Life Cycle Assessment-Based Comparative Study between High-Yield and Standard Bottom-Up Procedures for the Fabrication of Carbon Dots

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2022-05-11

Autores

Luís Pinto da Silva (Autor) FCUP; Sonia Fernandes (Autor) FCUP; Joaquim C G E Esteves da Silva (Autor) FCUP

Revista

Título: Materials

Vol. 429

Páginas: 3446-3446

ISSN: 1996-1944

Editora: MDPI

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citações

Scopus - 3 Citações

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Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-00W-H05

DOI: 10.3390/ma15103446

Abstract (EN): Carbon dots (CDs) are carbon-based nanomaterials with remarkable properties that can be produced from a wide variety of synthesis routes. Given that standard bottom-up procedures are typically associated with low synthesis yields, different authors have been trying to devise alternative high-yield fabrication strategies. However, there is a doubt if sustainability-wise, the latter should be really preferred to the former. Herein, we employed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach to compare and understand the environmental impacts of high-yield and standard bottom-up strategies, by applying different life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods. These routes were: (1) production of hydrochar, via the hydrothermal treatment of carbon precursors, and its alkaline peroxide treatment into high-yield CDs; (2) microwave treatment of carbon precursors doped with ethylenediamine; (3) and (6) thermal treatment of carbon precursor and urea; (4) hydrothermal treatment of carbon precursor and urea; (5) microwave treatment of carbon precursor and urea. For this LCA, four LCIA methods were used: ReCiPe, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, AWARE, and USEtox. Results identified CD-5 as the most sustainable synthesis in ReCiPe, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, and USEtox. On the other hand, in AWARE, the most sustainable synthesis was CD-1. It was possible to conclude that, in general, high-yield synthesis (CD-1) was not more sustainable than standard bottom-up synthesis, such as CD-5 and CD-6 (also with relatively high-yield). More importantly, high-yield synthesis (CD-1) did not generate much lower environmental impacts than standard approaches with low yields, which indicates that higher yields come with relevant environmental costs.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 22