A team of researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Sandia National Laboratories has developed a simple method for breaking down durable plastics that currently have no practical recycling method. The approach uses less energy and produces less waste than incineration, while allowing for the full recovery of valuable fibers.
Researchers have developed an enzyme that can break down polyurethane in shoe foams, a significant step towards recycling plastic waste. The enzyme, based on a bacterium found in compost, can degrade polyurethane at lower temperatures and pressures than current recycling technologies.
A new study found that proteins with a certain type of structure are more likely to misfold and be targeted for removal, yet nearly half still evade the cellular maintenance crew. This can disrupt protein production and recycling, potentially contributing to aging and disease.
A closed-loop recycling system for spent cathode materials has been proposed, utilizing artificial intelligence to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The system uses precision recycling, enabling adaptive, data-informed decision-making throughout the battery life cycle.
A new study from the University of Mississippi and Texas A&M University demonstrates a simpler, lower-cost way to produce carbon-recycling catalysts at larger scales, addressing a major barrier to commercial adoption. The new catalyst could reduce the cost of recycling to $145 per ton, some $255 below the current market price.
A graded recycling framework for real-world waste plastics aims to maximize carbon retention and improve recycling efficiency. The framework organizes mechanical recycling, chemical reconstruction, gasification, and biological upgrading as complementary strategies.
Scientists have discovered specialized compartments within the sperm nucleus packed with proteasomes, which are responsible for breaking down and recycling proteins. This finding could open new avenues for understanding male fertility and provides an unprecedented look inside sperm cells.
Researchers from Tohoku University and Queen Mary University of London have developed a low-temperature method for graphene production, utilizing acetylene gas and cerium oxide. This breakthrough enables precise control over the material's final form and paves the way for sustainable resource recycling.
A new study reveals that China's retired electric vehicle batteries could unlock six billion tons of climate gains by 2050 if spatial mismatches are resolved. By prioritizing high-value utilization pathways like power storage and direct recycling, cost savings and emissions reductions can be delivered. The study suggests that establish...
Researchers at KIER develop technology to separate current collectors from spent battery cathode materials, regenerating materials to near-pristine condition. The process uses diethylene glycol solution, enabling complete separation and simultaneous regeneration of cathode materials.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a novel polymer that can be heated to 90°C, turning it into a gas, which then spontaneously reforms into the original polymer. This breakthrough could simplify polymer processing and recycling, eliminating complex steps.
A new study finds that the world's growing solar panel waste could deliver significant economic benefits if recycled properly. Researchers estimate that global PV waste will reach 297-402 million tonnes by 2060, containing valuable materials like silicon and metals.
Researchers observe star fragments plowing through surrounding gas, tracing the recycling process that supplies raw materials for new planets and stars. The study offers a glimpse into the potential fate of our Sun, which will shed its outer layers and return material to the Milky Way.
A new study suggests that shifting U.S. agricultural exports from animal feed to animal-derived foods could reduce global nitrogen loss by 38% and greenhouse gas emissions by 17%. The change could also increase U.S. trade revenue by $10.5 billion, while improving nutrient recycling and manure management.
Researchers at Science Tokyo developed iron-substituted calcium titanate as an environmentally friendly support material for chemical looping. The material improves CO2 conversion by accelerating ion and electron transport, enabling scalable carbon recycling with abundant, low-cost elements.
A new study reveals that photoreceptors possess an internal recycling system that removes damaged proteins and maintains cellular health. This discovery has important implications for inherited retinal diseases and raises questions about the safety of certain drugs in clinical testing.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a method to restore the mechanical strength of degraded polybutylene terephthalate by repairing molecular chains with a chain extender. The technique recovers plastic tensile strength to nearly that of virgin material, enabling high-performance plastics to be reused instead of discarded.
A new study recommends reducing and reusing nappies, developing recycling technologies, and creating compostable products to tackle the plastic waste crisis. The research team identifies three system interventions that can radically reduce the environmental impact of absorbent hygiene products.
A study of almost 2800 Australians over four years found no evidence that personal environmental actions like recycling and using public transport hinder support for broader climate action. Everyday behaviours are expressions of existing values rather than catalysts or obstacles for political engagement.
An international team of scientists developed a novel, catalyst-free plastic recycling process that uses only water and oxygen to convert various types of plastic waste into high-value organic acids. The method achieved near-complete conversion with minimal environmental impact.
