Sustainability Commons^™

Electrocatalytic Degradation Of Methylene Blue Using Rgo, Sb2o3, And Rgo-Sb2o3 Composite Ink-Based Electrodes, Maria Irene Myers Armas, Andrea M. Fletes, Thomas Eubanks, Arnulfo Mar, Jason Parsons, Helia Magali Morales

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Water pollution from industrial dyes is a critical challenge due to the resistance of these types of compounds to degradation and potentially harmful effects on living organisms and human health. In this study, the electrochemical degradation of methylene blue (MB) was investigated using ink-based copper foam electrodes with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), antimony trioxide (Sb2O3), and rGO/Sb2O3 composites. The materials used to synthesize the electrodes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), which showed the successful synthesis of GO, rGO, and the Sb2O3-rGO composite. Additionally, the synthesized electrodes were examined using SEM. The MB degradation was studied using kinetic behavior and …

Environmental And Social Strategies, And Sustainable Performance: The Mediating Role Of Management Control Systems, Zheng Siqi

Student Works (2020-2029)

This study investigates how environmental and social (E&S) strategies influence enterprise sustainability performance (SP), with a focus on the mediating roles of Environmental Management Control Systems (EMCS) and Social Management Control Systems (SMCS). Anchored in the Resource-Based View (RBV), the study conceptualizes E&S strategies, EMCS, and SMCS as internal organizational resources that support the implementation of sustainability-related strategic intent. Although Chinese manufacturing enterprises face increasing regulatory and societal expectations regarding environmental and social responsibilities, prior research has primarily examined the direct association between sustainability strategies and performance outcomes or has treated sustainability control systems as aggregated constructs, providing comparatively less …

Metal-Free Nitrogen-Enriched Graphitic Carbon Nitride Architectures For Advanced Supercapacitor Energy Storage: Design, Synthesis, And Electrochemical Performance Optimization, Loujain Gamal Mohamed

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This thesis addresses the urgent global requirement for efficient energy storage materials by developing and characterizing advanced graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-based electrode materials for supercapacitors. A facile, low-cost thermal polymerization method produces 2D nitrogen-rich GCN nanosheets exhibiting excellent electrochemical stability and wide voltage windows, enabling symmetric devices with 19.33 Wh/kg energy density and remarkable cycling stability over 21,000 cycles. To overcome intrinsic limitations of pristine GCN, a 3D/2D metal free composite with bio-derived carbon (Bio-Cx) is synthesized, delivering high capacitance, wide potential windows, and ultrahigh energy density of 53.72 Wh/kg in asymmetric configurations paired with mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon (MPNDC). …

Exploring The Efficacy Of Storytelling In Education About Climate Change, Nina Adjanin, Srijana Katuwal, Heidi Sevestre, Gordon Brooks

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

From bedtime tales to digital narratives, stories wield unparalleled influence, shaping perceptions, and fostering empathy. Through mediums like social media and digital platforms, storytelling becomes a tool for advocacy, amplifying voices, and catalyzing social change. In this qualitative study, 107 higher education students from diverse backgrounds participated. The purpose of this study was to uncover salient beliefs about climate change stories on popular social media platforms among full-time college students. The results are based on three key components of the theory of planned behavior (TPB): affective beliefs, normative beliefs, and control beliefs. The respondents expressed both positive and negative attitudes …

Tuko Pamoja: Climate Perspectives From East Africa And Fulbright-Hays, Casey R. Schmitt

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

Dr. Casey R. Schmitt, Interdisciplinary Studies, presents "Tuko Pamoja: Climate Perspectives from East Africa and Fulbright-Hays".

Supporting Data – Urban Stream, Cardinal Court, Isu, Normal, November 9, 2023 To May 1, 2025, Eric Wade Peterson, Ava Miller

Faculty Publications - Geography, Geology, and the Environment

Between November 9, 2023 to May 1, 2025, water samples were collected upstream and downstream along a segment of a stream adjacent to Cardinal Court on the Illinois State University campus. At each location, samples were collected at the surface. In-situ measurements of Dissolved Oxygen, Specific Conductance, and Temperature were recorded with a YSI 85. Anion samples were analyzed using a Ion Chromatograph for fluoride (F^-), chloride (Cl^-), nitrate as nitrogen (NO3-N), phosphate (PO₄^3-), and sulfate (SO₄^2-). The available dataset provides the recorded field parameters and the analyzed ion concentrations.

Hold Paramount The Health, Safety, And Welfare Of The Public And The Planet, Daniel B. Oerther

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Status Of The Western Australian Pastoral Rangelands 2025 - Total Vegetative Cover And Cover Risk, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources published reports

DPIRD monitors and reports on the vegetation condition of pastoral rangelands in Western Australia. Two levels of reporting are provided: every 5 years a full report details the state, trend and risk of decrease of vegetation condition in the pastoral rangelands using information derived from remotely sensed and on-ground data; in the intervening years, short reports are provided based on remotely sensed data (this report).

