Researchers have developed a method to extract valuable metals from old mining waste using microbes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30%. This process also captures carbon dioxide from the air and stores it in the tailings as new minerals.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a new recycling method for solar cells that uses acidic solutions to separate precious metals. The process recovers up to 100% of the silver and 85% of the indium, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than traditional methods.
The increasing adoption of electric vehicles will significantly raise the global demand for battery-grade critical metals, leading to supply chain disruptions. By mid-century, the need for lithium could more than double, while nickel demand is expected to eclipse other critical metals.
A team of researchers has developed a highly sensitive imaging method to detect heavy metals like cadmium in cocoa beans. The study found that cadmium accumulates primarily in the outer shell of the bean and can be reduced through improved processing steps, which could minimize exposure.
Researchers in Japan used a synchrotron to create gamma rays that revealed unusual fluctuations in the electrical charge of a strange metal alloy. The study provides insight into the inner machinery of these materials, which could inspire new forms of electronic matter and high-temperature superconductivity.
Researchers at UCF have developed single-atom platinum catalysts that reduce the amount of precious metals needed in catalytic converters. These improvements can enhance catalytic performance while minimizing environmental harm.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a portable, flexible copper sensor that can detect heavy metals like lead and cadmium in sweat. The device is made from ordinary materials and is simple to produce, making it accessible for non-specialists and technicians.
A new study identifies how bacteria in deep-sea hydrothermal vents survive and thrive in the presence of toxic metals like copper and cadmium. Bacteria use transporter proteins to pump out these metals, but also employ more complex strategies, such as flagella formation and granule growth, to detoxify cadmium.
Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum have developed a novel synthesis process that converts carbon monoxide into anionic ketenes, which can be isolated and used as defined reagents. This approach avoids the use of expensive or toxic metals, making it a promising avenue for sustainable chemistry.
The study suggests that increased demand for energy transition metals could be more disruptive to some communities than winding back production of thermal coal. An additional 115.7 million people would be at risk from disruption by ETMs.
Researchers have developed a low-cost way to extract gold and other valuable metals from electronic waste, which can be used as catalysts for reactions in pharmaceutical manufacture. The process has the potential to improve the sustainability of drug production by reducing dependence on environmentally damaging mining practices.
A new bulk copper-based alloy has demonstrated the largest tensile elastic strain at room temperature, exceeding 4.3%, thanks to reversible lattice strain in its BCC single phase structure. This material exhibits a low Young's modulus and high Poisson's ratio, making it highly elastic and strong.
Scientists have created a new method to stabilize precious metals as catalysts, enabling efficient use of expensive materials in various applications. The approach involves dispersing metal atoms within nanometer-sized islands of cerium oxide, which provides high surface area and stability.
A recent study published in Science of The Total Environment found that many household wells in Nevada are contaminated with heavy metals such as arsenic, which can cause adverse health effects. The study suggests that frequent testing and improved treatment systems are necessary to ensure safe drinking water for rural communities.
Researchers in China designed a strategy to improve zinc-air battery performance by combining two transition metals, atomic iron and nickel, which deliver high electrocatalytic activity. The resulting rechargeable batteries achieve high peak power density, working rates, and long lifespan.
A new category of shape-memory materials made of ceramic, rather than metal, has been discovered by MIT researchers. The ceramic material can actuate without accumulating damage and withstand much higher temperatures than existing metals, making it suitable for applications such as actuators in jet engines.
Researchers at University of Toronto Engineering use supercritical carbon dioxide to recover lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. The process matches conventional extraction efficiency while using fewer chemicals and generating less secondary waste.
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory have developed a dimethyl ether-driven process for selectively separating rare earth elements and transition metals from magnet wastes. This method significantly reduces energy and product consumption compared to traditional methods.
A new study by the University of Bern has discovered 21 highly-active metal compounds that demonstrate good activity against various resistant fungal strains. These compounds were up to 30,000 times more active against fungi than human cells.
Researchers from the University of Groningen developed a new formula that classifies metals into a simple systematic manner. The formula, which describes the temperature-dependent resistivity response, reveals a surprising similarity among previously categorized 'strange' metals.
A Japanese team has introduced a molecular cage with 'caps' that can confine certain rare-earth-metal ions, including lanthanum and europium, for isolation or recycling. The critical feature of the cage is its two 'caps' that cover the openings and bind to the ions through hydrogen bridges and electrostatic interactions.
