4 cathode materials have demonstrated advantages such as charge–discharge cycles, thermal stability, surface area
Powering battery sustainability: a review of the recent progress and evolving challenges in recycling lithium-ion batteries
Panni Zheng, David Young
The global consumption of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has surged, presenting significant sustainability challenges related to their recycling and disposal. This review aims to synthesize recent progress in recycling technologies and to address the evolving challenges associated with lithium-ion battery waste. A comprehensive analysis of current recycling methods is conducted, highlighting advance
Advances in Lithium Extraction from Spodumene: Alternatives to Sulfuric Acid Digestion
Esmaeil Jorjani, Jessica Sauvageau
Conventional lithium extraction from spodumene via sulfuric acid roasting can achieve up to 98% recovery but suffers from high energy use, acidic residues, and purification complexity. This review evaluates alternative methods for both α- and β-spodumene, aiming for improved sustainability. For α-spodumene, Na2SO4–CaO salt roasting achieved >95% recovery at 900 ◦C via water leaching. Sodium carbon
Valorisation of spent battery separators into functional nanomaterials for heavy metal adsorption from contaminated water: A sustainable waste-to-resource approach
Sudha Kumari Jha, Ananta Kumar Atta
The rapid growth of electric vehicles, portable electronics, and renewable energy storage systems has led to a dramatic increase in the production and disposal of rechargeable batteries worldwide, generating a large volume of solid waste. While significant progress has been made in recovering valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from spent batteries, non-metallic components, particu
Nano enabled microplastic remediation in wastewater systems Me 2026 Next Ma
Gaurav Katoch, Vipulsinh Rajput
Microplastics (MPs) persist in wastewater treatment systems due to size-selective limitations of conventional processes that primarily redistribute rather than eliminate small particles. Nano-enabled remediation strategies have emerged as promising complements to existing infrastructure; however, translation beyond laboratory studies remains constrained by fragmented evaluation metrics, limited re
Toward sustainable electric vehicle battery materials Frontie 2026 Next Mat
Selvam Ramasamy, Muthuraaman Bhagavathiachari
The rapid electrification of transportation is driving increased demand for lithium-ion batteries that deliver high energy density, fast-charging capability, enhanced safety, and extended cycle life key requirements for sustainable energy systems. This review critically assesses recent developments in cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator materials, emphasizing the role of materials chemistry
From biomass to biofabrication The role of cellulose in sustai 2026 Next Ma
Asma Ashgar, Fazal Haq
This paper presents a discussion on the application of cellulose as a renewable, biocompatible and biodegradable biopolymer in biomedical and pharmaceutical platforms through the 3D bioprinting technique, especially in drug delivery and tissue engineering. It provides a general discussion of the structural, physicochemical, and biological characteristics of cellulose that predisposes it to be used
Engineered cementitious composites for a low carbon future A 2026 Next Mat
SM Rashmi, BH Abdul Razak
Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) have emerged as a promising construction material owing to their superior mechanical performance, crack control, and durability compared with conventional concrete. This review critically examines the influence of binder composition, fibre type, and supplementary cementitious materials on the fresh, mechanical, durability, and sustainability performance of
Autonomous laboratories for sustainable nanomaterials disc 2026 Next Materia
Aarti M. Jathar, Beena Nawghare
Autonomous nanomaterials discovery is rapidly transforming conventional trial-and-error experimentation into intelligent closed-loop scientific ecosystems that integrate artificial intelligence (AI), robotics-assisted experimentation, autonomous characterization, and cyber – physical laboratory infrastructures. Unlike previous reviews that primarily focus on individual enabling technologies, this
Usage of BOF Slag and Next Generation EAF Slag in the Cement Industry
Joachim Schneider, Christian Adam
Two research projects examine the application of slags from today’s and future steel production in the cement industry as reactive binder components. The completed project SlagCEM investigated the recovery of iron from basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag while simultaneously producing a clinker-like mineral product with good cementitious properties. However, a reduction of BOF slag increases its visco
Sustainable Process to Recover Metals from Waste PCBs Using Physical Pre-Treatment and Hydrometallurgical Techniques
Suruchi Kumari, Rekha Panda
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are an essential component of electronic devices. The digitalization and upgrading of gadgets generates a significant amount of PCB-containing electronic waste, necessitating efficient recycling methods to conserve resources and protect the environment. This paper presents a sustainable process for the recovery of metals from waste PCBs utilizing physical pre-treatmen
Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis for Sulfate Recycling in the Metallurgical Industries
Kuldeep, Wouter Dirk Badenhorst
