Archive for January, 2025

Presenting RSC Sustainability’s themed collection: Energy Materials Redesign, Reuse and Repurpose

23 Jan 2025

We are very pleased to present RSC Sustainability’s themed collection on Energy Materials Redesign, Reuse and Repurpose.

Read the collection now: https://rsc.li/su-energymaterials

As the world moves away from using fossil fuels to produce energy, demand for alternative materials is increasing. In order to ensure a sustainable supply of energy materials in the future, it is vital that they can be recycled and used again. This collection highlights research that aims to make this a reality.

The collection showcases work in 3 broad categories: 1) redesigning materials and processes to increase device lifetime, 2) reuse and repurpose of waste as a secondary source, and 3) recycling of end-of-life devices to reduce waste generation.

Read the Editorial from the Guest Editors here: https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU90068E

 

Explore some of the highlights from the collection with comments from the authors themselves:


Unlocking sustainable power: advances in aqueous processing and water-soluble binders for NMC cathodes in high-voltage Li-ion batteries

Mecerreyes, Pozo-Gonzalo, et al, RSC Sustain., 2024, 2, 2125-2149

This article highlights how polymer binders are key in the development of green and high energy batteries. It summarizes the recent advances in aqueous processing of NMC cathodes in high-voltage Li-ion batteries.

 

Recovery of graphite from industrial lithium-ion battery black mass

Titirici, et al,  RSC Sustain., 2025, 3, 264-274

 

While significant attention is given to metal extraction from Li-ion battery cathodes, graphite anodes are often overlooked, despite being a critical resource facing a projected supply shortage. Our research focuses on recovering graphite from industrially sourced black mass, addressing real-world challenges and exploring efficient regeneration methods. These methods are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing metal recovery processes, offering practical solutions for the recycling industry.

 

Non-aqueous direct leaching using a reusable nickel-selective amic-acid extractant for efficient lithium-ion battery recycling

Goto, et al, RSC Sustain., 2025

With the increasing demand for electric vehicles, the recycling of lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) becomes crucial. However, there are concerns surrounding traditional recycling methods for LiBs regarding their high environmental impact. This study aims to develop an environmentally friendly LiB recycling process surpassing conventional methods. The proposed approach eliminates the need for inorganic acids, simplifying the process. Upon realization, this process will contribute to society in various aspects, including environmental, economic, and social aspects. This process aligns with SDGs 7, 11, and 13.

 

Enhanced electrochemical dissolution of iridium oxide in acidic electrolytes through presence of metal ions: shortened lifetime and hope for recovery

Sharma, Andersen, et al, RSC Sustain., 2024, 2, 2225-2238

Electrochemical dissolution of iridium oxide is not only a vital degradation mechanism but also an innovative methodology for iridium recycling. The current work is a showcase on manipulation of metal ions to stimulate the dissolution process.

 

Reduced graphene oxide from dead Li-ion batteries with β-Co(OH)2 as a potential electrode for enhanced charge storage capabilities

Viswanathan and Aravindan, RSC Sustain., 2024, 2, 2199-2212

Everybody can’t produce energy but save it, the energy that you save is the energy that you produce. Supercapacitors are the future energy savers, better we recycle the batteries to make them.

 

 

 

 

Recycling hazardous and energy-demanding piezoelectric ceramics using an oxide–halide perovskite upside-down composite method

Bai, et al, RSC Sustain., 2024, 2, 961-974

Although we are moving towards greener piezoelectric components in the next-generation manufacturing, the older generation has left us a tremendous number of devices containing hazardous elements. We should not let them expose to the nature but rather should recycle them and give them a second life in lower-end products that may accept compromised functionality, to save resources for the new manufacturing for higher-end products.

 

We hope you found exploring this collection both enjoyable and rewarding. If you have work on recycling energy materials that you would like to publish, submit to RSC Sustainability now at https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/rscsus

Comments Off on Presenting RSC Sustainability’s themed collection: Energy Materials Redesign, Reuse and Repurpose

Calling all young scientists! Share your ideas on how chemical sciences can sustainably transform waste into valuable products in the IOCD & RSC annual essay competition!

08 Jan 2025

The global essay competition is back for 2025!

Who? The International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development (IOCD) and the Royal Society of Chemistry are excited to continue their collaboration and announce this year’s annual essay competition, focusing on the role of the chemical sciences in sustainability.

What? The theme for 2025 is “From waste to wealth: how chemical sciences can sustainably transform waste into valuable products”.

When? The deadline for submissions is 31st March 2025.

Where? The competition is open globally to entrants under 35, providing a unique opportunity for young scientists and researchers to showcase their ideas and contribute to the important conversation on sustainability. The winning entries will be published in RSC Sustainability, providing a platform for the authors to share their work with a global audience and make a real-world impact.

Why? Sustainability is a pressing issue that affects us all, and the chemical sciences have a vital role to play in addressing it. The competition encourages young scientists to think about the importance of scientific approaches grounded in the chemical sciences for solving sustainability challenges and to take a wide, global perspective, including reflecting on the intersection of science, society and policy aspects, rather than to describe a particular scientific advance in great technical detail. This year’s theme is particularly relevant in light of the growing global issue of waste management and resource depletion. The competition challenges participants to envision how chemical processes can be harnessed to create sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact, enhance resource efficiency, and contribute to a circular economy.

Further information on entering the competition can be found here.

Explore last year’s winning essays in this collection:

We encourage all young scientists and researchers who are passionate about sustainability to submit an entry to this year’s competition.

Comments Off on Calling all young scientists! Share your ideas on how chemical sciences can sustainably transform waste into valuable products in the IOCD & RSC annual essay competition!