Penn State researchers have developed a method to extract valuable rare earth elements like neodymium from electronic waste using bio-based micro- and nanoparticles created from organic materials. This process can efficiently separate metals from refuse, providing a more sustainable solution than traditional mining methods.
Researchers discovered a genetic switch in group B streptococcus that helps it resist metal stress, including zinc and copper. This 'cross-talk' mechanism allows the bacterium to survive in the human body's immune system.
Researchers at Tohoku University successfully created a half-metal material with zero magnetization by combining iron, chromium, and sulfur. This breakthrough antiferromagnetic-like half metal enhances performance and improves the efficiency of electronic devices.
A review paper highlights the relationships between soil pollution and human health, with a particular focus on cardiovascular disease. Soil pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and plastics can damage cardiovascular health through inflammation and disrupting the body's natural clock.
Scientists have created a membrane made from a waste by-product of vegetable oil manufacturing that can filter out heavy metals from contaminated water. The membrane uses proteins derived from peanut or sunflower oil production to attract and trap heavy metal ions, purifying water to international drinking standards.
A new joint study by Southwest Research Institute and Sandia National Laboratories examines the effects of supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) on oxide film growth on additively manufactured metals and wrought stainless steel. The study found that both types of metals showed oxide growth, but with significant differences in grain size ...
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a photosynthesis-inspired process to convert acetylene into ethylene, a key ingredient in plastics. The new method uses visible light and water instead of high temperatures, flammable hydrogen, and expensive metals, achieving nearly 100% selectivity for ethylene.
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have achieved a breakthrough in using chromium compounds for efficient green-to-blue photon upconversion. This process can expand the use of low-energy sunlight in solar cells and photochemical reactions, reducing environmental impacts associated with rare metal extraction.
Great Salt Lake wetland plants can accumulate hazardous metal pollution, which can be passed up the food chain to herbivorous insects. This study found high concentrations of lead, mercury, and other metals in plant tissues, threatening terrestrial ecosystems.
Scientists have discovered that certain metals found in people's urine could be potentially useful clinical biomarkers for the early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI). The study, which was led by experts from the University of Nottingham, found that concentrations of these metals rose in urine within an hour after cardiac surgery ...
Scientists have found a novel pathway for forming smaller crystals in metals, leading to improved strength and toughness. By bombarding metal surfaces with tiny particles at high speeds, researchers increased copper's strength about tenfold.
A team of scientists has developed a method to extract precious metals like gold and platinum-group metals from electronic waste using the Picasso pigment, Prussian blue. This technique shows promise in improving the recycling of valuable metals from nuclear and electronic wastes.
A Korean research team has developed a gold recovery process with the world's highest recovery efficiency of 99.9%. The technology uses a capsule-type material that traps gold ions and prevents clogging, allowing for repeated recycling. This innovation can lead to significant cost savings and environmental benefits.
A research group has synthesized electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries using inexpensive elements, reducing industrial reliance on rare metals like cobalt and nickel. The new materials also show promise in improving the safety of LIBs.
Researchers have developed a new ligand that promotes a direct nickel-photocatalyzed cross-coupling reaction. This novel tridentate pyridinophane ligand enables the discovery of key reaction steps and intermediate species in the catalytic cycle.
AV3Sb5 kagome metals exhibit unusual quantum phenomena such as high-temperature superconductivity. Researchers identified four Van Hove singularities near the Fermi level, which enhance correlation effects and lead to competing orders.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University detected smallest earthquakes in micron-scale metals, exhibiting characteristics similar to seismic events. The findings reveal a two-level structure of strain bursts and demonstrate the correlation between acoustic signals and plastic deformation.
A team of researchers from Nanyang Technological University and National Parks Board in Singapore has discovered that certain tropical plant species can absorb and remove toxic heavy metals and metalloids from contaminated soil. The study identified 12 plant species effective for phytoremediation, including Cow Grass, Brake Fern, and I...
Researchers have synthesized a high-entropy alloy with 21 uniformly composed elements, improving solar steam generation performance. The alloy's unique structure enhances interband transitions and reduces thermal conductivity, leading to improved photothermal conversion efficiency.
