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It is significant to investigate the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation mechanism during the carbon capture process; nevertheless, CaCO3 precipitation is not clearly understood yet. Understanding the carbonation mechanism at the atomic level can contribute to the mineralization capture and utilization of carbon dioxide, as well as the development of new cementitious materials with high-performance. There are many factors, such as temperature and CO2 concentration, that can influence the carbonation reaction. In order to achieve better carbonation efficiency, the reaction conditions of carbonation should be fully verified. Therefore, based on molecular dynamics simulations, this paper investigates the atomic-scale mechanism of carbonation. We investigate the effect of carbonation factors, including temperature and concentration, on the kinetics of carbonation (polymerization rate and activation energy), the early nucleation of calcium carbonate, etc. Then, we analyze the local stresses of atoms to reveal the driving force of early stage carbonate nucleation and the reasons for the evolution of polymerization rate and activation energy. Results show that the higher the calcium concentration or temperature, the higher the polymerization rate of calcium carbonate. In addition, the activation energies of the carbonation reaction increase with the decrease in calcium concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological pump supplies carbon to the oceans interior, driving long-term carbon sequestration and providing energy for deep-sea ecosystems1,2. Its efficiency is set by transformations of newly formed particles in the euphotic zone, followed by vertical flux attenuation via mesopelagic processes3. Depth attenuation of the particulate organic carbon (POC) flux is modulated by multiple processes involving zooplankton and/or microbes4,5. Nevertheless, it continues to be mainly parameterized using an empirically derived relationship, the Martin curve6. The derived power-law exponent is the standard metric used to compare flux attenuation patterns across oceanic provinces7,8. Here we present in situ experimental findings from C-RESPIRE9, a dual particle interceptor and incubator deployed at multiple mesopelagic depths, measuring microbially mediated POC flux attenuation. We find that across six contrasting oceanic regimes, representing a 30-fold range in POC flux, degradation by particle-attached microbes comprised 7-29 per cent of flux attenuation, implying a more influential role for zooplankton in flux attenuation. Microbial remineralization, normalized to POC flux, ranged by 20-fold across sites and depths, with the lowest rates at high POC fluxes. Vertical trends, of up to threefold changes, were linked to strong temperature gradients at low-latitude sites. In contrast, temperature played a lesser role at mid- and high-latitude sites, where vertical trends may be set jointly by particle biochemistry, fragmentation and microbial ecophysiology. This deconstruction of the Martin curve reveals the underpinning mechanisms that drive microbially mediated POC flux attenuation across oceanic provinces.

Agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and is vulnerable to climate change. Regenerative agriculture, which focuses on increasing soil carbon, has been recognized as a potential climate solution. A recent study found that seven regenerative practices, including planting cover crops and using non-chemical fertilizers, all increased carbon sequestration. However, the study also highlights that regenerative agriculture has other benefits beyond carbon sequestration, and the focus should not solely be on carbon credits. The popularity of regenerative agriculture is growing, but there is a risk of it being co-opted and losing its essence. [Extracted from the article]

Contemporary resource management is doubly burdened by high rates of organic material disposal in landfills, generating potent greenhouse gases (GHG), and globally degraded soils, which threaten future food security. Expansion of composting can provide a resilient alternative, by avoiding landfill GHG emissions, returning valuable nutrients to the soil to ensure continued agricultural production, and sequestering carbon while supporting local communities. Recognizing this opportunity, California has set ambitious organics diversion targets in the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Law (SB1383) which will require significant increases (5 to 8 million tonnes per year) in organic material processing capacity. This paper develops a spatial optimization model to consider how to handle this flow of additional material while achieving myriad social and ecological benefits through compost production. We consider community-based and on-farm facilities alongside centralized, large-scale infrastructure to explore decentralized and diversified alternative futures of composting infrastructure in the state of California. We find using a diversity of facilities would provide opportunity for cost savings while achieving significant emissions reductions of approximately 3.4 ± 1 MMT CO2e and demonstrate that it is possible to incorporate community protection into compost infrastructure planning while meeting economic and environmental objectives.

Tropical rainforests of Latin America (LATAM) are one of the world's largest carbon sinks, with substantial future carbon sequestration potential and contributing a major proportion of the global supply of forest carbon credits. LATAM is poised to contribute predominantly towards high-quality forest carbon offset projects designed to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, halt biodiversity loss, and provide equitable conservation benefits to people. Thus, carbon markets, including compliance carbon markets and voluntary carbon markets continue to expand in LATAM. However, the extent of the growth and status of forest carbon markets, pricing initiatives, stakeholders, amongst others, are yet to be explored and extensively reviewed for the entire LATAM region. Against this backdrop, we reviewed a total of 299 articles, including peer-reviewed and non-scientific gray literature sources, from January 2010 to March 2023. Herein, based on the extensive literature review, we present the results and provide perspectives classified into five categories: (i) the status and recent trends of forest carbon markets (ii) the interested parties and their role in the forest carbon markets, (iii) the measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) approaches and role of remote sensing, (iv) the challenges, and (v) the benefits, opportunities, future directions and recommendations to enhance forest carbon markets in LATAM. Despite the substantial challenges, better governance structures for forest carbon markets can increase the number, quality and integrity of projects and support the carbon sequestration capacity of the rainforests of LATAM. Due to the complex and extensive nature of forest carbon projects in LATAM, emerging technologies like remote sensing can enable scale and reduce technical barriers to MRV, if properly benchmarked. The future directions and recommendations provided are intended to improve upon the existing infrastructure and governance mechanisms, and encourage further participation from the public and private sectors in forest carbon markets in LATAM.

Microbial community dynamics on sinking particles control the amount of carbon that reaches the deep ocean and the length of time that carbon is stored, with potentially profound impacts on Earths climate. A mechanistic understanding of the controls on sinking particle distributions has been hindered by limited depth- and time-resolved sampling and methods that cannot distinguish individual particles. Here, we analyze microbial communities on nearly 400 individual sinking particles in conjunction with more conventional composite particle samples to determine how particle colonization and community assembly might control carbon sequestration in the deep ocean. We observed community succession with corresponding changes in microbial metabolic potential on the larger sinking particles transporting a significant fraction of carbon to the deep sea. Microbial community richness decreased as particles aged and sank; however, richness increased with particle size and the attenuation of carbon export. This suggests that the theory of island biogeography applies to sinking marine particles. Changes in POC flux attenuation with time and microbial community composition with depth were reproduced in a mechanistic ecosystem model that reflected a range of POC labilities and microbial growth rates. Our results highlight microbial community dynamics and processes on individual sinking particles, the isolation of which is necessary to improve mechanistic models of ocean carbon uptake.

