Green Chemistry and Engineering Poster Session & Reception

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants that present significant challenges for water treatment. Magnesium–aluminum layered double hydroxide (LDH)/biochar composites were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis with Pinus roxburghii–derived biochar calcined at 600°C. Structural and morphological characterization by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the preservation of LDH crystallinity, well-developed carbon domains, and uniform anchoring of LDH platelets on the porous biochar surface. The synergistic interaction between LDHs and biochar improved surface area, stability, and structural and functional group diversity, enabling tunable surface functionalities and adsorption sites in the composite. Batch adsorption experiments demonstrated effective PFAS removal from aqueous solutions through combined electrostatic attraction, anion exchange, and hydrophobic interactions. These results highlight hydrothermally synthesized LDH–biochar composites as low-cost, tunable adsorbents for PFAS remediation.

Environmental concerns, limited fossil resources, and the emission of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the application and curing process from petroleum-based coatings have motivated academic and industrial researchers towards the enhanced use of abundant, biodegradable and bio-renewable resources (such as vegetable oil) for the production of environmentally friendly coatings. This study was aimed at synthesis and characterization of alkyd resin from Hura crepitans seed oil as a surface coating material. Hura crepitans seed oil (HSCO) was extracted from its oil-bearing seeds via Soxhlet extraction with n-hexane. The alkyd resin synthesis involves reaction of 50% oil length triglycerides by alcoholysis to obtain Hura crepitans oil monoglycerides at 230^oC, followed by functional group modification with phthalic anhydride via poly-esterification at 220^oC. FT-IR was used to detect the chemical structure of ester links present from the condensation polymerization reaction, and compare to that of the Hura crepitans seed oil. The physicochemical properties were measured for the identification and authentication of the Hura crepitans seed oil. The physio-chemical parameters of HCSO includes; acid value of 9.66 mgKOH/g, peroxide value of 2.84 meq/kg, %FFA of 2.24, iodine value of 160.73 gI₂/100g of oil and saponification value of 205.00 mgKOH/g were obtained. Physico-chemical properties of the synthesized alkyd resin was also determined and evaluated; saponification value of 308.00 mgKOH/g, iodine value 82.40 gI₂/100g of oil and acid value of 6.65 mgKOH/g. Other studies involving drying properties and chemical resistance of the synthesized alkyd resin, show that the film formed from the polyester has a good resistance to chemicals except that it is susceptible to alkaline hydrolysis, indicating its poor resistance to alkali solution. Also, the result of the drying properties obtained showed that the polyester from Hura crepitans seed oil have a high drying speed in the presence of drying agent and exhibit excellent adhesion which indicates better protection of substrates. In conclusion, from the results obtained in this research work, it can be concluded that the Hura crepitans seed oil alkyd resin shows promising ability as a binder in surface coating formulation.

Biaryl motifs are central in pharmaceutical drug design, yet conventional synthesis via palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling poses increasing sustainability and cost concerns. The study presented herein explores a greener alternative to palladium by employing iron(II) complexes supported by tetra-aza macrocyclic ligands for the direct arylation of pyrrole with phenylboronic acids. Under aerobic conditions, the optimized [Fe²⁺L1(Cl)₂] catalyst featuring Me₂Cyclam, (L1; 1,8-dimethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), exhibited broad substrate compatibility across 23 boronic acid derivatives. The method showed excellent functional group tolerance, including halides and esters, and provided yields up to 66 %, which was clearly dependent on steric and electronic effects. Mechanistic experiments ruled out an outer-sphere radical pathway and instead suggested an Fe(III)–OOH species as the key oxidant, while DFT analysis supports enhanced boron electrophilicity for electron-withdrawing substituents, consistent with transmetalation as a central activation step. These findings highlight the potential of earth-abundant iron catalysts as sustainable, cost-effective platforms for C–C bond formation in complex molecular scaffolds.

Efficient and sustainable photocatalyst synthesis is crucial for environmental and energy challenges in the present world. Concerning this, Ce doped BiOIBr precursor has been synthesized by the hydrothermal method and combined it with graphitic carbon nitride to fabricate a composite with enhanced photocatalytic and photovoltaic properties. The synthesis process involved controlled reaction conditions to ensure the successful formation of the Ce doped BiOIBr precursor and further composite synthesis with graphitic carbon nitride in various percentages to find out the best composition using ultrasonic-assisted dispersion method. This process is aimed to enhance charge separation, extend light absorption, and increase overall photocatalytic performance. A series of characterization techniques has been carried out to discover the structure and properties of the materials. Such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy analysis confirms the successful formation of Ce doped BiOIBr and composite with graphitic carbon nitride, showing characteristic Ce–O, Bi–O, Bi–I, and Bi–Br vibrations along with shifted C=N and C–N peaks, indicating strong interfacial interactions, UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV) analysis indicates the composite absorbed more visible light compared to its individual components. Furthermore, Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy analysis indicated reduced electron-hole recombination and improved photocatalytic efficiency. X-ray diffraction (XRD) will be carried out to confirm the formation of pure-phase Ce doped BiOIBr and successful composite formation with graphitic carbon nitride. This work aims at the successful synthesis of Ce doped composite of CeBiOIBr with graphitic carbon nitride through leveraging the strengths of both Ce doped BiOIBr and graphitic carbon nitride and improvement of the final composite’s efficiency and stability and further enhancing the composites’ performance and stability. This research work aims to synthesize novel nanomaterials that can contribute to renewable energy solutions and sustainable technologies.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic organic pollutants known for their persistence, mobility, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Often called “forever chemicals”, they are widely used in consumer products, particularly food contact materials (FCM), due to their oil and water-repellent properties. However, they pose significant risks to human health and the environment. This research aims to detect and quantify PFAS levels in food packaging materials, manufactured and retailed in Trinidad and Tobago. A combination of non-targeted and targeted approaches was employed to address the growing concern regarding the vast number and structural complexity of PFAS compounds. Fluorine-19 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (F-19 NMR) was used to determine total fluorine content, whilst Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was utilized for compound identification and quantification. This provides a highly selective, non-destructive, and sensitive approach to determining the PFAS levels in food packaging. Currently, limited research has been done on the analysis of PFAS in food packaging both locally and across the Caribbean. Further research is essential, as it forms the basis for policymakers in the Caribbean to develop regulatory standards and policies that address ongoing health, and environmental concerns while supporting global efforts to reduce PFAS exposure.

Structural elucidation is a central stage in organic chemistry, yet it remains challenging when experimental information is limited or ambiguous. The interpretation of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data can lead to incorrect assignments, even in studies published in high-impact journals. In this context, computational methods based on quantum NMR calculations have become key complementary tools for validating proposed structures.
Our group has developed and applied a set of methodologies based on Bayesian statistics, with particular emphasis on the probabilistic DP4+ approach, which enables discrimination among candidate stereoisomers by combining experimental and theoretical NMR data. Our current work focuses on the improvement and updating of these tools. In this framework, several variants have been proposed to overcome specific limitations of the original DP4+ method. ML-J-DP4 incorporates scalar coupling information together with machine learning techniques, allowing a reduction in computational cost while improving discriminatory power without the need for high-level optimized geometries. MESSI, in turn, introduces an approach based on the analysis of artificially manipulated conformational ensembles, neutralizing energy biases and increasing the reliability of assignments for flexible and polyhydroxylated molecules. Halo-DP4+ employs an alternative treatment for systems containing heavy atoms, showing superior performance in cases where conventional approaches face limitations.
These developments, integrated into open-access computational platforms, are designed to be accessible, flexible, and user-friendly, enabling their application across different theoretical levels and experimental datasets. Their use minimizes the need for additional experimental trials, promoting more efficient practices in organic chemistry research.

The sustainable fabrication of functional nanomaterials using environmentally benign methodologies is a central goal of green chemistry. Conventional synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles commonly relies on toxic reducing agents and synthetic stabilizers, generating environmental and health concerns. In this work, we report a fully green and reproducible strategy for the preparation of gold (Au), silver (Ag), and bimetallic Au/Ag nanoparticles using curcumin a natural polyphenol extracted from Curcuma longa as both reducing and capping agent. The one-pot aqueous synthesis was carried out under mild conditions without additional chemical additives, yielding stable colloidal dispersions with distinct plasmonic responses. Nanoparticle formation and optical behavior were evaluated by UV–Vis spectroscopy, revealing characteristic surface plasmon resonance bands for monometallic and bimetallic systems. Structural and colloidal properties were assessed through dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The nanoparticles exhibited hydrodynamic diameters between 30 and 56 nm, highly negative zeta potentials (−69 to −79 mV), and crystalline face-centered cubic metallic phases. FTIR analysis confirmed the participation of phenolic and enolic groups of curcumin in surface binding while preserving molecular integrity. The bimetallic Au/Ag nanoparticles showed broadened plasmonic profiles and enhanced colloidal stability compared to their monometallic counterparts. This study demonstrates that curcumin provides an effective bio-based platform for the sustainable synthesis of plasmonic nanomaterials, offering a scalable alternative to traditional chemical routes and supporting the development of environmentally responsible nanotechnology.

This work summarizes a response surface methodology (RSM) used to attain optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted polyphenols (PPhs) water-based extraction from Yerba Mate (YM, South-America infusion). Parameters such as mass of YM/volume of water (YM/W), pH, temperature, and time, were assessed. This kind of experimental approach helped to develop an eco-friendly and cost-effective process design, with minimum extraction times and decreasing the production of waste.

Removal of hexavalent chromium from water in two stages was also developed and optimized by RSM in a low-cost and low-environmental impact method. The removal consisted in a first step involving the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and a second step were the removal of chromium from the aqueous phase was achieved by using different sorbents.
The reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) was performed by using an aqueous extract of YM containing PPhs. At this step, the pH, YM:Cr(VI) molar ratio and initial Cr(VI) concentration were optimized.

For the second step of the chromium removal, different sorbents were studied: a clay with high montmorillonite (MMT) content and Ca(II)-alginate beads (ALGb). For both sorbents, pH, amount of sorbent, and initial total chromium concentration were also optimized.
Furthermore, the formation of chromium complexes with the organic matter in the YM aqueous extract and with MMT surface sites were evaluated using UV–visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) with a Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) instrument, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

Overall, these results demonstrate YM-MMT-ALGb as highly effective, and low-cost biogenic processes for chromium removal from acidic waters.

Electrochemical water splitting is a promising route for sustainable hydrogen production; however, its overall efficiency is constrained by the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Ni-based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have attracted significant attention as OER electrocatalysts due to their layered structure, tunable composition, and ability to incorporate catalytically active noble metals at low loadings. In this work, we investigate the effect of synthesis temperature on the structure and reactivity of noble-metal-modified Ni-based LDHs, using Ru as a representative noble metal, as a green strategy to enhance OER performance and energy efficiency.
By systematically controlling the synthesis temperature, we tune LDH crystallinity, layer ordering, metal–oxygen coordination, and electronic structure, which directly influence the catalytic behavior of the resulting materials. Incorporation of a small amount of Ru into the Ni-based LDH framework further modulates charge transfer and active-site reactivity, enabling improved OER kinetics. These structural changes allow direct correlation between synthesis conditions, catalyst structure, and electrochemical performance.
Electrochemical evaluation demonstrates that LDHs prepared under optimized synthesis temperatures exhibit enhanced OER activity and reaction kinetics compared to materials synthesized under non-optimal conditions. This study highlights how rational temperature control combined with efficient noble-metal utilization enables structure–reactivity tuning of Ni-based LDHs. The results provide insight into the green design of high-performance OER electrocatalysts that reduce energy losses in water electrolysis and support the development of scalable green hydrogen technologies.

The development of efficient anode electrocatalysts remains a key challenge for improving the performance of direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFC). In this work, activated carbon was synthesized from rice husk via hydrothermal treatment and subsequently functionalized with three different agents to tailor its surface chemistry and textural properties. The objective was to evaluate how these functionalization strategies influence metal–support interactions and electrocatalytic performance.
Rice husk was impregnated with a 23 wt.% H₃PO₄ solution and treated at 200°C for 24 h in a Teflon-lined autoclave. The material was then air-dried and pyrolyzed at 750°C to obtain activated carbon (HTC). Surface functionalization was performed using nitric acid to introduce oxygen-containing acidic groups (HTC-HNO₃), hydrogen peroxide to generate mild oxidative functionalities (HTC-H₂O₂), and urea to incorporate nitrogen-containing groups (HTC-urea).
Catalysts were synthesized via the polyol method: the carbon support was dispersed in a water/ethylene glycol solution (25:75 %v/v) and ultrasonicated, followed by the addition of Pt and Re precursors. The mixture was refluxed for 2 h, then filtered, washed, and dried at 110°C for 12 h. The nominal Pt and Re loadings were 20 wt.% and 3 wt.%, respectively.
Physicochemical characterization was conducted, electrochemical performance was assessed, and all catalysts were further evaluated in a DEFC prototype.
Results showed that urea functionalization produced a support with improved chemical and textural properties, enhancing metal–support synergy. The Pt(20)Re(3)/HTC-urea catalyst exhibited the best performance, achieving an electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of 182.6 m² gPt^-1 and a maximum anodic peak current of 1128 mA mgPt^-1. DEFC testing confirmed the superior performance of this material, attributed to the synergistic interaction between Pt and Re and to urea-induced surface modifications of the support. At 60°C, an open-circuit voltage (OCV) of 908 mV and a maximum power density of 5.5 mW cm^-2 were obtained (Table 1).
These findings demonstrate the potential of agricultural residues as precursors for advanced carbon supports and highlight the importance of designing high-performance electrocatalysts for DEFC.

The transition toward a circular bioeconomy requires sustainable strategies for the valorization of agro-industrial byproducts. At the same time, the food industry is experiencing a growing demand for natural additives, creating opportunities for bio-based functional ingredients. Grape pomace (GP), the main byproduct of the wine industry, is an abundant and underutilized biomass rich in anthocyanins (ACNs), yet its direct application is limited by the poor stability of these pigments. Pyranoanthocyanins (PACNs), anthocyanin derivatives naturally formed in aged red wines, exhibit superior stability; however, their slow formation kinetics and low natural abundance limit their industrial use.
This work presents an efficient approach for the synthesis of PACNs through the reaction of grape pomace ACNs with 4-vinylcatechol (4-VC), which was produced via the biotransformation of caffeic acid by lactic acid bacteria. The synthesis was carried out in hydroethanolic medium at pH 3 under optimized conditions (ACN:4-VC molar ratio 1:5, room temperature, 72 h), yielding approximately 40% total PACNs. The derivatized extract, predominantly composed of pyranomalvidin-3-O-glucoside-catechol, exhibited enhanced chromatic stability across a broader pH range and improved antioxidant capacity compared to native anthocyanins. The synthesized PACNs were purified and successfully evaluated in a yogurt food model, where they provided intense and homogeneous coloration, high color stability during storage, and full compatibility with yogurt starter cultures. These results highlight the potential of PACNs as effective natural colorant alternatives for fermented dairy systems. Overall, this work offers a practical and scalable framework for transforming winery residues into high-value, market-relevant bio-based colorants, contributing to reduced environmental impact and increased resilience within the food additive sector.

MXenes (Ti₃C₂T_x) possess unique properties, such as high electrical conductivity and suitable band gap, due to which they are very useful in numerous applications, such as photovoltaic, energy sectors, photocatalytic, and environmental sectors. In this study, we report on the synthesis, characterization, and application of Ternary composite comprising MXene (Ti₃C₂T_x), Copper(II) Oxide (CuO) and Bismuth(III) oxide (Bi₂O₃). We synthesized this composite using a nano structuring approach & Hydrothermal process. Structural and morphological characterizations were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, EDS and XPS. These analyses confirmed the successful integration of MXene and Bi₂O₃ with CuO leading to band gap modulation, enhanced light absorption, and improved charge transfer efficiency. We explored its application such as photovoltaic performance, antimicrobial activity and photodegradation capabilities. The photovoltaic studies showed improved charge separation and reduced recombination rates, confirmed through PL . Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and other electrochemical results was confirmed by using thin film and potentiostat. These enhancements contributed to power conversion efficiency, making the composite a viable candidate for next-generation solar energy devices. In antimicrobial evaluations, the composite exhibited potent bactericidal activity against E. Coli bacteria. The composite showed highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants under visible-light irradiation. The presence of MXene facilitated electron transport, while Bi₂O₃ played a crucial role in trap-state modulation. The material successfully degraded pollutants at a faster rate compared to conventional photocatalyst, highlighting its application in environmental remediation. The research and rational design and integration of these nanomaterials open new possibilities for high-performance hybrid composites with improved stability, efficiency, and multifunctionality.