Researchers develop new technologies to extract minerals from waste and tailings, recycling spent batteries and magnets. This project aims to reduce toxic waste and promote sustainable mining practices in Australia and India.
Researchers combined X-ray absorption spectroscopy with single-cell inductively couple plasma mass spectrometry to analyze the interaction between precious metals and Galdieria sulphuraria cells. They found that the amount of metal adsorbed depended on the metal type and solution acidity, revealing differential adsorption mechanisms.
Researchers have synthesized a new high-entropy alloy with 21 uniformly composed elements, achieving improved photothermal conversion performance. The alloy's unique structure enhances solar steam generation efficiency, reaching 99% and 2.42 kg m^-2 h^-1 under 1 sun irradiation.
Researchers have found that adding light elements like hydrogen, carbon, and boron to noble metal catalysts can significantly improve their activity and selectivity. This allows for novel effects in geometric and electronic modifications of noble metals.
Researchers at UC San Diego have designed a flexible protein system that selectively binds to non-copper metals, overcoming universal restrictions on metal selectivity. This breakthrough paves the way for the design of novel functional proteins and metal sequestration agents with potential applications in environmental remediation and ...
Researchers from Osaka University report a new technique for tracking the synthesis of core–shell bimetallic nanoparticles in real time, allowing for fine-tuning of nanomaterial preparation. The technique uses a piezoelectric resonator to monitor particle shape changes and track interdiffusion of metals.
A new study reveals that construction workers are at high risk of tracking multiple toxic metals into their homes, including arsenic, chromium, and lead. The study found a range of factors, such as lack of work lockers and poor hygiene practices, can impact metal concentrations in home dust.
The review article discusses unconventional metal-based materials for electrocatalysis, including s-, d-, and f-block metals. It aims to accelerate research and development of novel, innovative catalyst materials for efficient green hydrogen production.
A new method to produce hydrogen from water has been discovered, using cobalt and manganese as catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to a cleaner and more sustainable hydrogen economy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Research team discovers compound KV3Sb5 exhibiting simultaneous quantum phenomena, including superconducting phase with broken time reversal symmetry. The findings provide experimental evidence for a new type of unconventional superconductivity in kagome metals.
A new Dartmouth-led study found that antimony and other metals are associated with lower birthweight, while some metals show group- and sex-dependent associations. The research suggests that reducing exposure to these metals could help prevent harmful effects on fetal growth.
A new catalyst developed by researchers extracts hydrogen from liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) easily and efficiently. The breakthrough offers a promising solution to adopting hydrogen fuel for transportation, addressing a long-standing challenge.
Researchers from Tohoku University have developed a sustainable alternative to rare metals for metal-air battery catalysts, utilizing sea pineapple shells and blood waste. The new method produces high-quality carbon with electrical performances similar to that of rare metals.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have discovered a super-elastic high-entropy Elinvar alloy that retains its stiffness even after being heated to 1000 K. The alloy's unique structure and chemical composition allow it to store a large amount of elastic energy, making it suitable for high-precision devices in aerospace enginee...
Scientists have successfully manipulated liquid metals in a non-contact manner by applying electromagnetic induction, allowing for the creation of unique shapes and structures. The discovery opens up new possibilities for advanced manufacturing and dynamic electronic structures.
Scientists discovered oscillatory bifurcation patterns on liquid metal surfaces, mirroring the cyclic power blocs in 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms.' The unusual patterns emerge due to surface instability, with potential applications in plasmonic sensing and high-efficiency electronics.
Cornell University chemists have developed a class of nonprecious metal derivatives that can efficiently power cars and generate electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. The breakthrough could enable wider deployment of hydrogen fuel cells, replacing combustion engines and reducing waste.
A study published in Applied Economics analyzed the relationship between precious metal commodities and equity markets, revealing that gold and aluminum are the most desirable metals for investment. The research also found that copper and zinc have the largest spillovers on global equity indices.
Researchers have discovered a temperature-dependent zone in the Earth's crust that allows critical metals like copper and tellurium to escape and rise towards the surface. This 'Goldilocks zone' is located at around 1000°C, making it possible for targeted mining of these essential metals.
A new 'Goldilocks Zone' has been discovered in the Earth's crust, allowing critical metals like gold, copper, and tellurium to pass upwards. This finding sheds light on planetary cycles of metals and could enable more targeted mineral exploration, reducing environmental impact.