Articles tagged with Fossil Fuels
A consortium led by the University of Bath aims to develop technology for chemically breaking down mixtures of plastics into their constituent molecules. This project could make a big difference in increasing plastic recycling rates, with the goal of reaching 75% in the UK by 2035.
Researchers at ASU have made significant advances in catalysis, a crucial energy technology. Their work, featured on the cover of the October edition of ACS Catalysis, explores electrocatalytic properties of binuclear Cu(II) fused porphyrins for hydrogen evolution.
Researchers at UD are developing a solar-driven carbon dioxide utilization technology to produce chemicals and fuels without using fossil sources. The system aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing carbon-neutral solar electricity.
A new analysis reveals that lobbyists spent over $2 billion on influencing climate-related legislation in the US Congress between 2000 and 2016. The electrical utilities sector and fossil fuel companies dominated climate lobbying efforts, with spending peaking at $362 million in 2009.
A new study forecasts up to 1,000 additional deaths annually in the Eastern US due to elevated air pollution from increased air conditioning use. The study suggests transitioning to clean energy sources like wind and solar power to mitigate these effects.
Researchers have developed a new catalyst that increases the rate of methanol formation by three times over palladium alone and four times over copper alone. The catalyst combines palladium and copper in a precise atomic ratio, creating an ideal surface structure for efficient CO2-to-methanol conversion.
A 'carbon bubble' is forming as global demand for fossil fuels declines, with major macroeconomic and geopolitical consequences. The study models the impact of declining demand on national economies, predicting that producer countries like the USA and Russia will lose GDP growth, while importing countries like China and the EU will gain.
Indigenous communities in Canada are increasingly adopting community-led renewable energy infrastructure, leading to improvements in economic and social development. The study found that small-scale renewable energy projects demonstrated positive environmental and economic outcomes, offering a blueprint for future larger projects.
Researchers at Indiana University have developed a method to identify communities that may be negatively affected by clean energy policies. The tool uses the Vulnerability Scoping Diagram to pinpoint populations at highest risk for negative socioeconomic consequences.
A team of renewable energy experts at the University of Exeter has developed a new method to produce hydrogen from sunlight using a revolutionary photo-electrode. This breakthrough could create a virtually limitless energy source with zero carbon emissions and double the energy density of fossil fuels.
Researchers Adam Frank and Gavin Schmidt propose a new definition of civilization based on its energy use, exploring the potential for detection in the geological record. They discuss various signs left behind by industrial activities, such as fossil fuel emissions and global warming, to determine if human beings existed.
Researchers at Osaka City University have developed a method to harness the potential of egg whites as a substrate for producing carbon-free hydrogen. This involves using a photocatalyst to speed up the reaction and manipulating molecular components through cooperative immobilization.
Researchers from Princeton University and NOAA found that the Arabian Sea's extreme cyclone activity increased significantly since 2014, with a 27% rise in 2015. The study validated climate model projections by showing that global warming and fossil fuel burning led to the formation of these storms.
Jens Nielsen, Scientific Director at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, received the ENI Energy Frontiers Award for his groundbreaking research on producing fuels and chemical products from renewable sources. The award recognizes his work on engineering microorganisms to open new solutions for biofuel production.
A new additive consisting of oxygenated organic compounds has been developed to reduce the release of pollutants during the combustion of fossil fuels. The researchers' study found that diethyl carbonate can facilitate clean combustion of diesel fuels, reducing soot production and environmental damage.
Scientists at NIST have developed a laboratory instrument that can measure the source of carbon in materials, enabling new applications in biofuels and bioplastics industries. The instrument uses cavity ringdown spectroscopy to detect subtle differences in CO2 wavelengths, allowing for accurate measurement of heavy CO2 concentrations.
Researchers have developed a new promising feedstock for biojet fuel that could replace up to 65% of national jet fuel consumption. The feedstock, called lipidcane, produces oil-rich sugarcane that can be converted into biodiesel or jet fuel.
The new lab will help researchers characterize thermal properties of rock samples and model subsurface heterogeneity for more efficient geothermal systems. Professor Jasmin Raymond's team aims to develop environments conducive to shallow and deep geothermal systems, improving their design and competitiveness.
Researchers found natural geologic methane emissions were three to four times lower than previously estimated numbers, suggesting anthropogenic fossil methane emissions are higher. The study suggests reducing methane emissions from fossil fuels may be an even more important factor in reducing global warming.