Here we develop a sustainable monomer and polymer platform based on crotonate chemistry. Crotonates are accessible from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) via end of life pyrolysis. This provides an entry point to renewable monomers for polymer manufacturing. Building on our work of base catalyzed homo coupling polyaddition of di-crotonate esters, we extend this concept on functionality to di-crotonate amides. These monomers are designed to translate renewable C4 feedstock into bifunctional building blocks that polymerize through base-catalyzed crotonamide coupling, enabling rapid, atom-efficient C–C bond formation under mild conditions.
Most commodity plastics rely on carbon carbon backbones formed by chain growth polymerizations, which complicates end of life chemical recycling and biodegradation. In contrast, polyaddition step-growth strategies can incorporate structurally diverse materials without stoichiometric byproduct removal while enabling incorporation of heteroatom functionality that may improve environmental degradation. The result is often lower energy input, fewer separation steps, and a more scalable, in mold pathway to functional materials from renewable monomers.
Overall, this work introduces a renewable monomer family and a operationally simple polyaddition route to amide functional polymer frameworks, enabling structure reactivity studies and providing a foundation for scalable, lower waste synthesis of per formant, tunable, bio sourced materials.

Corrosion protection in acidic environments still relies heavily on synthetic inhibitors that can raise toxicity and persistence concerns. This work evaluates beetroot-derived betainic molecules as sustainable corrosion inhibitors for mild steel using a fully reproducible ORCA and Python workflow executable on a personal laptop. Molecular geometries and electronic descriptors are obtained via DFT (B3LYP/def2-TZVP) with dispersion corrections and implicit aqueous solvation. Adsorption is evaluated on Fe(110) cluster models by sampling multiple initial binding sites and orientations and computing adsorption energies.

The betainic derivatives show strong interaction with Fe(110), with calculated adsorption energies in the range of about -145 to -172 kJ/mol and high polarity (dipole moments about 5.2 to 7.8 D), alongside moderate frontier gaps (about 3.8 to 4.5 eV) consistent with favorable electron donation and acceptance behavior. Benchmarking under identical settings indicates that selected betainic structures can match or exceed the surface binding strength of conventional synthetic inhibitors assessed with the same protocol. In parallel, a predictive model for inhibition efficiency is developed in Python using multiple linear regression and random forest trained on computed descriptors and curated literature efficiencies, and evaluated using R2, RMSE, and leave-one-out cross-validation to ensure robustness. Descriptor importance highlights polarity and donor-related variables (for example dipole moment, polarizability, and HOMO energy) as key drivers of predicted performance.

Overall, the results support betainic motifs from beetroot biomass as promising candidates for corrosion mitigation and demonstrate an accessible computational screening route to prioritize green inhibitors for subsequent experimental validation.

The abrasive generation of tire wear particles (TWP) on road surfaces during vehicle acceleration and braking is a growing environmental concern as TWP releases contaminants onto soil and surface run-offs after rain, which leads to microplastic pollution of rivers, lakes, and oceans. Among the tire-derived toxicants, an antioxidant known as N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N’-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) used to prevent tire breakdown, and its oxidized form 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), have been found to be highly toxic to aquatic organisms and can lead to adverse human health effects through bioaccumulation via the food chain. These environmental health consequences of TWP also underscore the potential impact of waste tire recycling practices on the releases of contaminants to air, water, and soil. The objective of this study was to characterize the toxicant profiles of recycled tire materials due to water leaching and thermal desorption which occur during the production and use of these materials. The recycling of waste tires into tire-derived products such as mulch and rubber crumbs for recreational spaces, new building materials such as tire-derived aggregate and rubberized asphalt for landfill and public works construction, and energy recovery via tire-derived fuels, can release various environmental toxicants besides 6PPD and 6PPD-Q. Shredded and ground waste tire materials of different sizes were subjected to rainwater leaching and thermal treatment at different temperatures to elucidate their toxicant profiles. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods were used with solid phase extraction of rainwater leachates and gas sample collection via thermal desorption at 50°C, 120°C, and 250°C desorption. The GC-MS leachate analysis has confirmed the presence of 6PPD in addition to other toxicangs such as aniline, tetramethyl silicate, triethylamine, benzothiazole, benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, N-cyclohexylformamide, siloxanes, N-cyclohexyl acetamide, (bicyclohexyl)2-amine, phthalimide, and 2(3H)-benzothiazolone. The GC-MS analysis of gas samples revealed the presence of alkanes, acetone, acetaldehyde, cyclohexanone, methyl isobutyl ketone, and xylenes. Research findings on the correlation of toxicant concentrations with tire particle sizes will be presented.

In the biomass conversion and biorefinery sector, turning glycerol (by-product of Biodiesel) into valuable chemicals is an alluring process. This work used glycerol and acetone as raw materials to explore ultrasound-assisted solketal synthesis in a novel way using modified sulfated zirconia as a catalyst. Glycerol conversion was examined by varying three different parameters: reactant ratio, catalyst dosage, and ultrasonic voltage. While synthesizing the catalyst Zr-S-400, different acid concentrations were used, and the catalyst was characterized by FESEM, EDAX, XRD, and Ammonia TPD technique. To maximize the conversion of glycerol, three parameters i.e., reactant ratio, catalyst dosage, and ultrasonic voltage were optimized using Design-Expert Version 13. The reaction mixture was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer (GCMS). At optimized conditions, maximum conversion (94%) was obtained with 91.5% solketal selectivity. It was found that sulfated zirconia could be reused for up to 4 cycles without significant loss in the catalytic activity. A scale-up investigation for the ultrasound-assisted synthesis of solketal with sulfated zirconia acting as a catalyst was also discussed. The kinetic data was used to scale up the reaction in a constant volume batch reactor model.

Copper molybdenum sulphide (CMS), a ternary transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD), is interesting because of its two-dimensional (2D) nanostructure. Unlike the well investigated binary layered molybdenum disulphide (MoS₂) counterpart, there is scope to explore phase, morphological, stoichiometric and defect related electronic properties, in respect of its technological potential. In this study, off-stoichiometric CMS (Cu₂MoS₄) colloidal nanostructures (6.4 – 12.4 nm) were grown under variable conditions of temperature (190 – 300 °C) and time (5 – 30 minutes). The nanostructures crystallize in the body centred tetragonal structure of the I-phase (I-CMS) and display a correlation of particle size, thickness, layering and composition with growth conditions. Growth temperature influences their layer stacking, whilst growth time influences their lateral dimension. The off-stoichiometric nanostructures are copper and molybdenum-rich rendering shallow-lying acceptor states of copper adatoms and donor states of vacancies of sulphur. These along with surface trapping states are likely implicated in tunable UV-visible absorption with indirect bandgaps (2.6 – 2.8 eV), as well as broad visible photoluminescence which tails into the NIR region involving fast radiative recombination of lifetimes (0.29 – 3.35 ns). Additionally, electrodes of the I-CMS nanostructures display slightly variable pseudocapacitance of charge-storage, primarily via sodium ion intercalation with a good specific capacitance of ~86 F g^-1 at 5 mV s^-1 scan rate. Importantly, this is the first study involving the growth of Cu₂MoS₄ via colloidal hot injection as a facile route for phase selectivity, composition, morphology and electronic properties for applications such as photovoltaics, optoelectronics and pseudocapacitive electrodes for energy storage devices.

Conventional epoxy thermosets, which are widely used in wind-turbine blades and high-performance coatings, among other applications, are traditionally synthesized from the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and rely on petroleum feedstocks. Lignin, one of the most abundant natural materials available, has shown promise as a biorenewable source of epoxy precursors. However, the inherent structural heterogeneity of lignin-based molecules limits their direct application as thermosets. Herein, high-performance thermosets were synthesized from lignin-derivable model compounds, which can be produced through lignin depolymerization processes. Relationships among the structural features and chemical composition of the mixture of lignin compounds and the properties of the resulting epoxy resins.

Epoxidized compounds were synthesized via epichlorohydrin functionalization of lignin-derivable model compounds. Subsequently, the epoxidized monomer mixtures were cured using methylhexahydrophthalic anhydride to form crosslinked thermoset networks in a method comparable to the curing of commercial DGEBA. Thermal and thermomechanical properties were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Importantly, an increase in methoxy groups in the model compounds led to an increase in the glassy storage modulus yet decrease in crosslink density and glass transition of the epoxy resins. Tunable material properties were observed through use of blends of epoxidized model compounds. These insights can support development of renewable epoxy resins that can reduce dependency on petrochemical resources through replacement with lignin resources.

Dope dyeing reduces water use, chemicals, and wastewater by introducing pigments directly into the polymer. However, color matching for dope dyed recycled PET/PCT microfiber fabrics still relies on repeated trial runs because the achievable CIELAB space is narrow and small variations in L*, a*, and b* are visually meaningful. This study proposes a sustainable, data–driven framework that predicts final color coordinates and reduces experimental iterations during recipe development. To address the limited output range and the need to resolve subtle variations, a two-stage hybrid machine learning strategy was designed. In the first stage, k–nearest neighbors was adopted as a local similarity-based predictor to leverage recipe proximity and clustered behavior in dope dyed systems. In the second stage, feature expansion was applied to represent nonlinear interactions among recipe variables, and a residual model was trained to correct systematic errors remaining after the prediction. Model performance was assessed for each CIELAB coordinate using standard regression metrics, and the proposed framework achieved R² values above 0.83 for L*, a*, and b*, demonstrating robust accuracy within the constrained color domain. External validation using recipes not included in training confirmed generalization, yielding a mean ΔE of 0.65, which corresponds to visually negligible deviation under typical inspection conditions. By enabling reliable prediction of color outcomes, the framework can reduce repeated trials, shorten development cycles, and lower energy and material use associated with repeated color matching trials. The proposed approach supports practical integration of machine learning into dope dyed color matching workflows and contributes to efficient, circular, and environmentally friendly textile manufacturing.

As deuterium incorporation becomes increasingly important in drug discovery, due to its reported beneficial effects on pharmacokinetic profiles and molecular stability, the development of efficient, safe, and sustainable deuteration methods is of growing interest. Conventional approaches rely primarily on pressurized D₂ gas for catalytic hydrogenation, while alternative strategies employing metal hydride analogs or deuterated alkylating agents have also been reported.
In this work, we have investigated a novel Pd/C-catalyzed deuteration system in which D₂ gas is generated in situ from an aluminum–D₂O reaction via ultrasonication. The resulting D₂ is adsorbed onto a Pd/C catalyst and enables efficient catalytic deuteration and reduction of a wide range of unsaturated bonds and functional groups, including C=C, C=N, C=O, and N=O motifs.
This methodology employs D₂O as the sole deuterium source, eliminating the need for external D₂ gas or energy-intensive water-splitting processes. As a result, the system offers a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and operationally safe alternative to conventional deuteration methods while maintaining excellent reactivity. Across a broad substrate scope, higher than 90% yields are achieved without compromising selectivity, highlighting the potential of this approach as a green and practical option for deuterium incorporation.

Tin is the most promising candidate for lead-free perovskite photovoltaics due to its low toxicity, high absorption coefficients and adequate bandgaps in different stoichiometries. However, most studies are focused on wet methods that use a great amount of toxic and contaminating solvents. Because of this, it is relevant to study dry synthesis and fabrication methods for perovskite solar cells. Thin films of tin perovskites have shown to be processable by thermal co-evaporation of their precursor salts, although the resulting films have high defect densities, low reproducibility and crystallinity issues. For this reason, thermally evaporating a pre-synthesized perovskite from a single source might come as a viable option, being more scalable, simpler and with more consistent results. Mechanochemical synthesis has emerged as a scalable, high-yield, and solvent-free route to access a wide variety of compounds, especially inorganic materials such as halide perovskites. In addition, mechanochemistry aids in producing definite stoichiometries of the perovskite, which can enable compositional engineering in mixed halide systems and additive engineering, which are complicated in co-evaporation. This work investigates a completely dry fabrication route for CsSnI₃ solar cells, involving mechanosynthesis and single-source vapor deposition; the effect of SnF₂ as a stabilizing additive is also studied.
CsSnI₃ powders are prepared by planetary ball-milling of CsI and SnI₂, that upon optimization of the milling parameters resulted in a mixture of the yellow non-perovskite phase (2.6 eV) and the black gamma phase (1.3 eV), along with the complete disappearance of the precursors as revealed by X-ray diffraction results. The as-synthesized powder is then loaded into a high vacuum thermal evaporator, where thin films are produced. Interestingly, the films conform to a 2D structure with preferred orientation that shows a 2.47 eV bandgap from diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, this can be converted to the black perovskite once annealed at 180 °C. The materials and its films are also characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Ongoing work focuses on the fabrication of solar cells with these films, full photovoltaic performance metrics will be presented at the conference, along with the correlations between synthesis/processing parameters and device performance.

Titanocene(III) complexes are versatile reagents that have been widely used to mediate a variety of catalytic transformations. Their facile generation from readily available titanocene(IV) precatalysts and their ability to access both +3 and +4 oxidation states make them well suited for single-electron transfer (SET) catalysis. In addition, the reactivity of titanocene(III) complexes can be modulated through the use of additives, enabling their application in non-radical reduction processes that are fundamental to the synthesis of complex organic molecules.
In this work, an efficient and environmentally friendly approach to the hydrosilylation of esters and nitriles using a titanocene(III) borohydride–PMHS system is described. The inclusion of isopropanol as an additive was found to significantly enhance the hydrosilylation of these carboxylic acid derivatives. The generality of this methodology was demonstrated through the reduction of a range of esters and nitriles bearing diverse steric and electronic features. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that a titanocene(III) hydride species is generated in situ and serves as the active catalyst responsible for the observed transformations.

Aqueous phase reforming of methanol (APRM) is considered a carbon-neutral and energy-saving route to produce hydrogen compared to steam reforming of methanol. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) achieve full utilization and are promising to boost catalytic activities for APRM. However, SACs are subject to instability on traditional inert metal oxide support. Herein, we predicted strong metal support interactions (SMSI) between single atoms of Pt and transition metal carbide supports. Further, Pt nano catalysts supported on Hafnium Carbides (Pt/HfC) were synthesized by the Incipient Wetness Impregnation (IWI) method and characterized by Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM), which revealed the atomic dispersion of Pt atoms and some areas of Pt clusters on the support. The catalysts are thermally stable up to 250 °C in a hydrogen flow. The activity of the catalyst is evaluated using a home-built high-pressure liquid phase reactor. The reactor uses a mass flow meter coupled with a mass spectrometer to obtain the product information and is designed to withstand 30 bar pressure at 0.1 mL/min. Integration of this high-pressure liquid phase packed bed reactor and Pt/HfC will pave the way for the organized studies of APRM, enhancing low-temperature generation of hydrogen gas from methanol.

Selectivity is a key parameter that determines the efficiency and economic feasibility of electrochemical water treatment processes. Contaminated streams often contain background ionic species at much higher concentrations than target contaminants with similar chemical properties, significantly reducing treatment efficiency. Effectively addressing this challenge requires electrode materials that are selective, scalable, and sustainable. Valorizing biomass provides a chemically versatile and environmentally friendly platform to meet these requirements, given its wide variety of functional groups and availability as a waste. However, the use of non-pyrolyzed biomass as an electroactive material is fundamentally limited by its poor electronic conductivity. This work focuses on using natural molecules to enhance charge transport in biopolymers, enabling them to function as the primary active component in electrodes. The central strategy involves improving electron mobility by exploiting the π-conjugation formed between the side chain of histidine and the d-orbitals of abundant metals such as Fe, Cu, and Ni. Following this approach, chitosan, lignin, alginate, and lignocellulosic biomass were modified, producing metal–histidine–biopolymer structures with enhanced charge transport, which exhibited at least a 5-fold increase in specific capacitance compared to unmodified biomass while preserving selectivity when applied in capacitive deionization. Density functional theory calculations support these observations, suggesting that coordination environments involving histidine and metal centers significantly reduce the electronic band gap of the composites, with a decrease of 4.5 eV observed for chitosan. By developing electroactive materials from renewable feedstocks, this work aims to provide practical, environmentally friendly, and economically viable solutions for selective water purification while supporting circular economy principles.

The development of sustainable seaweed biorefineries requires extraction strategies that enhance protein recovery while minimizing environmental impact and enabling process integration. In this work, a process-oriented assessment of green extraction approaches was conducted to evaluate their influence on protein solubilization and recovery pathways from seaweed biomass. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), hybrid MAE-EAE strategies, and the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) as alternative extraction solvent were comparatively examined. Protein recovery was primarily evaluated in the liquid extract phase following extraction, with downstream precipitation considered as a separate unit operation. MAE resulted in higher protein solubilization compared to EAE alone, reflecting the effectiveness of rapid thermal and cell-disruptive mechanisms. The integration of enzymatic treatment following MAE further improved protein recovery during subsequent precipitation, indicating synergistic effects between physical disruption and enzymatic action. In addition, the use of DES in MAE significantly increased protein yields in liquid extracts relative to water, highlighting the role of solvent-biomolecule interactions in improving extraction efficiency. Polyphenol co-extraction was also assessed as a complementary indicator of solvent selectivity and extract multifunctionality under green processing conditions. The results demonstrate that extraction strategy and solvent choice strongly influence protein availability and recovery pathways, with implications for the design of flexible and sustainable seaweed biorefineries. This comparative assessment provides process-relevant insights to guide the selection and integration of green extraction routes for protein-focused seaweed valorization.