Given the importance of soil for the global carbon cycle, it is essential to understand not only how much carbon soil stores but also how long this carbon persists. Previous studies have shown that the amount and age of soil carbon are strongly affected by the interaction of climate, vegetation, and mineralogy. However, these findings are primarily based on studies from temperate regions and from fine-scale studies, leaving large knowledge gaps for soils from understudied regions such as sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, there is a lack of data to validate modeled soil C dynamics at broad scales. Here, we present insights into organic carbon cycling, based on a new broad-scale radiocarbon and mineral dataset for sub-Saharan Africa. We found that in moderately weathered soils in seasonal climate zones with poorly crystalline and reactive clay minerals, organic carbon persists longer on average (topsoil: 201 ± 130 years; subsoil: 645 ± 385 years) than in highly weathered soils in humid regions (topsoil: 140 ± 46 years; subsoil: 454 ± 247 years) with less reactive minerals. Soils in arid climate zones (topsoil: 396 ± 339 years; subsoil: 963 ± 669 years) store organic carbon for periods more similar to those in seasonal climate zones, likely reflecting climatic constraints on weathering, carbon inputs and microbial decomposition. These insights into the timescales of organic carbon persistence in soils of sub-Saharan Africa suggest that a process-oriented grouping of soils based on pedo-climatic conditions may be useful to improve predictions of soil responses to climate change at broader scales.

On account of slowly reducing of fossil-fuel, profitable utilization of available fossil-fuel to produce electric power is a major concern for electric power producers. Here, short-period fuel constrained power, heat, natural gas and clean water augmentation planning (FCPHGWAP) of isolated microgrid considering carbon capture is presented. FCPHGWAP finds out the most economical and consistent augmentation plan to meet the prophesied power, heat, natural gas and clean water demand over a short-term time horizon whilst satisfying several technical as well as societal constraints. An archetypical system having extant diesel generators (DGs), PVT panel, wind turbine generator (WG), micro-cogeneration unit (MCU), battery energy storage system (BESS), plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), thermal energy storage system, natural gas storage unit, carbon capture unit (CCU), electrolyzer, hydrogen storage unit and aspirant PVT panel, WGs, MCUs and PEVs is taken into consideration. Self-organizing hierarchical particle swarm optimizer with time-varying acceleration coefficients and grey wolf optimization are used to solve this FCPHGWAP problem. It is observed that net present value having fuel constraints is less than that of without fuel constraints. • Water, gas, power and heat generation expansion planning of isolated MG is studied. • Fuel constraints of DGs and MCUs are taken into consideration. • Clean water, natural gas, heat and power reserve margin are taken into account. • Carbon captured from MCUs and DGs is used to produce methane. • Hydrogen is generated from clean water produced by desalinating sea water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Battery charging of electric vehicle is a time-consuming procedure. However, battery swapping station (BSS) offers fast turnaround. Due to slowly lessening of diesel, economical consumption of available diesel for diesel generators (DGs) to generate electric power is one of the chief concern. This paper sustainable presents power, heat and natural gas scheduling of remote microgrid integrated BSS considering carbon capture and demand side uncertainty with and without diesel constraints. MG includes small hydro power plants (SHPP), wind turbine generators (WGs), PVT panels, DGs, biomass fired micro-cogeneration units (BFMCUs), micro pumped hydro energy storage (MPHES), BSSs and thermal energy storage system. CO 2 captured from DGs and BFMCUs and the hydrogen produced by electrolyzer are used to generate methane for providing natural gas demand. Demand response program (DRP) is applied to smooth all types of demand i.e. power, heat and natural gas demand. Self-organizing hierarchical particle swarm optimizer with time-varying acceleration coefficients, differential evolution and grey wolf optimization are used to solve the problem for three different scenarios. • Sustainable power, heat and natural gas scheduling of remote microgrid is studied. • Battery swapping station and carbon capture unit are taken into consideration. • Demand side uncertainty and demand response program are taken into account. • Fuel constraints of diesel generators are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the permeation flux equations, Richardson and Paripatyadar kinetic model, and lumen-shell mass balances were combined to develop a simulation model for the integrated CO 2 separation-dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction in La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3-δ (LSCF)-carbonate hollow fibre membrane reactor. The interactions of the reactants for the DRM and reverse water gas shift reactions were simulated at different operating parameters. Greater membrane area gave higher CO 2 and CH 4 conversions and H 2 /CO (syngas) molar ratio of ∼1. Lower temperature of 700 °C provided higher DRM performance in membrane reactor, which was due to the higher CO 2 permeation from the higher electronic conductivity of LSCF. Higher CH 4 amount in the sweep gas facilitated CO 2 permeation, conversion, syngas yield, and ratio. The optimum DRM performance of the membrane reactor was achieved at a lumen-to-shell flow rate ratio of 0.5, whereas the limiting factor was the CH 4 availability at the shell side. [Display omitted] • Richardson and Paripatyadar (R–P) kinetic model was used to simulate DRM and RWGS. • Permeation of CO 2 across LSCF-molten carbonate hollow fibre membrane was simulated. • MATLAB simulation of DRM in a ceramic-carbonate membrane reactor was developed. • Parametric study on temperature, membrane area, and flow conditions were presented. • RSM was used to optimize the DRM performance of membrane reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contemporary world faces issues related to energy, the environment, and food security. The use of carbon capture, storage, and utilization technologies can help reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuels, which will result in major advancements toward dual carbon targets. In addition to promoting environmentally friendly manufacturing, chemical industries may replace fossil fuel-based raw materials with renewable biomass for the synthesis of organic acids and syngas. Although several studies are being conducted on co-valorization of CO2 and biomass feedstocks to produce organic acids and fine chemicals using biotechnology, thermocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis, there are still various obstacles in scaling up clean production, including (i) addressing environmental concerns, (ii) the intricate structure and chemical composition of biomass, (iii) conversion mechanisms and processes, (iv) designing catalyst materials with higher durability and recyclability, (v) greener solvent systems for catalysis and extraction, (vi) the deployment of modern technologies for characterization, (vii) training and guidelines for industrial operations, and (viii) governmental financing and policy. The sustainable manufacturing of biobased products from raw feedstocks produced from biomass has been made possible via technological breakthroughs in photo-/biorefineries, which are essential for the clean and environmentally friendly synthesis of organic acids. It is anticipated that clean production of organic acids from biomass will have a dominant market share, benefiting from both socioeconomic and environmental factors. With future technical developments, the valorization of feedstocks obtained from biomass together with CO2 for manufacturing fuels and fine chemicals will be more ecologically and economically feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite oxides have huge potential applications in carbon capture and utilization as oxygen transport membranes (OTM) and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrodes. SrFeO 3- δ -based perovskite material, as the promising candidate, possesses high mixed ionic-electronic conductivity, but its partial application is impeded by poor stability under CO 2 conditions. In this work, SrFe 0.9 M 0.1 O 3- δ (SFM, M = Fe, Al, Zr, Nb, W) ceramic membranes were synthesized to study the effects of different valence B-site ions doping on the stability and CO 2 adsorption process of perovskite oxides. The phase structure, thermal expansion property, CO 2 tolerance, and CO 2 absorption mechanism on surfaces of SFM were investigated systematically. B-site doping stables the pure cubic structure, improves the high-temperature structural stability, and reduces the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) by increasing the lattice parameters and metal-oxygen average binging energy (ABE) of SFM. Moreover, density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that