Scientists developed a novel method to identify microbes producing large amounts of bio-oil, which can replace crops in fuel production. This technique could speed up the discovery of new biofuel sources, such as Streptomyces bacteria.
Researchers in India have developed a low-temperature process to convert LDPE into liquid fuel, releasing carbon-rich molecules that are similar to conventional petrochemical fuels. The process uses kaolin catalyst and can produce up to 700 grams of liquid fuel per kilogram of waste plastic.
Research published in Cell Metabolism reveals that hotspots of fuel consumption in the adult brain are associated with ongoing development and remodeling. The study identifies 16 brain regions with elevated levels of aerobic glycolysis, which is linked to gene expression related to growth, synaptic transmission, and neurogenesis.
Air quality in Greece has deteriorated by 30% since the financial crisis, with fine particles lodged deep into lung tissue posing health risks. Burning cheaper fuel sources like wood and trash for heating has contributed to this issue.
Engineers at PNNL have developed a continuous chemical process that transforms harvested algae into crude oil, water, and usable byproducts in under an hour. The process simplifies the transformation of algae to oil, eliminating the need for drying and reducing costs.
Researchers at Rice University found that blending more ethanol into fuel can lead to the release of toxic or explosive gases, which can accumulate in buildings and pose health risks. The study highlights the need for new thinking on managing vapor-intrusion risks due to fuel spills.
Researchers at Duke University have developed copper nanowire catalysts that can efficiently harness solar energy to split water into hydrogen, a promising step towards cheaper and sturdier fuel cells. The material is abundant, inexpensive, and flexible, making it ideal for use in various applications beyond solar energy production.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have developed a method to genetically engineer marine algae to produce more lipids, the fat molecules that store energy for fuel. This breakthrough enhances biofuel production and has the potential to lower costs and increase efficiency.
Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories are working on a $34 million project to develop biocatalyst technologies that can convert natural gas into liquid fuel for transportation. They aim to engineer pathways from microbes that metabolize methane to produce butanol, a promising biofuel option.
Researchers develop a silicon-based water splitter coated with an ultrathin layer of nickel, achieving stability for over 80 hours without corrosion. The innovative device uses light to split water into oxygen and hydrogen, offering a sustainable alternative for clean energy production.
Dr. Joshua Yuan's project aims to develop a way for plants to produce terpenoid directly, making it easily accessible as a combustible fuel. The US Energy Department grant will help increase the amount of combustible fuel produced by plants, with the goal of creating a commercially viable product.
A new study finds that emissions pricing revenues could be at least twice as high as the estimated profit losses for fossil fuel owners. Climate policies would reduce demand and lower prices, generating strong incentives to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a new test to assess the effectiveness of enzyme mixtures, which could reduce the time and cost of producing biofuels. The test uses activity-based protein profiling to track the activity of dozens of enzymes simultaneously.
Scientists have identified promising new materials that can encase uranium-bearing fuel, reducing the risk of high-temperature oxidation and failure. These materials may eventually replace traditional zirconium alloys, which have been used for 50 years, if they prove safer in the event of a nuclear disaster.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University are using advanced Nano X-ray Computed Tomography tools to visualize hydrogen fuel cells, enabling the development of more durable and efficient fuel cells. The new technology is expected to play a key role in reducing harmful emissions in the transportation sector.
Geologists are exploring shales as a potential site for America's spent nuclear fuel, with some formations showing natural groundwater pressure anomalies that can be analyzed on a large scale. A new computer model is also being developed to evaluate the behavior of various forms of nuclear waste and waste containers in different rocks.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new steering technology that eliminates valves and uses advanced algorithms to precisely control hydraulic pumps, resulting in a 43% increase in fuel efficiency. The system also shows improved machine productivity and reduced operator fatigue.
The Hydrogen Tools app offers a range of resources and web-based content to help users design, approve, or use hydrogen fuel cell systems and facilities. Key findings include guidance on ventilation, storage, and safety procedures for hydrogen, as well as best practices for handling the gas.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have created a high-performing nanocatalyst that transforms impure hydrogen into electricity, addressing challenges of carbon monoxide poisoning. The novel core-shell structure, combining ruthenium and platinum, exhibits perfect atomic ordering and superior performance parameters.
The Indy 500 has switched to a fuel containing 85% ethanol, which reduces air pollutants and releases mainly carbon dioxide and water vapor. Studies have shown that using fuels composed of more than 85% ethanol reduce sulfur emissions by 80%, carbon monoxide by 40%, particulate matter by 20%, VOCs by 15%, and nitrogen oxides by 10%.