Recycling has become a crucial source of platinum group metals (PGMs) in many countries. However, conventional separation techniques are often cumbersome, consume large amounts of chemicals, and generate significant environmental burdens. To simplify these processes, extend the lifespan of extractants, and reduce environmental pollution, we developed a novel separation system for Pt(IV) and Pd(II) using a trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO)-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) as the liquid–liquid extraction medium. In this DES, TOPO acts as the hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), while alcohols function as hydrogen bond donors (HBDs).
By investigating the performance of various DESs under different experimental conditions, we found that Pt(IV) and Pd(II) can be effectively separated in aqueous (aq.) systems containing moderate proton concentrations, sufficiently high chloride ion concentrations, and relatively large basic cations. Combining these results with organic analyses, we further revealed that DESs exhibit improved separation performance when the water solubilities of the HBD and HBA are low and when the functional groups possess high charge density.
We also examined the separation behavior of PGMs and Fe(III), which is one of the most problematic base metals in PGM recycling. By adjusting the pH of the aq. phase and modifying its composition, Fe(III) could be selectively removed from the DES phase. When the proton concentration in the aq. phase was decreased while maintaining a high chloride ion concentration, Pt(IV) was stripped into the aq. phase, whereas Fe(III) remained in the DES phase. Conversely, when the chloride salt concentration was reduced, Fe(III) was also stripped into the aq. phase, resulting in a regenerated DES phase free of metal ions and suitable for reuse.
Because the chemicals used in this system exhibit low volatility and only minimal amounts of HCl are required throughout the separation process, both volatile emissions and chemical waste generation are significantly reduced. Furthermore, the DES components demonstrated good chemical stability, showing no noticeable decomposition or degradation even under low pH conditions or during long-term use.
Overall, this TOPO-based DES system enables the separation of Pt(IV) and Pd(II), the selective removal of Fe(III), and the regeneration of the solvent within a simple process. This approach represents a promising and environmentally benign alternative to conventional PGM separation technologies.

This study examines electricity generation using water evaporation, a natural process that occurs continuously without fuel consumption or carbon emissions. Cotton fabric was coated with three different carbon materials—carbon black (CB), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP)—to compare their ability to generate electricity when exposed to water droplets. Electrodes were attached to each coated fabric, and the voltage and current produced during evaporation were measured under the same conditions. Among the three materials, carbon black showed the highest and most stable voltage output, reaching approximately 0.43–0.48 V per fabric unit, while MWCNT produced moderate output and GNP showed lower and less consistent results. When four carbon black–coated fabric pieces were connected in series, a voltage of 2.25 V was generated, which was sufficient to operate a calculator without a battery. These results demonstrate that electricity can be produced through water evaporation using simple carbon-coated materials, suggesting a low-cost and environmentally friendly approach for small-scale energy generation.

YK-4-279 is a selective inhibitor of EWS-FLI1, the fusion oncogene that drives the metastasis of Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive pediatric bone cancer. Current synthetic routes to YK-4-279 rely on chloral, a highly toxic and environmentally hazardous reagent, and provide YK-4-279 as a racemic mixture of R and S isomers, but only the S-isomer is biologically active, leaving half of the product to waste. In this work, we report the development and evaluation of a greener synthetic route to the isatin core of YK-4-279 that improves reagent safety and targets waste reduction through asymmetric catalysis. Chloral was successfully replaced with glyoxylic acid, a significantly safer and naturally occurring reagent, resulting in high-yield formation of key intermediates under mild or solvent-free conditions. While overall yield remains limited by a challenging amidation step, this bottleneck highlights clear opportunities for future optimization. Preliminary studies toward asymmetric catalysis did not yet achieve enantioselective formation of the S-isomer but informed the selection of alternative catalyst options currently under investigation. Collectively, this work demonstrates that greener synthetic design principles can be applied to medicinally relevant targets and provides a foundation for further optimization toward safer, more efficient production of YK-4-279.

This study investigates the performance of an Air Gap Membrane Distillation (AGMD) module operating at moderate feed temperatures (45°C to 60°C). A novel module design is proposed, featuring an insulation barrier of negligible thickness that bifurcates the hot saline feed stream into dual subchannels to facilitate double-pass operations with internal recycling. This configuration allows one subchannel to operate in cocurrent flow while the other functions in a countercurrent recycling mode. Results demonstrate that this design significantly enhances permeate flux compared to conventional single-pass modules of identical dimensions. A mathematical model was developed and validated with experimental data to predict permeate fluxes and assess technical feasibility. The dual-pass arrangement effectively minimizes temperature polarization and optimizes flow characteristics by increasing both convective heat-transfer coefficients and fluid residence time. Furthermore, this work provides a comprehensive analysis of the system through three primary objectives: (1) formulating a theoretical framework for the recycling double-pass AGMD system; (2) evaluating the impact of recycling on performance—specifically regarding extended flow pathways and increased flow velocities; and (3) identifying the optimal operating conditions from an economic perspective by balancing permeate flux enhancement against the associated increase in power consumption.

With less than 10% of plastics in the USA recycled, finding methods to mitigate plastic waste is paramount. One way is to upcycle waste polyolefins, the most common type of plastic, into materials with greater value and longevity. This not only mitigates waste, but also conserves virgin feedstocks and, by creating products with increased lifespans, minimizes production of new materials. This project seeks to create tunable and processable polyurethane (PU) thermosets from polypropylene (PP), a common polymer in commercial plastics, and bio-derived alcohols. PUs are durable materials, commonly used in construction, insulation, and textiles, and are generally synthesized from petroleum feedstocks. Utilizing waste resources to create PUs would therefore reduce usage of petrochemicals in this application. This research builds on previous work demonstrating PU synthesis from PP that has been commercially grafted with maleic anhydride (PPgMAH). Amination of the anhydride with ethanolamine generates an alcohol functional group on the polymer (PPgOH), which can be crosslinked with a diisocyanate to generate a PU network; adding a urethane exchange catalyst makes the materials reprocessable. However, these materials retain a high degree of crystallinity from the parent PP, enhancing their strength yet limiting ductility and toughness. This work modifies these networks by co-crosslinking PPgOH with bio-derived alcohols and polyols. The introduction of these renewably sourced alcohols disrupts the materials’ crystallinity and thereby changes the physical and thermal properties of the networks. Varying the degree of crosslinking, and type and amount of alcohol added, causes tunable shifts in materials properties which can be seen by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), and rheology. Further, adding a urethane exchange catalyst to the network allows the PU to be reprocessed at the end of life, further mitigating the accumulation of plastic waste.

Essential oils (EOs) are natural products obtained from plant raw materials, most commonly by steam distillation and hydrodistillation, and less frequently by mechanical pressing or dry distillation. From the perspective of green chemistry, EOs represent renewable, biodegradable resources rich in bioactive compounds, including terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, esters, aldehydes and alcohols. Owing to their volatility, characteristic aroma and biological activity, EOs are widely applied in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural sectors.
The aim of this study was to compare the yield and chemical composition of EOs obtained from different morphological parts—seeds, leaves and post-harvest straw—of selected Apiaceae species: dill (Anethum graveolens), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), caraway (Carum carvi), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), celery (Apium graveolens) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum). Particular attention was paid to the potential valorisation of agricultural by-products in accordance with the principles of sustainable resource management.
Essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus (in accordance with ISO 6571:2008). The chemical profiles of the oils were determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) employing a Shimadzu QP-2020NX system. The results demonstrated that seeds were the richest source of EOs, with the highest yields obtained for caraway (2.66% v/m) and dill (1.90% v/m). Among leaf-derived oils, celery exhibited the highest yield (0.26% v/m), which is particularly relevant given that celery leaves are often treated as horticultural waste. Straw samples contained the lowest EO amounts, with dill straw yielding only 0.10% v/m.Despite quantitative differences, EOs derived from seeds, leaves and straw of a given species showed comparable qualitative compositions. Dill EO was dominated by α-phellandrene, β-cymene and D-limonene, whereas caraway EO contained mainly D-carvone and D-limonene. These findings highlight the feasibility of utilising non-edible plant parts and agricultural residues as alternative EO sources, supporting waste minimisation and circular economy strategies within green chemistry frameworks.

Multilayer packaging, consisting of multiple discrete layers of different polymers and additives, contributes greatly to global plastic waste due to the complexity of its end-of-life separation and recycling. As a result of their mixed source, recycled materials sourced from multilayer packaging suffer from depreciated mechanical properties due to the immiscibility of the constituent plastics. Recent attempts to valorize mixed waste take advantage of compatibilizers, which are additives added to polymeric mixtures allowing for enhanced interfacial adhesion and improved mixture morphology. Herein, the use of a hydroxylated polyethylene, synthesized using the metal-catalyzed polymerization of ethylene in the presence of a polar co-monomer, as a compatibilizer to enhance the properties of extruded multilayer films, is demonstrated. The hydroxylated polyethylene was added to mixtures containing the typical components of multilayer packaging: polyolefins, primarily working with mixtures of polyethylene and polypropylene, as well as ethylene vinyl alcohol and polyamide. The size of the phase-separated domains was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Mechanical properties of the compatibilized mixtures were quantified by mechanical tensile testing to observe strain-strength correlations as well as ultimate elongation. In addition, rheological analysis in the low frequency regime of the mixtures was performed to understand the impact of the compatibilizer on complex viscosity and dynamic moduli. This work provides insight into the use of hydroxylated polyethylene to enhance the properties of melt-extruded polymer mixtures, mimicking the composition of multi-layer packaging, providing a path forward towards recycling these materials.

The rapid legalization of cannabis has created a need for fast, reliable, and environmentally sustainable methods for cannabinoid analysis. Conventional chromatographic techniques, while accurate, often require extensive sample preparation, solvents, and time. This study presents a green analytical approach combining Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with machine learning for rapid cannabinoid quantification.
A total of 102 cannabis samples from licensed Maryland farms were analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy, with reference concentrations of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), total cannabidiol (CBD), and total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Spectral data were preprocessed using outlier detection, baseline correction, smoothing, and normalization. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was applied for quantitative prediction, while logistic regression was used for classification.
The models showed strong performance for both CBDA and total CBD. Predicted total THC values enabled accurate classification of industrial hemp and marijuana, achieving 100% accuracy and an AUC of 1.00. This work demonstrates that FTIR combined with machine learning offers a rapid, solvent-minimized, and non-destructive alternative for cannabinoid analysis, supporting green chemistry principles in botanical analysis.

To highlight the role chemistry plays in addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), IUPAC’s Chemical Research Applied to World Needs (CHEMRAWN) Standing Committee in collaboration with Beyond Benign launched a project aimed at informing chemists, students and the public about the importance of chemistry. This initiative, titled “Promoting Chemistry Applied to World Needs,” is unfolding across two phases. The first phase, a webinar series, began in January 2025 and the second phase focused on education started in early 2026 building on the webinars.
In 2025, our collaborative team organized a series of 5 webinars featuring experts who are leading the charge to solve world needs through chemistry and situating their work around the UN SDGs and IUPAC’s Top 10 Emerging Technologies. The webinar recordings have collectively been viewed over 1.5k on YouTube. Topics covered to date have covered Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Carbon Neutrality and Batteries. This series has served as a leverage point for both IUPAC and Beyond Benign’s programs to engage with early career chemists and educators around the globe.
Building on the momentum from stage 1, we are currently developing short, engaging videos for education and outreach purposes. These 2-5 minute long videos are inspired by our expert webinar speakers for use in classrooms and linked with foundational chemistry knowledge, and also for communicating with the public (to promote the role of chemistry in their lives and in providing solutions to meet UN SDG targets). Our latest videos will be available for viewing and feedback at the poster.
This project serves to strengthen the field of chemistry by highlighting its central role in sustainable development and new technologies. By promoting chemistry in an open and accessible way, we hope to inspire the next generation of scientists and to champion ongoing research worldwide including discoveries recognized by IUPAC’s top ten emerging technologies.

Hybrid nanogenerators that combine piezoelectric and triboelectric mechanisms offer enhanced energy harvesting performance, yet most rely on synthetic polymers or inorganic materials that present challenges in biodegradability and end-of-life management. Developing renewable, bio-derived alternatives capable of comparable electroactive performance is therefore an important step toward more sustainable electronic materials.
In this study, silk fibroin, a natural protein with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, was used as the base material. Attributed to its non-centrosymmetric structure, silk fibroin has piezoelectric properties and can also function as a triboelectric material. A chemically modified carboxymethylated silk fibroin (CMSF) film was used as a positive triboelectric layer to enhance surface charge generation. Chemical modification alters molecular dipole and surface charge behavior, improving electroactive functionality. In addition, a silk fibroin film with enhanced β-sheet crystalline was used as the piezoelectric layer to improve energy conversion efficiency.
The developed silk-based hybrid nanogenerator exhibited stable electrical output during repeated operation and demonstrated performance comparable to conventional synthetic polymer-based nanogenerators. It also offers advantages in recyclability, biodegradability, and material circularity. This work demonstrates the potential of chemically engineered protein-based materials for electronic applications and can be extended to eco-friendly wearable electronics, disposable biomedical sensors, and biodegradable electronic systems.

Polyester (PET) is the most widely used fiber in the textile industry, accounting for over 70% of all textile products. However, PET is non-biodegradable, leading to the accumulation of large amounts of textile waste each year and raising concerns over long-term environmental issues. Thus, there is a growing need to recycle PET either physically or chemically. One of the major challenges in chemical recycling of PET is that most PET fibers are dyed, which complicates the recycling process. Dyes interfere with depolymerization reactions, reducing the yield of monomers (TPA) in the depolymerization. Therefore, it is crucial to remove the disperse dyes from waste PET fibers to improve chemical recycling efficiency. The common method for decolorizing PET fibers involves using organic solvents, such as DMF, to extract disperse dyes. However, the organic solvents are expensive and difficult to recover at a commercial scale, posing additional environmental risks. This study explores a water-based decolorization and subsequent depolymerization with or without phase transfer catalyst. Phase transfer catalysts (PTC) are substances that enhance the transfer of reactants between immiscible phases and are known to improve the efficiency of the hydrolysis-based depolymerization process. Under optimal decolorization conditions, a decolorization efficiency of over 95% was achieved. The depolymerization yield of virgin white PET was 79%, while the yields for dyed PET decreased to 56-66%. However, when the dyes were removed using the water-based decolorization method, the depolymerization yields increased to 71-80%. The use of PTC in the depolymerization process improved TPA yield by more than 10% across all samples, including virgin PET fibers, dyed PET fibers, and decolored PET fibers.

m-Phenylenediamine derivatives are widely utilized in various fields; however, the inherent o-/p-orientation nature of aromatic substrates makes their direct synthesis challenging using classical approaches. To overcome this issue, several catalytic systems have been developed, such as m-selective C–H bond activation by metal complexes. Nevertheless, these methods generally require the installation of complex directing groups or template molecules tailored to each functional group. In this work, we focused on dehydrogenative aromatization, which is an environmentally benign reaction that can synthesize various aromatic compounds from non-aromatic compounds like cyclohexanones, thereby circumventing the inherent o-/p-directing effects of aromatic substrates. We envisioned that diverse m-phenylenediamine derivatives could be synthesized via 1,2- and 1,4-addition of amines to cyclohexenones followed by dehydrogenative aromatization. However, no such methods have been reported, probably due to the difficulty in controlling selectivity of irreversible dehydrogenation to phenols, anilines, and so on.
Here, we found for the first time that Au nanoparticle catalysts exhibit dehydrogenative aromatization catalysis specific to enamines with γ-Lewis basic sites, enabling the unprecedented selective m-phenylenediamine derivative synthesis in the presence of a CeO₂-supported Au nanoparticle catalyst (Au/CeO₂) (Fig. 1). Mechanistic studies revealed that dehydrogenation on Au nanoparticles requires not only metalation at the α-position but also metalation at the γ-position via interaction with the Lewis basic site, resulting in the emergence of Au nanoparticle-specific dehydrogenation selectivity. Furthermore, the CeO₂ support plays multiple roles: it promotes the aerobic oxidation of Au–H species, thereby enhancing dehydrogenation catalysis, and facilitates the 1,2-/1,4-addition of amines to cyclohexenones through its Lewis acidic sites.