although B-site ions doping promotes the adsorption of CO 2 on the FeO 2 -terminated, it inhibits CO 2 adsorption on the Sr-O-Sr site after Zr4+, Nb5+, and W6+ doping, causing the reduction of the CO 2 desorption. The results offer new insights for designing perovskite oxides in the carbon neutralization field. • Different valence ions B-site dope SrFeO 3- δ perovskite oxide used in the CCUS. • SrFe 0.9 M 0.1 O 3- δ (SFM, M = Fe, Al, Zr, Nb, W) ceramic membranes are synthesized. • The increase of lattice parameters stabilizes the cubic structure of SFM. • The structure stability at high temperatures is improved by B-site ion doping. • The CO 2 adsorption mechanism on the SFM surfaces is revealed by DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there are many studies on CO2 adsorption via PEI‐modified carbon particles, metal–organic frameworks, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, and silica‐based porous structures, only a limited number of studies on solely cross‐linked PEI‐based structures. Here, the CO2 adsorption capacities of PEI‐based microgels and cryogels were investigated. The effects of various parameters influencing the CO2 adsorption capacity of PEI‐based structures, for example, crosslinker types, PEI types (branched [bPEI] or linear [lPEI]), adsorbent types (microgel or cryogel), chemical‐modification including their complexes were examined. NaOH‐treated glycerol diglycidyl ether (GDE) crosslinked lPEI microgels exhibited higher CO2 adsorption capacity among other microgels with 0.094 ± 0.006 mmol CO2/g at 900 mm Hg, 25°C with 2‐ and 7.5‐fold increase upon pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA) modification and Ba(II) metal ion complexing, respectively. The CO2 adsorption capacity of bPEI and lPEI‐based cryogels were compared and found that lPEI‐GDE cryogels had higher adsorption capacity than bPEI‐GDE cryogels with 0.188 ± 0.01 mmol CO2/g at 900 mm Hg and 25°C. The reuse studies revealed that NaOH‐treated GDE crosslinked bPEI and lPEI microgels and cryogels showed promising potential, for example, after 10‐times repeated use >50% CO2 adsorption capacity was retained. The results affirmed that PEI‐based microgels and cryogels are encouraging materials for CO2 capture and reuse applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fens are the predominant peatlands in temperate regions and provide key ecosystem services such as water retention and carbon sequestration. Under threat of drainage, discharge of polluted water, and subsequent eutrophication, fen conservation is a priority. A key feature of fens is their high biodiversity, particularly of specialist bryophytes that play a pivotal role in peat formation. Since many mosses are poor competitors, increased growth of vascular plants following eutrophication is often remediated by annual mowing with litter removal. The precise mowing method favoring bryophytes is rarely investigated, yet creation of “recruitment gaps” by mowing of the bryophyte layer has been recommended. We performed a 3‐year field experiment with three annual treatments: (1) mowing of the bryophyte and vascular plant layer to create gaps, (2) only mowing of vascular plants above the bryophyte layer, and (3) not mowing. Our results show that mowing of bryophytes is detrimental for endangered bryophytes, specifically Sphagnum contortum, S. teres, Warnstorfia exannulata, Calliergon giganteum, and Hamatocaulis vernicosus. Only the generalist species S. palustre and Calliergonella cuspidata benefited from bryophyte mowing. We also found that accretion of the bryophyte layer and development of micro‐topography are impeded by bryophyte mowing, potentially hampering future water retention and carbon sequestration. Nevertheless, mowing of vascular plants proved necessary as fen specialists S. teres, S. contortum, S. subsecundum, W. exannulata, and Bryum pseudotriquetrum declined in the unmown treatment. We conclude that, if mowing is necessary to remediate eutrophication, it should be restricted to vascular plants, particularly in fens with endangered bryophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intense convective mixing in the central North Atlantic is a major gateway for dissolved organic matter (DOM) into the deep ocean, sustaining elevated dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations. Rapid down‐slope transport on adjacent Irish and Hebrides Margins represents another, less‐explored mechanism contributing to the deep‐sea DOM reservoir. Our analyses of solid‐phase extractable DOM (SPE‐DOM) in bottom waters in this region showed 7–11 μM higher DOC concentration and 190–330 years youngerSPE‐DOM radiocarbon ages compared to similar depths in the open eastern North Atlantic. We estimated a down‐slope DOC flux of 43 Tg C yr−1 from the Irish and Hebrides shelves. During transport, conservative mixing, dominated by physical rather than biological/chemical processes, determined the molecular DOM composition, while minor particulate organic matter degradation introduced less‐refractory DOM with terrigenous characteristics. Thus, rapid down‐slope transport emerges as an efficient conduit for delivering fresh DOM into the deep ocean. Plain Language Summary: Dissolved organic matter (DOM) harbors the ocean's second‐largest carbon pool and has been recognized as a potential long‐term carbon sink in the deep ocean. While vertical DOM export to the deep ocean is limited, substantial amounts of DOM are transported from productive shelf regions via cross‐ and down‐slope flows. However, the efficiency of this process remains underexplored. Our work demonstrated a rapid and efficient DOM transport mechanism, driven by bottom Ekman Drain, moving DOM from the Irish Shelf to the deep eastern North Atlantic. These findings highlight that bottom Ekman transport, along with other cross‐slope processes, play a key role in CO2 sequestration. Key Points: Rapid down‐slope transport delivers substantial amounts of fresh dissolved organic matter (DOM) from shelves into the deep North AtlanticConservative mixing (dominated by physical processes) determines the stable DOM composition during down‐slope transportMinor particulate organic matter degradation introduces less‐refractory DOM with terrigenous characteristics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drylands are critical in regulating global carbon sequestration, but the resiliency of these semi‐arid shrub, grassland and forest systems is under threat from global warming and intensifying water stress. We used synergistic satellite optical‐Infrared (IR) and microwave remote sensing observations to quantify plant‐to‐stand level vegetation water potentials and seasonal changes in dryland water stress in the southwestern U.S. Machine‐learning was employed to re‐construct global satellite microwave vegetation optical depth (VOD) retrievals to 500‐m resolution. The re‐constructed results were able to delineate diverse vegetation conditions undetectable from the original 25‐km VOD record, and showed overall favorable correspondence with in situ plant water potential measurements (R from 0.60 to 0.78). The VOD water potential estimates effectively tracked plant water storage changes from hydro‐climate variability over diverse sub‐regions. The re‐constructed VOD record improves satellite capabilities for monitoring the storage and movement of water across the soil‐vegetation‐atmosphere continuum in heterogeneous drylands. Plain Language Summary: Drylands provide ecosystem services to more than two billion people but are under threat from global warming and intensifying water stress. We used a machine‐learning method to combine multi‐satellite observations for estimating vegetation water status and seasonal changes over drylands. Our enhanced‐resolution satellite vegetation retrievals (known as vegetation optical depth) were able to delineate diverse vegetation water conditions undetectable from the original 25‐km data record, and showed strong correspondence with in situ plant water measurements. Our approach improves satellite capabilities for monitoring the storage and movement of water across the soil, vegetation, and atmosphere layers in heterogeneous drylands. Key Points: Daily and 500‐m resolution vegetation optical depth (VOD) was derived through multi‐sensor data fusionOptical‐infrared and microwave synergy resolves heterogeneous vegetation water conditions within 25‐km grid cellsRe‐constructed VOD can improve understanding and monitoring of vegetation water potential at plant‐to‐stand scales [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon capture can mitigate point-source carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, but hurdles remain that impede the widespread adoption of amine-based technologies. Capturing CO2 at temperatures closer to those of many industrial exhaust streams (’200°C) is of interest, although metal oxide absorbents that operate at these temperatures typically exhibit sluggish CO2 absorption kinetics and instability to cycling. Here, we report a porous metal–organic framework featuring terminal zinc hydride sites that reversibly bind CO2 at temperatures above 200°C—conditions that are unprecedented for intrinsically porous materials. Gas adsorption, structural, spectroscopic, and computational