Demand for nickel and cobalt sulfate is expected to increase due to the rapidly growing Li-battery industry needed for the electrification of automobiles. This has led to an increase in the production of sodium sulfate as a waste effluent that needs to be processed to meet discharge guidelines. Using bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BPED), acids and bases can be effectively produced from correspo
Progress and Status of Hydrometallurgical and Direct Recycling of Li-Ion Batteries and Beyond
François Larouche, Farouk Tedjar
An exponential market growth of Li-ion batteries (LIBs) has been observed in the past 20 years; approximately 670,000 tons of LIBs have been sold in 2017 alone. This trend will continue owing to the growing interest of consumers for electric vehicles, recent engagement of car manufacturers to produce them, recent developments in energy storage facilities, and commitment of governments for the elec
Metallurgical infrastructure and technology criticality: the link between photovoltaics, sustainability, and the metals industry
Neill Bartie, Lucero Cobos-Becerra
Various high-purity metals endow renewable energy technologies with specific functionalities. These become heavily intertwined in products, complicating end-of-life treatment. To counteract downcycling and resource depletion, maximising both quantities and qualities of materials recovered during production and recycling processes should be prioritised in the pursuit of sustainable circular economy
Recycling of Thermoset Materials and Thermoset-Based Composites: Challenge and Opportunity
Elisabetta Morici, Nadka Tz. Dintcheva
Thermoset materials and their composites are characterized by a long life cycle with their main applications in aircrafts, wind turbines and constructions as insulating materials. Considering the importance of recovery and valorization of these materials at their end-of-life, avoiding landfilling, the interest concerning their recycling grows continuously. The thermoset materials and their composi
A Critical Review of Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Processes from a Circular Economy Perspective
Omar Velázquez-Martínez, Johanna Valio
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently one of the most important electrochemical energy storage devices, powering electronic mobile devices and electric vehicles alike. However, there is a remarkable difference between their rate of production and rate of recycling. At the end of their lifecycle, only a limited number of LIBs undergo any recycling treatment, with the majority go to landfills o
Direct extraction of lithium from ores by electrochemical leaching
Hanrui Zhang, Ying Han
With the rapid increase in lithium consumption for electric vehicle applications, its price has soared during the past decade. To secure a reliable and cost-effective supply chain, it is critical to unlock alternative lithium extraction resources beyond conventional brine. This study develops an electrochemical method to directly leach lithium from α-phase spodumene. The use of an H2O2 promoter si
Trade-off between critical metal requirement and transportation decarbonization in automotive electrification
Chunbo Zhang, Xiang Zhao
Automotive electrification holds the promise of mitigating transportation-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yet at the expense of growing demand for critical metals. Here, we analyze the trade-off between the decarbonization potential of the road transportation sector and its critical metal requirement from the demand-side perspective in 48 major countries committing to decarbonize their roa
Bioleaching Techniques for Sustainable Recovery of Metals from Solid Matrices
Leidy Rendón-Castrillón, Margarita Ramírez-Carmona
This review paper explores the potential of bioleaching as a sustainable alternative for recovering metals from solid matrices. With over 12 billion tons of solid waste annually worldwide, bioleaching provides a promising opportunity to extract metals from solid waste, avoiding harmful chemical processes. It explains bacterial and fungal bioleaching techniques that extract copper, gold, zinc, and
Progress in bioleaching and its mechanism: a short review
Jyotilagna Dash, Ritesh Ojha
Bioleaching is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective technique for extracting metals from low-grade ores and waste materials. It uses microorganisms to dissolve metals through acidolysis, complexolysis, and redoxolysis, either directly or indirectly. While small-scale studies are conducted in shake flasks, larger applications include heap, vat, and tank systems. Bioleaching is promising f
Exploring the comminution process of waste printed circuit boards in recycling: a review
Alaa Abbadi, Ádám Rácz
The increasing amount of electronic waste (e-waste) has placed significant burdens on society and the environment, particularly with regards to waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs), which are essential in electronics manufacturing. As natural resources become scarce, it is crucial to effectively recycle and reclaim WPCBs due to their high value and large output. Comminuting printed circuit boards
Biosurfactants: An Overview of Their Properties, Production, and Application in Mineral Flotation
Carolina Rossini Simões, Matheus Willian Pereira da Silva
The quest for sustainable mining processes has directed research towards environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional beneficiation practices, with biosurfactants emerging as a viable option due to their lower environmental impact. This study reviews the application of biosurfactants as bioreagents in mineral flotation, exploring their production, their mechanisms of action, and the susta
