Aerogels are gaining interest from researchers for various applications in different disciplines due to their unique characteristics, such as high porosity, low density and vast surface area. Because of their outstanding physical and chemical properties with adjustable surface chemistry, aerogels have various applications, including supercapacitors, drug delivery, thermal insulation, etc. Due to their high porosity and surface area, aerogels are applicable for the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants, which could have detrimental impacts on both human health and the environment. Numerous reviews of aerogel preparations and applications have been published. However, there has not been an organized approach to aerogel synthesis methods, types and applications with the mechanisms in their respective applications. The aerogels' pollution removal methods and composite fabrications are thoroughly described. A summary of the diverse uses and exciting prospects of aerogels in environmental pollution control is provided. Additionally, how contaminants and porous nanoparticles interact are examined. More significantly, novel designs are suggested for the production of advanced aerogels. The mechanisms of the porous materials in their applications are also meaningfully guided by this review, which helps to design and produce advanced porous materials.

In this study we prepared potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) displaying high output voltage and, in turn, a high energy density, as replacements for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Organic electrode materials featuring void spaces and flexible structures can facilitate the mobility of K⁺ to enhance the performance of KIBs. We synthesized potassium maleamate (K-MA) from maleamic acid (MA) and applied as an anode material for KIBs and LIBs, with 1 M potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (KFSI) and 1 M lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) in a mixture of ethylene carbonate and ethyl methyl carbonate (1:2, v/v) as respective electrolytes. The K-MA_KFSI anode underwent charging/discharging with carbonyl groups at low voltage, due to the K···O bond interaction weaker than Li···O. The K-MA_KFSI and K-MA_LiFSI anode materials delivered a capacity of 172 and 485 mA h g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at 0.1C rate, respectively. K-MA was capable of accepting one K⁺ in KIB, whereas it could accept two Li⁺ in a LIB. The superior recoveries performance of K-MA_LiFSI, K-MA_KFSI, and Super P_KFSI at rate of 0.1C were 320, 201, and 105 mA h g⁻¹, respectively. This implies the larger size of K⁺ can reversibly cycling at high rate.

Deep eutectic solvents are a new class of biodegradable, inexpensive and environmentally friendly solvents. These solvents are created by combining quaternary ammonium salts, which can be converted into liquids at temperatures lower than their melting points. Recently, researchers in various fields have shown increased interest in deep eutectic solvents as alternatives for dissolving oxides in metal extraction processes. Electrochemical studies have demonstrated successful dissolution of some oxide minerals in these solvents, while results have been less consistent for others. This review focuses on the dissolution of sulphide ores in deep eutectic solvents. Arsenopyrite and pyrite exhibit similar thermodynamic properties, as well as comparable stability and solubility in aqueous solutions. Pyrite has been successfully dissolved using choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents; however, challenges have been noted in dissolving arsenopyrite with these solvents. The review also proposes that successful dissolution of arsenopyrite in deep eutectic solvents can occur at atmospheric pressure and relatively low temperatures through direct leaching.

Phosphorus scarcity and pollution pose dual global challenges, necessitating advanced sorbent materials for sustainable remediation. In this study, a Fe–Co–Zn mixed oxide nanocomposite (MONC) was synthesized via co-precipitation and comprehensively characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, and BET analyses. The composite exhibited a mesoporous framework with a surface area above 16 m ² /g, heterogeneous morphology, and abundant active sites. The point of zero charge (pHpzc = 7.1) confirmed amphoteric behavior, enabling effective phosphate uptake under acidic conditions. Batch adsorption experiments identified the 2:3:1 Fe–Co–Zn ratio as optimal, achieving a maximum capacity of 6.58 mg/g at 25 °C. Kinetic modeling followed a pseudo-second-order model (R ² = 0.99273), validating chemisorption as the rate-controlling mechanism. Isotherm modeling across 25–50 °C strongly favored the Langmuir model (R ² = 0.99626–0.99693), indicating monolayer adsorption and finite site saturation. Thermodynamic analysis revealed endothermic behavior, with stronger sorbate–sorbent interactions at elevated temperatures. Soil sorption–desorption experiments demonstrated increased phosphate release with higher initial concentrations (10–50 mg/kg), yet desorption efficiency remained consistently lower than adsorption, indicating strong binding and partial irreversibility. These findings highlight the Fe–Co–Zn MONC’s structural stability, high adsorption efficiency, and environmental relevance, positioning it as a promising candidate for scalable phosphate recovery and pollution mitigation in aqueous and soil systems.

A kaolin-derived Cu( ii )-doped zeolite (Cu-Z ₁ ) was synthesized through metakaolin activation, alkaline crystallization, and subsequent Cu ²⁺ ion exchange, and immobilized on nickel foam (Cu-Z ₁ /NiF) for electrochemical determination of paracetamol.