analyses elucidate the rapid, reversible nature of this transformation. Extended cycling and breakthrough analyses reveal that the material is capable of deep carbon capture at low CO2 concentrations and high temperatures relevant to postcombustion capture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a pressing environmental concern, necessitating the development of efficient technologies for CO2 reduction and utilization. In this context, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) emerge as promising catalysts due to their tunable structures and unique chemical properties. This study focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of amino-functionalized MOFs with cobalt and nickel nodes for the electrochemical reduction of CO2. Electrochemical investigations reveal that a cobalt-based MOF primarily facilitates the production of methane, demonstrating high selectivity and efficiency under controlled conditions. In contrast, a nickel-based MOF exhibits a broader array of reduction products, including methane, CO, and ethanol, with a significant conversion efficiency. These differences underscore the impact of the central metal node on the catalytic activity and product distribution. This comprehensive study not only advances our understanding of MOF-based catalysts for CO2 reduction but also underscores the significance of molecular engineering in enhancing the selectivity and efficiency of these processes. By demonstrating the potential of amino-functionalized MOFs with specific metal nodes, we contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for carbon capture and utilization, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate changes and foster a green chemical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) is an important indicator for soil health and quality. The present study was conducted in five-decade-old Long-Term Fertilizer Experiment involving the finger millet−maize cropping sequence in an Inceptisol to examine the effects of inorganic fertilizers and manures on soil organic carbon stock in relation to C sequestration. This study was based on 10 treatments: 50%NPK, 100%NPK, 150%NPK, 100%NPK + HW, 100%NPK + ZnSO4, 100%NP, 100%N, 100%NPK + FYM, 100%NPK (− S), and control. We assess the clay mineral interaction with soil organic carbon stock and soil enzyme activity. The semi-quantification and characterization of clay minerals were sourced from X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and the SOC stock was calculated based on SOC concentration, Bulk density, and Depth. From the study, results revealed that clay minerals were studied by XRD and FTIR spectroscopy analysis. The results revealed that dominant clay minerals in the experimental soil were in the order of Montmorillonite, 2:1 interstratified minerals, Vermiculite, and Illite, and the buildup of SOC stock raised from 6.3 Mg C ha−1 to 12.9 Mg C ha−1 over five decades. The maximum SOC stock of 12.9 Mg ha−1 was recorded in 100% NPK + FYM while the control registered 7.5 Mg C ha−1. The study conclude that balanced fertilization of 100% NPK with FYM contributed toward the increase in SOC, SOC stock, and carbon sequestration for improving soil fertility status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The excessive CO 2 emission has gained global attentions due to its potential effects on climate change, plant nutrition deterioration, and human health and safety. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) featured with high specific surface area, adjustable pore size, and tailorable morphology have been widely applied for CO 2 capture. However, some drawbacks of poor mechanical stability and uneven distribution of mesopores limit their further applications. Herein, we demonstrate a one-step synthesis of bimetallic center framework (OSSBCF) and pore reconstruction (PRC) strategy to prepare the hierarchical porous Zn/Co-ZIF@ANF aerogels. This unique design achieves the construction of efficient gas transfer channels and creates massive micropores with abundant Lewis basic adsorption sites. Benefiting from theses merits, the bimetallic Zn/Co-ZIF@ANF aerogels demonstrate high MOFs loading mass of 47.51 wt%, high specific surface area of 686.39 m2g−1, and large porosity of 99.31 %. Moreover, the bimetallic Zn/Co-ZIF@ANF aerogels exhibit an enhanced CO 2 adsorption capacity of 5.99 mmol/g and CO 2 /N 2 adsorption selectivity of 35 at 25 °C and 1 bar. The CO 2 capacity of bimetallic Zn/Co-ZIF@ANF aerogels keep up to 95.19 % after ten cycles of CO 2 adsorption, indicating the excellent long-term recycle stability. Therefore, this study provides a promising strategy to engineer hierarchical porous bimetallic MOF aerogels toward practical CO 2 capture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coupling carbon capture with electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction (CO2R) to yield high‐value chemicals presents an appealing avenue for combating climate change, yet achieving highly selective electrocatalysts remains a significant challenge. Herein, two molecularly woven covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are designed, namely CuCOF and CuCOF+, with copper(I)‐bisphenanthroline complexes as building blocks. The metal–organic helical structure unit made the CuCOF and CuCOF+ present woven patterns, and their ordered pore structures and cationic properties enhanced their CO2 adsorption and good conductivity, which is confirmed by gas adsorption and electrochemical analysis. In the electrocatalytic CO2R measurements, CuCOF+ decorated with extra ethyl groups exhibit a main CO product with selectivity of 57.81%, outperforming the CuCOF with 42.92% CO at the same applied potential of 0.8 VRHE. After loading Pd nanoparticles, CuCOF‐Pd and CuCOF+‐Pd performed increased CO selectivity up to 84.97% and 95.45%, respectively. Combining the DFT theoretical calculations and experimental measurements, it is assumed that the molecularly woven cationic COF provides a catalytic microenvironment for CO2R and ensures efficient charge transfer from the electrode to the catalytic center, thereby achieving high electrocatalytic activity and selectivity. The present work significantly advances the practice of cationic COFs in real‐time CO2 capture and highly selective conversion to value‐added chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nNOVELTY STATEMENTIn this study, three microalgae species were cultivated using dairy and fish wastewater: Haematococcus pluvialis, Coelastrella saipanensis, and Chlorella sp. The process involved manipulating various physicochemical conditions, to determine optimal growth parameters. Our evaluation considered cell count, biomass productivity, specific growth rate, pigments, carbohydrates, proteins, lipid compositions, and cellulose stored in microalgae. A significant observation of highest cellulose accumulation was recorded in C. saipanensis cultivated in dairy waste (DW) medium (2.54 ± 0.042 µg/mg). In contrast, the species grown in fish waste (FW) media recorded a lower level (0.9405 ± 0.06 µg/mg) of cellulose. In DW, H. pluvialis and C. saipanensis accumulated substantial amounts of astaxanthin and carotenoid, respectively. Carbohydrate, protein, and lipid accumulation was maximized in DW culture, with H. pluvialis exhibiting a more incredible carbohydrate content. Lipid analysis showed as Chlorella sp. was capable of accumulating alpha-linolenic acid. The disparity may be attributed to DW’s nutritional and mineral content, which encourages cellulose deposition. The FTIR analysis confirmed the accumulation of cellulose. These findings underscore the potential of DW and FW media as valuable resources for microalgal biofuel and ethanol production, offering a hopeful future for sustainable energy production.The comparative analysis of microalgae cultivated in DW and FW water reveals distinct carbon sequestration patterns and bio-capture potential, observed from this study. In fact, this study identified C. saipanensis, which thrives exceptionally well in DW water and accumulate cellulose, a unique finding that pave the way on further research in this species on bioenery sequestration. By confirming the feasibility of bioproducts harvesting through compound analysis, this study highlights the potential of DW and FW as cheap nutrient resources for microalgae biomass generation, paving the way to bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryogenic liquid expanders have emerged as a potential energy‐saving alternative to Joule–Thomson (JT) valves in cryogenic processes. The potential impact of incorporating a liquid expander into the Rectisol process has not been quantitatively evaluated. This study seeks to assess the effectiveness of replacing the JT valve with a liquid expander in the Rectisol process through the development of thermodynamic models for each component and conducting simulations using the ASPEN software. Additional analyses, including energy, CO2 footprint, exergy, and economic evaluations, are performed for the Rectisol system. Utilizing an expander has been shown to lower energy usage by 2.52% and boost CO2 capture by 5.55%, resulting in a 7.65% decrease in energy expenditure per unit CO2 and a 1.29% rise in total exergy efficiency. Lower expander outlet temperatures