Lithium, often referred to as the “energy metal of the 21st century” [1], is facing rapidly growing demand driven by the expansion of lithium-ion battery technologies. It is projected that by 2030 global demand will exceed proven reserves by nearly twofold, underscoring the need for alternative extraction methods. Direct lithium extraction (DLE) offers a promising solution by enabling recovery from both conventional brines and unconventional sources, including lithium-rich waters associated with oil and gas condensate fields.

This study explores a membrane-based DLE approach for the selective recovery of lithium from oilfield brines. The membrane consists of a polyamide (PA) support that is functionalised with zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), which is a metal–organic framework that is characterised by uniform microporosity, an optimal pore size and a high surface area [2]. The PA provides a robust and cost-effective substrate, while the ZIF-8 imparts strong ion selectivity, facilitating the preferential transport of lithium over the competing cations present in brines [3].

An integrated extraction sequence was developed and evaluated, comprising brine pre-treatment, membrane separation, and final carbonation. Applied to a sample from an East Siberian oilfield, this process yielded lithium carbonate with a purity of 98.44%, demonstrating both technical feasibility and efficiency of the approach. These results highlight the potential of MOF-modified membranes for the valorisation of oilfield brines, paving the way for their future industrial-scale implementation.

1. Garcia L.V. et al. Lithium in a Sustainable Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review // Processes. 2023. Vol. 11, № 2. P. 418.
2. Zhao J. et al. Preparation and Lithium-Ion Separation Property of ZIF-8 Membrane with Excellent Flexibility // Membranes (Basel). 2023. Vol. 13, № 5. P. 500.
3. Yu H. et al. Selective lithium extraction from diluted binary solutions using MOF-based membrane capacitive deionization // Desalination. 2023. Vol. 556, P. 116569.

^{Connducting polymers are known for their application in medical field. The most popolar of the conducting polymers include Polyaniline(PANI), Poly(1-naphthylamine) (PNA), Polypyrrole(PPy) etc. Polyaniline being one of the best known polymers that show applications of medicinal value. Polyaniline has shown it's efficacy in being used in biosensors and for drug delivery. Polyaniline can be doped by various biocompatible materials such that it's biocompatibility and hence it's use can be enhanced in biosensors and in drug delivery. We have synthesized polyaniline doped with cysteine. Different molar ratios of aniline:cysteine moieties were mixed for the process, followed by ultrasound assisted polymerization. The synthesized system is characterized using IR, UV and SEM. Its protein sensing capability has been determined using various techniques like molecular docking, cd spectral analysis and fluorescence. The overall studies reveal that with the increase in cysteine content in the polymer:cysteine ratio, the quenching constant was reported to be increasing, owing to the fact that the increased amount of cysteine tends to increase the solvation of the synthesized PANI:Cys systems. The PANI:Cys oligomers with the molar ratios of 50:50 and 80:20 was reportedly showing higher binding energy as compared to the oligomer with 20:80 ratio of PANI:Cys. The overall studies indicate clearly that the oligomers synthesized can be used in protein sensing.}

Abstract

Ammonia (NH₃) is regarded as a green energy carrier owing to its low-carbon footprint, pollution-free and environmentally friendly characteristics. Its high hydrogen content (17.6 wt%) and ease of liquefaction at ambient conditions make it as a promising medium for hydrogen storage and long-distance energy transport.¹ Currently, ammonia synthesis relies almost exclusively on the Haber–Bosch process, which operates under high temperature and pressure, consuming substantial energy derived from fossil fuels and contributing significantly to global CO₂ emissions. The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) offers a sustainable alternative, enabling ammonia production under ambient conditions powered by renewable energy sources. However, NRR is hindered by poor N₂ adsorption and activation, and the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).² In NRR, the catalyst material plays an important role by activating the N₂ molecule, lowering the energy barriers of the reaction pathway and suppressing competing hydrogen evolution. Various types of catalyst materials, metal surfaces, graphene derivatives and porous organic materials have been studied for NRR. However, these materials suffer from drawbacks, such as high cost, limited active-sites, poor selectivity due to competing HER and stability issues under operating conditions. Recently, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have gained attention due to their high specific surface area, tunable pore structure and tailorable active sites.³ Therefore, in this work, we have explored the impact of transition metals (TM- Cr,Mn,Fe) doping and substitution of functional groups on the catalytic performance of benzene based COFs by using density functional theory calculations. This study provides atomistic insights and design principles for tailoring the COFs toward efficient catalysts for NRR.

Reference

(1)Int.J.HydrogenEnergy 2012,37(2),1482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.10.004.

(2)ACS Catal.2017,7(1),706. https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.6b03035.

(3)ChemCatChem2023,15(11). https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.202300243.