The Bayer process generates over 190 million tonnes of bauxite residue (BxR) annually. Its alkalinity (average pH 11.3) makes acidic treatment essential for safe storage and use; however, neutralization is complicated by the dissolution of solid-phase components acting as buffers [1]. Sodalites are among the most important reactive components in BxR; yet little is known about their behaviour in aqueous media. Therefore, our research focused on the synthesis, hydrolysis, and neutralization behaviour of hydroxy sodalite (HXS) and carbonate sodalite (CS).
We synthesized HXS by digesting kaolinite in concentrated (~19 M) NaOH solution; the average composition of the obtained solid was Na₈[AlSiO₄]₆(OH)_1.5(CO₃)_0.25●2.8H₂O. CS was synthesized by mixing kaolinite and Na₂CO₃ in a 2 M NaAl(OH)₄ and 2.5 M NaOH solution, resulting in an average composition of Na_6.9[AlSiO₄]₆(CO₃)_0.45●5.9H₂O.
Time- and concentration-dependence of HXS suspensions with c_HXS = 0.01–100 g/L at room temperature was monitored using pH-metry. Approximately 20-30 days were required to reach a constant pH. Additionally, the dissolution of HXS involves phase transformation. Three solid phases may be in equilibrium: HXS (dominant above pH ≈ 10.5) and two hydrosodalite phases (HS1, HS2; dominant below pH ≈10.5) without OH^–/CO₃^2– ions in the sodalite β-cages.
Similarly, we examined the dissolution processes of CS using pH-metry. CS, although less alkaline than HXS, also contributes to the high pH of BxR. The X-ray diffractograms of the solid residue phases show no unambiguous evidence of phase transformation.
Next, HCl solutions were added to HXS suspensions to neutralize the cage OH^– and CO₃^2– ions, yielding the HS phases. Initially, rapid neutralization was observed, followed by a gradual increase in pH as the HS phases dissolved slowly. Steady-state experiments showed that achieving a stable pH of 8 requires 4 moles of HCl per mole of HXS.
In summary, our results suggest that the dissolution of CS, HXS, and HS phases formed during neutralization contribute significantly to the alkaline pH of BxR. Furthermore, it is now possible to predict the acid consumption of BxR from its sodalite content. Since sodalites are known for their excellent adsorption properties [2], neutralized HXS/CS may also be utilized as adsorbents, thereby enhancing BxR valorization.
[1] M. Gräfe, G. Power, C. Klauber, Hydromet. 108, 2011, 60–79
[2] M.A. Salam, A. Adlii, M.H. Eid, M.R. Abukhadra, J. Contam. Hydrol. 276, 2021, 103817

Elemental sulfur (S₈) is a promising waste-based feedstock for the polymer economy. However, poly(sulfur)’s high floor temperature renders its polymeric form unstable for a wide variety of consumer and industrial applications. The addition of strained disulfide comonomer(s) provides an enthalpic driving force, granting these poly(sulfides) stability at room temperature. Here, we discuss the copolymerization of elemental sulfur with bio-derived dithiolanes, accomplished under atmospheric and solvent-free conditions. The unique thermodynamics of a mixed floor/ceiling temperature polymer can enable these poly(sulfides) to undergo base-catalyzed depolymerization, enabling recycling to monomer. We demonstrate that by functionalizing the dithiolane, these functional poly(sulfides) can serve as reactive grafting agents for the re/up-cycling of waste polyolefins during melt extrusion. Overall, the rational design of dithiolanes and facile copolymerization with elemental sulfur provides a strong platform for a robust class of polymers with both a wide range of applications and high circularity.

Multilayer films (MLFs) are valued for their barrier properties, flexibility, and versatility in design. However, their multi-material composition poses challenges for their mechanical recycling. To help increase the recyclability of MLFs, this study investigates the technoeconomic viability of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) as a potential alternative conversion pathway. Literature has shown that HTL, which uses sub-/super-critical water as reaction media, can convert MLFs into valuable oil and aromatic products. With data available in literature, we use Aspen Plus to model and simulate HTL of MLFs for producing several valuable products, including naphtha and/or BTEX. The model developed focuses on three key operational parameters: preprocessing of the polymer feedstock, BTEX separation via extractive distillation, and reactor residence time. Mass and energy balances from the model simulation are first used to estimate capital expenditure (CapEx) and operating expenditure (OpEx). With the estimated CapEx and OpEx, a discounted cash flow analysis will be performed to determine the minimum selling price (MSP ) of naphtha and/or BTEX product . To date, our preliminary findings suggest that the gas and aqueous byproducts need to be recovered to minimize additional unit operations needed. Initial findings indicate that the current HTL section accounts for over 60% of the total capital investment . Additionally, the residence time of the continuous HTL was shown to affect the overall capital cost significantly. Finally, we will evaluate multiple product portfolios—targeting naphtha and/or BTEX as primary products—and assess their technoeconomic performance. Ultimately, this study is expected to identify R&D gaps that need improvements and optimization to enhance the economic viability of HTL as an industrial recycling process.

The rheological control of hydrogel-based wound dressings is traditionally achieved using synthetic polymers, chemical crosslinkers, or solvent-assisted processing, all of which introduce environmental and toxicological burdens that conflict with green chemistry principles. Although cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are widely recognized as rheology modifiers, their ability to replace chemical structuring agents in fully bio-based biomedical formulations has not been systematically explored.
Here, we present a green formulation strategy in which renewable CNFs act as physical, hydrogen-bonded network formers to regulate the flow and mechanical behavior of all-natural polymer wound dressing systems. The high-aspect-ratio CNFs generate percolated mesoscale networks that impart yield stress, shear-thinning behavior, and elastic stability required for aqueous processing, coating, and extrusion without the use of synthetic polymers, organic solvents, or covalent crosslinking reactions.
This nanofiber-enabled approach allows weak and highly hydrated biopolymers to be shaped into robust wound dressing constructs while preserving biodegradability and biocompatibility. By replacing conventional chemical rheology modifiers with renewable nanocellulose, this work demonstrates a sustainable route to functional biomedical hydrogels based on physical structure programming rather than chemical modification, advancing green chemistry principles in medical materials design.

Electrochemical conversion of CO₂ into CO has been extensively investigated as an electrified route for producing a versatile chemical intermediate. While significant advances have been reported at both the materials and device levels, remaining challenges include energy losses in conventional reactor configurations, limited catalyst utilization, and the need for quantitative system-level evaluation. This contribution presents three independent but complementary studies addressing these challenges from the perspectives of catalyst design, electrolyzer configuration, and process-level assessment. Above all, silver-carbon composite electrocatalysts synthesized via spray pyrolysis were investigated to enhance catalyst utilization. Dispersing silver nanoparticles within a porous carbon black support increased the accessible active surface area, improved mass transport, and lowered charge-transfer resistance. Systematic variation of metal loading and binder content resulted in increased CO partial current densities and improved operational stability compared with unsupported silver catalysts. Subsequently, atomically dispersed nickel coordinated with nitrogen on carbon nanotubes was examined to evaluate the co-electrolysis performance of electrochemical conversion of CO₂ to CO at the cathode and glycerol to organic acid at the anode in a zero-gap membrane electrode assembly. The Ni–N–C coordination environment promoted selective CO formation while suppressing competing hydrogen evolution. Finally, a catholyte-free electrochemical CO₂ reduction system was evaluated for process modeling and techno-economic analysis that were applied to quantify performance trade-offs and production costs for CO under conditions relevant to large-scale operation. Overall, these investigations demonstrate how to improve the catalyst design, electrolyzer configuration, and system-level evaluation and to enhance the efficiency and scalability of electrochemical CO₂ conversion technologies for CO production.

Hydrogen represents one of the most viable options for achieving a clean energy transition. However, state-of-the-art electrolysis technologies still rely heavily on catalysts based on noble metals such as Pt, Ru, and Ir, which are limited by high cost and scarcity. Consequently, significant research efforts are focused on developing catalysts based on transition metals such as Ni, Mo, Co, and W, as well as their carbides and 2D structures. Additionally, growing concerns about freshwater scarcity suggest that continuous hydrogen production from purified water may not be sustainable for large-scale industrial applications. In this context, direct seawater electrolysis represents a promising alternative, as seawater accounts for approximately 97% of Earth’s total water resources.
This work explores the synthesis and characterization of Ni/Mo_{<span style=”font-size:10.8333px”>2</span>}C composite coatings obtained by electrodeposition on AISI 316L stainless steel mesh substrates to produce high-surface-area electrodes for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under alkaline saline conditions. Stainless steel mesh was selected as an industrially relevant, mechanically robust, and low-cost current collector compatible with large-area electrode manufacturing and zero-gap electrolyzer configurations. HER activity was evaluated in alkaline saline electrolytes to simulate conditions relevant to non-conventional water sources.
Confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the Ni/Mo₂C composites revealed significant surface modification and the presence of characteristic globular structures associated with Mo_{<span style=”font-size:10.8333px”>2</span>}C incorporation.
The electrocatalytic performance toward HER was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and chronoamperometry (CA) in an alkaline saline electrolyte (1 M KOH + 0.6 M NaCl). Meshes coated with Ni/Mo_{<span style=”font-size:10.8333px”>2</span>}C achieve a current density at −0.4 V vs. RHE that was 470% higher than that of bare Ni-coated meshes.
These results demonstrate that Ni/Mo_{<span style=”font-size:10.8333px”>2</span>}C composite structures are promising candidates for the development of cost-effective and efficient cathodes for green hydrogen production using non-conventional water sources.

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) offer a promising pathway toward solution processed electronic materials that possess cost-effect manufacturing processes compared to conventional semiconductor technologies. Their high absorption coefficients, long carrier diffusion lengths, and compatibility with scalable, low waste deposition methods make them attractive for sustainable device fabrication. When integrated into metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), perovskites offer the potential for improved performance, such as higher switching speeds, lower power consumption, and enhanced flexibility for use in wearable and flexible electronics. In this study, we investigated triple-halide perovskite-based MOSFETs, focusing on the composition and substrate engineering on crystallization and device performance. A bottom-gate, bottom-contact MOSFET architecture has been fabricated using (Cs_0.22FA_0.78)Pb(I_0.85Br_0.13)₃ with 3 mol% MAPbCl₃ as the active channel material. Thin films have been deposited via spin coating and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). XRD analysis reveals composition- and substrate-dependent peak shifts and asymmetries, indicating variations in lattice parameters and crystallographic orientation. SEM imaging confirmed that substrates like Si, SiO₂, and ITO promote larger grain sizes, which are favorable for device performance. Electrical characterization demonstrated ambipolar charge transport, validating the feasibility of perovskites as MOSFET channel materials. These results underscore the significance of substrate engineering in optimizing perovskite-based transistors for next-generation low-power and flexible electronic applications.

Fused nitrogen heterocycles, such as quinoxaline and benzimidazole derivatives constitute fundamentally important class compounds finding widespread application as pharmaceuticals, ligands for catalysis, and organic electronic materials. The conventional methods used for their synthesis often rely on the use of stoichiometric oxidizing agents, high reaction temperatures, and large volumes of toxic organic solvents presenting significant environmental and economic challenges. contravening the principles of green chemistry. This study reports a novel, highly efficient and environmentally benign protocol by using readily available baker’s yeast as a robust and an inexpensive biocatalyst. The use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae eliminates the need for expensive and toxic metal catalysts. This protocol is a direct alternative to current methods that require complex multi-step processes. The reactions were further optimized to maximize efficiency and yields by altering sonication frequencies, incubation time, and initial concentration of sucrose. The process after being successfully optimized gives 80- 90% yields. A comprehensive scope was performed by utilizing different substituted o-phenylenediamine substrates. The reaction products were confirmed using GC-HRMS and NMR.

Coumarins are naturally occurring compounds belonging to the 1,2-benzopyrone family. This class of compounds is known for a wide range of properties, including pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects, as well as photophysical properties, which have enabled their use as sensors in several applications.

The direct formation of C–P bonds through cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) reactions represents an efficient strategy for the synthesis of organophosphorus compounds, as it avoids the prefunctionalization of starting materials. This methodology enhances atom economy and reduces the generation of byproducts and waste, making it particularly attractive for the preparation of coumarin-phosphonate hybrids.

As a continuation of our studies on the development of new synthetic methodologies promoted by earth-abundant metal nanocatalysts, herein we report preliminary results on the direct synthesis of 3-phosphonocoumarins from coumarins and dialkyl phosphites. The transformation is achieved using copper nanoparticles (0.1 mol % Cu) supported on activated carbon (CuNPs/C*) in the presence of potassium persulfate as the oxidizing agent.

Malaria remains a major global health burden, with 282 million reported cases in 2024, sustaining high demand for artemisinin-based therapies. Conventional extraction of artemisinin from Artemisia annua relies on petroleum ether, hexane, or halogenated solvents, which present flammability, toxicity, and waste-management challenges that hinder safer and scalable pharmaceutical manufacturing. This study aimed to identify lower-hazard, bio-derived solvents that maintain or improve extraction performance while reducing environmental and occupational risks.
The COnductor-like Screening MOdel for Realistic Solvents (COSMO-RS) was used to predict solute-solvent affinities for artemisinin and six comparator antimalarial compounds (quinine, quinidine, tetracycline, artemether, dapsone, and pyrimethamine). High-affinity candidates were experimentally validated through solid-liquid extraction using terpene solvents (e.g., limonene- and pinene-based systems). Extraction yields were compared to dichloromethane benchmarks. Extracts were also evaluated for antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum during the erythrocytic stage.
The best terpene system increased artemisinin recovery by around 15% relative to dichloromethane while reducing halogenated solvent use to zero. Moreover, the extracts obtained displayed IC₅₀ values comparable to those of pure artemisinin, reinforcing the potential of these natural solvents as sustainable alternatives for both green extraction processes and for the development of novel antimalarial formulations.
These results demonstrate that computationally guided selection of bio-derived solvents can intensify extraction performance while reducing hazardous inputs, supporting safer, scalable manufacturing of antimalarials and aligning pharmaceutical production with green chemistry principles and sustainable industrial infrastructure.

In recent decades, merging homogeneous photo- and transition-metal catalysts has emerged as a promising approach in organic synthesis. However, the use of heterogeneous photocatalysts has received less attention in this field, especially for the reactions via unstable C(sp³) radical intermediates. TiO₂, a cheap and readily available heterogeneous photocatalyst, has long been investigated for decarboxylative alkyl radical formation from carboxylic acids. However, controlling the reactivity of C(sp³) radicals generated on TiO₂ photocatalysis by combining with homogeneous transition-metal catalysts has been underdeveloped.
Here, we developed a TiO₂/cobaloxime dual photocatalyst system for the acceptorless conversion of carboxylic acids to alkenes via C(sp³) radical intermediates (Figure 1). This transformation is of importance for the valorization of renewable resources such as plant oils and fats into petroleum-derived alkenes. Notably, this catalyst system can also be applied to the conversion of other oxygenates, such as aldehydes and alcohols, into alkenes with one-carbon excision.
Specifically, when dodecanoic acid (1a) was irradiated with 365 nm LED light using TiO₂ and Co_1 as catalysts in acetonitrile, 1-undecene (2a) was obtained in 74% yield, while the undesired byproduct undecane (3a) was formed in only 2% yield (Figure 2, Entry 1). In contrast, in the absence of Co_1, 3a was obtained in 81% yield, clearly demonstrating that synergistic catalysis of TiO₂ and Co_1 is necessary for selective alkene formation (Figure 2, Entry 2). Moreover, the TiO₂ catalyst can be reused at least 3 times with a slight decrease in yield, highlighting an advantage over previously employed homogeneous photocatalysts. Overall, our work based on environmentally friendly TiO₂ photocatalyst will provide a complementary method for the selective conversion of renewable feedstocks.

Bioleaching is a viable strategy for the remediation of contaminated sediments; however, its efficiency depends on the optimization of operational parameters and a detailed understanding of the involved processes. This study investigates bioleaching of sediments from the Reconquista River, the second most polluted river in Argentina (34°27′22.1″S, 58°35′55.3″W), at the Troncos del Talar (TT) site, characterized by high concentrations of heavy metals. Metal mobilization is driven by aerobic oxidation of reduced sulfur and/or Fe(II), mediated by native microorganisms that use metal sulfides as energy sources, resulting in metal release and acidification. Under controlled conditions, these processes can be exploited for remediation and metal recovery.
This work aimed to optimize bioremediation of TT sediments using native sulfur-oxidizing (SOB) and iron-oxidizing bacteria (IOB), which provide a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to commercial strong acids. Unlike previous studies based on direct bioaugmentation, this approach evaluated the prior formation of bacterial biofilms on elemental sulfur (S) or clay amendments to enhance process efficiency. Four systems were tested in shaken flasks for one month using a 5% pulp density of TT sediment, with Fe(II) and S as electron sources for IOB and SOB, respectively. The best-performing system was subsequently scaled up to a pneumatically agitated bioreactor under the same pulp density and substrate conditions.
The best performance was obtained with the 2K medium containing S precolonized by SOB and IOB, achieving extraction efficiencies of 54% for Zn, 60% for Cu, and 69% for Cr. Upon scale-up, higher extraction values were achieved for Zn (90%) and Cu (68%), while Cr extraction decreased to 44%. These results indicate that the incorporation of precolonized S enhances heavy metal extraction, likely due to biofilm formation that promotes bacterial activity and growth. Changes in operational parameters during scale-up further enhanced metal recovery.
Future work will focus on developing sustainable bioleachate treatment by sorbing leached metals onto jarosite precipitates formed by IOB, thereby increasing the method’s sustainability by reducing metal recovery steps, resource use, and energy consumption.

We report the synthesis of oligoesters using eco-friendly, bio-based materials by combining furan units with unsaturated diols. We explored various reaction parameters, such as solvent selection, catalyst selection, and temperature, to identify optimal conditions. We also synthesized co-oligoesters by adjusting diol ratios while keeping the furan scaffold constant. Our findings show that using the sustainable catalyst 1,4 diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, along with the green solvent methyl tetrahydrofuran, yields improved results. We characterized the products using spectroscopic techniques.

