A series of zirconium-based catalysts were prepared for the selective transfer hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural (FFR) into furfuryl alcohol with lower alcohols as hydrogen sources. The sample structures were clearly characterized using various methods, such as X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, NH₃-temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), CO₂-TPD, and nitrogen physisorption. Excellent furfuryl alcohol yield of 98.9 mol % was achieved over Zr(OH)₄ using 2-propanol as a hydrogen donor at 447 K. The poisoning experiments indicated that basic centers displayed pronounced effect for FFR transfer hydrogenation. Moderate monoclinic phase content in ZrO₂-x enhanced the conversion rate and furfuryl alcohol selectivity, whereas acid–basic site density ratio had slight influence on FFR conversion. Besides, Zr(OH)₄ revealed good performance and stability after being repeated four times. The possible mechanism for this transfer hydrogenation process over Zr(OH)₄ catalyst with 2-propanol as the hydrogen source was proposed.

Ceramic tiles classified as non-biodegradable are made from fired clay, silica, and other natural materials for several construction applications. Waste ceramic tiles (WCTs) are produced from several sources, including manufacturing defects; surplus, broken, or damaged tiles resulting from handling; and construction and demolition debris. WCTs do not decompose easily, leading to long-term accumulation in landfills and occupying a significant amount of landfill space, which has substantial environmental impacts. Recycling WCTs offers several critical ecological benefits, including reducing landfill waste and pollution, conserving natural resources, lowering energy consumption, and supporting the circular economy, which in turn contributes to sustainable construction and waste management practices. In green concrete manufacturing, WCTs are widely utilized as replacements for cement, fine, and coarse aggregates, and the recycling level in the concrete industry is an increasingly explored practice aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing construction waste. From this view, this paper reports the innovative technologies, advancements in green concrete performance, and development trends in the reuse of WCTs in the production of systems. The effects of WCTs on fresh, engineering, microstructural, and durable properties, as well as their environmental performance, are reviewed. In conclusion, the use of technologies for recycling WCTs has demonstrated potential in promoting sustainability and supporting the transition toward a more environmentally friendly construction industry. This approach offers a practical contribution to sustainable development and represents significant progress in closing the recycling loop within the construction sector.

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other technologies, data centers have become vital facilities. In the construction and operation of data centers, how to effectively solve the problem of cooling and energy saving is the key problem. In this review article, a critical review of recent research regarding the application of nanofluids in data center cooling are put forward. Many different aspects of nanofluids such as the classification of nanoparticles, base fluid components, and types and structures of heat exchangers were discussed. Furthermore, some advanced and up-to-date apparatus and theoretical models of utilizing nanofluids as coolants in data centers are reviewed and described in detail. Lastly, but not least, potential research directions in the future and the challenges faced by the researchers and industry in this field are proposed and discussed. In conclusion, nanofluids used as novel heat exchange medium, which has been widely proven in other areas, can also conspicuously improve data center cooling technology in the future.

Thermal conductivity and viscosity are important properties for nanofluids as they significantly affect the flow and heat transfer process. To date, the rheological properties of water-based nanofluids have been well studied, while the results are scarce for non-aqueous nanofluids. In this study, the thermal conductivity and rheological properties of two different kinds of oxide nanofluids (CuO and Al₂O₃) in a typical commercial data center focusing on liquid coolants were systematically investigated at different mass fractions and temperatures. The results showed that the addition of nanoparticles can significantly improve the heat conduction capacity of mineral oil coolants. There is an average increase in thermal conductivity of up to 20–25%. The shear rate–shear stress and shear rate–viscosity curves all showed that mineral oil coolant-based oxide nanofluids behaved as Newtonian fluids and that nanoparticles did not cause the increment in viscosity. The effect of temperature on rheological properties was also studied, and the result showed that high temperatures resulted in low viscosity and shear stress. Finally, the effect of particle type was investigated, and it was found that no matter what kind of nanoparticles were added, their effects on the rheological behaviors were the same.

A modified confined catalyst with CeO₂on the interior and CuO on the exterior surface of TiO₂nanotubes (Ce-in-TNT-Cu-out) was prepared and investigated for the combustion of butane catalytically. Compared with the Ce-in-TNT and TNT-Cu-out, the Ce-in-TNT-Cu-out presents a higher activity for butane oxidation, with a conversion of 10% at 200°C and a conversion of 90%) at 300°C. XPS analysis indicates that more Ce(IV) and Cu(I) components exist in the Ce-in-TNT-Cu-out catalyst. It is proposed that electron transfer ability between encapsulated CeO₂and loaded CuO is significantly enhanced by the confinement effect of the TiO₂nanotubes, facilitating the formation and migration of active oxygen species in the catalyst. This result shows that modulating the electronic property of the active component can further improve the catalytic combustion performance of the confined catalysts.