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Palanisamy G, Thangarasu S, Oh TH. Effect of Sulfonated Inorganic Additives Incorporated Hybrid Composite Polymer Membranes on Enhancing the Performance of Microbial Fuel Cells. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15051294. [PMID: 36904534 PMCID: PMC10006918 DOI: 10.3390/polym15051294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) provide considerable benefits in the energy and environmental sectors for producing bioenergy during bioremediation. Recently, new hybrid composite membranes with inorganic additives have been considered for MFC application to replace the high cost of commercial membranes and improve the performances of cost-effective polymers, such as MFC membranes. The homogeneous impregnation of inorganic additives in the polymer matrix effectively enhances the physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical stabilities and prevents the crossover of substrate and oxygen through polymer membranes. However, the typical incorporation of inorganic additives in the membrane decreases the proton conductivity and ion exchange capacity. In this critical review, we systematically explained the impact of sulfonated inorganic additives (such as (sulfonated) sSiO2, sTiO2, sFe3O4, and s-graphene oxide) on different kinds of hybrid polymers (such as PFSA, PVDF, SPEEK, SPAEK, SSEBS, and PBI) membrane for MFC applications. The membrane mechanism and interaction between the polymers and sulfonated inorganic additives are explained. The impact of sulfonated inorganic additives on polymer membranes is highlighted based on the physicochemical, mechanical, and MFC performances. The core understandings in this review can provide vital direction for future development.
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Silva ACQ, Silvestre AJD, Vilela C, Freire CSR. Cellulose and protein nanofibrils: Singular biobased nanostructures for the design of sustainable advanced materials. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1059097. [PMID: 36582838 PMCID: PMC9793328 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1059097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Polysaccharides and proteins are extensively used for the design of advanced sustainable materials. Owing to the high aspect ratio and specific surface area, ease of modification, high mechanical strength and thermal stability, renewability, and biodegradability, biopolymeric nanofibrils are gaining growing popularity amongst the catalog of nanostructures exploited in a panoply of fields. These include the nanocomposites, paper and packaging, environmental remediation, electronics, energy, and biomedical applications. In this review, recent trends on the use of cellulose and protein nanofibrils as versatile substrates for the design of high-performance nanomaterials are assessed. A concise description of the preparation methodologies and characteristics of cellulosic nanofibrils, namely nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), and protein nanofibrils is presented. Furthermore, the use of these nanofibrils in the production of sustainable materials, such as membranes, films, and patches, amongst others, as well as their major domains of application, are briefly described, with focus on the works carried out at the BioPol4Fun Research Group (Innovation in BioPolymer based Functional Materials and Bioactive Compounds) from the Portuguese associate laboratory CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials (University of Aveiro). The potential for partnership between both types of nanofibrils in advanced material development is also reviewed. Finally, the critical challenges and opportunities for these biobased nanostructures for the development of functional materials are addressed.
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Priya AK, Subha C, Kumar PS, Suresh R, Rajendran S, Vasseghian Y, Soto-Moscoso M. Advancements on sustainable microbial fuel cells and their future prospects: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 210:112930. [PMID: 35182595 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a sustainable device that produces electricity. The main components of MFC are electrodes (anode & cathode) and separators. The MFC's performance is ascertained by measuring its power density. Its components and other parameters, such as cell design and configuration, operation parameters (pH, salinity, and temperature), substrate characteristics, and microbes present in the substrate, all influence its performance. MFC can be scaled up and commercialized using low-cost materials without affecting its performance. Hence the choice of materials plays a significant role. In the past, precious and non-precious metals were mostly used. These were replaced by a variety of low-cost carbonaceous and non-carbonaceous materials. Nano materials, activated compounds, composite materials, have also found their way as components of MFC materials. This review describes the recently reported modified electrodes (anode and cathode), their improvisation, their merits, pollutant removal efficiency, and associated power density.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Priya
- Department of Civil Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, 641027, India
| | - C Subha
- Department of Civil Engineering, Ramco Institute of Technology, Rajapalayam, 626 117, India
| | - P Senthil Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Chennai, 603 110, India
| | - R Suresh
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Ambientales Zonas Áridas, Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Tarapacá, Avda. General Velásquez, 1775, Arica, Chile
| | - Saravanan Rajendran
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Ambientales Zonas Áridas, Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Tarapacá, Avda. General Velásquez, 1775, Arica, Chile.
| | - Yasser Vasseghian
- Department of Chemistry, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, South Korea.