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) have attracted much attention due to their unique biocompatibility and their lack of toxicity, especially in the biomedical field. Liposomes have attracted considerable interest in cosmetics for their ability to enhance drug delivery to target tissues. This study aimed to develop and characterize liposomal formulations encapsulating MgO NPs for drug delivery, controlled release and improvement of skin tolerance in cosmetic applications. MgO NPs were synthesized by precipitating Mg(NO₃)₂·6H₂O with NaOH, then washed, dried (80 °C) and calcined (500 °C, 4 h) and subsequently were characterized by powder X-ray power diffraction to evaluate the formation, crystalline phase morphologies, microstructures and chemical compositions. Liposomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method with DSPC and DOPC, and in some formulations poloxamer 407 was included as a stabilizing agent. MgO was incorporated during the hydration step. The resulting formulations were studied for their stability over a period of 3 weeks and characterized by DLS and thermogravimetric analysis. DLS measurements indicated that the MgO-loaded liposomes had a narrow size distribution, indicating good homogeneity, zeta potential measurements confirmed that the system remained stable even after 21 days. In conclusion, MgO NPs were efficiently encapsulated on liposomal carriers, forming stable nanosystems with desirable physicochemical characteristics.

Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are key enablers of next-generation lithium battery systems, offering enhanced safety, higher energy density, and greater design flexibility compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This work presents a comparative overview of major SSE chemistries, including sulfide, halide, oxide, and polymer-based electrolyte systems, highlighting their unique advantages and ongoing challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on interfacial stability, chemical compatibility, and mechanical integrity, which remain critical obstacles to reliable device integration and long-term performance.

Scalable fabrication methods are discussed, ranging from traditional approaches such as dry processing and wet chemistry (e.g., tape casting) to advanced techniques like thin-film deposition and additive manufacturing. These processes are evaluated in terms of densification, throughput, and compatibility with industrial workflows. Case studies illustrate the transition from laboratory-scale prototypes to pilot-scale production, with a focus on process optimization, reproducibility, and quality control.

The work also explores future directions for the sustainable and large-scale use of solid-state batteries (SSBs). Topics include recycling strategies, circular material flows, and the integration of AI-assisted materials research to accelerate innovation and shorten development cycles. These approaches aim to bridge the gap between academia and industrial implementation, supporting the advancement of robust, scalable, and environmentally responsible solid-state battery technologies.

By combining materials science insights with engineering perspectives, this presentation contributes to the broader effort to enable commercially viable solid-state batteries for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and grid storage applications.

The widespread use of conventional polyethylene (PE) mulch films in agriculture leads to severe microplastic contamination, degrading soil structure and threatening vital terrestrial biodiversity. This persistent 'white pollution' requires sustainable alternatives. This study addresses this challenge by valorizing recycled cellulose to create fully biodegradable mulch films. Our objective was to synthesize and characterize these green materials, confirming their potential to mitigate plastic pollution while promoting soil health and biodiversity in agro-ecosystems. Films were synthesized via solution casting with glycerol as a plasticizer. Characterization included Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and tensile testing. Biodegradability was evaluated via a 90-day soil burial test (ISO 20200), and ecosystem impact was assessed in microcosm studies measuring microbial biomass and cress seed germination. The fabricated films exhibited a uniform structure with mechanical properties suitable for field application. The soil burial test demonstrated complete biodegradability, with over 95% mass loss within 75 days. Crucially, microcosm studies revealed zero phytotoxicity, with germination rates identical to controls. Moreover, soil amended with the cellulose film showed a significant increase in microbial biomass compared to soils containing PE fragments, indicating a positive contribution to ecosystem vitality. This research demonstrates that mulch films from recycled cellulose can mitigate plastic pollution while actively supporting soil biodiversity. The findings confirm that these materials provide net benefits to the soil upon degradation, offering a powerful circular economy model for sustainable agriculture that transforms waste into a tool for ecosystem preservation and aligns with global goals for responsible consumption.

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) represent one of the most versatile platforms in nanomedicine, enabling drug delivery, imaging, and magnetically triggered therapeutic responses. We present herein a methodology to establish with reasonable accuracy the drug loading on MNPs based on Fe3O4 (magnetite). This method combines magnetometry and Mossbauer spectroscopy, and was exemplified for the first time on L-cysteine (or citric acid)-coated Fe₃O₄ further functionalized with Dox (doxorubicin).

The novelty of this approach resides in the utilizing the variation in magnetization of functionalized MNPs by low-temperature Mossbauer spectroscopy, when spontaneous magnetization of the magnetic core can be estimated. As a nondestructive methodology for quantitative evaluation of drug loading by combining SQUID magnetometry with low-temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy, this approach directly probes the magnetic core, allowing precise differentiation between intrinsic nanoparticle properties and the contribution of surface-bound organic molecules.

