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.
Researchers have successfully engineered a soil bacterium to produce isobutanol, a renewable fuel source that can be used in current engines with minimal modification. The microbe, Ralstonia eutropha, was modified to use carbon dioxide as its carbon source, paving the way for potential applications in industrial-scale production.
A Case Western Reserve University researcher suggests that using platinum in fuel cells is inefficient due to energy loss, prompting the search for alternative catalysts. The ideal bonding strength between platinum and intermediate molecules can improve efficiency.
Researchers at Arizona State University improved microbial fuel cell efficiency by modifying cathode materials and adjusting pH levels. By enhancing hydroxide ion transport, they increased power densities and reduced losses in MFC performance.
Materials scientists at Harvard University have developed a solid-oxide fuel cell that can store electrochemical energy like a battery, allowing it to continue producing power for a short time after its fuel has run out. This innovation has significant implications for small-scale, portable energy applications, such as unmanned aerial ...
Engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have developed a catalyst that provides similar efficiency to platinum in microbial fuel cells but at 5% of the cost. The material, nitrogen-enriched iron-carbon nanorods, has potential for replacing platinum catalysts in hydrogen-producing microbial electrolysis cells.
MIT engineers have developed a fuel cell that runs on glucose, potentially powering brain implants to help paralyzed patients. The glucose fuel cell strips electrons from glucose molecules to create a small electric current, and its biocompatibility has been proven through platinum catalysts.
The airline industry is poised to adopt biobased jet fuel, derived from waste cooking oil and algae, due to rising costs for conventional fuels. Biobased fuels are blended with traditional Jet A-1 fuel and have shown promising results in test flights.
Researchers at George Washington University have received over $860,000 in federal funding to study the effects of earthquakes on nuclear reactor cores. The study aims to simulate fuel rod vibrations and assess potential damage during an earthquake, which could lead to radioactive material release.
A new small-scale solid oxide fuel cell system achieves up to 57 percent efficiency, significantly higher than previous systems of its size. The system uses methane as fuel and incorporates microchannel technology and external steam reforming for increased efficiency and scalability.
A new study by MIT civil engineers finds that stiffer pavements can reduce vehicle fuel consumption by as much as 3 percent and decrease CO2 emissions by 46.5 million metric tons per year, resulting in significant savings and environmental benefits. The study uses mathematical modeling to analyze pavement deflection under vehicle tires...
Researchers from New York University and the Max Planck Institute reveal that phosphoric acid fuel cells transfer protons in a more streamlined fashion than water-based solutions. This process involves temporary 'proton wires' formed by multiple phosphoric acid molecules, allowing for high proton conductivity.
A new study proposes that purchasing extraction rights for dirty fossil fuels in non-participating countries is a more effective way to combat climate change. By conserving these deposits, coalitions can reduce emissions and mitigate carbon leakage, allowing them to implement their ideal policy without fear of non-participating countri...
Researchers at Virginia Tech have assembled the draft genome of marine algae Nannochloropis gaditana to discover optimal species for producing biodiesel fuel. Genetic modification reveals the algae's potential for industrial-scale biofuel production, a game-changer in fuel research and production.
A new study by University of Oregon sociologist Richard York finds that it takes more than 10 units of alternative energy to displace a single unit of fossil fuel-generated power. The research highlights the need for a shift in political and economic policies to address human behavior, rather than just technological solutions.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have found a safe and reversible way to store hydrogen fuel by connecting it to carbon dioxide in a mildly basic solution. The reaction can be reversed by adding acid, making it suitable for use in hydrogen fuel vehicles and other high-powered systems.
A research team from UCF created a new structure that layers cheaper elements with gold and palladium to enhance energy conversion rates in hydrogen fuel cells. This approach could make the technology more cost-effective and practical for large-scale use.
Researchers at Brown University created a triple-headed metallic nanoparticle that generates higher current per unit of mass than any other nanoparticle catalyst tested, with good durability as well as good activity. The FePtAu nanoparticle removes carbon monoxide from the reaction, improving performance and stability.
University of California, San Diego engineers build nanowire 'trees' that capture solar energy and convert it into hydrogen fuel. The trees' vertical structure maximizes energy absorption, making them more efficient than traditional flat surfaces.
A life cycle assessment study reveals that bioethanol from energy crops has considerable potential to render society more sustainable by substituting gasoline. The study's findings suggest that regional biomass utilization systems can significantly reduce fossil fuel resources and greenhouse gas emissions.
