Inge Schlapp-Hackl

Hard carbon (HC) anodes are typically described in terms of their final structure. However, this structure is influenced by multiple competing factors, and precursor-level chemical interactions can play an important role in directing its eventual evolution. Here, metal coordination is used to direct lignin precursor organization and control the evolution of lignin-derived HCs. Magnesium gluconate (MgGlu2) introduced into alkaline lignin promotes selective Mg2+ coordination with oxygen-containing functional groups, enabling reorganization of the lignin network prior to carbonization. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show a thermodynamic preference of Mg2+ for phenolate (Ph–)-rich environments over gluconate ligands and β–O–4 linkages, consistent with the formation of cross-linked precursor configurations. This coordination is preserved during freeze-drying and translates into a distinct carbon microstructure upon pyrolysis. The resulting carbon exhibits a more accessible pore structure and improved cycling stability, retaining 93.6% of its post-solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) capacity after 400 cycles, compared to 8.7% for the pristine counterpart. These results demonstrate that phenolate-directed Mg2+ coordination governs precursor organization and contributes to the structural stability of lignin-derived HCs. More broadly, this work establishes precursor-level coordination as a route to control structure–performance relationships in HC anodes.

Na ₂ CO ₃ /Na ₂ S ₂ O ₄ decolorization converts mixed reactive-dyed cotton waste into white feedstock for recycling. The one-bath route gives >97% color stripping, >88% strength retention and preserved crystallinity, with less water and energy.

Keratin‐based textile waste represents an underutilized protein‐rich feedstock, but its conversion into regenerated fibers remains challenging because of its low mechanical strength, poor spinnability, and limited compatibility with other biopolymers. In this work, we applied dry‐jet wet spinning to produce cellulose/keratin hybrid fibers using keratin extracted from textile waste. During extraction, keratin was separated into two fractions, and their chemical composition, secondary structure, and molecular weight were thoroughly analyzed to understand their differences in fiber formation. Hybrid fiber with a cellulose/keratin ratio of 70/30 was continuously produced from the high‐molecular weight keratin fraction using multi‐filament spinning, achieving a linear density of 1.2 dtex (corresponding diameter of 11 µm) and tenacity of 35–40 cN/tex (corresponding tensile strength of ca. 480–560 MPa). More interestingly, the fibers retain their mechanical strength in a wet state, which is rarely achieved for polysaccharide and protein‐based fibers. Additionally, the hybrid fibers exhibit higher hydrophobicity and lower fibrillation tendency compared to pure cellulose fibers. This remarkable approach demonstrates a dual advantage by valorizing keratin waste into valuable resources while simultaneously enabling the tailored tuning of cellulose fiber properties.

A DMSO-based process recycles indigo-dyed denim waste through color stripping, solvent recovery, and fiber preservation. Recovered solvent was reused over multiple cycles, and the denim was successfully re-dyed with vat, reactive, and direct dyes.

An effective pathway for textile recycling could be the successful integration of the textile waste into a closed-loop system; however, one of the key challenges is the removal of color from textile waste. In this study, we developed a two-step reductive-oxidative treatment to convert reactive-dyed textile waste into a white feedstock suitable for textile recycling. The process includes a reductive stage using Na2S2O4, followed by oxidative bleaching with H2O2. Colorimetric, mechanical, morphological, polymeric, elemental, and thermal analyses were performed using standard methods to evaluate the characteristics of the color-stripped fabrics. Under optimized conditions, up to 99.3% color stripping was achieved, along with high lightness (L* = 89.1) and whiteness index (WI = 87.6). The average tensile strength retention of 87.2%, maximum weight loss of 3.5%, limited surface fibrillation observed under scanning electron microscopy, and a minimum degree of polymerization of 1404 suggested that only limited cellulose degradation occurred, allowing the treated materials to retain the properties required for subsequent chemical recycling. Bulk and surface elemental analyses further confirmed a significant reduction in nitrogen content and the complete removal of sulfur, demonstrating effective dye removal and the restoration of the fabric to a composition closely resembling that of the undyed material, while the data from X-ray diffraction revealed only minor changes in the crystallinity index, indicating that the polymer structure remained stable. Thermogravimetric analysis likewise indicated that the thermal profile of the fabrics after dye removal was restored to that of the undyed fabric. The excellent redyeability and uniform color uptake of the color-stripped fabrics indicated their promising potential to be reintroduced into circular textile systems through either chemical recycling into new textile products or mechanical recycling via shredding and blending with virgin fibers.

Transforming the utilization of agricultural residues from single-purpose papermaking into high-value biorefinery strategies can unlock their full potential.

Using the Ioncell process, the recycling of low DP textile waste via four case studies, white, blue, and black viscose and white modal fibers, was investigated. The most common man‐made cellulose fiber (MMCF) is viscose, a low DP material made of plant‐based cellulose, and it accounts for less than 6% of the total amount of textile fibers. Modal, a high‐wet modulus viscose fiber, is made by a similar process and presents increased mechanical properties, making it a more durable fiber. Within manufacturing processes, the cellulose polymer is weakened and degraded to an extent that complicates recyclability through conventional methods. The Ioncell technology, a Lyocell‐type process developed for the sustainable production of MMCFs, provides the opportunity to repurpose resources from various lignocellulosic waste materials through fiber‐to‐fiber recycling to create a circular economy. Moreover, the resulting fibers are often stronger than the original fibers, providing textiles of higher quality. Herein, we present the potential of the Ioncell technology for the recycling of low DP textile waste materials. The fibers exhibit exceptional properties, with tenacities up to 1.9 times higher in the dry state compared with their original materials. The fibers were turned into yarn and further used to produce small demonstrators.