Green Chemistry: Rethinking Life for a Sustainable Future is a permanent exhibition at the Araraquara Science Center, affiliated with the Institute of Chemistry at São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil. Co-curated by the UNESP Institute of Chemistry and the Catavento Museum (São Paulo), the exhibition was developed by a multidisciplinary team of chemists, museum professionals, historians, and chemistry education students. The exhibition follows a three-stage immersive pathway integrating scientific communication, laboratory demonstration, and interactive engagement. The first stage features guided or self-guided panels introducing Green Chemistry and its relevance to global sustainability challenges. A short video on plastic production, use, and disposal encourages visitors to reflect on daily consumption and connect it to Green Chemistry principles. An interactive rotating display presents the 12 Principles, including explanations and real-world applications, complemented by a magnetic memory game. In the second stage, visitors participate in a laboratory demonstration of Principles 1, 3, 5, 9, and 12 through a greener adaptation of the iodine clock reaction, emphasizing safer reagents and waste reduction. The third stage includes outdoor interactive games—a soccer-based activity and a movement-based challenge—where participants answer Green Chemistry questions collaboratively. This integrated model, combining conceptual learning, experimentation, and recreation, is unique among chemistry museums in São Paulo. Since its inauguration, the exhibition has fostered strong engagement and highlighted the transformative role of Green Chemistry in everyday life. Expected to receive 3,000–5,000 visitors annually, the initiative aims to strengthen sustainability literacy and inspire future chemists.

Ammonia is attracting increasing attention as a hydrogen carrier for energy systems aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; however, hydrogen release via ammonia decomposition typically requires high temperatures and relies on Ru-based catalysts, whose scarcity and cost limit scalability. Developing earth-abundant catalyst systems that operate efficiently at lower temperatures is therefore a key challenge for sustainable hydrogen technologies.
In this work, we investigate a perovskite-type oxynitride, BaZrO_3-xN_y, in which lattice O^2- sites are partially substituted by N^3- anions, as a functional support for Ni catalysts in ammonia decomposition. Ni/BaZrO_3-xN_y catalysts were evaluated in a fixed-bed flow reactor under identical space velocity conditions (WHSV = 15,000 mL g_cat^-1 h^-1). Their performance was compared with oxide-supported Ni catalysts and a Ru/CeO₂ benchmark.
Ni/BaZrO_3-xN_y achieves comparable ammonia conversion at temperatures approximately 80 °C lower than Ni/BaZrO₃ and approaches the activity of Ru/CeO₂. Because the Ni particle size and specific surface area are nearly identical for all catalysts, the enhanced activity is attributed to the chemical nature of the oxynitride–hydride support. The apparent activation energy for ammonia decomposition over Ni/BaZrO_3-xN_y is 70.1 kJ mol^-1, significantly lower than that over Ni/BaZrO₃ (109.8 kJ mol^-1), indicating a different reaction pathway. Notably, BaZrO_3-xN_y exhibits intrinsic catalytic activity even in the absence of Ni, suggesting that lattice N^3- and H^– anions participate directly in ammonia activation.
Temperature-programmed desorption and density functional theory analyses indicate that nitrogen vacancy formation and associative N₂ desorption are promoted on the Ni/BaZrO_3-xN_y surface, consistent with an anion-vacancy-mediated Mars–van Krevelen mechanism. By enabling lower-temperature ammonia decomposition using a Ni-based catalyst system, this work demonstrates a materials strategy to reduce reliance on scarce noble metals and decrease energy input for hydrogen release, contributing to more resource-efficient hydrogen carrier utilization.

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable carbon sourced from waste biomass is vital for reducing the effects of global warming and advancing progress toward a circular economy. Furfural is a platform molecule derived from corn stover that can be upgraded to a variety of different compounds; in this work, furfural was upgraded to γ-valerolactone (GVL) using visible light. To enhance catalytic performance, noble and non-noble metal nanoparticles (<5 nm) were deposited onto a TiO₂ support using a solventless method called chemical vapor impregnation (CVI). This approach leverages energy from visible-light LEDs. Our results demonstrate that these mono- and bimetallic catalysts achieve high efficiency, with GVL yields exceeding 75% and selectivity over 99%. By integrating waste-derived feedstocks with light-driven processes, this study establishes a sustainable pathway for chemical production that aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for Clean Energy (SDG 7), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13).

The Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) is an online platform that serves as a one-stop shop for green chemistry education resources, networking, collaboration and information sharing for over 3,500 users from over 110 countries across the world. Launched in October 2023 as a collaborative project between Beyond Benign and the ACS Green Chemistry Institute, the GCTLC includes a searchable library of over 450 open-access curriculum materials, linked journal articles and helpful resources to support the integration of green chemistry in education programs at all levels, from elementary through to postsecondary education. The GCTLC also hosts forum disucssion spaces, group spaces, an events calendar, and a job board to help foster a virtual Community of Practice (CoP) and promote engagement and information sharing in between in-person meetings such as conferences and accelerate the exchange of ideas with educators and practitioners from different parts of the world. This poster will highlight the GCTLC’s progress and impact to date, including geographic reach, survey feedback, user activity (statistics), and more. It will also outline how community members can get involved in leadership opportunities on the platform and what’s next for the future of the site.

Geologically abundant, environmentally innocuous calcium-based precatalysts were investigated for the hydrophosphination of unsaturated substrates under photoirradiation. Three calcium complexes—β-diketiminato-supported calcium amide, β-diketiminato-supported heteroleptic calcium phosphide, and Schlenk-type calcium (bis-amide)(bis-THF) product—exhibited moderate to excellent reactivity in photocatalytic hydrophosphination in benzene under blue LED irradiation. Mechanistic analysis using EPR spectroscopy and radical-trapping studies showed that nacnac-supported complexes promote a radical-mediated pathway, whereas complexes lacking the β-diketiminato ligand remain EPR-silent and instead favor insertion-based hydrophosphination. Motivated by the low ρ value observed in Hammett analysis for calcium (bis-amide) (bis-THF), dimethyl sulfoxide was identified as an alternative, environmentally benign, recyclable, aprotic polar solvent that dramatically enhances reactivity. In dimethyl sulfoxide, activated alkenes and alkynes undergo quantitative hydrophosphination in the absence of external irradiation, while unactivated substrates respond strongly to photoirradiation. Although EPR measurements in DMSO show no detectable radical, phenolic radical traps significantly suppress product formation. Stoichiometric studies between calcium bis-amide and hydroquinone confirm OH coordination to calcium, ruling out radical involvement. Conversely, zwitterionic trapping with methyl acrylate affords an 85% trapping product, supporting the conclusion that increased solvent polarity enhances phosphide nucleophilicity and accelerates hydrophosphination.

Water electrolysis is one of the most widely discussed processes in the context of the energy transition. In recent years, significant progress has been achieved, particularly in the development of efficient and selective electrocatalytic materials for hydrogen production. An alternative approach to further reduce the energy demand of electrochemical hydrogen production involves the use of sacrificial anolytes, which lower the overall cell potential without affecting the cathodic reaction.

In this work, we propose a system that replaces the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with the ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR), together with the design of a custom-made electrochemical device specifically adapted for this purpose.
Carbon paper electrodes were nitrogen-doped through immersion in an ammoniacal solution followed by calcination in a tubular furnace under inert atmosphere. Subsequently, 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) was electropolymerized onto the electrode surface by cyclic voltammetry, and nickel dots were deposited using a potential pulse technique, followed by vacuum drying.

Electrochemical performance was evaluated by polarization curves in 1 M KOH as a blank electrolyte and in 1 M KOH containing 0.5 M NH3. A clear anodic response associated with ammonia oxidation was observed at potentials close to 0.45 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Electrolysis performed at this potential for 2 hours showed measurable ammonia consumption, which was quantified using the indophenol blue colorimetric method.
In parallel, hydraulic prototypes were designed and fabricated via 3D printing using PLA-CF, enabling the construction of a custom electrolyzer compatible with modified carbon paper electrodes.

Overall, the coupled system of hydrogen evolution and nickel-assisted ammonia oxidation demonstrates promising potential as a lower-energy alternative for hydrogen production. Despite challenges related to material heterogeneity and chemical stability under highly alkaline conditions, the proposed approach provides a flexible platform for exploring ammonia-assisted electrolysis in custom-designed devices.

Fugitive methane emissions with low concentrations (≤5% v/v) contribute significantly to climate change and air pollution. These dilute methane streams can fall below the methane flammability limit, making stable combustion infeasible. This work applies green chemistry and green engineering principles, considering a biological pathway to valorize dilute methane into methanol, which is a liquid chemical feedstock. Under aerobic conditions, methanotrophs can oxidize methane to methanol, particularly when supported by a well-designed bioreactor with optimal conditions and nutrient supply. We developed a steady-state model of an aerobic continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) using methanotrophic kinetics coupled with gas-liquid mass transfer to identify operating windows that enable methane conversion while maintaining methanol formation (i.e., limiting over-oxidation to downstream products). Preliminary MATLAB-based simulations predict a stable operating region under dilute-methane conditions. At steady state, the model reaches a biomass concentration of 0.138 g L-1 and a methanol formation rate of 0.468 mmol L-1 h-1, corresponding to a methanol productivity of 0.015 g L-1 h-1 (0.36 g L-1 d-1) and a specific methanol formation rate of 3.39 mmol gbiomass-1 h-1. Oxygen transfer can reach 2.20 mmol h-1 at near air saturation, suggesting operation with air may be feasible without pure O2 supplementation. In this sense, we propose the valorization of a harmful gas from waste streams to a liquid chemical feedstock efficiently, supporting a process-intensification aligned with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Transition metal catalyzed denitrogenation of diazo compounds is a versatile approach to access highly reactive metal–carbene intermediates. These metal–carbenes undergo diverse organic transformations such as cyclopropanation, σ-bond insertion, C–H functionalization, sigmatropic rearrangement and cycloaddition. But, generating metal–carbenes typically requires expensive and depleting heavy metals like Rh, Ru, Ir etc. To address this problem, recently, visible light–promoted generation of free carbene intermediates from diazo compounds and their reactions has emerged as a potential area of research. Over the past decade our lab has been contributing to the design of a new classes of enal–functionalized diazo compounds called diazoenals and exploring their reactivity in constructing diverse carbo– and heterocycles. Herein, we introduce a metal free visible–light assisted stereoselective construction of biologically important 6/6/5 fused tricyclic cyclopenta[c]chromene frameworks bearing three contiguous stereocenters. This new reaction proceeds at ambient temperature via head–to–tail cascade cyclization of diazodienals through in situ generated cyclopropene intermediate with 1,3–dicarbonyls. Further, these heterocycles are utilized in the synthesis of multiple biologically important frameworks.

Non-conjugated redox-active polymers (NC-RAPs) exhibit battery-like discharge; they are a combination of organic and ionic-electron conductors. In these systems, electron transfer kinetics are governed by ionic diffusion, motivating the incorporation of self-doping functionalities to facilitate ion transport within the polymer architecture. This work applies green chemistry principles by examining polymer architectures that integrate redox and doping functionality within a single material, thereby reducing the reliance on external additives compared to conventional lithium-ion electrode designs. In contrast to inorganic battery materials that depend on hazardous materials (lithium, cobalt, and nickel), organic polymer systems can be derived from more readily available domestic feedstocks. The materials-level shift emphasizes design strategies that limit dependence on critical minerals and reduce exposure to hazardous components
In this project, strategic polymer synthesis will be utilized to make variations of NC-RAPs. The polymer backbone will be polysiloxane, as it is flexible and has a low glass transition temperature. This will help improve the physical diffusion of the polymer. Both redox-active units (TEMPO) and dopant units (cationic, anionic, or neutral) will be attached to the polymer, eliminating ion diffusion from a bulk electrolyte to be rate-limited. The dopant’s proximity allows for rapid charge neutralization when the redox-active unit becomes charged. Different compositions of the polymer will be synthesized and studied, such as comparing the redox kinetics of adding different dopants on the polymer and their ratios relative to TEMPO. This poster presents synthesis strategies, characterization data, and structure-property relationships that inform the design of redox-active polymer materials for electrochemical energy storage.

Giant squid (Dosidicus gigas), a key species in regional fisheries, represents a promising source of value-added biomaterials. This study focused on the extraction and characterization of β-chitosan obtained from Dosidicus gigas pens, with the aim of elucidating its physicochemical properties, optimizing its processing, and exploring potential high-value applications. Squid pens were initially pretreated, dried, and ground. Chitin was extracted through alkaline deproteinization (1.0 M NaOH under pressure), followed by demineralization using 0.1 M HCl. Chitosan was subsequently produced by alkaline deacetylation of chitin (10 M NaOH), and a second deacetylation cycle was performed under identical conditions to enhance the degree of deacetylation (DD%). The resulting β-chitosan was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy using a 100 MHz spectrometer (DCl 10% in D2O as solvent). A preliminary pKa value of 6.5 for amino groups was estimated by titration of β-chitosan dissolved in 0.16 M acetic acid. The viscosity of 1% (w/v) chitosan solutions was measured at 28 °C using a Brookfield digital viscometer, evaluating apparent viscosity as a function of shear rate (0.3–60 rpm). The yield of ground chitin was 38%, while the initial β-chitosan yield reached 82%, decreasing to 79% after the second deacetylation cycle. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful conversion of amide groups to amine groups, evidenced by the reduction of amide I and II bands. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis indicated a high degree of deacetylation (83,5%). Rheological analysis revealed pseudoplastic behavior, with apparent viscosity decreasing markedly as shear rate increased. These findings provide essential insights into the physicochemical properties of β-chitosan derived from squid pens, supporting process optimization and highlighting its potential for high-value applications within the framework of the circular economy.

Concrete production contributes approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions, necessitating alternatives to the traditionally used Portland cement. Alkali-activated binders from calcium silicate-rich industrial wastes offer an emissions reduction pathway while enabling permanent CO₂ sequestration through carbonate mineral formation. However, optimizing mechanical properties like durability requires maximizing crystalline calcium silicate hydrate (CCSH) phase formation, the minerals thought to provide strength in ancient Roman cements, while managing competing carbonate precipitation.
Our experiments demonstrate alkali cation identity (Na⁺ vs K⁺) controls calcium partitioning between CCSH and carbonate phases during hydrothermal alkaline activation (100°C) of phosphorus slag. Across the Ca:Si ratios of 1.2–1.7 with three carbonate sources (CaCO₃, Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃), thermogravimetric analysis reveals that NaOH produces more hydrated phases than KOH at low Ca:Si (8.1% vs 3.1%) and maintains advantage even at high Ca:Si where thermodynamics favor calcite formation (3.3% vs 2.0%). Total calcium mineral decomposition remains constant (~21-23% mass loss), confirming that cation selection directs phase distribution through competitive nucleation kinetics rather than dissolution effects.
These findings establish alkali cation selection as a design parameter for optimizing CCSH-to-carbonate ratios in low-carbon cements, enabling tailored mix designs for specific performance requirements.

Wood pellets used as an alternative to coal in thermal power generation systems are commonly crushed to improve combustion efficiency and ease of handling. However, the influence of chemical components on their resistance to disintegration has not yet been fully understood.

In this study, the relationship between the disintegration behavior and chemical properties of two commercially available acacia wood pellets (Samples A and B) were investigated. Furthermore, mixed-species wood pellets used in thermal power plants (Samples I, II, and III) were analysed to examine whether the disintegration-related components identified in acacia pellets are applicable to mixed-species pellets.

Ball mill tests revealed a clear difference in milling behavior, with Sample B exhibiting higher resistance to disintegration than Sample A. Solvent immersion experiments showed that both pellets remained structurally intact in organic solvents such as ethanol and n-hexane, whereas rapid disintegration occurred in water. These results indicate that the interparticle binding components responsible for pellet integrity are predominantly water-soluble.

TMAH-py-GC/MS analysis of the water-extract fraction revealed characteristic elution of aromatic compounds and saccharides. Notably, phenolic compounds and polysaccharides were detected only in the water-extract fraction of Sample B. Solid-state ¹³C CP-MAS NMR analysis indicated the coexistence of carbohydrate and aromatic structures. Furthermore, LC/MS analysis identified the molecular weights of the corresponding components, including oligosaccharide-derived ions (m/z 341, 683, and 1025) and ferulic-acid-derived fragments (m/z 193 and 195). These complementary results suggest that carbohydrate–aromatic associated components contribute to enhanced resistance to disintegration.

For mixed-species pellets (disintegration resistance: I < II < III), TMAH-py-GC/MS analysis of the water-extract fractions confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds and polysaccharides in all samples. These results suggest that, in mixed-species pellets, differences in disintegration resistance are influenced by the quantitative characteristics of these compounds as well as the contributions of other coexisting components. By examining both single-species and mixed-species wood pellets, this study provides useful insights for raw material selection and quality control in wood pellet production for thermal power generation applications.