Chemists at UC Berkeley have developed a new, edge-based catalyst that can efficiently produce hydrogen from water. The breakthrough could lead to more affordable and efficient fuel cell technology, reducing emissions and increasing the use of clean-burning fuels.
Researchers are developing an artificial 'leaf' that can convert sunlight into liquid fuel, and optimizing natural photosynthesis through enzyme engineering. The goal is to improve crop yields and create a sustainable carbon-neutral economy.
The US Energy Department has granted over $1.8 million to a researcher studying terpenoids in plants as a potential fuel source. The goal is to create a sustainable fuel production method that can be easily extracted from plants, reducing dependence on oil fields.
A new study by Michigan State University economist Soren Anderson suggests that the government mandate for ethanol is not justified due to low demand elasticity. The researcher found that when ethanol prices rose, demand fell only 12-16%, indicating that consumers are not willing to pay a premium to support the corn-based fuel.
A team of researchers has found a new method by which seawater can corrode nuclear fuel, creating uranium compounds that could potentially travel long distances in solution or as tiny particles. The discovery highlights the need to consider this phenomenon in future nuclear operations.
Researchers use metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to remove volatile radioactive gas from spent nuclear fuel, reducing waste and increasing the possibility of clean nuclear energy production. The discovery could be applied to nuclear fuel reprocessing or cleanup of nuclear reactor accidents.
A third of car fuel consumption is due to friction loss, which can be reduced with new technologies like surface coatings, lubricant additives, and low-friction tyres. By reducing friction, drivers can save up to 18% fuel consumption within 5-10 years, and carbon dioxide emissions could decrease by 290 million tonnes per year.
The new electrocatalysts have high activity, stability, and durability while containing only about one tenth the platinum of conventional catalysts used in fuel cells. This reduction leads to lower costs and environmental benefits by producing no harmful emissions.
The Ground Renewable Expeditionary ENergy System (GREENS) provides continuous power to Marines in the field, reducing the need for fuel transport and minimizing logistics expenses. Developed by ONR, GREENS is a portable, lightweight, and modular system that uses solar power to generate electricity.
Aalto University researchers have developed a new method to manufacture fuel cells that requires 60% less costly catalyst, significantly reducing production costs. This innovation enables the creation of more economical alcohol fuel cells using palladium as a catalyst.
A Yale study found that removing sulfur from jet fuel has a small net cooling effect on the atmosphere. This is due to the formation of nitrate from nitrogen oxides in jet exhaust, which offsets the warming caused by sulfate particles formed by burning sulfur-laden fuel.
The Office of Naval Research is exploring alternative energy sources, including fuel cell vehicles and high-efficiency trash disposal technology. The goal is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase energy efficiency for the military.
A new study by the University of Michigan finds that CAFE standards can create a financial incentive for automakers to produce larger vehicles, leading to increased carbon emissions. The study suggests that the policy can be adjusted to reduce these unintended incentives.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully created a catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into fuel using artificial photosynthesis. The innovation uses an ionic liquid to reduce energy requirements, making it more efficient.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology found that smaller metal alloy nanoparticles release hydrogen gas more quickly when stored in a metal hydride. This could lead to more efficient hydrogen storage for fuel cells.
Researchers at JBEI have identified a potential new advanced biofuel, bisabolane, that could replace diesel fuel with lower freezing and cloud points. The biofuel was produced using synthetic biology tools and engineered microbes to create a precursor, bisabolene.
The University of Houston is testing Metro's hybrid and regular buses for fuel efficiency, measuring emissions under controlled conditions. Researchers will track fuel economy and emissions using the university's chassis dynamometer test cell.
Three Penn State-led projects have received more than $1.6 million in combined research and development grants to improve nuclear fuel safety and develop new alloys for extended service. The projects focus on understanding corrosion protectiveness, detecting damage before fatigue cracks, and developing advanced monitoring methods.
Researchers have created a reusable system to store and extract hydrogen from ammonia borane, a stable solid, making it suitable for various applications. The system is air-stable and efficient, with potential uses in motor-driven cycles and small aircraft.
The US and over 50 countries have integrated biofuels into fuel supply since the 1920s, with government policies relying on corn and other food crops. However, a more realistic view of biofuel potential has emerged, highlighting negative impacts on rural economies and greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at University of California, Riverside are developing a comprehensive driver feedback technology to cut fuel consumption and emissions. The project aims to achieve fuel savings of up to 30%, leveraging existing technology and integrating features like trip planning, improved driving efficiency, and periodic reporting.