A new analysis shows that advanced LFP battery technology, combined with longer lifetimes and smaller cars, can make a 100% Europe electrification feasible. Reusing retired EV batteries in energy storage systems cuts carbon emissions but delays recycling.
Japanese researchers have developed a catalyst that selectively degrades polyurethane in mixed plastic waste, allowing for the separation and chemical recycling of complex materials. The breakthrough opens up new possibilities for waste management, particularly in industries such as end-of-life vehicle recycling and mattress disposal.
University of Delaware researchers have developed a spray-jet method that recovers precious metals and other materials from used hydrogen-energy devices. The new recycling approach uses no harsh chemicals or burning, preserving the membrane itself while extracting platinum and iridium separately.
Researchers from CityUHK successfully recycle spin-triplet excitons, increasing power conversion efficiency in organic photovoltaics to 20.5%. By fine-tuning the side-chain structure and exciton delocalisation, they facilitate the dissociation of triplet excitons, paving the way for next-generation high-performance organic solar cells.
A novel approach using silica microspheres encapsulates colorants in plastics, allowing for easy recycling and selective separation of colors. This technology enables the reuse of high-value resources from previously downcycled plastics, significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a safer metal recycling method for the battery industry using renewable biomass, reducing the risk of fire and hazardous substance exposure. The new method performs just as well as conventional processes in extracting important metals.
A new cellulose-based material, celluplastic, exhibits high strength, flexibility, and transparency, rivaling conventional plastics. It can be fully recycled in water over 100 cycles without chemical degradation.
A new study from Penn State researchers found that sending a simple acknowledgment message to customers can boost repeat participation in recycling and reuse programs, making sustainable behavior more sustainable over time. The study showed that acknowledgment emails tripled consumer participation in a dining service's reuse program.
Researchers have developed new chemical recycling methods for polyurethane (PU) foams, including hydrogenation, acidolysis, and chem-solvolysis. These approaches can recover polyols and aromatic amines, which can be used to produce new PU materials.
Emerging biocatalytic strategies for plastic depolymerization leverage AI-enabled enzyme design and multi-enzyme cascades to enhance sustainable recycling. Researchers develop novel biocatalysts through de novo design, overcoming constraints with structural similarity to natural hydrolases.
The University of Manchester is developing new technologies to recover valuable materials from hard-to-recycle waste, including disposable vapes and cars. The project aims to break down these materials at a molecular level and recover valuable components that can be reused.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute develop a one-step molten salt upcycling process to transform spent nickel cathodes into high-performance materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. This approach reduces recycling costs and energy demands while increasing the value of recovered materials.
Researchers develop bond-centric framework to selectively activate C-H and C-C bonds in biomass and plastics for sustainable valorization. The review proposes a roadmap for industrialization, focusing on precise bond discrimination, high solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiencies, and hybrid systems.
Additives in plastics represent a major understudied frontier in recycling science. Mainstream recycling technologies face distinct challenges with additives, including gradual accumulation of unwanted compounds and limited detection methods.
Researchers at TUM have developed a sorting process to extract recyclable plastics from end-of-life vehicle residues, producing materials that can be reused in new vehicles. The process shows promise in meeting EU quotas and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A feasibility study assesses the integration of PeroCycle's patented carbon recycling technology into Jindal Steel's operations, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions and lower reliance on fossil-based agents. The partnership could set a new global benchmark for low-emission steel production in the Middle East.
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have developed an eco-friendly solid-phase extraction process to recover critical raw materials from NdFeB magnets. The method uses organic methanesulfonic acid, achieving a high recovery rate of over 96% and purity of over 99%.
A new study reveals that impaired protein recycling is the key factor in T cell exhaustion, allowing researchers to develop a 'tag and sort' fix to restore normal proteostasis. This approach boosts the potency of cell therapy against cancer.
A team of Rice University researchers has developed a faster and more energy-efficient way to recover critical minerals from spent lithium-ion batteries. The new method uses aqueous solutions of amino chlorides, which can extract valuable metals in minutes rather than hours.
The review maps the most promising routes for recycling spent LiFePO4 batteries, focusing on pretreatment, impurity control, direct regeneration, hydrometallurgy, and selective auxiliary processes. It highlights hydrometallurgy as a promising strategy for large-scale recovery needs.
Researchers developed a heat-tolerant cutinase enzyme that combines structural rigidity with flexibility, enabling efficient degradation of PET at high temperatures. This discovery provides new insights into designing enzymes for sustainable plastic recycling and addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste.