The development of sustainable electrocatalysts for zinc–air batteries requires materials that combine high bifunctional activity with environmentally conscious synthesis. Here, we report a green strategy to upcycle agricultural waste (rice husks) and mining waste (pyrite) into a high-performance, noble-metal-free air electrode catalyst for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR/OER).
A nitrogen-doped carbon catalyst containing iron and cobalt active species (RH–Fe–Co–N) was synthesized via sequential hydrothermal treatment and pyrolysis of rice husk biomass with pyrite-derived precursors. Comprehensive structural characterization using XRD, XPS, and XAFS revealed a dual-active-site architecture, consisting of atomically dispersed Fe–N4 moieties and metallic Co clusters. Fe K-edge EXAFS confirmed isolated Fe–N coordination without Fe–Fe interactions, while Co K-edge analysis identifies Co–Co bonding and the absence of Co–O coordination, indicating the coexistence of chemically distinct ORR and OER active centers.
As a result of this asymmetric site functionality, RH–Fe–Co–N exhibited excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic performance in alkaline media, delivering an ORR half-wave potential of 0.87 V and an OER overpotential of 308 mV at 10 mA cm^-2. These values correspond to a small potential gap (ΔE) of 0.67 V, which is among the smallest potentials reported to date and is comparable to the performance of precious-metal benchmark catalysts such as Pt/C and RuO₂. When integrated as an air cathode in a rechargeable zinc–air battery, the catalyst achieved a high open-circuit voltage of 1.50 V, a peak power density of 190.5 mWcm^-2 and stable long-term cycling.
This work highlights how waste-derived precursors can be rationally transformed into advanced electrocatalysts, providing a sustainable and scalable pathway to high-performance bifunctional electrocatalysts aligned with green chemistry and circular economy principles.

To address the global plastic crisis, this research investigates eco-friendly, bio-based alternatives to non-degradable, petroleum-based packaging. The study focuses on developing high-performance composite films by reinforcing a poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) matrix with biomass-derived cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). To overcome the inherent incompatibility between hydrophilic cellulose and polymer matrices, maleic anhydride was utilized as a chemical coupling agent to enhance interfacial adhesion and industrial durability.
The methodology involved surface functionalization via an esterification reaction between CNCs and maleic anhydride in a DMSO/water medium at 60°C for 90 minutes. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful bonding of the maleic moiety to the cellulose backbone, while Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to evaluate internal morphology and particle dispersion. Tensile testing was subsequently conducted to assess the mechanical integrity of the resulting composites.
Results indicated that surface functionalization fundamentally transformed the material’s properties. FTIR analysis revealed a distinct ester carbonyl peak, confirming successful modification. SEM imaging demonstrated that modified CNCs achieved uniform dispersion throughout the PVAc matrix, significantly reducing the clumping observed in untreated samples. Consequently, tensile testing proved that improved dispersion led to superior mechanical strength, as the modified CNCs effectively reinforced the matrix and absorbed structural stress.
In conclusion, this research demonstrates that maleic anhydride modification is a highly effective strategy for converting raw biomass into robust reinforcement for green packaging. By resolving particle agglomeration and enhancing tensile strength, this study provides a sustainable pathway for developing high-performance, ecologically safe materials.

Synthesis and application of ionic liquids (ILs) have increased since their inception, owing to their structural tunability and distinctive properties. When employed as alternatives to hazardous volatile organic solvents, ILs may be characterized as “green,” and when recyclability is feasible, they may be regarded as sustainable. Nevertheless, the very properties that underpin their utility—such as negligible volatility and thermal stability—also raise concerns of their potential as persistent contaminants if released into the environment. Certain applications of ILs, including their use as solvents in synthesis and as lubricants, subject them to elevated temperatures that challenge their thermal stability. Waste management practices such as incineration or uncontrolled decomposition events (e.g., battery fires containing IL additives) likewise might generate high temperature decomposition products. An in-depth understanding into the molecular nature of IL decomposition under such conditions is essential, providing insight into their use and life cycle management

This study aims to detect and characterize decomposition products of ILs using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry across a range of pyrolysis temperatures. Attention is given to the influence of anion identity, substituents on the imidazolium cation, and pyrolysis temperatures. Four ILs (1-(2-methoxyethyl)-3-methyl-imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride, 1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, and 1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium chloride), were subjected to pyrolysis at temperatures in the range of 200-1000 °C measured at increments of 50 °C. Results showed that ILs containing bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion display high thermal stability, with few to no decomposition observed below 400 °C. In contrast, chloride-based ILs undergo decomposition at substantially lower temperatures, initiating around 250 °C. Assignment of the resulting decomposition products, likely reaction pathways, and differences at different temperatures are in progress and will be a major focus of the presentation

Hydroxylated arylmethyl ethers are widespread motifs in natural products and small-molecule pharmaceuticals. Despite numerous O-demethylation methods available, strategies toward the site-selective deprotection of aromatic methyl ethers containing more than one methoxy group are limited. Such a transformation will allow rapid access to specific monodemethylated products from a common precursor, thus improving synthetic efficiency, reducing the production of chemical waste, and facilitating the generation of diverse compound libraries. We report a regiodivergent demethylation strategy of functionalized arylmethyl ethers based on noncovalent interactions between substrate and reagent as the control element. The use of bulky Lewis acids affects the demethylation and discriminates between the two methoxy groups by minimizing steric interactions. Alternatively, hydrogen-bonding interactions between the substrate and suitable reagents can be used to reverse the control. In this presentation, the scope of the regiodivergent demethylation will be discussed in terms of functional groups capable of inducing regiocontrol, and its potential for late-stage applications will be evaluated from a sustainability perspective.

Visible light induced photopolymerization is paving the way for future applications in medical technology as a novel method for efficient light-catalyzed reactions. Further research is necessary to develop biocompatible polymer components for these applications to be realized, especially since current methods focus mostly on UV-based photochemistry. Due to its relative viability in medical sciences, an array of natural dyes, including Hibiscus sabdariffa and Riboflavin, are used in this project as photocatalysts for hydro-polymer based photopolymerization reactions. This practical incorporates aspects of pH manipulation, photo-physics, and photochemistry using primarily low-tech materials. We aim at simplifying the process of photocatalysis by using the inversion-test as a low-cost qualitative way of determining the presence of a reaction. By using photocatalytic properties present inside many natural molecules, such as the anthocyanins present in Hibiscus flower, organic photo-polymerization can be replicated across majority of laboratories using minimal funding for exploration, with costs being fixed towards box-LED’s, simple resistors and common resin components. Preliminary findings regarding Hibiscus flowers involve polymerizations between 8-10 min, with Riboflavin powder polymerizing under 30 seconds. This shows that raw dyes found in nature as well as organic powder is efficient in catalyzing such a reaction, proving its ease of involvement in most high school and undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Modifying the resin composition led to the development of the most optimal ratios of catalyst, electron donor/acceptor and co-initiator to influence fast reaction times. Our aim is for this research to be translated into introductory modules in Introductory Chemistry Lab Courses, with a focus being on photochemistry. Further research in this area can lead to more energy efficient polymerization reactions that can eventually be translated in medical and material science as a shift toward visible light catalyzed processes.

The increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has intensified the search for new natural antimicrobial agents from plants. This study evaluates the antibacterial properties of methanolic extracts from the peel, pulp, leaf, and stem of Persea americana (avocado) freshly harvested in Puerto Rico. Each plant part was separately subjected to methanolic extraction, followed by solvent evaporation, and the resulting dried extracts were resuspended in deionized water. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar plates against selected bacterial strains. The results showed that the peel extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with Clostridium perfringens and Aeromonas hydrophila being the most susceptible, respectively. Additionally, leaf and stem extracts showed notable inhibitory effects against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. In contrast, the pulp extract showed no antibacterial activity. A qualitative test for the presence of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds, specifically flavonoids, indicated their presence in the peel but absence in the pulp. These findings suggest that multiple components of the avocado plant contain bioactive compounds with antibacterial properties, highlighting its potential as a natural source of antimicrobial agents.

Non-traditional activation methods are one of the major driving forces in green synthesis. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) activation is a nontraditional activation method based on mechanical compression force and operates in the range of 2-20 kbar. The use of HHP appears to provide several advantages, including higher reaction rates, faster reaction times, energy efficiency, and an increase in yield and selectivity. Earlier, we were able to demonstrate a variety of catalyst- and solvent-free applications of HHP to develop green synthesis methods which reduced workup and waste generation. Esterification with carboxylic acids was one type of reaction. Esters are commonly used as essential building blocks in the synthesis of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, polymers, solvents, and fragrances. Although esterification is one of the most common organic reactions, most protocols require some form of catalysis and solvent, and often the use of activated carboxylic acid derivatives (anhydrides, acid halides etc.). We previously developed a catalyst- and solvent-free method for the synthesis of esters by using acetic anhydride with moderate to excellent yields under high pressure. However, the goal of this work is to use simple acids, like acetic acid, that do not require an added step for activation and prevent unnecessary waste generation. Using acetic acid as an esterification agent yields a high atom economy and cuts down on waste produced by the process. Moreover, the only byproduct of this reaction is nontoxic water. Thus, this research aims to optimize the esterification method using only AcOH to produce esters. The reactions were conducted using benzyl alcohol as the test substrate for optimizations with various experimental variables such as molar ratio, temperature, time, and pressure. At ambient pressures, no product formation was observed for the control reactions; but, under high pressure, moderate yields were obtained, demonstrating the effectiveness of HHP. After optimization, an extended group of substituted alcohols were used to establish the broader scope of the method.

Polypropylene (PP) is produced on a massive scale and is a major component of plastic waste streams. Mechanical recycling is preferred when feasible, but the property loss during reprocessing often limits its effectiveness, motivating complementary chemical-recycling strategies. Conventional high temperature pyrolysis can over-convert PP into low-value gaseous and liquidous residues. In contrast, a milder approach that cleaves carbon-carbon bonds in solid phase oligomers while installing reactive chain-end functionality would generate functionalized oligomeric intermediates that retain polymeric structure. To achieve the above, ultrasonic irradiation was coupled with low-temperature pyrolysis, in the temperature range of 240–320 °C, enabling controlled chain scission while also retaining a higher weight fraction of condensed oligomeric residues with polymeric structure. The sonication-assisted pyrolysis generated terminal vinylidene (TVD) groups on the resulting solid oligomers, providing reactive chain-end functionality for downstream upgrading. To understand the chain scission mechanism, we quantified TVD groups by quantitative ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) end-group analysis and corroborated molecular weight using gel permeation chromatography. Temperature-dependent studies further elucidated how ultrasonication influenced scission pathways and enabled tailorable control over functionality and molecular weight distributions. Compared with purely thermal pyrolysis in the same temperature range, ultrasonic irradiation delivered comparable terminal functionalization at lower temperature while preserving a higher-molecular-weight condensed fraction. This behavior is consistent with mechanically enhanced, mid-chain–biased radical initiation rather than indiscriminate thermal cracking. Overall, this sonication-enabled strategy offers a scalable, lower energy route to functionalized PP oligomers that can serve as intermediates for downstream upgrading while reducing production of extensive gases or low-value liquids typically achieved from high-temperature thermal pyrolysis.

Biomass constitutes a renewable and sustainable source of feedstocks and plays a pivotal role in the advancement of eco-friendly chemical processes that mitigate reliance on petrochemical raw materials. In this context, the exploration of biomass-derived platform chemicals, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), is of significant interest for the development of novel compounds with pharmacological applications. In this study, we investigate the reactivity of HMF under greener conditions in the Passerini multicomponent reaction (P-3CR), which facilitates the synthesis of structurally diverse compounds in a single synthetic step. Multicomponent reactions are recognized as an efficient and sustainable tool because they minimize synthesis time, resource consumption, and environmental impact. α-acyloxy carboxamides, which can be synthesized via P-3CR, are present in various compounds of pharmacological relevance due to their bioactive properties. By substituting the components of the P-3CR, a chemolibrary of 21 small molecules was generated, achieving yields of 40–70% under solvent-free conditions at ambient temperature over 24 hours. Additionally, the unexpected and consistent formation of a secondary α-acyloxy carboxamide as a byproduct was observed, offering an opportunity to enhance molecular diversity. Finally, the antiproliferative activity of a series of synthesized compounds was assessed against human bladder cancer cell lines (T24, 253J). Among these, α-acyloxy carboxamide 4b, with two of its three components derived from biomass (HMF and hydroxymethylfuranoic acid), emerged as the most promising, demonstrating significant antiproliferative activity against both cell lines, particularly against 253J, where its IC50 (29.80 μM) was more potent than that of the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin (63.84 μM).

The GCI at the University of Toronto is a student organization that serves to promote green and sustainable practices within the Department of Chemistry. Founded in 2012, our organization has seen continued growth in our members and initiatives. Our annual symposium has become a significant event in recent years, where we host academic and industrial speakers in a 2-3 day event with more than 150 attendees. We have also used this opportunity to support newer green chemistry student groups in Canada through collaboration, such as the McGill Green Chemistry Initiative and the ACS Chapter at Queens. Within our own department, we continue to promote energy reduction with our ‘Just Shut It’ campaign as well as our acetone recycling program. We also host a seminar series that invites experts in green chemistry to present their work at the University of Toronto and to engage with students and faculty in the department. Moreover, monthly blog posts and trivia continues the conversation on sustainability and green chemistry with the wider chemistry community. As we approach our 15th year as an organization, we look to reflect on our work and how we have applied our green chemistry knowledge, and we are open to hearing any ideas and suggestions for improvements!

The global shift toward sustainable food packaging has accelerated following widespread legislative actions banning single-use plastics and expanded polystyrene, including Jamaica’s 2019 – 2020 prohibition on Styrofoam and select plastic items. These regulations were intended to promote greener alternatives aligned with the principles of green chemistry, particularly the use of safer materials, waste reduction, and the minimization of toxic by-products. However, the rapid market transition has created opportunities for greenwashing, where paper-based packaging is marketed as biodegradable or eco-friendly despite limited evidence of true environmental compatibility. This study evaluates 24 paper-based food packaging materials sourced from Jamaican supermarkets and pharmacies, using a combination of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and ISO-standard proximate analyses to characterize material composition and detect contaminants. Results reveal the presence of mixed-material systems, polymeric coatings, and inorganic components, including measurable aluminium concentrations, in products commonly labelled or perceived as “biodegradable” or “natural.” ATR-FTIR and PCA-based spectral grouping further confirm the recurrent use of synthetic polymer coatings such as polyethylene, challenging assumptions about full composability. These findings highlight critical gaps between regulatory intent and real-world material performance, demonstrating how insufficient labelling requirements and limited consumer awareness can perpetuate greenwashing both locally and globally. Overall, this work underscores the need for stricter material disclosure policies, region-specific analytical studies, and regulatory frameworks that more explicitly integrate green chemistry principles. Strengthening such measures in Jamaica and worldwide will be essential to ensuring that the transition away from plastics genuinely reduces environmental burdens rather than shifting them into less visible but equally persistent forms.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising materials for volatile organic compound (VOC) removal, yet their synthesis typically relies on environmentally intensive processes using commercial organic linkers. This work presents a sustainable approach to synthesize MIL-101(Cr) using waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the organic linker source, comparing its benzene adsorption performance with traditionally synthesized MIL-101(Cr) using terephthalic acid (H2BDC). Both materials were characterized using PXRD, FTIR, SEM, and nitrogen adsorption isotherms, confirming successful MOF formation through the green synthesis route. Benzene adsorption was evaluated through equilibrium isotherms at 298.15 K and dynamic breakthrough curves at 40°C with an inlet concentration of 250 ppm. While MIL-101(Cr)-BDC exhibited higher surface area and consequently superior adsorption capacity, MIL-101(Cr)-PET demonstrated comparable structural features and functional performance for benzene capture. The green synthesis approach eliminates the need for expensive commercial linkers and toxic modulators (HNO₃), while simultaneously addressing plastic waste valorization. Dynamic adsorption studies revealed that both materials exhibit effective benzene removal under continuous flow conditions, validating their potential for real-world air purification applications. This work demonstrates the feasibility of sustainable MOF synthesis from waste materials for environmental remediation, opening new avenues for circular economy strategies in advanced materials production. The integration of waste-to-value approaches with high-performance adsorbent development represents a significant step toward greener chemical processes in air pollution control.

This research describes the integration of green chemistry principles into the organic chemistry instructional laboratory through the adoption of an optimized synthesis experiment. Embedding sustainability into the undergraduate curriculum is essential for preparing future chemists and scientifically informed citizens, yet implementing such changes within existing course structures can be challenging. In this work, an optimized organic synthesis procedure was compared with traditional methods and used as a case study to introduce the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry. Students demonstrated greater awareness of solvent consumption, waste production, and sustainable experimental design, leading them to adopt greener lab practices throughout the semester. Observations indicated that the revised experiment improved student understanding of green chemistry principles while maintaining core learning objectives. These findings highlight how a single procedural modification can serve as a powerful case study for integrating green chemistry, while simultaneously enhancing student learning, reducing environmental impact, and supporting broader curricular efforts to embed sustainability throughout undergraduate instruction. Moreover, this approach provides a model that could be adapted to other laboratory courses seeking practical ways to incorporate green chemistry into their instruction.