and the green power output generated by the expander are the main reasons for these benefits, and the CO2 footprint analysis explains how they work. The application of an expander in the Rectisol process is an economical and low‐risk solution; the payback period is 0.32 years, and the lifetime profit is 53 folds of the investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide capture and utilization is a strategic technology for moving away from fossil‐C. The conversion of CO2 into fuels demands energy and hydrogen that cannot be sourced from fossil‐C. Co‐processing of CO2 and water under solar irradiation will have a key role in the long‐term for carbon‐recycling and energy products production. This article discusses the synthesis, characterization and application of the two‐phase composite photocatalyst, In2O3@g‐C3N4, formed by thermal condensation of melamine in the presence of indium(III)nitrate. The composite exhibits a n,n‐heterojunction between two n‐type semiconductors, g‐C3N4 and In2O3, leading to a more efficient charge separation. The composite has a flat band potential enabling it to effectively catalyze the reduction of CO2 in the gas phase to produce CO, CH4 and CH3OH. While the composite's overall photocatalytic efficiency is comparable to that of neat g‐C3N4, its ability to promote multielectron‐transfer and Proton Coupled to Electron Transfer (PCET) suggests that there is a potential for further optimization of its properties. The use of labelled 13CO2 has allowed us to clearly exclude that the reduced species are derived from the photocatalyst decomposition or the degradation of contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption-based direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide, using chemisorbents like solid amines, has been widely recognized as a sustainable measure to contain atmospheric CO2 concentrations. However, the productivity and economic viability of DAC have been compromised by the high energy consumption for regenerating the adsorbents. Here, we show that by synergistically harvesting water and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, we can regenerate the unit using in situ vapor purge at low energy and capital cost. The desorption of CO2 is substantially enhanced in the presence of concentrated water vapors at around 100 °C, concurrently producing 97.7% purity CO2 and fresh water without the use of vacuum pumps and steam boilers. Moreover, we demonstrate that the DAC prototype can also be powered by sunlight, which recovers 98% of the adsorbed CO2, with 20% less energy demand, enabling sustainable carbon capture from air in a real distributed manner. Direct air capture of CO2 suffers from high energy consumption. Here, the authors use co-harvested water as in situ vapor purge to regenerate the sorbents, achieving over 98% recovery of the adsorbed CO2, more than 20% reduction in energy penalty, and synergistic production of CO2 and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dairy industry in South Africa is currently grappling with significant challenges, including escalating costs and diminishing profit margins. However, these difficulties also create a pivotal opportunity for the sector to embrace sustainable practices that not only enhance environmental stewardship but also encourage economic resilience. A crucial step in this transition is to dispel prevalent misconceptions about the industry's environmental footprint and to highlight its positive contributions to sustainable agricultural practices. Farmers are encouraged to adopt innovative strategies that enhance soil health and reduce their ecological impact. This review focuses on essential factors influencing nutrient management and the processes that contribute to soil carbon enhancement. Effective management is crucial for the sustainability of pasture-based dairy systems, as herbage biomass significantly influences nutrient cycling and soil organic matter accumulation. For instance, well-managed pastures with high biomass can efficiently recycle nutrients from manure, enhancing plant growth. This process contributes to soil organic carbon buildup, which aids in carbon sequestration. In contrast, poor nutrient management can lead to nutrient imbalances and lower herbage production, reducing carbon storage potential. Moreover, the movement of nutrients below the surface is a critical pathway for enhancing soil health and promoting ecological balance. By implementing sustainable practices and refining nutrient stewardship strategies, pasture-based dairy farmers can significantly advance their sustainability goals. This includes recognizing the broader implications of soil health on farm productivity and environmental resilience, as well as the potential for improved biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the escalating issue of global climate change, it is imperative to comprehend and quantify the effects of land use change on carbon storage (CS), which pertains not only to the preservation of ecosystem functions but also directly influences the equilibrium and stability of the global carbon cycle. This study examines the correlation between CS and land use change, forecasts the future spatial distribution of CS, and offers a reference for the rational planning of watershed space. Focusing on the Bosten Lake Basin of Xinjiang in China, employing the land use simulation (PLUS) model and the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs (InVEST) model to forecast the spatial distribution of carbon stocks across three developmental scenarios, while also examining the shift in the center of gravity of CS and the autocorrelation of their spatial distribution. The findings derived from the study are as follows: (1) From 1990 to 2020, the predominant land use type in the Bosten Lake Basin was grassland, while there was an upward trend in the areas of cropland, forest land, built-up land, and wetland, alongside a downward trend in the areas of grassland, water, and unused land. (2) In the long term, the regional CS exhibits an upward trend, with the most significant increase anticipated in the EPS scenario. Grassland constitutes the most extensive carbon reservoir in the Bosten Lake Basin, while wetlands exhibit the highest carbon sequestration potential. (3) The alteration in the center of gravity of CS is associated with the expansion or reduction of the major regional carbon reservoirs and types characterized by significant carbon sequestration potential. (4) In the long term, the spatial correlation of CS in the Bosten Lake Basin exhibits a consistent upward trend, with the most pronounced spatial correlation observed under EPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the substantial emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere, there is a critical need for effective CO2 adsorbents at scale, ideally derived from abundant and sustainable natural resources. In this work, microcrystalline cellulose derived from cotton is used to fabricate cellulose aerogel as porous support via a NaOH/urea‐based dissolution and regeneration process, followed by surface modification with a series of amino silane coupling agents to produce aminated cellulose aerogel as CO2 adsorbent. The as‐synthesized optimal adsorbent exhibits a high CO2 sorption capacity of up to 1.5 and 1.3 mmol g−1 at 0 °C and 25 °C at 1 bar, respectively. Notably, in‐depth analysis shows that the adsorbent achieves an impressive capacity of CO2 uptake of 0.29 mmol g−1 at 25 °C at an exceptionally low CO2 pressure of 0.4 mbar, i.e., under ambient CO2 pressure. It implies its potential use as adsorbent both for the traditional point‐source capture and the direct air capture as an emerging negative emission technology. This study underscores the environmentally friendly, cost‐effective, and biosourced attributes of aminated cellulose aerogel as a compelling alternative for carbon capture, contributing to global initiatives combating CO2 emissions and stressing the key role of sustainable materials in tackling this global environmental challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon capture emerges as a pivotal decarbonization technology for addressing global warming challenges. Porous carbons, despite their cost‐effectiveness and ease of regeneration for CO2 capture, typically exhibit limited capacity owing to insufficient adsorption sites. Here, nitrogen‐doped porous carbons (NPCs) are introduced that overcome the prevalent trade‐offs between specific surface area and N‐doped content in NPCs fabrication through cascade reactions. The optimized NPC, which features hierarchical porosity ranging from ultra‐micropores to macropores, shows a superior CO2 capture capacity of 4.46 mmol g−1, ranking in the top 10% of the reported NPCs. This capacity exceeds that of the NPC fabricated with the conventional method by 58% and surpasses the control porous carbon by 106%. Langmuir adsorption modeling and mathematic correlation analysis revealed that this enhanced capacity is attributed to significantly improved ultra‐micropores volume and nitrogen‐species content. Moreover, this optimized NPC demonstrates exceptional stability, preserving its adsorption performance over 110 adsorption–desorption cycles under simulated flue gas conditions. This research not