The method is reliable and easy to implement, as it uses the ratio between the spontaneous magnetization of the covered nanoparticles and that of the magnetic core, producing results that are less than 10% off the exact analytical result of drug loading. This method has a great advantage in offering the potential to expand the NPs scope to any Fe-containing magnetic core to which ⁵⁷Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy can be applied.

Abstract
The stability and electronic properties of gallium clusters were investigated using DFT calculations with the B3LYP-D3/6-31G(d,p) method. The adsorption properties of these clusters toward the phenytoin (Phy) molecule were also evaluated. The results show that the Ga₄ and Ga₆ clusters are more stable than the others, suggesting that they are less reactive compared to the other clusters. The interaction of Ga_n clusters with the Phy molecule indicates strong adsorption of the molecule onto the cluster surfaces. The adsorption energies of Phy on the clusters were calculated, with values ranging from –101.5 to –218.4 kJ mol⁻¹, confirming strong chemisorption between the two species. The electronic properties of the Ga_n clusters were significantly altered after Phy adsorption. The variation in the bandgap (∆Eg) for these clusters was considerable (∆Eg ≥ 55%), suggesting that these clusters are highly sensitive to the Phy molecule, making them suitable candidates for use as sensors for phenytoin detection.

References

[1] Cheghib, N., Derdare, M., & Boudjahem, A.-G. (2022). Stability, electronic and magnetic properties of Mo-doped gallium clusters and their sensitivity toward formaldehyde molecule. Russian Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 67(Suppl. 1), S85–S97.

[2] Yao, X., Mu, J., Zheng, Y., Wu, J., Zhu, W., & Wang, K. (2023). Tailoring the adsorption behaviors of flucytosine on BnNn (n = 12, 16, 20, and 24) nanocage scaffolds: A computational insight on drug delivery applications. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 678, 132481.

[3] Cheghib, N., Derdare, M., & Boudjahem, A. (2022). Stability, electronic and magnetic properties of Mo-doped gallium clusters and their sensitivity toward formaldehyde molecule. Russian Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 67, S85–S97.

[4] Gul, S., Ali, K., Khan, M., Rehman, M., AlAsmari, A., Alasmari, F., & Alharbi, M. (2023). Exploring the promising application of Be₁₂O₁₂ nanocage for the abatement of paracetamol using DFT simulations. Scientific Reports, 13, 18481.

The construction sector is experiencing sustained growth worldwide, leading to an increasing demand for building materials. In this context, integrating and valorizing solid waste in construction represents a promising strategy, offering notable benefits such as environmental protection, reduced energy consumption, and decreased use of non-renewable raw materials.

This study focuses on assessing the impact of incorporating compost, derived from recycled organic matter, into cement–sand composite materials intended for building applications. Compost was selected for its local availability, renewable nature, and potential to support more sustainable construction practices, in line with circular economy principles and the valorization of underused organic resources.

Standardized specimens were produced by incorporating varying proportions of compost into a reference cement–sand matrix. Mechanical tests, including flexural strength and compressive strength, were conducted in accordance with current standards to ensure the reliability and comparability of results.

The findings indicate that the addition of compost leads to a gradual reduction in mechanical performance, particularly at higher incorporation rates, due to increased porosity and less optimal bonding between the matrix and the reinforcement. Nevertheless, these negative effects can be offset by the environmental benefits associated with compost valorization in construction materials, making it a viable option for sustainable building strategies.

Despite the widespread use of the finite element method (FEM) in stress analysis, traditional FEM faces significant limitations in accurately modeling discontinuities such as cracks or holes—especially when these features are located near material interfaces. This scientific gap hampers precise estimation of stress concentration factors (SCFs) in composite and multi-material structures, where stress behavior is highly sensitive to material transitions.

To address this limitation, our study leverages the extended finite element method (XFEM), implemented in MATLAB, to analyze SCFs around circular holes situated near the boundary between two isotropic materials. XFEM overcomes the meshing challenges inherent in classical FEM by enriching the displacement field with discontinuous functions based on the partition of unity framework. This allows for an efficient and accurate representation of geometric discontinuities without the need for mesh refinement around singularities.

We apply XFEM to a rectangular plate with a circular opening near the material interface and demonstrate its capability to deliver high-fidelity stress predictions. The numerical results show excellent agreement with classical FEM and analytical solutions, while also exhibiting improved accuracy in capturing stress variations near the interface. These findings validate XFEM as a robust and efficient tool for interface problems, filling a critical gap in the modeling of stress concentrations in heterogeneous materials.