Aurone is a minor subclass of the flavonoid family. It is well recognized for its diverse biological activities and vibrant pigmentation properties. These dual properties of aurones have attracted significant interest for structural functionalization. Among the various reaction methodologies utilized to diversify the scaffold, the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction is one of the robust approaches for introducing various substituents to modulate biological activities and chromophoric properties. Despite the modularity of this methodology, its application to aurone derivatization, particularly with a deep eutectic solvent, remains relatively unexplored. In this context, this study aims to develop an eco-friendly Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction methodology that allows the coupling of iodo- and bromo-aurones with aryl boronic acids and esters in deep eutectic mixtures (DES) of choline chloride (ChCl) and urea and glycerol (1:2 molar ratio), offering a sustainable aurone functionalization strategy. For the study, pre-synthesized haloaurones were reacted with p-tolylboronic acid and the corresponding ester employing different Pd-catalysts in DESs. The reactions were monitored by TLC for the consumption of haloaurone, accompanied by the formation of a 365nm active cross-coupled product. The TLC-based preliminary observations suggested that the reactions favor ChCl: glycerol (1:2) over ChCl: Urea. Among the various Pd-catalysts (PdCl2, Pd(PPh3)4, and SPhosPdG3 ) employed, PdCl2 appeared to offer better efficiency, except for the reaction between bromoaurone and boronic ester, for which SPhosPdG3 resulted in better conversion. Further, the anticipated cross-coupled product was isolated by column chromatography and characterized by NMR. A systematic optimization study is in progress.

Reported herein is the use of a readily assembled continuous plug flow reactor used towards Pd-catalyzed aminations and with minor adjustments a tandem, 2-step direct amidations of carboxylic acids. The resulting system generates continuous production of material in a reduced time (compared to batch reactions) with low E-factors.
The flow system consisted of 2 syringe pumps and 1 peristaltic pump feeding into a PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) tubing reactor (2 mL) and out through another peristaltic pump acting as a back pressure regulator. These Buchwald-Hartwig aminations were conducted in an aqueous medium using n-propanol as co-solvent, which aids in solubility. This allowed the aqueous layer to be recycled without a reduction in yield. Additionally, the use of water avoided a buildup of insoluble, inorganic salts which often leads to reactor failure. A variety of aromatic and aliphatic amines were coupled with (hetero)aryl bromides. Overall, a reduced loading of palladium (0.5 mol % compared to 1-5 mol % in organic solvents) and recyclability of the reaction medium and catalyst result in a lowered E-factor (12.1 compared to 23.8 in organic solvents).
Using a similar reactor setup with 2 reactors in a tandem fashion, the direct amidations of both electron-rich and -poor aromatic acids, as well as sterically hindered aliphatic acids, are efficiently coupled with a variety of amines. This includes the formation of Weinreb amides and peptides, in high yields. To accomplish this, the recyclable and stable coupling reagent, 2,2’-dipyridyldithiocarbonate (DPDTC) was used. In a 2-step manner, DPDTC produces an isolable thioester which is fed directly into the second reactor (without isolation) to react with the amine forming the desired amide. This coupling reagent is fully recyclable through a simple acid/base extraction along with the recyclable, bioderived solvent, 2-MeTHF, which is reflected in the E-factor below 1 (compared to traditional coupling agents over 100).

The environmental safety of textile dyes remains a critical concern due to their persistence and
potential biological activity in aquatic systems. Alizarin, a widely studied anthraquinone dye, has
demonstrated promising performance in textile coloration, including compatibility with waterless
dyeing technologies such as supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). However, its reported
mutagenicity and ecotoxicity limit its application, as the case for other dyes. Structural features,
particularly molecular planarity, can play a key role in the interaction of anthraquinone dyes with
biological macromolecules, including DNA, through intercalative binding mechanisms. Thus, to
mitigate these adverse effects, alizarin was employed as a model system to establish a
molecular design strategy aimed at disrupting dye planarity. This strategy was implemented
through the synthesis of its dimer, 3,3′-bisalizarin, obtained via enzymatic oxidative coupling
catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase under mild reaction conditions (neutral pH, room
temperature). High-resolution accurate mass (HRAM) spectrometry confirmed the successful
formation of the target compound. Acute toxicity assays revealed a substantial reduction in
toxicity following dimerization. In Daphnia similis, the EC50 increased from 90.3 µg/L (alizarin)
to 3,010 µg/L (dimer), and in Danio rerio embryo assays, the LC50 increased from 45.8 µg/L
(alizarin) to 670 µg/L (dimer). Mutagenicity assessment using the Ames test indicated a
negative response for the dimer in Salmonella typhimurium strain TA1537 in the presence of
metabolic activation (+S9). Overall, these results demonstrate that enzymatic dimerization is an
effective strategy to reduce the aquatic and genotoxic hazards associated with alizarin, while
ongoing studies are evaluating whether the dimer’s performance as an alternative textile dye is
preserved. These findings support the development of anthraquinone-based colorants with
improved environmental profiles and highlight their potential for future application in
environmentally responsible textile processes, such as scCO2 dyeing.

Direct air capture (DAC) is carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology in an emerging sector. Sustained reductions in net carbon emissions requires effective carbon scavenger and on demand controlled releasing capability. Conventional amine-based capture used in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and DAC often requires high thermal energy for sorbent regeneration, which remains a major bottleneck. This high energy demand arises largely from the co-absorption of water with CO₂, which lowers energy efficiency. Our previous studies demonstrated that introducing hydrophobic aromatic groups into amine-based absorbents significantly minimizes water co-absorption. In particular, m-xylylenediamine (MXDA)-derived compounds selectively captured atmospheric CO₂ without moisture contamination, reducing the regeneration energy.
This presentation focuses on light as an alternative energy source to further reduce external energy input. In this work, we propose a new “light-swing” CO₂ capture strategy utilizing the photoisomerization of guanidine-functionalized azobenzene (GAB) derivatives upon visible light irradiation. The synthesized GAB selectively absorbed atmospheric CO₂ in ethanol solution under air-flow conditions, forming stable GAB-CO₂ complex. Visible-light irradiation (440 nm) induced rapid and efficient CO₂ release from GAB-CO₂ complex. Single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that captured CO₂ forms stable intermolecular hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions involving the trans-form of azobenzene. A working hypothesis is that photoisomerization under visible light generates steric repulsion between adjacent units, disrupts these interactions, and promotes CO₂ release at room temperature. Repeated absorption–desorption cycles gave comparable CO₂ capacities, with no detectable loss of activity and no noticeable change in the GAB derivatives.

Marine endophytes may be highlighted as relevant sources of unique natural products due to their high chemodiversity with potential applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. Such specialized metabolites may disclose pharmaceutical properties as anticancer, antimicrobial and antiinflammatory agents, which represents a great potential for bioprospecting and source of value-added bioproducts. Several genes related to the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites in microorganisms remain silenced under standard laboratory growth conditions, which may render inconsistent metabolite yields and require specific strategies aimed at harnessing their biosynthetic capabilities. Some approaches have been used to trigger activation of silenced biosynthetic pathways such as cocultivation of fungal strains. In this work, two fungal strains of Humicola fuscoatra and Nemania bipapillata were isolated from marine red alga Asparagopsis taxiformis. After isolated growth in Petri dishes, they were inoculated both separately and together in Erlenmeyer flasks containing malt growth medium. Filtration of the fermented broths yielded aqueous filtrates which were subjected to liquid-liquid partition with ethyl acetate and, subsequently, solvent evaporation to yield the fungal extracts. The metabolomic approach used to analyze the monoculture and coculture extracts included ultra high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry UPLC-MS/MS and GNPS molecular networking platform, which provided fast annotation of chemical constituents produced exclusively in coculture: alkaloid isoreserpine, monoterpene gentiopicroside, and a cluster with two diterpenes, kaurenoic acid and 17-Hydroxy-15,16-epoxykauran-18-oic acid, and a sesquiterpenoid, verrucarol, in addition to four terpenoid metabolites that did not match the platform library and might be further isolated and identified. The annotated compounds had previously been described for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, hepatoprotective and/or herbicide properties, and might thus be valuable for various industries. The cocultivation, metabolomic and fast annotation approaches represent key advances for the scalable production of selected bioactive natural products, and thus contribute to the sustainable exploration and unlocking the commercial and therapeutic potential of marine endophytic fungi.

The 152-mile Friant-Kern Canal supplies irrigation water to over one million acres of farmland in the San Joaquin Valley, California. The canal is required for the production of grapes, almonds, and alfalfa, produce that is essential in California’s $50+ billion agricultural sector. Research findings have shown that heavy metal contamination in irrigation water entering soil-crop systems can disrupt soil biota and bioaccumulate in crops, posing significant human health risks, including neurological damage and cancer. In this study Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to analyze metal concentration in water canal samples collected at four sample sites between Millerton Lake and Pine Flat Lake over a duration of a year. Results indicate variable maximum concentrations of some toxic metals, including arsenic (0.0125 ppm), cadmium (0.0320 ppm), thallium (0.0200 ppm), and lead (0.0087 ppm), with the values tending to rise to or exceed Environmental Protection Agency irrigation water quality standards. Spatial variability among the four sampling sites suggested the presence of localized contamination sources within the canal. Overall, metal concentrations in the Friant–Kern Canal are not uniform across seasons or sampling locations and reach levels of concern for agricultural use. Continued monitoring of metal concentrations is important for supporting EPA irrigation water quality standards, protecting crop viability, and reducing risks to food safety in California’s Central Valley.

Non-volatile spintronics devices require no standby power, and thus can contribute to reducing the rapidly increasing energy consumption in the information and communication technology (ICT) field. However, many conventional high-performance spintronics devices rely on rare-earth elements, entailing environmental and geopolitical supply risks. To address this issue, our research group has focused on antiperovskite Mn₄N thin films, which exhibit superior properties for device applications despite being composed of inexpensive and abundant elements. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate room-temperature magnetic compensation—a unique physical phenomenon critical for device performance—by doping a small amount of palladium into Mn₄N to form rare-earth-free Mn_4-xPd_xN thin films. In the experiments, thin films were fabricated on SrTiO₃(001) substrates using molecular beam epitaxy, and high-quality epitaxial films were confirmed by reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Next, X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) measurements and theoretical calculations revealed that palladium preferentially substitutes for manganese at the corner sites. Furthermore, in addition to magnetic property evaluations such as magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) and anomalous Hall effect (AHE), element-specific X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements confirm room-temperature magnetic compensation in the range x = 0.10–0.15. Consequently, we conclude that Mn_4-xPd_xN is a promising candidate material for next-generation energy-saving devices expected to operate with ultra-high speed and ultra-low power consumption due to magnetic compensation, while being rare-earth-free. This study introduces a sustainability perspective to the ICT field and contributes to expanding the application scope of green sustainable chemistry.

Background
Sustainable CO₂ capture and utilization (CCU) technologies are needed to achieve a carbon-neutral society, yet reducing energy costs remains a major challenge.
Carbonic anhydrase (CA), an enzyme that catalyzes the reversible interconversion between CO₂ and bicarbonate ions, has emerged as a promising solution to improve process efficiency. When added to CO₂ absorption solutions, CA enhances CO₂ absorption and desorption rates, enabling energy-efficient processes.
However, industrial CCU operations involve harsh conditions (high temperature and alkalinity) that denature and inactivate enzymes, limiting CA’s operational lifetime. To overcome this limitation, we engineered CA variants with enhanced thermal and alkaline stability for sustainable CCU.

Methods
We focused on thermophilic bacteria as they naturally produce thermostable enzymes. CA genes from various thermophilic bacteria were expressed in recombinant E. coli systems, and CA from Thermosulfurimonas dismutans (tdCA) was selected for further engineering based on its high productivity and activity.
Multiple amino acid substitutions were introduced throughout the 235-residue tdCA sequence to generate variants with enhanced stability under heat and alkaline conditions.
CO₂ absorption performance of tdCA variants was evaluated in CO₂ capture solutions (amine or K₂CO₃ solutions).

Results
By introducing >10 amino acid substitutions into tdCA, we successfully engineered a variant with a >3-fold increase in half-life compared to the wild-type under heat and alkaline conditions. Accelerated degradation testing predicted that this variant maintains activity for >2 years at 40°C and pH 10, demonstrating its practical applicability.
When added to CO₂ absorbents, the tdCA variant increased CO₂ absorption rates by >1.5-fold in both amine and K₂CO₃ solutions. Notably, K₂CO₃ solutions, while more environmentally benign than conventional amine-based solvents, showed minimal CO₂ absorption without enzyme catalysis, highlighting the importance of tdCA variants for sustainable processes.
Our engineered tdCA enables efficient CO₂ capture using greener solvents, advancing sustainable CCU technologies.

Nanoparticles (NPs) have gained importance across various fields, including electronics and biomedicine, due to their tunable properties and versatile applications. Among them, tin oxide (SnO2) NPs are semiconductors with applications in sensing, renewable energy, and catalysis. When doped with metals, particularly copper, SnO2 NPs exhibit enhanced properties through the introduction of electronic defects. Despite their widespread use, there are growing concerns about their potential biological risks, as limited information is available on the cytotoxicity of SnO2 NPs. To address this, SnO2 NPs were synthesized via microwave irradiation at 130 °C and characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, and HR-TEM. NPs cytotoxicity was evaluated using two widely used toxicology models: HEP-G2 (human liver carcinoma cells) and CHO-K1 (Chinese hamster ovary cells). Cells were exposed to NP concentrations ranging from 0 to 500 μg/mL. Viability was quantified using the CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay, which measures ATP as an indicator of metabolic activity. By comparing the HEP-G2 and CHO-K1 cell lines, this study seeks to determine whether toxicity is cell-type-specific or universally detrimental across species. These results will further our understanding of SnO2 NPs in eukaryotic cell systems, which is critical for assessing their safety and guiding the design of biocompatible, greener nanomaterials.

Approximately 25% of the world’s population relies on karst aquifers for freshwater. However, karst geology remains highly vulnerable to contamination due to its rapid transport of runoff. Quarrying for limestone greatly worsens this vulnerability. Despite growing trends in post-mining redevelopment, research on the impacts of different land-use strategies on quarried karst remains limited. The Lime Creek Quarry in Cedar Park, Texas, situated on the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, exemplifies this challenge. Although mining ended in 2023, 173 years of excavation removed protective karst layers to the water table, exposing the recharge zone. The city’s proposed redevelopment of the 216-acre site raises concerns about channeling contaminated runoff into the Edwards Aquifer, which 2.5 million Texans rely on. This study assessed how groundwater contamination risk varies under different post-mining land-use scenarios to inform sustainable redevelopment decisions. The GIS workflow established baseline vulnerability by analyzing geologic, soil, infiltration, and karst conditions, followed by pollutant load mapping from city planning documents and land-use-specific scores. Contamination risk maps were generated by overlaying vulnerability and hazard layers for each scenario. Results showed that enhanced stormwater management reduced high-risk area by 39% compared to minimal reclamation, and park development reduced it by 58% total. Risk models were validated through sensitivity analysis and water quality sampling, with measured nitrate concentrations correlating with predicted vulnerability (r=0.82). This study provides a preventive assessment tool for local decision-making and a transferable approach for cities worldwide experiencing quarry reclamation. Overall, this work demonstrates how sustainable land-use planning can significantly reduce contamination risk in karst aquifers.

The most recent American Chemical Society (ACS) guidelines for undergraduate chemistry programs encourage instructors to use case studies to introduce their students to green and sustainable chemistry, and also require coursework demonstrating the interconnectedness of chemistry with other disciplines. To assist instructors in developing suitable case studies tailored to their courses, we have developed a versatile template that guides instructors to build their own effective case studies for classroom use. The template helps instructors to select a suitable real-world example and identify its connections to green and sustainable chemistry, as well as environmental, health, regulatory, and business considerations. Instructors are then led to write effective learning objectives and create course materials including activities, slides, and assessments. The template allows instructors to create a complete curriculum package that is usable in their own classrooms and suitable to be shared with others, leading to broader impact across the community of chemistry educators.

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) offer a green, non-toxic alternative for nanomaterial synthesis. Here, we report a rapid microwave-assisted method for synthesizing hydrophilic carbon dots (CDs) in a hydrophobic menthol:decanoic acid (2:1) DES. The process mimics reverse micelle synthesis by dispersing aqueous reactants in the hydrophobic DES, but unlike conventional reverse micelle methods, it avoids hazardous organic solvents. Nitrogen-doped CDs (N-CDs) prepared by this method exhibited spectroscopic properties comparable to those obtained via hydrothermal and water-based domestic microwave routes. Notably, the DES-based method is faster than the hydrothermal approach and yields a narrower size distribution than the domestic microwave method. The N-CDs served as fluorescence-quenching probes for p-nitrophenol, achieving a quantitation limit of 0.39 µM. To demonstrate versatility, N,S-doped CDs and polyethyleneimine (PEI)-modified CDs were also synthesized in the same DES. The N,S-CDs selectively detected Fe(III) and Hg(II), while the PEI-CDs—applied for the first time in bacterial detection—showed linearity between fluorescence intensity and S. aureus concentration. The DES was reusable for at least 10 cycles with consistent fluorescence properties, underscoring its sustainability.

