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“Engineering of hollow periodic mesoporous organosilica nanorods for augmented hydrogen clathrate formation”. Watson G, Kummamuru NB, Verbruggen SW, Perreault P, Houlleberghs M, Martens J, Breynaert E, Van Der Voort P, Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability 11, 26265 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA05530B
Abstract: Hydrogen (H2) storage, in the form of clathrate hydrates, has emerged as an attractive alternative to classical storage methods like compression or liquefaction. Nevertheless, the sluggish enclathration kinetics along with low gas storage capacities in bulk systems is currently impeding the progress of this technology. To this end, unstirred systems coupled with porous materials have been shown to tackle the aforementioned drawbacks. In line with this approach, the present study explores the use of hydrophobic periodic organosilica nanoparticles, later denoted as hollow ring-PMO (HRPMO), for H2 storage as clathrate hydrates under mild operating conditions (5.56 mol% THF, 7 MPa, and 265–273 K). The surface of the HRPMO nanoparticles was carefully decorated/functionalized with THF-like moieties, which are well-known promoter agents in clathrate formation when applied in classical, homogeneous systems. The study showed that, while the non-functionalized HRPMO can facilitate the formation of binary H2-THF clathrates, the incorporation of surface-bound promotor structures enhances this process. More intriguingly, tuning the concentration of these surface-bound promotor agents on the HRPMO led to a notable effect on solid-state H2 storage capacities. An increase of 3% in H2 storage capacity, equivalent to 0.26 wt%, along with a substantial increase of up to 28% in clathrate growth kinetics, was observed when an optimal loading of 0.14 mmol g−1 of promoter agent was integrated into the HRPMO framework. Overall, the findings from this study highlight that such tuning effects in the solid-state have the potential to significantly boost hydrate formation/growth kinetics and H2 storage capacities, thereby opening new avenues for the ongoing development of H2 clathrates in industrial applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology
Impact Factor: 11.9
DOI: 10.1039/D3TA05530B
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“Vulnerability assessment models to drought : toward a conceptual framework”. Zarafshani K, Sharafi L, Azadi H, Van Passel S, Sustainability 8, 1 (2016). http://doi.org/10.3390/SU8060588
Abstract: Drought is regarded as a slow-onset natural disaster that causes inevitable damage to water resources and to farm life. Currently, crisis management is the basis of drought mitigation plans, however, thus far studies indicate that effective drought management strategies are based on risk management. As a primary tool in mitigating the impact of drought, vulnerability assessment can be used as a benchmark in drought mitigation plans and to enhance farmers ability to cope with drought. Moreover, literature pertaining to drought has focused extensively on its impact, only awarding limited attention to vulnerability assessment as a tool. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework for designing a vulnerability model in order to assess farmers level of vulnerability before, during and after the onset of drought. Use of this developed drought vulnerability model would aid disaster relief workers by enhancing the adaptive capacity of farmers when facing the impacts of drought. The paper starts with the definition of vulnerability and outlines different frameworks on vulnerability developed thus far. It then identifies various approaches of vulnerability assessment and finally offers the most appropriate model. The paper concludes that the introduced model can guide drought mitigation programs in countries that are impacted the most by drought.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 1.789
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.3390/SU8060588
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“Market power extended : from Foucault to Meadows”. Biely K, Maes D, Van Passel S, Sustainability 10, 2843 (2018). http://doi.org/10.3390/SU10082843
Abstract: Market power is a complex matter that is approximated with quantitative indicators within economics. However, these indicators may not fully capture market power, or they may fail to identify it, although it may be present. Moreover, a quantitative approach restricts market power as a concept, impeding the ability to discuss its relationship with other concepts, such as sustainability. This paper extends the definition of market power, following Foucaults understanding of power and the associated theoretical discussions of power from different disciplines. We extended Foucaults work by including systems thinking to capture the importance of the prevalent systems paradigm, which is the ultimate initiator of action. Apart from distinguishing different elements of power, we also integrate an instrumental view on the elements of power. The developed frame allows us to understand the dynamic character of power as a force that strives to maintain or ameliorate the position of the paradigm that it serves. Based on this frame, we outline how this extended understanding of power can be used to analyze market power itself, and its relation with sustainability.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 1.789
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.3390/SU10082843
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“The idea of weak sustainability is illegitimate”. Biely K, Maes D, Van Passel S, Environment, development and sustainability 20, 223 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10668-016-9878-4
Abstract: Since the introduction of the sustainability challenge, scientists disagree over the interpretation of the term sustainability. Weak and strong sustainability are the two main interpretations of sustainability, which are opposing each other. Some researchers stated that the interpretation of the term depends on the context; others disagree pointing out that it always implies the meaning of continuation. The term sustainability can be used as attribute, which adds a certain characteristic to the noun. If something can be attributed as being sustainable, it can also be unsustainable. The sustainability challenge consists of shifting from the current unsustainable towards a sustainable system. This paper outlines that the weak sustainability term is illegitimate, as it leads to a contradiction with the acknowledged assumption that the current state is unsustainable. This contradiction is revealed through an analysis of the occurrence of decoupling in agriculture: Agricultural land use could be decoupled from agricultural production, but only with the trade-off of massive increases in fertilizer, pesticide, energy and water usage. This paper outlines an inherent inconsistency within the ongoing discussion about the interpretation of sustainability. Through identifying the invalidity of the weak sustainability interpretation the focus can be shifted form the discourse to the sustainability challenge itself.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1007/S10668-016-9878-4
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“Sustainability indicators of irans developmental plans : application of the sustainability compass theory”. Mahdei KN, Pouya M, Taheri F, Azadi H, Van Passel S, Sustainability 7, 14647 (2015). http://doi.org/10.3390/SU71114647
Abstract: The main purpose of this study was to analyze Irans developmental plans in order to examine and compare their direction and conformity with the sustainable development theory via the compass of sustainability. The approach involves a content analysis used in line with qualitative research methodologies. The results indicated that, in the first developmental plans, there was no direct reference to sustainable development. In the second to fifth plans, the main focus was on the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of development; which were common elements seen in the policies of all the plans. An analysis of the fourth plan revealed that expressions related to sustainable development appeared more frequently, indicating a stronger emphasis on sustainable development by decision-makers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 1.789
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.3390/SU71114647
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“Climate-Smart Agriculture in the Northeast of Brazil: An Integrated Assessment of the Aquaponics Technology”. Finizola e Silva M, Van Passel S, Sustainability 12, 3734 (2020). http://doi.org/10.3390/su12093734
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine if aquaponic systems can reduce food insecurity in the semi-arid regions of Brazil and generate income for the beneficiaries. Aquaponics is a potentially sustainable way to produce food based on gardening, hydroponics and aquaculture. A case study, based on a project called Aquaponova, was developed. The aquaponic systems currently used in the project are non-commercial and designed for households with limited resources. The data based on six existing systems within this project were used to compare the costs and the benefits. The cost–benefit analysis covers four scenarios and three financing options. The results show that aquaponic systems have a large potential and can reduce food insecurity in semi-arid regions while generating income for the beneficiaries. Even if the system only produces 40% of the total estimated production, the system will still be feasible. However, the low opportunity cost of labour is an essential factor for obtaining these positive results. Moreover, the social benefits, such as a community spirit and the health benefits of the system, should not be underestimated.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; aquaponics; Aquaponova; Brazil; semi-arid region; food insecurity; cost–benefit analysis; socio-economic approach; climate-smart agriculture; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Impact Factor: 3.9
DOI: 10.3390/su12093734
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