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Categories: Chemistry: General, Energy: Fossil Fuels
Published World may have crossed solar power 'tipping point'
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The world may have crossed a 'tipping point' that will inevitably make solar power our main source of energy, new research suggests.
Published Cocoa pods -- a source of chocolate, and potentially, flame retardants
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source As Halloween approaches, so too does the anticipation of a trick-or-treating stash filled with fun-sized chocolate candy bars. But to satisfy our collective craving for this indulgence, millions of cocoa pods are harvested annually. While the beans and pulp go to make chocolate, their husks are thrown away. Now, researchers show that cocoa pod husks could be a useful starting material for flame retardants.
Published Decontamination method zaps pollutants from soil
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A rapid, high-heat electrothermal soil remediation process flushes out both organic pollutants and heavy metals in seconds without damaging soil fertility.
Published Researchers develop organic nanozymes suitable for agricultural use
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Nanozymes are synthetic materials that mimic the properties of natural enzymes for applications in biomedicine and chemical engineering. They are generally considered too toxic and expensive for use in agriculture and food science. Now, researchers have developed a nanozyme that is organic, non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and cost effective.
Published New polymer membranes, AI predictions could dramatically reduce energy, water use in oil refining
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers describe a new kind of polymer membrane they created that could reshape how refineries process crude oil, dramatically reducing the energy and water required while extracting even more useful materials. The team also created artificial intelligence tools to predict the performance of these kinds of membranes, which could accelerate development of new ones.
Published Cell-friendly bioprinting at high fidelity enhances its medical applicability
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have developed a cell-friendly means of bioprinting at high fidelity. By successive injection of a cell-based ink and a printing support, the ink solidified into defined geometries, even into the shape of a human nose. Printed cells remained viable for at least two weeks. This work is an important milestone toward developing lab-grown tissues and organs, and eventually advancing regenerative medicine as well as animal-free drug safety testing.
Published Novel catalyst for green production of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have developed an innovative catalyst that achieves a significantly lower carbon footprint, paving the way for greener chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
Published An electrical switch to control chemical reactions
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New pharmaceuticals, cleaner fuels, biodegradable plastics: in order to meet society's needs, chemists have to develop new synthesis methods to obtain new products that do not exist in their natural state. A research group has discovered how to use an external electric field to control and accelerate a chemical reaction, like a 'switch'. This work could have a considerable impact on the development of new molecules, enabling not only more environmentally friendly synthesis, but also very simple external control of a chemical reaction.
Published Plastic production via advanced recycling lowers GHG emissions
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Research reveals that recycling post-use plastic through pyrolysis can reduce GHG emissions by 18-23%. Approach can potentially enhance sustainability by minimizing waste and fossil resource reliance.
Published The effects of preheating on vehicle fuel consumption and emissions appear minimal
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study found that the benefits of car preheating for both fuel economy and emissions are minimal. The researchers focused on vehicle fuel consumption and emissions under cold winter conditions. Of particular interest were cold start emissions and their relation to preheating.
Published Surprising discovery shows electron beam radiation can repair nanostructures
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source In a surprising new study, researchers have found that the electron beam radiation that they previously thought degraded crystals can actually repair cracks in these nanostructures. The groundbreaking discovery provides a new pathway to create more perfect crystal nanostructures, a process that is critical to improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of materials that are used in virtually all electronic devices we use every day.
Published Revolutionizing energy storage: Metal nanoclusters for stable lithium--sulfur batteries
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) offer a higher energy storage potential. However, issues like formation of lithium polysulfides and lithium dendrites lead to capacity loss and raise safety concerns. Now, researchers have developed a graphene separator embedded with platinum-doped gold nanoclusters, which enhance lithium-ion transport and facilitate redox reactions. This breakthrough addresses the long-standing issues associated with LSBs, setting the stage for their commercialization.
Published 'Mona Lisa' hides a surprising mix of toxic pigments, study shows
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Leonardo da Vinci is renowned to this day for innovations in fields across the arts and sciences. Now, new analyses show that his taste for experimentation extended even to the base layers underneath his paintings. Surprisingly, samples from both the 'Mona Lisa' and the 'Last Supper' suggest that he experimented with lead(II) oxide, causing a rare compound called plumbonacrite to form below his artworks.
Published Titanium oxide material can remove toxic dyes from wastewater
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Discharged in large quantities by textile, cosmetic, ink, paper and other manufacturers, dyes carry high-toxicity and can bring potential carcinogens to wastewater. It’s a major concern for wastewater treatment — but researchers may have found a solution, using a tiny nanofilament.
Published Modular dam design could accelerate the adoption of renewable energy
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have developed a new modular steel buttress dam system designed to resolve energy storage issues hindering the integration of renewable resources into the energy mix. The new modular steel buttress dam system facilitates the rapid construction of paired reservoir systems for grid-scale energy storage and generation using closed-loop pumped storage hydropower, cutting dam construction costs by one-third and reducing construction schedules by half.
Published Discovery made about Fischer Tropsch process could help improve fuel production
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A fundamental discovery about the Fischer Tropsch process, a catalytic reaction used in industry to convert coal, natural gas or biomass to liquid fuels, could someday allow for more efficient fuel production. Researchers discovered previously unknown self-sustained oscillations in the Fischer Tropsch process. They found that unlike many catalytic reactions which have one steady state, this reaction periodically moves back and forth from a high to a low activity state. The discovery means that these well-controlled oscillatory states might be used in the future to control the reaction rate and the yields of desired products.
Published The medicine of the future could be artificial life forms
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Imagine a life form that doesn't resemble any of the organisms found on the tree of life. One that has its own unique control system, and that a doctor would want to send into your body. It sounds like a science fiction movie, but according to nanoscientists, it can—and should—happen in the future.
Published Successful morphing of inorganic perovskites without damaging their functional properties
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A research team has successfully morphed all-inorganic perovskites at room temperature without compromising their functional properties. Their findings demonstrate the potential of this class of semiconductors for manufacturing next-generation deformable electronics and energy systems in the future.
Published Two-dimensional compounds can capture carbon from the air
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Some of the thinnest materials known to humankind -- MXene and MBene compounds -- may provide solutions to scientists in their quest to curb the effects of global warming. These substances are only a few atoms thick, making them two-dimensional. Because of their large surface area, the materials have the potential to absorb carbon dioxide molecules from the atmosphere, which could help reduce the harmful effects of climate change by safely sequestering carbon dioxide, according to a review study.
Published Staying dry for months underwater
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have developed a superhydrophobic surface with a stable plastron that can last for months under water. The team’s general strategy to create long-lasting underwater superhydrophobic surfaces, which repel blood and drastically reduce or prevent the adhesion of bacterial and marine organisms such as barnacles and mussels, opens a range of applications in biomedicine and industry.