1,3-Butadiene (BD) is a key building block in synthetic elastomers for tires; however, BD is still produced almost exclusively from fossil feedstocks via steam cracking and dehydrogenation, processes that typically require severe operating conditions. Here, we assess a greener alternative based on the solvent-free, atmospheric-pressure gas-phase dehydration of 1,4-Butanediol (14BDO), a platform molecule that can be sourced from lignocellulosic biomass through integrated biotechnological and catalytic routes. 14BDO reactions were conducted in a fixed-bed reactor at 673 K using a contact time of 29.5 g h mol⁻¹. CeO₂, ZrO_2, and Ce_1−xZr_xO₂ mixed oxides were synthesized by a modified sol–gel method at 333 K and characterized by N₂ physisorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and temperature-programed desorption using NH₃ and CO₂ to quantify acid and base site densities and strength distributions, respectively. Catalysts with intermediate Zr contents (Ce_0.85 and Ce_0.75) achieved the highest BD yields (62.20% and 57.75%, respectively), consistent with a balanced acid–base functionality: sufficient weak-to-medium/medium-to-strong acidity and a high density of weak basic sites. Deviations from this balance, i.e. too few sites, predominantly very weak sites, or overly strong acidity, shifted selectivity towards the cyclic compound Tetrahydrofuran (THF). XRD indicates that Zr incorporation stabilizes the ceria-based cubic structure and promotes oxygen-vacancy formation, which is proposed to facilitate 14BDO adsorption and the consecutive double-dehydration pathway to BD. While limited public industrial mass-balance data preclude a rigorous quantitative green-metrics comparison, this route is attractive for sustainable BD production because it couples a renewable, biomass-derived feedstock with milder operating temperatures (673 K vs. >873 K in conventional petrochemical practice).

Ionic liquids exhibit promising characteristics as supercapacitor electrolytes due to their thermal and electrochemical stability compared to flammable organic electrolytes. However, interfaces formed by ionic liquids at supercapacitor electrodes are governed by strong ion–ion correlations, which crowd interfaces and diminish capacitance. Therefore, a promising approach to increasing interfacial capacitance would be through modulating correlations. While ionic liquid cations are typically functionalized with nonpolar alkyl substituents, recent studies have explored incorporating polar functional groups instead, which can maintain the nonflammable characteristics of ionic liquids while generally reducing toxicity. Since existing work on polar-substituted ionic liquids focuses mainly on bulk phenomena like ion conductivity, the relationship between substituent polarity and interfacial properties remains underexplored. Here, we study how cation size, charge distribution, and polar functionality impact interfacial capacitance. Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, we find that an alkyl-substituted pyrrolidinium ionic liquid exhibits higher capacitance than its alkylated imidazolium counterpart, suggesting that localized charge density plays a larger role in dictating capacitance than ion size. Further, we reveal that oxygen functionalization doubles capacitance in imidazolium ionic liquids compared to a butylated counterpart, while minimally impacting pyrrolidinium ionic liquids. Connecting capacitance to chemical environment, we use nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate proton shifts resulting from oxygen functionalization in imidazolium and pyrrolidinium ionic liquids. We find that oxygenation breaks the symmetry of the electronic environment in aromatic imidazolium rings, localizing charge. Thus, we reveal charge localization is key to determining ionic liquid capacitance, providing pathways toward tuning polar-functionalized ionic liquids for energy storage.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are increasingly positioned as greener alternatives to heavy-metal quantum dots due to their sustainability, low-toxicity potential, aqueous processability, low-cost and tunable photoluminescence. However, the bottom-up synthesis of citric-acid based CQDs, especially the citric acid/urea microwave synthesis method, still face a central sustainability and reproducibility challenge: the photoluminescence and functional performance attributed to CQDs can be attributed to co-produced small organic fluorophores whose formation depends sensitively on synthesis conditions.
We propose a green-chemistry informed framework for (i) the rapid synthesis of nitrogen-doped CQDs from citric acid and urea via microwave irradiation, (ii) the high-resolution purification of carbonaceous domains from molecular species, and (iii) a systematic comparison of purified versus non-purified materials across bioimaging and sensing platforms. Rigorous purification through fractioning chromatography and Soxhlet extraction have revealed that small molecular fluorophores make up the majority of the synthesized material, heavily influencing their apparent optical and catalytic properties. Once these impurities have been removed, the material’s quantum yield and photocatalytic outcomes decreased significantly, highlighting the importance of transparent material characterization in sustainable nanotechnology.

Cellulose is commonly used as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations, nevertheless its benefits are limited by its low solubility, limited functional groups, and low surface area. New advances in nanotechnology allow for the use of emerging materials like cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) characterized by their colloidal behavior, large surface area, and tunable surface functionalities, while maintaining much of the benefits of microcrystalline cellulose. Moreover, their capacity for surface modification allows us to adjust wettability, dispersibility, and aggregation behavior, enabling the design of stable and efficient formulations and tuning molecular interactions. In this work, CNCs were functionalized through three methods: silanization with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), silanization with triethoxyvinylsilane (TEVS), and TEMPO-mediated oxidation, with unmodified CNCs serving as the benchmark. The resulting materials were characterized to assess surface chemistry, dispersibility, thermal stability, and solubility in various solvents. Spectroscopic (FTIR) and physicochemical analyses (amine, carboxyl, sulfur-ester titration) confirmed the incorporation of the expected functional groups. Hydrodynamic radius measured through DLS indicated an increase in the size in APTES-modified CNCs (372.31 ± 8.10 nm) compared to the bare nanoparticles (124.37 ± 0.68 nm). At the same time, the ζ-potential values and polyelectrolyte titration showed improved colloidal stability and higher charge density, particularly in TEMPO-modified CNCs. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that TEVS modification conferred the highest thermal stability to CNCs. Finally, to assess its compatibility with emerging drug carriers, silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFNs), with and without curcumin, were adsorbed and monitored by multi-parameter surface plasmon resonance (MP-SPR). This approach offers a new pathway for controlled adsorption and desorption, which could enhance drug formulation efficiency while eliminating costly post-processing steps.

Green chemistry education is fundamental to providing a systemic, long-lasting impact on our society, helping to achieve a sustainable future. Teaching the current and next generation of scientists to design processes and products with human health and the environment in mind goes hand in hand with the development of cost-effective, sustainable, and high-performance innovations. To catalyze the adoption of green chemistry in higher education settings, a program known as the Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) was launched 13 years ago by the non-profit organization Beyond Benign.
The GCC is an institutional commitment to initiating, maintaining, or strengthening the integration of green chemistry principles and practices across the chemistry curricula. Since its launch, the GCC has grown from 13 founding institutions in the United States to more than 260 universities, colleges, and institutes across 35 countries. This expansion reflects the collective advocacy and leadership of faculty members, students, administrators, and staff, alongside international organizations, companies, and scientific societies working to modernize education and address pressing environmental challenges through green chemistry.
In this presentation, the GCC program as a driver for institutional change will be highlighted. The results from the 2025 Annual GCC Survey will be presented, illustrating the strategies institutions are using to implement and promote green chemistry in teaching, research, and community engagement, as well as the barriers they continue to navigate. Comparisons with previous data surveys will demonstrate trends in adoption, curricular integration, and institutional engagement, showing how participation in the GCC program is helping to support systemic change across departments and institutions worldwide.

The development of sustainable, efficient, and safe manufacturing routes for heterocyclic building blocks remains a central priority within modern green chemistry. We report the design and large-scale implementation of a streamlined, two-step telescoped process for the preparation of 1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid. The new route replaces traditional approaches that rely on toxic, mutagenic, or environmentally burdensome reagents and solvents, offering a safer and more sustainable manufacturing solution.
The process begins from the readily available starting material ethyl 1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate and proceeds via solvent-free N-methylation and subsequent basic hydrolysis in a single telescoped sequence. Central to the sustainability profile of this route is the use of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a non-toxic green methylating reagent. DMC provides a significantly improved environmental footprint compared with traditional alkylating agents while also enabling a highly efficient process. The transformation is promoted by catalytic quantities of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) or 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU), avoiding the need for stoichiometric, waste-generating promoters and further enhancing the overall greenness of the process.
The combined sequence delivers high conversion without the use of organic solvents, aligning with key principles of green chemistry including waste minimization, reduced hazard, and energy efficiency. In addition, the telescoped design eliminates intermediate isolation, reduces processing time, and simplifies operational handling.
This work illustrates how strategic reagent selection, solvent minimization, and telescoped processing can collectively transform the environmental profile of established heterocycle synthetic routes. The process represents a safer, sustainable, practical, and scalable example of green-chemistry principles.

Many chemical processes critical to environmental sustainability rely on energy-intensive conditions or costly catalysts. Our work explores gas–water interfaces as chemically active environments that enable chemical transformations under ambient conditions. We show that strong interfacial electric fields can arise at gas–water interfaces, providing intrinsic driving forces for bond activation. These interface-driven processes enable the removal of greenhouse gases and the degradation of toxic organic pollutants. By leveraging microbubble and emerging nanobubble platforms, this approach offers scalable pathways for energy-efficient chemical remediation. Overall, this study highlights gas–water interfaces as promising platforms for green chemical processes that reduce energy use and environmental impact.

Conversion of microalgal biomass into sustainable transportation fuels requires catalytic systems that improve hydrocarbon selectivity while minimizing catalyst deactivation. However, direct pyrolysis of microalgae typically produces oxygen-rich bio-oils and heavy compounds that limit fuel quality. In this work, the influence of Ni and Fe incorporation into Y-zeolite catalysts on vapor upgrading during ex situ catalytic pyrolysis of Chlorella minutissima was investigated, with emphasis on hydrocarbon distribution and coke formation behavior. Catalytic upgrading over protonated Y zeolite enabled efficient cracking at lower temperatures compared with non-catalytic pyrolysis, while transition-metal incorporation significantly altered product selectivity. Catalysts containing moderate Ni loading promoted aromatic hydrocarbon formation through improved acidic functionality, whereas excessive metal incorporation enhanced secondary cracking reactions and carbon deposition. Among the investigated catalysts, the bimetallic Ni–Fe-modified Y zeolite showed superior upgrading performance by facilitating conversion of heavy hydrocarbon fractions into gasoline-range products and BTX-rich aromatics while suppressing excessive coke generation. GC/MS analysis demonstrated enrichment of monoaromatic hydrocarbons together with reduced oxygenated compounds in the upgraded bio-oil. Thermogravimetric analysis of spent catalysts further revealed that Ni–Fe incorporation modified coke oxidation characteristics, enabling regeneration at lower temperatures compared with monometallic systems. These findings indicate that balancing acidic and metallic functionalities is critical for controlling vapor-phase upgrading pathways and catalyst stability during catalytic pyrolysis. Overall, the study highlights the potential of Ni–Fe-modified Y zeolites as regenerable catalysts for selective upgrading of microalgal pyrolysis vapors into higher-quality fuel precursors, providing insights relevant to sustainable bioenergy and green catalytic process design.

The accumulation of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymers in environment has emerged as critical ecological concern owing to their chemical stability and persistence. Studies have reported microbial communities for the degradation of PET and LDPE in aquatic ecosystem; however, research focusing on soil microbes with the capacity to degrade plastics are still limited. Therefore, bacterial strain C-6 is isolated from the plastic waste dumping site having ability to produce plastics degrading enzymes including laccase, esterase, and lipase. After 30 days of incubation, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images confirmed the microbial colonization and biofilm formation on the LDPE and PET microplastics surface, resulting in the weight reduction of 3-7%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis displayed the occurrence of oxygen containing hydroxyl (OH) and carbonyl (C=O) functional groups, indicating the oxidative cleavage of polymer backbone. Consistently, GC-MS profiling detected the release of low molecular weight alkane compounds (C20-C30), suggesting the progressive depolymerization of polymers and the generation of short chain degradation metabolites. Transcriptomic study further revealed the upregulation of plastics degrading genes containing oxidoreductase, hydrolase, monooxygenase and biofilm formation genes, supporting the biofilm and enzyme mediated degradation of LDPE and PET microplastics. Based on the result obtained from transcriptome, a comprehensive plastics degradation pathway is proposed highlighting the key genes, enzymes, transporters, redox mediators, and biological pathways involved. Overall, these findings provide the insights of microbial biofilm mediated degradation of LDPE and PET, offering an eco-friendly and sustainable remediation methodologies for the mitigation of plastics and aligning with the principles of green chemistry.

Silk fibroin is a fibrous protein obtained from the cocoons of Bombyx mori. Recently, it has emerged as a promising material for extrusion-based 3D printing in tissue engineering due to its biocompatibility and mechanical robustness. However, most silk fibroin processing involves dissolution in salt solutions with high concentration (e.g. LiBr), followed by dialysis to remove residual salts. Moreover, silk fibroin solutions have low concentration and viscosity, requiring additional chemicals or crosslinkers for fabrication.
Here, we present a dissolution free strategy to fabricate printable inks by directly modifying native silk fibroin fibers. We introduced carboxymethyl groups into the silk fibroin using an industrially established cellulose derivative process. The carboxymethylated silk fibroin (CMSF) preserves the intrinsic anisotropic structures of native silk fibroin. When dispersed in water, the CMSF fibers swell and form microstrand gels. The printability of CMSF is attributed to the frictional interaction and physical entanglement among the microstrand gels.
To stabilize the printed structure in an aqueous environment, additional crosslinking is required. We induced crosslinking by freezing the printed structures and subsequently immersing them in citric acid. Citric acid is an eco-friendly and biocompatible acid that lowers the pH and promotes hydrogen bonding between CMSF. After crosslinking, the structure was stable in the liquid phase and exhibited improved mechanical properties. This fabrication process is simple compared to dissolution-dialysis based approaches. Furthermore, the 3D printable anisotropic CMSF scaffold is expected to serve as a versatile and sustainable platform for various biomedical applications.

Preventing ion migration in perovskite photovoltaics is essential for achieving stable and efficient devices. The activation energy for ion migration is strongly influenced by the chemical environment surrounding the ions. Therefore, the migration of organic cations in lead halide perovskites can be suppressed by engineering their local interactions, for example through hydrogen bonding. Ion migration also contributes to ionic losses through interfacial reactions, and the undesirable reactivity of organic cations can be minimized by introducing protecting groups. In this work, we report bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl) phosphinic chloride (BOP-Cl) as a perovskite ink additive that provides multiple benefits: (1) the phosphoryl and two oxo groups form six-membered intermolecular hydrogen-bonded rings with the formamidinium (FA) cation, mitigating ion migration; and (2) hydrogen bonding donates electron density to the ammonium protons, reducing their electrophilicity and thereby decreasing their reactivity with surface oxygen on the metal oxide. In addition, BOP-Cl can react with nucleophilic oxygen sites on the SnO2 electron transport layer to form a protective group through chlorine elimination. As a result, we achieve perovskite solar cells with an efficiency of 25.0% and significantly improved MPP stability (T93 = 1200 h at 40–45 °C), compared to a control device (T86 = 550 h). Furthermore, we reveal a negative correlation between the hydrogen-bonding strength of various phosphine oxide derivatives to organic cations and the degree of metastable behavior (e.g., initial burn-in) observed in the devices.

Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae are a promising approach for sustainable waste management and the production of high-value compounds such as chitin. This proposition is an innovation in extracting chitin from BSF meal, increasing the yield and purity of the extract using an optimized smart manufacturing process. Chitosan will be modified in situ to enhance its functional properties, thereby enabling its characterization and applications. The proposed technique combines NIR, MIR, and Raman spectroscopy with AI models such as PSLR. A critical analysis of these types of spectroscopy methods shows the potential to make valuable measurements that are non-invasive so that chitin can be efficiently extracted and quality-controlled without using chemical reagents. Case studies from recent research will show how the combination of these spectroscopic techniques greatly enhances the accuracy of quantification of chitin over traditional methods. This will also be an integrated approach to develop multifunctional hydrogel and aerogel platforms that have enhanced adsorption, biomedical, and magnetic properties. By leveraging the applications of smart technology, such as automated process control and data-driven optimization of processes, this approach paves the way to excel in the more efficient, scalable, and sustainable insect-based biorefineries and plays a role in the circular economy and development of bioproducts in the smart manufacturing context.

Vinyl sulfones are versatile functional groups widely employed as building blocks in organic synthesis and as bioisosteres in medicinal chemistry. Previous studies demonstrated the synthesis of a library of vinyl geminal disulfone compounds as neutral analogs of chicoric acid, a natural inhibitor of HIV-1 integrase (IN) with potential anti-HIV activity. These compounds were accessed via stereoselective Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons (HWE) olefination using a unique disulfone reagent (1) to produce symmetric and unsymmetric aryl-based vinyl disulfones. Here, we report the optimization of disulfone reagent (1) and the development of a green, one-pot synthesis using safer solvents—including methanol, isopropanol, tert-butanol, 2-MeTHF, acetone, DMSO, acetonitrile, and triethyl phosphate—under milder conditions while bypassing traditional extraction steps. This streamlined methodology allows the three-step synthesis of vinyl disulfones with reduced process mass intensity (PMI) and delivers the crude product with high purity, eliminating the need for further purification. Current efforts focus on employing various dihaloalkane linkers to expand the structural diversity and versatility of the methodology. This green, efficient strategy provides a robust platform for generating libraries of vinyl sulfone compounds for potential medicinal and materials applications.