Scientists have developed a light-activated material that can chemically convert carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide without generating unwanted byproducts. The material, a nickel organic crystalline structure, showed near 100% selectivity for CO production and no detection of competing gas products.
A new study finds that increased air pollution particles in the air can cut life expectancy by 9-11 years, with a significant difference in estimated costs between the US and EU. The study uses a lifetable of 100,000 people to simulate the effect of long-term exposure to increased air pollution.
Researchers have identified a key reason why super hydrophobic surfaces are unreliable: tiny trace amounts of surfactants can cause an imbalance in water flow, resulting in increased drag. The scientists propose changing the patterning of SHS to accumulate surfactant buildup farther down the interface, reducing drag.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a system to harness waste energy from idling service vehicles, such as buses or delivery trucks, to reduce emissions. By capturing this energy, vehicles can be turned off without shutting down auxiliary systems like refrigeration and air conditioning units.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a solar paint that can split water atoms to generate hydrogen fuel, the cleanest source of energy. The innovative material, synthetic molybdenum-sulphide, catalyses the reaction and acts as a semi-conductor, making it efficient in producing hydrogen from solar energy and moist air.
A new breakthrough simplifies the process of turning old coffee waste into cleaner biofuels, making it a more commercially competitive source of fuel. The researchers developed an in-situ transesterification process that combines oil extraction and conversion into biodiesel, reducing time and energy costs.
Researchers at Griffith University have made significant progress in developing highly efficient catalysts for turning water into clean chemical fuel like hydrogen. The project aims to address high overpotentials hindering gas evolution reactions, which are critical for clean energy generation and storage technologies.
A-LEAF project, led by ICIQ, aims to build a photovoltaic device mimicking photosynthesis to produce clean fuels and raw materials using sunlight, water, and CO2. The project seeks to develop sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
A study published in Oceanography presents a concept for large-scale industrial cultivation of marine microalgae to reduce fossil fuel use and generate nutritious animal feeds. Growing enough algae to meet current global liquid fuel demand would require an area roughly three times the size of Texas.
EPFL scientists have discovered a way to convert lignin from plant biomass into valuable molecules for biofuels and plastics using formaldehyde. The method resulted in yields 3-7 times higher than those without formaldehyde, offering a potential solution for sustainable energy production.
Researchers generated methane from carbon dioxide in one enzymatic step using a light-driven bacterium. This breakthrough could lead to large-scale capture of environmentally damaging byproducts and conversion into alternative fuels.
Naturally occurring carbon dioxide concentrations allowed for a relatively slow onset of climate change effects. Scientists have a longer window to understand and mitigate human-induced climate change.
A recent study reveals that ship engine emissions adversely affect macrophages, a key component of the immune system. The toxic effects of these emissions on macrophages can lead to pro-inflammatory reactions and other biological processes, highlighting the need for efficient particle-reducing measures.
Children are disproportionately affected by disease from air pollution and climate change due to their biological vulnerability. Reducing fossil fuel dependence can alleviate these issues, resulting in fewer low birth weight babies, asthma cases, and neurodevelopmental problems.
Researchers have discovered essential proteins controlling cellulose assembly, enabling improved biomass production and guiding plant breeding for wood and ethanol applications. The findings aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% compared to fossil fuel sources, providing a sustainable alternative for the industry.
Research from the University of Colorado found an inverse relationship between fossil fuel emissions and biomass burning, with locations having high emissions being rare. The study suggests a shift towards more efficient combustion methods, potentially excluding open-fire use in landscapes.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab engineered a strain of bacteria that enables a one-pot method for producing advanced biofuels from plant material, simplifying the production process and potentially lowering costs. The breakthrough could help make biofuels a viable competitor to fossil fuels.
A recent UCR study found that biomass burning of polluted forest fuels exacerbates poor air quality and related health concerns in heavily polluted areas. The research showed that emissions from polluted fuels released more nitrogen oxides and small fine particles, posing respiratory health risks.
A new study finds that climate change is becoming noticeable at mid-latitudes, especially in summer, with extreme events more frequent due to rising temperatures. The researchers argue that a carbon fee is needed to spur the transition to clean energy and reduce fossil fuel emissions.
