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Using lightning to make ammonia out of thin air

University of Sydney researchers have developed a method to produce ammonia in gas form using electricity, offering a more sustainable alternative to the current Haber-Bosch process. This new approach reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a promising solution for the agricultural and hydrogen industries.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2025

Study shows making hydrogen with soda cans and seawater is scalable and sustainable

A new process using seawater and recycled soda cans can produce green hydrogen with a low carbon footprint comparable to other green hydrogen technologies. Researchers found that the overall emissions of this method are on par with those of fossil-fuel-based processes, making it a scalable and sustainable option for energy production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports Sustainability·DateJun 4, 2025

Positive and negative impacts of interfacial hydrogen bonds on photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Researchers investigate interfacial hydrogen bond structure and dynamics to maximize catalytic activity in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Depositing three water layers in a water vapor environment is optimal for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, according to the study.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Enhancing the performance of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis by constructing electron/proton pathways

Researchers developed PEDOT:F ionomer to improve PEMWE performance. The hybrid conductor facilitates water adsorption and reduces energy barriers, leading to enhanced oxygen evolution reaction performance. This innovation promotes smoother particle migration during electrolysis.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Powder Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Longer-lasting and more sustainable green hydrogen production

Researchers at RIKEN have improved the stability of a green hydrogen production process by using a custom-made catalyst, increasing its lifetime by almost 4,000 times. The breakthrough uses earth-abundant materials, making it more sustainable and potentially cost-effective for widespread industrial use.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 26, 2024

Decommissioned offshore structures could offer only limited ecological benefits

A new study published in Nature Sustainability suggests that decommissioned offshore structures may only provide limited long-term ecological benefits. The research analyzed over 530 scientific studies on the effects of marine artificial structures and found no conclusive evidence to support their use as artificial reefs.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 22, 2024

Synergy palladium single atoms and twinned nanoparticles for efficient CO₂ photoreduction

Researchers engineered the electron density of Pd single atoms with twinned Pd nanoparticles, creating strong electronic metal-support interactions for efficient CO2 photoreduction. The team found that Pd-TPs served as an electron donor, enriching electron density on catalytic centers and accelerating carbonyl desorption.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Powder Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

The past and present of 3D-printed critical materials for rechargeable batteries

Recent research highlights the excellent electrochemical performance of critical 3D printing materials in rechargeable batteries. The study outlines the typical characteristics of major 3D printing methods used in fabricating electrochemical energy storage devices and discusses crucial materials for 3D printing of rechargeable batterie...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 7, 2023

Towards efficient lithium–air batteries with solution plasma-based synthesis of perovskite hydroxide catalysts

Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology have developed a faster way to synthesize CoSn(OH)6, a powerful catalyst required for high-energy lithium–air batteries. The new method uses solution plasma-based synthesis and achieves highly crystalline CSO crystals with improved catalytic properties.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalSustainable Energy & Fuels·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Marine environment at risk due to ship emissions

A new study from Chalmers University of Technology reveals that the marine environment is at risk due to ship emissions, particularly from scrubber discharge water and antifouling paint. The cumulative environmental risk in ports was found to be five and thirteen times higher than acceptable limits.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 2023

New recipes for better solar fuel production

A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

Carbon-negative hydrogen production technology: a new perspective for bio-energy with CO₂ capture and storage

A new alkaline thermal treatment (ATT) technology produces hydrogen from biomass with significant potential for negative carbon emissions. The study highlights the importance of alkali and catalysts in the reaction mechanism, suggesting strategies to enhance efficiency and overcome kinetic limitations.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalCarbon Resources Conversion·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 9, 2023

New synthesis method enhances the electrochemical performance of lithium sulfur batteries

Researchers designed a bifunctional high entropy metal oxide/carbon nanofibers interlayer via simple electrospinning to improve lithium sulfur battery performance. The unique structure and function of the interlayer reduce shuttle effects and limit lithium polysulfides crossover, resulting in superior electrochemical performance.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Energy & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2022

Funding awarded for an innovation to recover hydrogen from waste to help safeguard energy security

A team at the University of Manchester has received funding to develop a novel hydrogen separation technique, which could make clean energy production cheaper and more sustainable. The project aims to overcome cost barriers for commercial hydrogen extraction from unrecyclable wastes, supporting ambitious clean energy targets.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2022

Intermetallic palladium-zinc alloy: a corrosion-resistant, highly active, low-cost electrocatalyst!

Researchers have developed an intermetallic palladium-zinc alloy with high corrosion resistance and improved catalytic activity. The alloy's unique structure creates a protective skeletal shell around the zinc atoms, preventing leaching and increasing its durability as an electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation reactions.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalResearch on Chemical Intermediates·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2022

Fuel from a greenhouse gas

A team of researchers has created a novel catalyst with single gold atoms that selectively converts carbon dioxide into methane. The catalyst, which anchors to an ultrathin zinc–indium sulfide nanolayer, exhibits high activity and CH4 selectivity when exposed to sunlight.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2022

Novel design for dual-atom catalyst could reduce the environmental impact of ammonia production

Researchers have developed a novel dual-atom catalyst design that can reduce the environmental impact of ammonia production. The new design uses a hybrid of iron and molybdenum to activate dinitrogen, resulting in a more efficient and eco-friendly method for ammonia synthesis.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Energy & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2022