A University of Tennessee professor and student have developed a quick and easy-to-use sensor that can detect trace amounts of biodiesel contamination in diesel. The sensor uses a dye that changes color when biodiesel is present, allowing for rapid detection at concentrations as low as 0.5 parts per million.
Researchers at PNNL have equipped four refrigerated trucks with hydrogen fuel cells to make deliveries in Texas, California, and New York. The project aims to reduce emissions and fuel costs, while creating jobs and increasing fuel cell manufacturing volume.
A Korean research team developed a new cathode material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) that performs well even at the intermediate temperature range. The material has excellent oxygen reduction reaction and surface oxygen exchange, leading to improved efficiency and reliability.
A study in AIP Advances describes a muon imaging technique that could help assess damage within the reactor's core, locate melted fuel and potentially reduce radiation doses. The method uses naturally occurring muons to image dense objects, offering advantages over traditional muon imaging.
Researchers have developed a new polymer membrane that improves the stability and conductivity of alkaline fuel cells while reducing the need for expensive platinum catalysts. This breakthrough could make fuel cells more affordable and accessible, offering an alternative to traditional technology.
A new study by Richard Zeebe suggests that amplified and prolonged warming due to unabated fossil fuel burning raises the probability of large ice sheets melting, leading to significant sea level rise. Climate sensitivity may change over time, potentially making future climate change more severe and longer-lasting.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a new way to analyze turbulent flow near walls, which can help reduce drag and fuel consumption in aircraft and ships. By breaking down complex equations into smaller blocks, they found that commonly observed features of wall turbulence can be explained by superposing just three response modes.
Researchers at MIT are developing a ceramic compound called silicon carbide (SiC) as an alternative to traditional zircaloy cladding for nuclear fuel rods. SiC shows promise in reducing the risk of hydrogen production by a thousandfold, while also potentially allowing for longer use of fuel rods and reduced spent fuel volume.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new fuel cell design that produces as much electricity as current models but requires significantly less platinum, a rare and valuable precious metal. The discovery, published in Nature Materials, could lead to more economically viable fuel cell production.
Researchers found that hydrogen fuel cells are technically feasible and commercially attractive as a clean power source for ships. The study suggests that using hydrogen fuel cells to power container ships could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, with potential economic benefits.
NREL is enhancing its research capabilities through a 2-year loan of four Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles from Toyota. The vehicles will help investigate hydrogen fueling infrastructure, renewable hydrogen production, and vehicle performance. Testing includes observing durability and reliability.
Researchers are working to replace expensive platinum catalysts with non-precious materials, reducing the cost of fuel cells and making them more viable for mass production. The goal is to eliminate platinum completely, which would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on oil.
Researchers develop a platinum-nickel nano-octahedra material that accelerates hydrogen and oxygen conversion to water, saving 90% of typical platinum usage. The unique atomic structure enhances reactivity while limiting lifetime.
The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of converting switchgrass into jet fuel economically and in large quantities. The process is expected to result in a 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to current production methods.
Researchers have developed a low-cost metal-free catalyst using edge-halogenated graphene nanoplatelets that shows remarkable electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction, higher tolerance to methanol crossover/CO poisoning effects and longer-term stability than platinum-based catalysts.
Researchers have discovered an inexpensive and easily produced metal-free catalyst that performs better than platinum in oxygen-reduction reactions. The catalyst is more stable and tolerant of carbon monoxide poisoning and methanol crossover.
A study by Griffith University Climate Change Response Program finds that planting trees does not offset fossil fuel CO2 emissions, highlighting the urgent need to rethink land management practices. Protecting natural forests and restoring degraded ecosystems are crucial components of the solution.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have discovered links between electrode degradation processes and bus membrane durability. The study aims to improve fuel cell module durability and predict longevity for competitive with diesel hybrids.
The US can support the growth of up to 25 billion gallons of algae-based fuel annually, filling the country's current oil needs for a month. The Gulf Coast and Southeastern seaboard are the most favorable regions for algae growth due to warm temperatures, low evaporation, and abundant water.
A recent NREL survey found that 95% of 100% biodiesel (B100) samples met ASTM International fuel quality specifications, representing a dramatic improvement from previous years. The increase is attributed to stricter quality requirements and the voluntary BQ-9000 quality management program.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method to convert ethanol into butanol, a more efficient and sustainable fuel source. The new catalysts enable higher selectivity and conversion rates, making butanol an attractive alternative to gasoline.