| | - Matias Soto-Moscoso
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Bío-bío, avenida Collao 1202, casilla 15-C, Concepción, Chile
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Boas JV, Oliveira VB, Simões M, Pinto AMFR. Review on microbial fuel cells applications, developments and costs. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 307:114525. [PMID: 35091241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology has attracted significant attention in the last years due to its potential to recover energy in a wastewater treatment. The idea of using an MFC in industry is very attractive as the organic wastes can be converted into energy, reducing the waste disposal costs and the energy needs while increasing the company profit. However, taking aside these promising prospects, the attempts to apply MFCs in large-scale have not been succeeded so far since their lower performance and high costs remains challenging. This review intends to present the main applications of the MFC systems and its developments, particularly the advances on configuration and operating conditions. The diagnostic techniques used to evaluate the MFC performance as well as the different modeling approaches are described. Towards the introduction of the MFC in the market, a cost analysis is also included. The development of low-cost materials and more efficient systems, with high higher power outputs and durability, are crucial towards the application of MFCs in industrial/large scale. This work is a helpful tool for discovering new operation and design regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Vilas Boas
- CEFT, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vânia B Oliveira
- CEFT, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Manuel Simões
- LEPABE, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandra M F R Pinto
- CEFT, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
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5
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Tomé LC, Santos DMF, Velizarov S, Coelhoso IM, Mendes A, Crespo JG, de Pinho MN. Overview of Membrane Science and Technology in Portugal. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:197. [PMID: 35207118 PMCID: PMC8877918 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12020197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Membrane research in Portugal is aligned with global concerns and expectations for sustainable social development, thus progressively focusing on the use of natural resources and renewable energy. This review begins by addressing the pioneer work on membrane science and technology in Portugal by the research groups of Instituto Superior Técnico-Universidade de Lisboa (IST), NOVA School of Science and Technology-Universidade Nova de Lisboa (FCT NOVA) and Faculdade de Engenharia-Universidade do Porto (FEUP) aiming to provide an historical perspective on the topic. Then, an overview of the trends and challenges in membrane processes and materials, mostly in the last five years, involving Portuguese researchers, is presented as a contribution to a more sustainable water-energy-material-food nexus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana C. Tomé
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, FCT NOVA, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (L.C.T.); (S.V.); (J.G.C.)
| | - Diogo M. F. Santos
- Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials (CeFEMA), Laboratory for Physics of Materials and Emerging Technologies (LaPMET), Chemical Engineering Department, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (D.M.F.S.); (M.N.d.P.)
| | - Svetlozar Velizarov
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, FCT NOVA, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (L.C.T.); (S.V.); (J.G.C.)
| | - Isabel M. Coelhoso
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, FCT NOVA, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (L.C.T.); (S.V.); (J.G.C.)
| | - Adélio Mendes
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
| | - João G. Crespo
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, FCT NOVA, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (L.C.T.); (S.V.); (J.G.C.)
| | - Maria Norberta de Pinho
- Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials (CeFEMA), Laboratory for Physics of Materials and Emerging Technologies (LaPMET), Chemical Engineering Department, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (D.M.F.S.); (M.N.d.P.)
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Natural Polymers-Based Materials: A Contribution to a Greener Future. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 27:molecules27010094. [PMID: 35011326 PMCID: PMC8747056 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Natural polymers have emerged as promising candidates for the sustainable development of materials in areas ranging from food packaging and biomedicine to energy storage and electronics. In tandem, there is a growing interest in the design of advanced materials devised from naturally abundant and renewable feedstocks, in alignment with the principles of Green Chemistry and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This review aims to highlight some examples of the research efforts conducted at the Research Team BioPol4fun, Innovation in BioPolymer-based Functional Materials and Bioactive Compounds, from the Portuguese Associate Laboratory CICECO–Aveiro Institute of Materials at the University of Aveiro, regarding the exploitation of natural polymers (and derivatives thereof) for the development of distinct sustainable biobased materials. In particular, focus will be given to the use of polysaccharides (cellulose, chitosan, pullulan, hyaluronic acid, fucoidan, alginate, and agar) and proteins (lysozyme and gelatin) for the assembly of composites, coatings, films, membranes, patches, nanosystems, and microneedles using environmentally friendly strategies, and to address their main domains of application.