Researchers at INRS have developed a new iron-based catalyst capable of generating more electric power in fuel cells. This breakthrough could pave the way for the use of iron-based catalysts instead of rare and expensive platinum-based ones, enabling the production of more efficient fuel cells for transportation applications.
Researchers at NIST discover that bacteria feeding on ethanol can boost fatigue crack growth rates by up to 25 times. The study highlights the importance of controlling bacterial growth during ethanol transport to prevent pipeline degradation.
A new computational chemistry tool developed by Solvejg Jorgensen at the University of Copenhagen predicts the toxicity of biofuels without producing a single drop. The tool helps identify the safest production methods, reducing health and environmental harm.
A hydrogen fuel cell-powered mobile lighting system was deployed at the Kennedy Space Center for the final Space Shuttle Atlantis launch, providing clean and quiet power. The system has the potential to drastically reduce dependence on diesel-fueled mobile lighting across the US, offsetting up to 900 gallons of fuel per year.
Researchers from the University of Manchester and consortium partners are working on harnessing solar energy to produce hydrogen fuel. The technology has potential to revolutionize energy usage in the coming decades by creating clean, green fuels.
University of Toronto chemists have developed a novel chemical reaction method to recycle carbon dioxide into liquid methanol fuel. The approach utilizes frustrated Lewis pairs and has the potential to be highly efficient and cost-effective, offering a promising solution to greenhouse gas emissions.
The new technique uses barium oxide nanoparticles to adsorb moisture, initiating a water-based chemical reaction that oxidizes carbon deposits, keeping nickel electrode surfaces clean. This allows solid oxide fuel cells to be powered directly by coal gas at low temperatures, reducing carbon emissions and increasing efficiency.
A new sustainable aviation fuels industry in Australia and New Zealand could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17% and generate over 12,000 jobs. The CSIRO report predicts a reduction in Australia's reliance on imported fossil fuel by $2 billion per annum.
Scientists have engineered a cheap and abundant alternative to platinum-based catalysts, enabling the production of hydrogen fuel from sunlight and water. This discovery is crucial for creating a sustainable green energy economy.
Los Alamos scientists have developed a way to avoid using expensive platinum in hydrogen fuel cells, potentially solving an economic challenge that has hindered widespread use of large-scale systems. The new non-precious-metal catalysts yielded high power output, good efficiency, and promising longevity.
Researchers have developed a new laser system that can ignite engine air-fuel mixtures more efficiently than traditional spark plugs. The laser system is made from ceramics and promises less pollution and greater fuel economy, but further testing is needed to make it commercially viable.
A new study reveals that alumina nanoparticles enhance biodiesel combustion, increasing fuel efficiency while decreasing nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions. Researchers are now exploring other types of nanoparticles for potential engine lubrication and cooling systems.
Materials scientists at Harvard have successfully demonstrated the first macro-scale thin-film solid-oxide fuel cell, overcoming structural challenges to achieve comparable power density to micro-SOFCs. The breakthrough uses a metallic grid to support a large membrane, enabling scalability for practical clean-energy applications.
Yale engineers have developed miniscule nanowires made of a novel material that boosts long-term performance in fuel cells. The nanowires' high surface area exposes more catalyst, increasing efficiency.
Researchers at Arizona State University and the UK have created a platform using biological nanowires to funnel excess energy from photosynthesis directly into fuel production. This innovation aims to increase the efficiency of photosynthesis, enabling the production of sustainable bioenergy.
Scientists have developed a new process that converts used motor oil into gasoline-like fuel using microwaves, offering an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. The new method has excellent potential for commercial use and could help solve the problem of improper disposal of waste motor oil.
Researchers at TU Delft have discovered that adding nanocrystals to solid electrolyte material can significantly increase the efficiency of fuel cells. The addition creates more space in the network, allowing protons to move freely and improving conductivity.
Catalysts made of carbon nanotubes dipped in a polymer solution have been shown to equal the energy output and outperform platinum catalysts in fuel cells. The new process is simpler and cheaper, reducing the cost of fuel cells by up to 75%.
Researchers have revealed a new single-stage method for recharging the hydrogen storage compound ammonia borane, enabling the potential use of hydrogen in vehicles. This breakthrough could reduce the expense and complexity of the recycle stage, making hydrogen a more attractive fuel option.