This report is based on remotely sensed vegetation cover data, rainfall data, livestock data and station-level rangeland condition assessment (RCA) data available in November 2025. Data is presented for 23 land conservation districts (LCDs) across …

Leveraging Blockchain Technology In Mining Supply Chain Management: Vietnam Coal Mining Case Study, Thu Hang Nguyen, Nguyen Trung Tuan, Hong Anh Le

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The global economy heavily relies on the mining industry for essential resources such as coal, oil, gas, and metal ores. However, the intricate nature of mining operations poses significant challenges in supply chain management (SCM). This research investigates how blockchain technology can address these challenges within mining supply chain management (MSCM). Through a systematic review of existing research and projects, a conceptual blockchain model is proposed to improve mining supply chains’ transparency, traceability, efficiency, and sustainability, specifically focusing on coal supply chain management in Vietnam. The model integrates distributed ledgers, smart contracts, IoT devices, identity management, and consensus mechanisms to …

Evolutionary Mechanisms Of Nanopores And Adsorption Capacity In Shales Under Scco2-Water-Rock Interactions, Feng Guangjun, Wang Meng, Zhu Yanming, Song Yu, Dai Xuguang, Zheng Sijian, Xie Hong, Shang Fuhua

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO₂ )-enhanced shale oil and gas recovery serves as an effective approach to geologic CO₂ sequestration. Injecting ScCO₂ into shale reservoirs can trigger complex ScCO₂-water-rock interactions, thereby altering the material composition, nanopore structure, and adsorption capacity of shales. Examining their evolutionary processes represents a critical scientific issue in the evaluation of CO₂ sequestration efficiency. Methods This study investigated the shales of the Longmaxi Formation in the southeastern Chongqing area. Through simulation experiments on ScCO₂-water-rock interactions and by integrating X-ray diffraction (XRD), low-pressure CO₂/N₂ adsorption, fractal …

Advances In Research On Co2 Corrosion Mechanisms, Modification, And Application Of Cements For Injection Wells In Geologic Co2 Sequestration, Hao Feng, Zhang Zongfeng, Wang Hongmin, Du Shuai, Huang Da, Yang Xuefeng, Wang Kexin, Zhang Yu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background and Merhod The wellbore integrity of CO₂ injection wells plays a critical role in maintaining the long-term safe operation of geologic CO₂ sequestration (GCS) projects. Well cement serves as the foremost wellbore integrity barrier, and its durability under GCS has emerged as a hot research topic both at home and abroad. This study systematically reviews the advances in research on the chemical corrosion mechanism of well cement under the operating conditions of GCS, technologies for cement modification for enhanced resistance to CO₂ corrosion, and non-Portland cement systems. Furthermore, the directions for the future development of well …

Numerical Simulations Of The Safety Of Geologic Co2 Storage In Saline Aquifers In The Enping Sag, Pearl River Mouth Basin, Yu Tao, Li Xiwen, Yang Yunshi, Chen Bingbing, Ji Zemin, He Chang, Jiang Lanlan, Song Yongchen

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, excessive CO₂ emissions have aggravated the greenhouse effect. Against this backdrop, CO₂ capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology has emerged as a critical countermeasure. Particularly, geologic CO₂ storage holds enormous application potential. China has implemented a demonstration project of geologic CO₂ storage in saline aquifers located in the Enping Sag, Pearl River Mouth Basin. Nevertheless, this sag exhibits formation dip angles and widely distributed fracture zones, which affect CO₂ migration and storage. Methods Focusing on the Enping Sag, this study established a two-dimensional model of the saline …

Research Progress And Prospects Of Full Flowsheet Coal-Based Ccus, Sang Shuxun, Liu Shiqi, Zheng Sijian, Huang Fansheng, Liu Tong, Chen Siming, Zhou Xiaozhi, Han Sijie, Tian Yuchen, Xiang Wenxin, Bai Yansong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The engineering-oriented, full flowsheet coal-based carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology is the key to efficient, clean coal utilization and carbon emission reduction. It represents a major technology that is urgently needed to ensure the energy security of China and achieve the strategic goals of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality of the country. Based on previous research efforts of the authors’ team, this study reviews the current status of this technology, reveals its integration mechanisms, and attempts to establish a pattern and scheme for CCUS cluster deployment in coal energy bases. Furthermore, it discusses the future …

An Experimental Study On Nonlinear Seepage Characteristics In Coal Seams During Ch4 Displacement Through N2 And Co2 Flooding, Li Zefeng, Huang Mengru, Zhang Hongzhong, Lan Jianping, Song Jinsuo, Fan Shixing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Coal seams in China are generally characterized by low porosity (<5%) and low permeability (0.001×10^–3μm²), leading to low coalbed methane (CBM, dominated by CH₄) drainage efficiency. Gas flooding-enhanced CBM drainage technology plays a significant role in surface CBM drainage, underground CBM pre-drainage, and deep geologic CO₂ storage. Methods This study investigated four common types of gases: N₂ and CO₂ for flooding, CH₄ to be displaced, and He for blank control. Based on the physical properties of these gases and employing methods including the quasi-static method, the gas flow rate method, and the Reynolds …