Advances in Mineral Processing of Hard-Rock Lithium Ores: A Comprehensive Review
E. Petrakis, I. Alexopoulos
Lithium, known as the energy metal of the twenty-first century, has become a fundamental element due to its recent use in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and electronic devices. It is anticipated that the global demand for lithium will be more than quadruple, from around 700,000 metric tons in 2022 to over 3 million metric tons in 2030. Lithium resources exist in different deposits, including b
Predicting the efficiency of oxygen-evolving electrolysis on the Moon and Mars
Bethany A. Lomax, Gunter H. Just
Establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon or Mars requires a secure supply of oxygen for life support and refueling. The electrolysis of water has attracted significant attention in this regard as water-ice may exist on both the Moon and Mars. However, to date there has been no study examining how the lower gravitational fields on the Moon and Mars might affect gas-evolving electrolysis
Electrochemical recovery of lithium-ion battery materials from molten salts by microstructural characterization using X-ray imaging
Mateen Mirza, Wenjia Du
This study investigates the electrochemical recovery of cobalt metal from lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) using molten salt, specifically a LiCl-KCl eutectic, as a greener solvent for extraction. The primary objective was to enhance the mechanistic understanding of this recovery process, which is crucial for optimizing the technology for sustainable recycling of lithium-ion batteries (LiBs). Utilizi
Review of the molten salt technology and assessment of its potential to achieve an energy efficient heat management in a decarbonized chemical industry
de Figueiredo Luiz, D., Boon, J.
This review examines the molten salt technology, focusing on its potential to enhance energy-efficient heat management in a decarbonized chemical industry. With the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions, the study aims to assess how molten salt can play a crucial role in achieving low-carbon processes. Employing a comprehensive literature review and analysis of existing methodologies, the
Electrorefining in Sustainable Metals Production
Jari Aromaa
Electrorefining has historically played a crucial role in the production of high-purity metals, evolving since the 19th century when applications for copper, gold, and silver emerged. This editorial discusses the significance of electrorefining within the context of sustainable metal production, emphasizing its advantages over traditional pyrometallurgical methods, particularly in achieving higher p
Techno-economic and life cycle assessment of aluminum electrorefining from mixed scraps using ionic liquid
Birendra Adhikari, Tedd E Lister
Aluminum production from bauxite ore uses significantly high amounts of energy and capital expenditure. Recycle and reuse of aluminum can be economical and minimize the environmental impacts. Smelter-based recycling of aluminum is currently utilized; however, it also consumes high energy and incurs substantial production costs along with considerable life cycle impacts. In this study, aluminum ele
Selective cobalt and nickel electrodeposition for lithium-ion battery recycling through integrated electrolyte and interface control
Kwiyong Kim, Darien Raymond
Molecularly-selective metal separations are key to sustainable recycling of Li-ion battery electrodes. However, metals with close reduction potentials present a fundamental challenge for selective electrodeposition, especially for critical elements such as cobalt and nickel. Here, we demonstrate the synergistic combination of electrolyte control and interfacial design to achieve molecular selectiv
Increasing the sustainability of copper electrorefining: Selective electrodeposition of antimony in the presence of bismuth from highly concentrated hydrochloric acid effluents
L. Hernández-Pérez, A. Muñoz-Pérez
Recovering critical materials from effluents of copper electrorefining would improve the circularity and sustainability of this industry. In this task, selectivity is crucial to separate metals present in multi-component electrolytes and obtain added value products. Electrodeposition can be used to recover metals individually when their reduction takes place at different potentials. Moreover, the
LCA FOR MANUFACTURING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
Gijs Krekel, Julian Suer
Purpose To decarbonize steel production, many European steelmakers are actively transitioning towards the Direct Reduction – Electric Arc Furnace (DR-EAF) route. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on the DR-EAF route across multiple impact categories. The relative significance of impact categories and trade-offs to Blast Furnace – Basic Oxygen Furnace
Coating of Biocarbon to Reduce Reactivity for Slag Foaming Applications in Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking
Xianai Huang, Ka Wing Ng
As the steel industry transitions toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, biocarbon emerges as a promising renewable alternative to replace fossil carbon for slag foaming in electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking. However, the high porosity and reactivity of biocarbon leads to technical challenges associated with injection of biocarbon and foam stability, which reduces process energy efficiency.