Researchers at Boston University found that urban soils in metropolitan areas surrounding the city core release significant amounts of CO2 through a process called soil respiration. This discovery highlights the importance of considering biological emissions in assessments of climate action programs.
VILLUM FONDEN awards $150 million grant to establish a new research centre at Technical University of Denmark, focusing on developing sustainable fuels and chemicals. The centre will be led by Professor Ib Chorkendorff and aims to contribute to the green transformation of global society.
The analysis highlights the importance of considering long-term impacts of climate change, which can last tens of thousands of years. Reducing emissions slightly or significantly is not sufficient, with the target being zero or negative carbon emissions as soon as possible.
China is now the second-largest performer of research and development, accounting for 20 percent of global R&D. The US leads in S&E but faces challenges from Southeast and South Asia, with China playing a key role.
Scientists warn of self-reinforcing cycle of permafrost thaw and global warming. Experts call on world leaders to act now to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion.
Researchers at Cardiff University have devised a way of increasing the yield of biodiesel by using the waste left over from its production process. By recycling crude glycerol, they can convert it into methanol, which is then used as a starting reactant to create more biodiesel.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that meat food waste has a significant impact on the environment due to increased energy use in its production. The study suggests that consumers and institutions should be more conscious of not only the amount but also the types of food being wasted.
Researchers use climate model to tag soot sources and track its impact on the Tibetan Plateau, finding that soot from wildfires in India warms the region more than greenhouse gases. The study suggests that cutting emissions from central Asia's fossil fuel burning can have a significant impact on reducing soot levels on the plateau.
Scientists have developed a new material that can capture and convert waste heat from engines into electrical energy, potentially improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This innovative technology could also have applications in aerospace and manufacturing sectors.
Scientists develop a novel artificial photosynthetic system that converts light and carbon dioxide into building blocks for plastics, pharmaceuticals and fuels without electricity. The system harnesses solar energy and bacteria to produce chemical precursors for everyday products.
Researchers investigated wood supply and demand in Bavaria by 2035, finding that using wood as a building material first reduces ecological benefits. Wood scarcity could lead to increased imports and substitute products, affecting jobs and carbon balance.
A team of Brazilian researchers review the risk assessments for carbon geological storage technology and suggest caution is needed due to uncertainty about leakage from geological deposits. The scientific consensus emphasizes the importance of reducing emissions at source rather than relying on this method.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have created a synthetic pathway for biosynthesis of renewable propane, paving the way for its commercial production. The breakthrough uses an engineered enzyme variant to redirect microbial pathways, producing propane as a clean-burning alternative to fossil fuels.
A recent study reveals biomass burners emit fine particulate emissions linked to heart problems and premature deaths. The researchers found that maintaining high burning efficiency can reduce these emissions and improve air quality.
Washington State University researchers develop a new catalyst using inexpensive iron and rare palladium to remove oxygen from plant-based materials, improving biofuel production. The combination increases activity, stability, and selectivity, reducing costs and increasing yields.
A global life cycle assessment of renewable energy future reveals significant reductions in air pollution and improvement in human health. The study finds that a shift to low-carbon technologies will increase demand for raw materials, but these demands are manageable and do not outweigh the benefits.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that reducing fossil fuel consumption can lead to cleaner air, increased physical fitness, and improved public health. The analysis highlights opportunities for co-benefits between climate change mitigation and human health.
A new study reveals that news coverage of environmental disasters like the Exxon Valdez 2014 oil spill calms consumer anxieties instead of driving change. The media coverage creates a 'disaster myth' that directs attention to the company responsible, providing a dramatic closure, and distracting from systemic risks.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are studying ways to make solid oxide fuel cells last longer and more efficiently. They will test small lab-scale fuel cells under accelerated ageing conditions to identify the culprits behind performance loss.
Wally Broeker advocates for carbon capture technology to reduce global warming by capturing atmospheric CO2 and storing it underground. He argues that this approach is crucial to mitigating the effects of human activity on the environment.
A team of researchers from the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center has identified genes and enzymes that produce a promising compound, the 19 carbon furan-containing fatty acid. This compound has various potential uses as a biological alternative to compounds derived from fossil fuels. The discovery was published in Proceedings of th...
China faces both criticisms and accolades for its environmental record, being both the largest polluter and the country leading in cleaning up pollution. Dr. Joachim H. Spangenberg suggests three fields of action to help China reduce its climate footprint and accumulated debt within a decade.