A specific protein complex regulates protein balance in plants, influencing their response to environmental stress. Researchers discovered that this process, known as N-terminal acetylation, maintains the stability of the plant proteome by controlling protein degradation and recycling.
A new study by the University at Buffalo reveals that unequal access to recycling facilities plays a key role in shaping plastic waste management practices in the US. Wealthier and more college-educated communities are more likely to have convenient access to large-scale industrial recycling facilities, making recycling easier and more...
A novel mechanical activation assisted strategy achieves selective extraction of Li+ from spent cathode materials with highly utilization efficiency of H+ (>97%), reducing secondary pollutant generation. The developed process obviates the need for auxiliary reagents and substantially reduces chemical consumption.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a breakthrough method for chemically recycling acrylic plastics using lower temperatures and sustainable solvents. The new process delivers over 95% conversion of the plastic and yields high-quality monomers, offering a clear pathway toward genuine circularity in acrylic materials.
Researchers have developed an engineered enzyme that can efficiently break down polyurethane (PU) plastics, providing a sustainable solution to the growing problem of plastic waste. The enzyme, Aes72, was designed using advanced simulations and engineering techniques to enhance its catalytic efficiency.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to recover nearly all critical minerals from spent lithium-ion batteries, including metals like lithium and graphite. The process uses microwave-induced plasma treatment with room-temperature solvents, resulting in high recovery rates and minimal environmental impact.
The article proposes multiple routes for green development of polymeric materials, including renewable biomass resources and carbon dioxide feedstocks. It also discusses the importance of recycling, biodegradation, and designing new recyclable polymers with closed-loop chemical recycling capabilities.
Research highlights biodegradable polymers' energy efficiency in recycling, challenging the assumption of composting as the only end-of-life solution. Chemical recycling offers better environmental and economic outcomes, transforming waste into a profitable resource.
A study reveals how sludge-derived hydrothermal byproducts alter periphyton communities, reducing ecosystem multifunctionality and microbial network complexity. HAP's nutrient-rich properties also pose ecological risks, highlighting the need for careful optimization and monitoring to ensure sustainable nutrient recycling.
Bone char produced from animal bones can transform a large global waste stream into a valuable agricultural resource, recycling phosphorus and improving soil health. Laboratory and field studies show that bone char can enhance soil fertility by gradually releasing phosphorus over time, reducing nutrient losses and promoting plant growth.
A new Concordia study reveals that UK household recycling rates are influenced by factors such as garbage collection frequency, education, and population density. The research found that districts with less frequent garbage collection and convenient recycling systems had higher recycling rates, with median levels of around 61%.
A new study by Manchester researchers argues that directional terms like 'upcycling' and 'downcycling' can skew perceptions of plastic sustainability. The study suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed to evaluate the environmental impact of recycling technologies.
Researchers found that fungi recycle mycelium based on two clear strategies: wasteful and frugal. The 'wasteful' group leaves behind inactive mycelium, while the 'frugal' group quickly recycles nutrients to preserve them and reduce losses to other organisms. This discovery provides new insights into the carbon cycle and climate.
Researchers at Newcastle University have created a reversible adhesive that can bond materials together like traditional glue but can also be easily separated. This technology allows for the reuse, repurposing, or recycling of dissimilar materials, making it a game-changer for industries such as packaging and automotive parts.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new technology for plastic recycling that uses aqueous chemi-mechanical recycling to blend, decolorize, and purify mixed polyolefins. This approach reduces energy consumption and eliminates toxic chemicals compared to existing methods.
A groundbreaking field-based research study from Nankai University found the average carbon emission of dismantling a single unit of E-waste increased from 1.2513 kgCO2 to 1.3335 kgCO2 between 2013 and 2020, highlighting the urgent need for more efficient recycling technologies.
The University of Birmingham has launched a new facility for separating and recycling rare earth magnets, reducing the UK's reliance on imports. The facility uses an innovative hydrogen-based process that can recover over 400kg of rare earth alloy per batch.
Researchers have identified a new class of small molecules that boost the cell's natural recycling machinery to destroy an immune-modulating enzyme called IDO1. This approach takes a bolder approach than traditional drug design, eliminating disease-causing proteins altogether and opening up new possibilities for cancer treatment.
Academician Yu-Zhong Wang's team proposes a novel recycling method that degrades polyethylene into oligomers, which are then assembled with functional monomers through dynamic imine bonds. The resulting material exhibits excellent mechanical properties and multiple functions such as flame retardancy, antistatic properties, and UV shiel...