Direct aqueous carbonation of electric arc furnace slag: process optimisation through experimental design
Francesca Bonfante, Giuseppe Ferrara
At present, one of the strategies to reduce the embodied carbon of cement is to partly replace clinker with metallurgical slags. In this perspective, this study investigates the accelerated aqueous carbonation of electric arc furnace slag as possible treatment for its reuse in the cement industry. In view of developing a low-energy and industrially integrated process, mild carbonation conditions w
Improving the Carbonation of Steel Slags Through Concurrent Wet Milling
Anthony de Schutter, Luka Ceyssens
This work studies mineral carbonation of steel slags with the aim to reduce the amount of slag that is landfilled. Besides permanently storing carbon dioxide (CO2), carbonating the slags can improve their quality for use in beneficial applications and reduces the leaching of harmful heavy metals. In order to intensify the mineral carbonation process, mechanical activation is used to improve both t
Chemical and electrochemical pathways to low-carbon iron and steel
Kerry Rippy, Robert T. Bell
Currently, the iron and steel industry is responsible for 7% of global CO2 emissions. This review summarizes the operational principles of current emissions-intensive steelmaking technologies and examines emerging low- and zero-carbon technologies aimed at significantly reducing emissions. Key current technologies discussed include blast furnaces, electric arc furnaces, and smelting processes. Pro
Electrocatalytic Nitrogen (N2) Reduction
Chayanika Chaliha, Eeshan Kalita
Ammonia (NH3) is an industrially important chemical for its use in manufacturing fertilizers, carbon-free fuel and synthesis of essential biological building blocks, as well as an energy carrier. The most widely used industrial process for NH3 production, the Haber–Bosch process, faces several obstacles such as high operational costs and energy consumption, which significantly impact the environme
Advancements in Catalysts for Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction: A Sustainable Approach for Mitigating Nitrate Pollution: A Review
Gerald D. S. Quoie Jr., Jean Pierre Bavumiragira
Nitrate pollution is of great importance in both the environmental and health contexts, necessitating the development of efficient mitigation strategies. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the many catalysts employed in the electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia, and presents a viable environmentally friendly approach to address the issue of nitrate pollution. Hence, the ele
A Review of Rare Earth Elements Recovery from Bastnaesite Ore: From Beneficiation to Metallurgical Processing
Jihye Kim, Junhyun Choi
Rare earth elements (REEs) have become essential components of clean energy technologies, driving the transition toward a carbon–neutral and digitized future. Among REE-bearing minerals, bastnaesite is a key source of high-demand REEs, such as neodymium and praseodymium. Over the years, significant efforts have been made to develop robust and efficient methods for recovering REEs from bastnaesite
Solvometallurgy: An Emerging Branch of Extractive Metallurgy
Koen Binnemans, Peter Tom Jones
This position paper introduces the reader to the concept of solvometallurgy, the term used to describe the extraction of metals from ores, industrial process residues, production scrap, and urban waste using non-aqueous solutions. The paper discusses the key unit operations involved in solvometallurgy, including solvent leaching, residue separation, leach solution purification using non-aqueous me