Research And Application Of A Decision Support Platform For Geologic Co2 Storage Siting Based On A Global Case Database, Zhou Yinbang, Wang Rui, Zhen Yan, Dai Quanqi, Cheng Chuanjie

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Under the strategic background of reaching the goals of peak CO₂ emissions and carbon neutrality, there is an urgent need to address the core issue of geologic CO₂ storage (GCS) siting in the advancement of large-scale GCS deployment. Establishing a decision support platform based on a global GCS case database can provide key data and historical experience references for GCS siting, reduce storage risks and costs, and accelerate industrial layout. Furthermore, the platform can offer a scientific basis for formulating related policies and conducting technological R&D.Methods This study proposed and developed a comprehensive evaluation system for …

Carbon Sequestration Technology: Challenges And Urgent Critical Scientific Issues, Li Xiaochun, Liu Tianyu, Zhang Liwei, Zhou Hong, Liu Guizhen, Wang Yan, Gan Manguang, Li Qi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Carbon sequestration technology represents a core approach to achieving carbon neutrality. However, its large-scale application remains constrained by multiple technical and scientific challenges. Methods Based on an analysis of existing carbon sequestration projects, this study identified four major challenges in carbon sequestration: (1) high uncertainty in the assessment of CO₂ sequestration capacity; (2) low injectivity of low-permeability discontinuous reservoirs; (3) a limited understanding of long-term mechanical stability; and (4) significant difficulty in assessing the risks of CO₂ leakage. Results To address these challenges, this study proposes the common issues currently faced by carbon sequestration technology, and, accordingly, …

Designation And Classification Of Co2 Storage Technologies, Ma Fubo, Yang Xuechao, Zhou Zhengwu, Liu Hongliang, Chang Jia, Yi Jiayao, Wang Yan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Method Currently, there remains a lack of criteria for technical certification, designation, and classification of carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage technologies due to their cross-disciplinary nature and ambiguous scopes. To address this issue, this study proposes technical certification criteria and designation principles, as well as analyzes four types of common CO₂ storage technologies: geologic storage, underground space storage, ocean water storage, and utilization and storage. Accordingly, a classification philosophy and scheme for these technologies is determined.Results and Conclusions In terms for technical certification criteria, a CO₂ storage technology has to meet four criteria: (1) …

An Improved Model Of Trans-Critical Ch4 And Co2 Adsorption In Coals Based On Monolayer Adsorption And Adsorption Potential Theories, Song Xuemei, Zhang Kun, Sang Shuxun, Ma Mengya, Liu Huihu, Xu Hongjie

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Method Adsorbed phase density represents a key parameter for determining gas adsorption capacity in coals. Using bituminous coal samples from the Huainan and Huaibei mining areas in Anhui Province, this study carried out high-pressure isothermal adsorption experiments of CO₂ and CH₄ at temperatures of 24 ℃, 36 ℃, and 48 ℃. In combination with the quantitative characterization of pore structures in coals using low-temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption (LNA) experiments and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), this study analyzed the high-pressure trans-critical CH₄ and CO₂ adsorption processes in coals. Meanwhile, based on the Gibbs excess adsorption, …

Research Advances And Prospects Of Geologic Co2 Sequestration Models, Hu Chenlin, Dong Cheng, Sang Shuxun, Tang Yong, Li Xin, Zhang Bin, Zhao Lingfeng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The urgent need to respond to global climate change and to achieve carbon neutrality is driving geologic CO₂ sequestration technology to be increasingly large-scale, safe, and intelligent. Since the CO₂ sequestration process involves multi-physical field coupling, the engineering feasibility and long-term safety of CO₂ sequestration heavily rely on the capacity of numerical models to perform accurate characterization of complex subsurface processes. Therefore, establishing a model system, covering the entire process consisting of injection, migration, sequestration, and monitoring, that is suitable for various geobodies for CO₂ sequestration has emerged as a foundation for the engineering application …

Distribution Characteristics And Mechanisms Of Ch4 And Co2 Adsorption In Montmorillonite Nanopores In Water-Bearing And Saline Environments, Du Kai, Rui Zhenhua, Qian Cheng, Chen Siwei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) has emerged as a significant way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the guidance of the strategic goals of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality. With the continuous exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbon resources such as shale oil and gas, varying water-bearing and salinity conditions exert significant impacts on the occurrence stability and seepage behavior of CO₂, thereby reducing the efficiency and safety of CO₂ storage. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the competitive behavior and distribution patterns of CO₂ and other gases in shale nanopores under varying water-bearing and …