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Drużbicki K, Gaboardi M, Fernandez-Alonso F. Dynamics & Spectroscopy with Neutrons-Recent Developments & Emerging Opportunities. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:1440. [PMID: 33947108 PMCID: PMC8125526 DOI: 10.3390/polym13091440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This work provides an up-to-date overview of recent developments in neutron spectroscopic techniques and associated computational tools to interrogate the structural properties and dynamical behavior of complex and disordered materials, with a focus on those of a soft and polymeric nature. These have and continue to pave the way for new scientific opportunities simply thought unthinkable not so long ago, and have particularly benefited from advances in high-resolution, broadband techniques spanning energy transfers from the meV to the eV. Topical areas include the identification and robust assignment of low-energy modes underpinning functionality in soft solids and supramolecular frameworks, or the quantification in the laboratory of hitherto unexplored nuclear quantum effects dictating thermodynamic properties. In addition to novel classes of materials, we also discuss recent discoveries around water and its phase diagram, which continue to surprise us. All throughout, emphasis is placed on linking these ongoing and exciting experimental and computational developments to specific scientific questions in the context of the discovery of new materials for sustainable technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacper Drużbicki
- Materials Physics Center, CSIC-UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain;
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
| | - Mattia Gaboardi
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., S.S. 14 km 163.5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Felix Fernandez-Alonso
- Materials Physics Center, CSIC-UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain;
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 4, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
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Vilela C, Morais JD, Silva ACQ, Muñoz-Gil D, Figueiredo FML, Silvestre AJD, Freire CSR. Flexible Nanocellulose/Lignosulfonates Ion-Conducting Separators for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10091713. [PMID: 32872554 PMCID: PMC7557763 DOI: 10.3390/nano10091713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The utilization of biobased materials for the fabrication of naturally derived ion-exchange membranes is breezing a path to sustainable separators for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). In this investigation, bacterial nanocellulose (BNC, a bacterial polysaccharide) and lignosulfonates (LS, a by-product of the sulfite pulping process), were blended by diffusion of an aqueous solution of the lignin derivative and of the natural-based cross-linker tannic acid into the wet BNC nanofibrous three-dimensional structure, to produce fully biobased ion-exchange membranes. These freestanding separators exhibited good thermal-oxidative stability of up to about 200 °C, in both inert and oxidative atmospheres (N2 and O2, respectively), high mechanical properties with a maximum Young’s modulus of around 8.2 GPa, as well as good moisture-uptake capacity with a maximum value of ca. 78% after 48 h for the membrane with the higher LS content. Moreover, the combination of the conducting LS with the mechanically robust BNC conveyed ionic conductivity to the membranes, namely a maximum of 23 mS cm−1 at 94 °C and 98% relative humidity (RH) (in-plane configuration), that increased with increasing RH. Hence, these robust water-mediated ion conductors represent an environmentally friendly alternative to the conventional ion-exchange membranes for application in PEFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Vilela
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.D.M.); (A.C.Q.S.); (A.J.D.S.)
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (C.S.R.F.)
| | - João D. Morais
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.D.M.); (A.C.Q.S.); (A.J.D.S.)
| | - Ana Cristina Q. Silva
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.D.M.); (A.C.Q.S.); (A.J.D.S.)
| | - Daniel Muñoz-Gil
- Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (D.M.-G.); (F.M.L.F.)
| | - Filipe M. L. Figueiredo
- Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (D.M.-G.); (F.M.L.F.)
| | - Armando J. D. Silvestre
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.D.M.); (A.C.Q.S.); (A.J.D.S.)
| | - Carmen S. R. Freire
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.D.M.); (A.C.Q.S.); (A.J.D.S.)
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (C.S.R.F.)
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Vilela C, Freire CSR, Araújo C, Rudić S, Silvestre AJD, Vaz PD, Ribeiro-Claro PJA, Nolasco MM. Understanding the Structure and Dynamics of Nanocellulose-Based Composites with Neutral and ionic Poly(methacrylate) Derivatives using Inelastic Neutron Scattering and DFT Calculations. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 25:molecules25071689. [PMID: 32272703 PMCID: PMC7180936 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial nanocellulose (BC)-based composites containing poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), poly(methacroylcholine chloride) (PMACC) or poly(methacroylcholine hydroxide) (PMACH) were characterized by inelastic neutron scattering (INS) spectroscopy, combined with DFT (density functional theory) calculations of model systems. A reasonable match between calculated and experimental spectral lines and their intensities was used to support the vibrational assignment of the observed bands and to validate the possible structures. The differences between the spectra of the nanocomposites and the pure precursors indicate that interactions between the components are stronger for the ionic poly(methacrylate) derivatives than for the neutral counterpart. Displaced anions interact differently with cellulose chains, due to the different ability to compete with the O-H···O hydrogen bonds in cellulose. Hence, the INS is an adequate technique to delve deeper into the structure and dynamics of nanocellulose-based composites, confirming that they are true nanocomposite materials instead of simple mixtures of totally independent domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Vilela
- CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (C.S.R.F.); (C.A.); (A.J.D.S.); (P.J.A.R.-C.)
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (M.M.N.)
| | - Carmen S. R. Freire
- CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (C.S.R.F.); (C.A.); (A.J.D.S.); (P.J.A.R.-C.)
| | - Catarina Araújo
- CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (C.S.R.F.); (C.A.); (A.J.D.S.); (P.J.A.R.-C.)
| | - Svemir Rudić
- ISIS Neutron & Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX, UK;
| | - Armando J. D. Silvestre
- CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (C.S.R.F.); (C.A.); (A.J.D.S.); (P.J.A.R.-C.)
| | - Pedro D. Vaz
- Champalimaud Foundation, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Paulo J. A. Ribeiro-Claro
- CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (C.S.R.F.); (C.A.); (A.J.D.S.); (P.J.A.R.-C.)
| | - Mariela M. Nolasco
- CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (C.S.R.F.); (C.A.); (A.J.D.S.); (P.J.A.R.-C.)
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (M.M.N.)
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