Synthetic amorphous silica: environmental impacts of current industry and the benefit of biomass-derived silica
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Published version
Author(s)
Errington, Ethan
Guo, Miao
Heng, Jerry YY
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The production of Synthetic Amorphous Silica (SAS) is a billion-dollar industry. However, very little is shared publicly on the environmental impact of SAS production. This work provides the first complete treatment for the environmental impacts of SAS produced via the existing ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ industrial methods using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). To provide a more robust method, this includes an evaluation of 8 environmental impact indicators and consideration for uncertainty during process comparison. Predictions are then used to compare the impact of the existing dry and wet methods as well as theoretical methods in which rice husk (RH) is used as a biomass-derived feedstock alternative. Results highlight cases in which using RH as an alternative feedstock is likely to be beneficial. However, it is demonstrated that these benefits are highly dependent on specifics of the process, region, and feedstock characteristics rather than the inherent “green-ness” of RH alone. Findings are therefore of significance to those interested in the existing SAS industry and the sustainable development of SAS. Moreover, findings also have potential implications for wider policy.
Date Issued
2023-06-07
Date Acceptance
2022-08-12
Citation
Green Chemistry, 2023, 25 (11), pp.4244-4259
ISSN
1463-9262
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry
Start Page
4244
End Page
4259
Journal / Book Title
Green Chemistry
Volume
25
Issue
11
Copyright Statement
© The Royal Society of Chemistry 2022. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000844794100001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Subjects
Chemistry
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
COMBUSTION
ECOINVENT DATABASE
EMISSIONS
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
LCA
Physical Sciences
Science & Technology
Science & Technology - Other Topics
UNCERTAINTY
WASTE
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2022-08-17