This study utilizes phenanthrene as the model molecule to investigate the optimization and reusability of coal-derived carbon nanoparticles for the adsorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). After controlled carbonization and activation, the carbon nanoparticles were synthesized using a chemical solid synthesis method and meticulously studied to determine their surface morphology and crystallinity. One factor at a time (OFAT) was used as an optimization method for the batch adsorption studies, the parameters varied including pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, Temperature, and initial phenanthrene concentration. The optimal circumstances for phenanthrene resulted in a high removal efficiency of up to 95.3% for phenanthrene, and 96% removal for naphthalene, hence demonstrating the material's potential for PAH remediation. Subsequent batch testing confirmed the material's efficacy in removing naphthalene and phenanthrene. Furthermore, reusability studies conducted over five adsorption-desorption cycles demonstrated minimal decline in removal efficiency for Naphthalene by 10%, with a difference between the 1 st and 5 th run. hence showing robust regeneration capability and operational stability. But it shows a high decline in removal efficiency for phenanthrene. The results demonstrate the efficacy and sustainability of coal-derived carbon nanoparticles as a cost-effective adsorbent for applications addressing PAH contamination in water.

This study explores the use of biochar derived from Ketapang ( Terminalia catappa ) leaf waste, prepared via a hydrothermal process and activated with KOH, as an adsorbent for removing mercury (Hg) from aqueous solutions. The study addresses the environmental challenge of heavy metal contamination using a low-cost, sustainable material. Activation increased the surface area of the biochar from 0.067 to 0.450 m²/g, enhancing its adsorption performance. The hydrothermal process was optimized at 220°C, where the biochar exhibited the highest Hg removal efficiency of 71.05% for a 50 ppm Hg(NO 3 ) 2 solution. The adsorption behavior was best described by the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating monolayer adsorption on a homogeneous surface. The adsorption mechanism likely involves physical and chemisorption interactions, supported by changes in surface morphology, functional groups, and elemental composition. This study demonstrates the promising application of Ketapang leaf biochar as an eco-friendly adsorbent for mercury removal, with implications for water treatment technologies.

In this study, a comparative thermal performance analysis was conducted on three roof configurations under the hot climate of Iraq/Basra to evaluate their potential contribution to Nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) objectives. The first two models incorporated Phase Change Materials (PCM) with different melting points (24°C and 29°C) arranged in varying sequences, while the third model represented a traditional roof with EPS insulation and concrete. Annual simulations using Design Builder program assessed the impact of PCM layer arrangements on indoor thermal regulation and cooling energy demand reduction. Results demonstrated that the PCM-based roofs significantly reduced indoor temperature fluctuations compared to the traditional roof, directly translating to substantial reductions in cooling energy requirements a critical factor for nZEB feasibility in hot regions. The configuration with PCM29 on top followed by PCM24 proved most effective, consistently maintaining indoor temperatures within a narrower and more comfortable range with daily averages 32.7°C, thereby minimizing the need for active cooling. In stark contrast, the traditional roof exhibited higher variability with peaks exceeding 42°C, indicating significantly greater cooling loads. These findings highlight that strategic optimization of PCM layer arrangement in roofs is a highly effective passive cooling strategy. This approach not only enhances occupant comfort but also dramatically reduces building cooling energy consumption, representing a vital step towards achieving nearly zero energy building performance in energy-intensive arid climates.

MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) technology has evolved rapidly in response to the demand for increased performance, lower power consumption, and ongoing device downsizing. This study provides a comparative review of various materials used in MOSFETs from 2021 to 2025, focusing on developments in channel materials as well as their features, advantages, and problems. While silicon (Si) and silicon-germanium (SiGe) continue to dominate mainstream technology, new materials such as indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) and gallium nitride (GaN) have gained popularity. They are used for high-speed, low-power, and power electronics applications due to their superior electron mobility and high breakdown voltages. Two-dimensional (2D) materials like molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and black phosphorus (BP) show promise for ultra-thin, flexible, and energy-efficient devices. However, integrating them into large-scale manufacturing remains a challenge. Silicon is included into transistors, integrated circuits, and solar cells. SiGe excels in high-speed wireless transmission. GaN powers devices with high frequency and voltage, such as LEDs. SiC improves EV and renewable energy systems. InGaAs is essential for near-infrared photodetectors. Diamonds improve electronic cooling. MoS₂ supports field-effect transistors and photodetectors. This article also looks at continuing research into germanium (Ge) and other new materials, which have great mobility but suffer from leakage currents and fabrication complexity. The comparison of these materials provides insight into the future of MOSFET technology, helping researchers and industry professionals to next-generation semiconductor solutions.

This special edition presents the results of recent research and technological developments across diverse areas of materials science and engineering, addressing both advanced semiconductor materials and solutions in environmental engineering and construction and is a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and students seeking insight into the current technical challenges and innovations.