only highlights the integration of templating and N‐doping within NPCs fabrication but also offers an effective strategy to optimize porosity and nitrogen functionality in carbon materials, advancing beyond conventional methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern world's major challenges, such as global warming, air pollution, and increasing energy demands, escalate the importance of sustainable development and transition toward renewables using innovative and environmentally friendly solutions, such as intensifying chemical processes, to reduce carbon footprints effectively. Aiming to enhance the process toward negative carbon emissions, this perspective explores the intensified membrane reactors for reducing the energy intensity of converting biogas into methanol, a versatile chemical feedstock, and renewable liquid fuel. Syngas and methanol synthesis processes, catalysts, and membranes were explored, and novel reactor designs were proposed. Introduction of selective membranes into the catalytic reaction zone to combine synthesis separation steps could enhance the system efficiency and intensify the process by recycling energy and materials, besides reducing costs and required energy for the separation process: the continuous harnessing of products shifts reactions toward desired species while recycling energy and materials enhances the process efficiency, and separating water from methanol reduces the required energy and costs of extra processes for methanol separation. The successful implementation of this technology holds significant promise for sustainable developments in producing chemicals and renewable fuel from renewable biogas and reducing methane and carbon dioxide emissions toward achieving carbon‐negative technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document "Green Chemistry" published by the Royal Society of Chemistry features cutting-edge research on sustainable practices and innovations in the field of chemistry. The contents include critical reviews, tutorial reviews, communications, and papers covering a wide range of topics such as biochar systems, catalysts for biomass conversion, energy conversion, and storage, as well as biodegradable polymers and synthesis methods. The journal aims to connect communities, inspire new ideas, and promote environmentally friendly solutions in chemistry. [Extracted from the article]

Biochar from biomass and waste is a valuable component of various urban green infrastructures, including green roofs, permeable pavements, green walls, and green parking lots. Incorporating biochar into substrate mixtures offers numerous benefits, including improved water retention, nutrient availability, plant growth, and carbon sequestration. Moreover, biochar plays a crucial role in stormwater management by effectively retaining and filtering stormwater, reducing runoff, mitigating urban flooding, and improving surface water quality. This study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and synthesis of the literature to provide a broad perspective of the current understanding of biochar use in green infrastructure projects, focusing on the impact of biochar on soil and environmental quality, water retention, pollutant removal and the overall performance and sustainability of green infrastructure systems. This review also provides a comprehensive synthesis of the potential of biochar in enhancing green infrastructure systems and guiding future research and implementation strategies. The insights provided in this review can guide corporate stakeholders in understanding the benefits, challenges, and applications of biochar in urban green infrastructure management, empowering them to make informed decisions and contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient urban environments aligned with the principles of the UN SDGs and ESG considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consequences of climate change urgently demand the reduction of atmospheric carbon, including by sequestering carbon in soil. The glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSP) of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are renowned for their soil aggregation and carbon sequestration properties. With their considerable binding abilities, GRSP can also adsorb various cations and sequester heavy metals in soil, thereby assisting in soil fertilization and remediation efforts. However, despite its benefits for soil health and climate change, the mechanisms underlying these traits in the context of soil chemistry remain unexplored. In this review, we focus on three crucial roles of GRSP—long-term carbon sequestration, soil aggregation, and soil remediation and fertility—in the context of the chemical characteristics elucidated by previous research, namely hydrophobicity, amid group glycosylation (N-glycosylation), and metal adsorption. Based on the proposed chemical mechanisms, the current review also offers insight into soil factors that may influence the persistence of GRSP. We conclude by proposing a working model for GRSP, aiming to establish a conceptual platform for future research to examine GRSP in terms of their known or novel chemical and biochemical reactions, thereby improving our understanding of this important group of soil proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the impact of conservation agriculture (CA) on soil carbon sequestration and crop productivity in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, focusing on short-term effects over 3 and 5 years. Conducted at two distinct sites, Karnal and Samastipur, the research compares zero tillage, permanent raised beds, and conventional tillage systems across diverse cropping patterns. Initial findings after 3 years showed no significant differences in carbon and nitrogen stocks at Karnal, while Samastipur's maize-mustard-mungbean rotation on permanent raised beds showed increased carbon stocks. Notably, after 5 years, significant differences in soil carbon stocks emerged at both sites, with improved organic matter input indicated by coarse particulate organic matter (cPOM) formation. The study confirms the potential of POXC and POC as early indicators for carbon sequestration in CA systems, highlighting the role of CA practices in enhancing soil health and crop productivity sustainably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address national and global demand for agro-based products, agricultural expansion has rapidly become a norm in Brazil since 1950s to date. In recent decades, agricultural expansion and technological advancement have placed the country among the top producers and exporters of agricultural products. The paradigm shifts in farming system from conventional to integrated approach has brought significant changes in land use, which consequently influenced carbon sequestration and soil organic carbon (SOC). This is more prevalent in the State of Mato Grosso, one of the most producers of food in Brazil. On this background, we hypothesized that though forests have potential for SOC stock, which decreases due to conversion to cropland but in longer-term with sustainable management, carbon might accrual significantly in cropland. Therefore, this paper aimed to unveil the nexus between long term land use and carbon stock changes and estimate future SOC stocks in Mato Grosso State of Brazil. To achieve this aim, a hybridization of machine learning and the InVEST prediction models was applied to estimate the land use changes and the SOC stocks between 1990 and 2020 and estimate for 2050. The study revealed that between 1990, 2020, and 2050, croplands increased significantly by at least 78%, pastures decreased by 32%, while forests decreased marginally by about 4% due to agricultural expansions. However, in 1990 and 2020, the SOC stock was slightly up to 147.34 Mg ha−1, it recorded an increase after a longer-time (i.e., in 2050). This increase was substantially under the forests, and marginally in the croplands. Climate-smart agricultural systems such as crop-livestock forest, integrated crop-livestock, and other conservation agricultural practices have great potential to contribute to sustainable development by increasing the levels of carbon in agricultural soils especially, after a longer period. Therefore, agricultural policies geared towards low carbon agriculture should be fully integrated into the various government decision making processes as this will guarantee food security and maximize soil carbon sequestration and stocks in the long term. Simultaneously, it is crucial to promote the dissemination of best practices for implementing and sustaining conservation efforts, thereby safeguarding the carbon stocks established to prevent their depletion. This will also support the Brazilian government in achieving its Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) through agricultural soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane pyrolysis represents a CO2-free hydrogen production route that enables simultaneous carbon capture. While the majority of previous studies in the field focus on pure CH4 as feed gas stream, commercial processes will typically rely on natural gas as feedstock that contains also non-methane hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, and