Researchers have created the first self-propelled micromotors and microrockets that utilize their surroundings as a source of fuel, eliminating damage to healthy tissue. These tiny devices can potentially perform microsurgery, clean clogged arteries, or transport drugs to specific areas in the body.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a way to extract large quantities of hydrogen from any plant, potentially bringing a low-cost, environmentally friendly fuel source to the world. The new process uses xylose, the most abundant simple plant sugar, to produce high-purity hydrogen with an energy efficiency of over 100 percent.
Researchers at SISSA have simulated a catalyst that mimics nature's process of producing 'green' fuel from sunlight. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uses Ru4-POM to oxidize water and produce hydrogen, paving the way for cost-effective and efficient energy storage.
GCEP is awarding $6.6 million to seven research teams at Stanford and Carnegie Mellon for innovative projects on clean energy and carbon capture. These projects aim to develop technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce electricity or hydrogen fuel, with potential applications in the coming decades.
Researchers develop fast and efficient iron-based molecule that splits hydrogen gas into electricity, rivaling commercial catalysts. The breakthrough could make fuel cells more economical, addressing the high cost of platinum used in current systems.
NREL has received four fuel cell hybrid vehicles on loan from Toyota to enhance its research on hydrogen fueling infrastructure, renewable hydrogen production, and vehicle performance. The vehicles will be used to observe extended durability and reliability, critical for commercial success.
The Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will receive $2.8 million to develop a next-generation adsorption chiller that is smaller, lighter, and operates under extreme temperatures. The system could reduce diesel fuel use by up to 50% and save lives by reducing attacks on American soldiers.
A new study reveals that photovoltaics (PV) outperform biofuels in terms of energy efficiency, land use, and greenhouse gas emissions. PV systems are 30-200 times more efficient than biomass-based pathways, requiring significantly less land to produce the same amount of energy.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered AMPK's role in restricting cancer cell growth by regulating metabolism and preventing the use of sugar to fuel growth. AMPK, a tumour suppressor, can help control tumour development by targeting energy levels and promoting healthy cellular function.
Scientists have created a way to convert naturally occurring fatty acids found in soap and ice cream into ready-to-use fuel and household chemicals. This breakthrough in synthetic biology has the potential to create renewable energy from sustainable sources.
Researchers developed nanofiber mats of metal oxide that scrub sulfur from fuels, improving performance for catalysis, energy applications, and toxic gas removal. The material stays stable and active after several cycles, with a fibrous structure granting immunity to sintering.
A team of Princeton researchers found that using synthetic fuel made from coal, natural gas, and non-food crops could cut US vehicle greenhouse emissions by up to 50% in the next several decades. The process is competitive with crude oil production and has potential environmental advantages.
Researchers have developed self-powered sensors that can harness heat from nuclear reactors to transmit data, addressing a critical monitoring issue. The sensors use thermoacoustic technology, exploiting the interaction between heat and sound waves to operate without electronic power or moving parts.
A new graphene-cobalt material has been developed that can catalyze the oxygen reduction reaction nearly as well as platinum, with improved durability. The material is substantially cheaper than platinum and has shown promise for use in hydrogen fuel cells.
A new study on rats exposed to fuel similar to that of the Prestige tanker oil spill shows a direct link between respiratory exposure to compounds discharged by the fuel and damage to genetic material. The research suggests that people who carry out industrial cleaning of coasts or are involved in cleanup efforts may be at risk.
A by-product of biofuel manufacture can power microbial fuel cells to generate electricity cheaply and efficiently. Researchers have successfully used Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles (DDGS) as a feedstock for the bacteria, producing a reliable source of renewable energy.
Researchers at IBN have developed a more powerful and longer lasting fuel cell material using a mixture of gold and copper nanoparticles. The new hybrid material can produce 5 times higher activity and much greater stability than commercial platinum catalysts.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a microscopy technique to map oxygen vacancies in fuel cell materials, which can affect device efficiency. The research aims to improve fuel cells with longer lifetimes and lower prices.
Scientists developed a new fuel mixture by adding glycerol to low-sulfur diesel, reducing emissions of soot-like particulates and nitrogen oxide pollutants by 15% and 26%, respectively. The 'Bunker Green' fuel has improved emission properties and potential to lower fuel costs for the shipping industry.