The issue of waste generation is becoming increasingly pressing in numerous nations worldwide, especially in urban regions experiencing rapid population increase and industrialization. Diseases can spread, land can become degraded, and air and water pollution can all be caused by improper garbage disposal. Additionally, the production of waste uses a lot of energy and natural resources, which depletes vital resources and increases emissions of greenhouse gases. To mitigate these concerns, sustainable waste management strategies that reduce trash generation and promote source reuse and recycling are needed. Among these is the development of novel technologies for environmental bioremediation and protection, building materials, and the application is Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP). This is an efficient way to turn waste into useful and long-lasting applications. Utilizing bacteria and chemical reagents in conjunction with biotic processes to generate mineral bicarbonate, MICP is an eco-friendly method. The material has the potential to be a sustainable, economical, and energy-efficient solution to technical and environmental problems. Recent research has shown that waste may be used in place of several MICP chemical modules that are present in the cementation reagents (urea and calcium source) and the medium used to cultivate microorganisms. Additionally, it has been established that the MICP is a sustainable and economically viable technology that works with a variety of waste media. With a focus on the role of recyclable waste, this in-depth review study attempts to give a full grasp of the engineering applications and environmental benefits of MICP technology. It also provides academic indications on how to recognize and address possible complexities when using recyclable waste sources for the use of the MICP technique.

Crystallization of a salt in a porous medium can lead to the generation of stresses on the pore wall. This stress generation mechanism causes the phenomenon of surface heave, i.e. the upward displacement of the porous material surface.This surface heave phenomenon is studied from experiments with random packings of particles (glass beads) confined in a quasi-2D cell when the crystallization of sodium chloride is induced by evaporation. It is shown that the grain size has a significant impact on the surface heave. In addition, it show the existence of an optimal grain size maximizing the heave. This suggest that the bead size dependence is not related to the mechanical aspect of the problem but is rather linked to the impact of the bead size on the morphology and internal properties of the growing subflorescence.

The construction industry plays a vital role in the economic development and overall progress of any country. Construction activities have significant impact on the economy, but their environmental consequences cannot be overlooked. The excessive use of construction materials particularly cement and steel, which are among the most commonly used construction materials, has become a major environmental concern, as these materials are also key sources of carbon emissions. Moreover, the raw materials required for the preparation of cement and Steel are also depleting at a rapid pace. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research studies to find new alternative materials which can reduce the consumption of cement and steel in the concrete. Fly ash can be used as binding agent in concrete as it has good cementation properties and is abundantly available. To enhance the mechanical performance of geopolymer concrete (GPC), polypropylene fibers (PPFs) were incorporated in varying ratios (0.5% to 1.5% by volume). The samples were prepared to test the mechanical and durability properties of the concrete. Compressive Strength, Flexural Strength, and Split Tensile Strength test was carried out to conclude the mechanical properties of the geopolymer concrete against different percentages of polypropylene Fiber. Acid attack and rapid chloride permeability tests were conducted out to evaluate the durability of the concrete. The research findings depicted that the greatest compressive strength and split tensile strength are obtained at 1% PPFs GPC. The least amount of chloride penetration was demonstrated by GPC, at 1.5% PPFs.

Alternative approach. Incorporating these materials has the potential to protect the environment from pollution on one hand and modify the asphalt paving materials on the other hand. It can use these materials as a replacement for virgin aggregate. The waste materials recycled tire rubber have been evaluated as supplementary materials with (0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and 1.7) % by total weight of aggregate and retained on sieve (2.36, 0.3) mm, and the other waste material ( crushed glass waste ) was used in (5,15,25,30) % by the weight of aggregate on each sieve (4.75,2.36,0.3,0.075) mm. Styrene – Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) was used as an asphalt cement modifier, and it was added as a partial replacement of asphalt content with (4) % by weight of asphalt. Most of these waste materials can be classified as sustainable due to their origin from old scrap materials. This study objects to assess the influence of recycled tire Rubber ,crushed glass waste, and styrene butadiene styrenec on the performance and mechanical characteristics of asphalt mixtures and limestone utilized as mineral filler. The study involves creating a standards reference mixture for evaluation and two mixture with varying amounts of recycled asphalt paving. This experimental work used Marshall Properties, indirect tensile strength, and wheel track tests to determine the influence of varying waste materials on the performance of compacted asphalt paving materials on highways. In Summary, using CGW (Crushed Glass Waste), the mix's overall sustainability can be improved by lowering the amount of virgin materials needed. A binder changed by SBS can increase durability and resistance to rutting damage. 15 mm was the rutting depth at 5% CGW (Crushed Glass Waste), and 16.35 KN is the maximum rate for marshal stability. incorporating damaged tires into the asphalt mixture gives a stable product close to the reference mixture by about (15.35 KN) and ITS for conditioned and unconditioned was (1468,1275) . Finally, crushed glass waste and damaged tire waste in the asphalt mixture in certain proportions and only in fine aggregates and in specific gradations is recommended because it gives results comparable to the results of the reference mixture. Recycled glass is suitable for low-volume and low-speed highways, road bases, and recreational pavements like footpaths. Using (CGW and CR (Crumb Rubber )) in conjunction with SBS-modified binders within asphalt mixtures can enhance the resistance against moisture- induced damage and Rutting while enhancing the general durability and sustainability of hot asphalt mixes.

Silicon has an ultra-high theoretical specific capacity, making it an ideal material to replace traditional graphite anodes. However, the volume expansion of silicon leads to its poor cycling stability. In this work, a high-compacted density silicon-carbon anode (PMMA@Si/C) is presented. The structure of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) mixed with silicon creates a pre-positioned space on the graphite surface, providing room for expansion during silicon cycling. It was also blended with commercial graphite and after carbonization of the surface, a carbon layer was formed using a asphalt coating. At a current density of 0.1 C, the PMMA@Si/C anode has a capacity retention rate of 72.8% after 300 cycles. The compacted density of PMMA@Si/C is 1.65 g/cm3, which is close to that of commercial graphite negative electrodes. And it has excellent rate performance. The preparation method is simple and suitable for mass production. The developed PMMA@Si/C is a promising commercial anode.