n-butane. Therefore, the present study evaluates how CH4 conversion, H2 selectivity, product composition, and solid carbon yield evolve when using either pure CH4 or synthetic natural gas (SNG) as feed gas stream for a thermal pyrolysis process in a lab-scale high-temperature reactor. For this, industrially viable conditions are applied, namely temperatures between 1000 °C and 1600 °C, residence times between 1 s and 7 s, and molar H2 dilution ratios between 1:1 and 4:1. Although the use of SNG results in slightly lower hydrocarbon conversions because the additional components in SNG result in a higher effective H2 dilution ratio compared to a CH4-only feed, the non-methane hydrocarbons in the SNG have a positive effect on both H2 selectivity and solid carbon yield. Taking existing mechanistic understanding into account, these positive effects are attributed to radicals formed from the non-methane hydrocarbons, which facilitate dehydrogenation steps from ethane to ethylene and hereby increase the relative amount of H2 originating from CH4. The introduction of a carbonaceous fixed bed further benefits the performance of the pyrolysis process and ultimately enables to capture more than 98% of carbon in its solid form under industrially viable process conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition and size distribution of particles in the ocean control their optical (scattering and absorption) properties, as well as a range of biogeochemical and ecological processes. Therefore, they provide important information about the pelagic ocean ecosystem's structure and functioning, which can be used to assess primary production, particle sinking, and carbon sequestration. Due to its harsh environment and remoteness, the particulate bio-optical properties of the Southern Ocean (SO) remain poorly observed and understood. Here, we combined field measurements from hydrographic casts from two research voyages and from autonomous profiling floats (BGC-Argo) to examine particulate bio-optical properties and relationships among several ecologically and optically important variables, namely the phytoplankton chlorophyll a concentration (Chl), the particulate absorption coefficient (ap), the particulate backscattering coefficient (b bp), and the particulate organic carbon (POC) concentration. In the clearest waters of the SO (Chl < 0.2 mg m−3), we found a significant contribution to absorption by non-algal particles (NAP) at 442 nm, which was up to 10 times greater than the absorption by phytoplankton. This makes the particulate bio-optical properties there remarkably different from typical oceanic case 1 water. A matchup analysis confirms the impact of this larger NAP absorption on the retrieval of Chl from satellite ocean colour observations. For waters with Chl > 0.2 mg m−3, no significant differences are observed between the SO and temperate waters. Our findings also demonstrate consistency in predicting phytoplankton carbon from either Chl or b bp, suggesting that both methods are applicable in the SO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high energy consumption of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage(CCUS) promotes the research of integrated absorption and mineralization technology. A novel DEEA/AEP biphasic absorbent is used to absorb . After phase separation, only one phase enriched with the absorption product is sent into the mineralization system, then reacts with to produce at normal temperature and pressure. The effects of temperature, Ca/C and dispersion of the system were investigated, and cyclic utilization experiment was also conducted. The process was characterized and analyzed by Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR). The results showed that at 50 C, Ca/C = 1, the extent of mineralization of -enriched phase mineralization was 95.73% after ultrasonic treatment for 30 min. During 6 cycles, the volume percentage of -enriched phase could be maintained at 52–55%, and the load was 11.92mol/L. The results above indicate that the -enriched phase mineralization technology after absorption by biphasic absorbent can effectively capture , realize recycling, and reduce CCUS energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membranes offer a potentially energy‐efficient and space‐saving solution to reduce CO2 emissions and combat global warming. However, engineering membranes with advanced materials for high permeance and reasonable selectivity is a pressing need. In this context, a series of carbazole‐based conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) membranes are fabricated with thicknesses of a few hundred nanometers through in situ electropolymerization for post‐combustion carbon capture. The findings reveal that various experimental conditions, including the monomer concentration, electric potential, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycling number, largely impact the polymerization degree of the carbazole‐based CMP, thus influencing the mode of polymer chain packing. An optimal polymerization degree leads to a larger micropore size and a higher fractional free volume (FFV), thus allowing fast CO2 transport. The study first demonstrates the feasibility of using CMPs to fabricate thin film composite (TFC) membranes for post‐combustion carbon capture and confirms the high controllability of their micropores. These insights provide instructive guidance for the future advancement of CMP applications in membrane fabrication for gas separation and other fields that require precise micropore generation and design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve sustainable and energy‐efficient CO2 capture processes, it is imperative to develop membranes that possess both high CO2 permeability and selectivity. One promising approach involves integrating high‐aspect‐ratio nanoscale fillers into polymer matrices. The high‐aspect‐ratio fillers increase surface area and improve interactions between polymer chains and gas molecules passing through the membrane. This study focuses on the integration of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with an impressive aspect ratio of around 12 into rubbery polymers containing polyethylene oxide (PEO), namely PEBAX MH 1657 (poly[ether‐block‐amide] [PEBA]) and polyurethane (PU), to fabricate mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs). By exploiting the interfacial interactions between the polymer matrix and CNC nanofillers, combined with the surface functionalities of CNC nanofillers, the rapid and selective CO2 transport is facilitated, even at low filler concentrations. This unique feature enables the development of thin‐film composites (TFCs) with a selective layer around 1 μm. Notably, even at a filling ratio as low as 1 weight percent, the resulting membranes exhibit remarkable CO2 permeability (>90 Barrer) and CO2/N2 selectivity (>70). These findings highlight the potential of integrating CNCs into rubbery polymers as a promising strategy for the design and fabrication of highly efficient CO2 capture membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historic gardens contain a greater number and variety of ancient trees, which are older, have unique forms, and larger volumes. These trees hold significant value in both natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. However, current research on the carbon sequestration value of ancient and non-ancient trees in historical gardens is relatively lacking. Based on the unique morphology and carbon storage estimation needs of ancient trees in historic gardens, this paper proposes a morphology-based point cloud single-tree segmentation method. This method can precisely extract the morphological structures of various tree species and accurately estimate their carbon storage. From the perspective of carbon sequestration, it evaluates the correlation between the structural characteristics and carbon storage of trees in historic gardens, as well as the potential changes in their carbon storage capacity.Using the Jing Yi Park's Jian Xin Pavilions in Fragrant Hills Park as a case study, this method was applied to extract structural indicators of 116 ancient and non-ancient trees. The total carbon storage was found to be 19,171.13 kg, with an average carbon storage of 165.27 kg per tree. Among these, ancient trees accounted for 13,178.32 kg, or 68.74% of the total carbon storage. The study revealed that the correlation between tree age and carbon storage varied by species, and there were significant positive correlations between carbon storage and tree height, DBH, and canopy volume. Notably, there was a significant linear growth trend between DBH, canopy volume, and carbon storage. By 2030, the total carbon storage is projected to increase to 21,924.96 kg, with an annual average increase of 393.40 kg, representing a growth rate of 14.4%.The results indicate that studying the correlation between structural characteristics and carbon storage of aged trees in historical gardens can shed light on the important role of trees in sustainable carbon sequestration. The precise extraction of tree information through 3D digital technology and the prediction of carbon storage potential not only offer new perspectives for the conservation of cultural heritage in historical gardens, urban microclimate planning and design, and spatial management of carbon sinks and emissions but also have significant value for promoting the scientific management and protection of urban green spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the impacts of climate change on oceanic carbon cycling is important from a carbon sequestration perspective. A sediment trap study focused on the biological carbon pump system in the Ulleung Basin (UB) in the southwestern part of the East Sea (Japan Sea) was conducted from 2011 to 2017. Particulate organic carbon (POC) flux significantly increased by 37, 56, and 43% from 2014 to 2016 during the El Niño phase. We examined data related to water current variability, such as sea surface height, current velocity, and eddy frequency to understand their roles in particle transport. In addition, a Martin curve was employed to analyze the rate of vertical attenuation of POC flux in the UB. Current variability could be the most important factor influencing the increase in sinking-particle flux during the El Niño phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceratostigma willmottianum Stapf is a unique chalk gland (salt‐excreting) plant from China, with a salt gland structure that excretes white crystals of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which has potential biomineralization and carbon sequestration functions. Due to the narrow distribution of wild germplasm resources, there is a lack of diversity of new varieties to satisfy commercial development and scientific exploration. Therefore, we used ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis to obtain new dwarf mutant germplasm, and analysed it in terms of morphology, growth, photosynthesis, salt glands, and excretion traits. All four dwarfing mutant strains (DM1, DM2, DM3, and DM4) exhibited extreme dwarfing (62.28%, 62.28%, 74.55% and 61.68% reduction in plant height, respectively), faster growth, increased belowground root biomass, and earlier bud differentiation and flowering. Photosynthetic capacity was enhanced: chlorophyll content, maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), electron transfer rate (ETR), net photosynthesis (Pn), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration (Tr), were significantly higher in leaves of DM mutants. The density of salt glands per unit leaf area and average Ca2+ excretion rate of individual salt glands increased significantly (especially in DM2), and CaCO3 accumulation per unit leaf area was 28.57% higher than that of the wild type. Pearson correlation analysis showed that photosynthetic capacity was significantly and positively correlated with CaCO3 excretion. The above study not only provided enriched new germplasm of C. willmottianum, but also important research material for studying the mechanism of CaCO3 excretion by salt glands and carbon sequestration capacity of biomineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen (H 2)-based steel making is expected to become a major driver of intercontinental low-carbon H 2 imports. Eight H 2 supply scenarios based on either local H 2 production at major steel producing locations (Germany/Japan), or liquid H 2 carrier (dibenzyltoluene/perhydrodibenzyltiluene, DBT/PDBT) import from the United Arab Emirates, and their integration with H 2 direct reduced iron (H-DRI) and electric arc furnace (EAF) processes, are investigated using process modeling. Solar energy-based PDBT import using surplus heat for dehydrogenation is the most cost-competitive H 2 import scenario in Germany's case (levelized steel production cost, ∼685 $/tLS, with carbon emissions, ∼237 kgCO 2 /tLS). In Japan's case this scenario is the most economically favorable of all scenarios (∼736 $/tLS), with emissions (∼350 kgCO 2 /tLS) comparable to natural gas-DRI-EAF with 50% carbon capture. Steam methane reforming with carbon capture-based PDBT import is neither environmentally nor economically viable. PDBT-based H-DRI-EAF production cost is sensitive to electricity, H 2 production, dehydrogenation energy, and carbon costs. • LOHC import from UAE to Germany/Japan for steel making is expected to be feasible. • Integrated LOHC dehydrogenation and HDRI-EAF steel making processes are proposed. • Renewable LOHC steel making emissions are 75% lower than for conventional DRI-EAF. • Renewable LOHC steel can be produced within medium-bound projected H-DRI-EAF cost. • SMR-CCS LOHC is neither environmentally nor economically competitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with enhanced selectivity and permeability are investigated by incorporating deep eutectic solvents (DES) functionalized CeO2 as fillers. DES is well known owing to the intrinsic benefits of low cost, environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and CO2 philic nature. Characterization confirms the collaboration of polymer and functional CeO2 fillers. Experiments of gas separation show that the introduction of DES‐modified CeO2 fillers (2%–15%) significantly improves CO2 penetrability from 27 to 48 Barrer. The ideal separation factor of CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 also increases from 46 to 62 and 60 to 86, respectively, with increasing filler percentage. MMMs correspond to the superior gas separation performance compared with DES liquid membranes. The collaboration between DES‐treated CeO2 and CO2 contributes to the improved results. The fabricated MMM films are tested under operating parameters, confirming the potential of ceria modified fillers for CO2 capture applications. This research reveals the advancements achieved by incorporating DES‐functionalized CeO2 fillers in MMMs, enhancing selectivity and permeability for CO2 capture. These findings correspond to the development of effective and viable membrane technologies for various industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report synthesis of a radical scavenging aminated thermoplastic polymer through reactive extrusion of polyethyleneimine (PEI) with a polypropylene and polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) meltblend. The reaction was confirmed using acid orange 7 (AO7) amine density assay, toluidine blue O (TBO) carboxylic acid density assay, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and a migration assay. FTIR spectra revealed a reduction of the asymmetric stretching of the maleic anhydride (MA) carbonyl group at 1777 cm−1 and the emergence of the maleimide carbonyl peak at 1702 cm−1. AO7 supported surface orientation of grafted amine groups by introduction of 7.22 nmol cm−2 primary amines, corresponding to the reduction of surface carboxylic acids quantified by TBO from 12.46 nmol cm−2 to 0.43 nmol cm−2. After incubation (40°C, 10 days) in ethanol, acetic acid, and water, < 0.1 mg cm−2 PEI migrated from the materials, supporting the covalent nature of the grafting. Antioxidant activity was demonstrated exhibiting 5.90 and 4.31 nmol Troloxeq cm−2 in aqueous and organic environments, respectively. Results indicate a successful condensation reaction during reactive extrusion, producing an aminated thermoplastic polymer with antioxidant activity for target applications such as food packaging, wastewater treatment, carbon capture, and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To realise the objectives of the European Green Deal (EGD), fossil carbon will have to be not only reduced but also replaced with recycled carbon. The European Commission considers industrial carbon management and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies to be part of the solution. A value chain ensues when carbon dioxide (CO2) is captured and utilised as raw material. Examination of the climate, energy and environmental legal landscape of one specific CCU value chain—comprising of waste, waste incineration and plastic raw material—reveals the varied approaches regulation has towards CO2 and carbon. In this article, both carbon cycle legislation and legislation on the carbon source and the material storing carbon are analysed. The legislation being developed directly for CCU for products (other than synthetic fuels) focusses on the carbon cycle and CO2 under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) and a proposed Carbon Removal Certification Framework. Regulatory uncertainty remains for the studied CCU value chain as the capture of CO2 from waste incineration has yet to be incentivised under the EU ETS. Further, the criteria for the permanence of carbon storage in products to qualify under the EU ETS and of the long‐term storage under the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) have yet to be developed. For a more complete understanding, we have also analysed waste and product regulations. The conceptual structure of the EU Waste Framework Directive does not seem to support circulating carbon. This context also raises the fundamental question of whether the purpose of waste incineration could be carbon recycling instead of mere energy production. Regarding material storing carbon, plastics, the regulator has been silent as CCU‐originated plastic raw material is not recognised in EU plastics law. These issues must be identified and resolved one by one before the EGD can be secured; revisiting only climate law instruments does not suffice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]