Articles tagged with Gasoline
A Northwestern University study reveals a 20% decrease in ozone levels when fuel prices drive residents to switch from ethanol to gasoline in flexible-fuel vehicles. The study uses big data and consumer surveys to analyze the impact of human behavior on air quality in São Paulo.
A University of Alberta team developed a computer program to analyze chemical data from arson scenes, reducing the need for human analysis and speeding up investigations. The program can classify debris in seconds, helping investigators pinpoint the cause of fires more quickly.
Researchers at UC Davis have invented a technique to produce gasoline-like fuels from cellulosic materials like farm and forestry waste. This breakthrough could lead to a larger market for renewable fuels beyond existing diesel substitutes.
A recent study on gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology found that it can reduce particulate matter emissions to meet new California and EPA standards. GDI vehicles tested over a lifetime of 150,000 miles hovered near or below the limit set by the new regulations.
A new study by MIT economists Christopher Knittel and Aaron Smith challenges the notion that increasing ethanol content in gasoline reduces its price. The study found no causal link between ethanol and lower gas prices, contradicting previous claims of a $0.89 to $1.09 per gallon reduction.
A Korean research team developed a novel strategy for microbial gasoline production through metabolic engineering of E. coli, producing 580 mg of gasoline per liter of cultured broth. The platform E. coli strain can be modified to produce other chemicals, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil resources.
The Indy 500 has switched to a fuel containing 85% ethanol, which reduces air pollutants and releases mainly carbon dioxide and water vapor. Studies have shown that using fuels composed of more than 85% ethanol reduce sulfur emissions by 80%, carbon monoxide by 40%, particulate matter by 20%, VOCs by 15%, and nitrogen oxides by 10%.
A new metal-organic framework (MOF) material has been developed to separate the highest-octane components of gasoline, potentially making petroleum refining cheaper and more efficient. The MOF selectively traps lower-octane isomers, allowing for a more efficient separation process.
Researchers developed nanostructures that suppress 'thin-film interference', a phenomenon causing light loss in multiple-layered thin films. These nanostructures reduce reflection by up to 100 times, potentially increasing the efficiency of thin-film solar cells.
Tests conducted by NIST found that portable generators retrofitted with off-the-shelf hardware emitted 90% less carbon monoxide than standard generators. The reduced emissions are expected to delay the onset and progression of CO poisoning symptoms, leading to fewer deaths and injuries.
Researchers propose duckweed as a sustainable alternative for producing gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel due to its fast growth rate and ability to thrive in wastewater. The study suggests that small-scale duckweed refineries can produce cost-competitive fuel when oil prices reach $100 per barrel.
Efforts to reduce lead pollution have been largely successful, but the problem persists due to new industrial inputs and consumer product contamination. Blood lead levels remain high, with no known threshold for toxicity, posing ongoing health risks to people and animals worldwide.
A CU-led team has been awarded a $9.2 million DOE grant to research modifying E. coli to produce biofuels like gasoline. The team aims to develop technologies that can efficiently and inexpensively convert E. coli into ethylene and isobutanol, widely used commodities for gasoline production.
Researchers found that ethanol-based liquids mix actively with water, unlike pure gasoline, posing a significant threat to aquatic life. The study's findings could impact response guidelines for biofuel spills and highlight the need for further investigation into ethanol's environmental effects.
Dr. Jay Keasling has made significant contributions to synthetic biology, engineering microbial factories to produce affordable antimalarial drugs and biofuels. His work has improved the lives of millions of people in impoverished areas, making him a true science hero.
A new process converts municipal waste to gasoline, diesel and jet fuel using Integrated Hydropyrolysis and Hydroconversion technology. This process produces a finished, ready-to-use liquid hydrocarbon fuel with the flexibility to use various feedstocks and production costs significantly lower than fossil fuels.
Scientists have discovered a white rot fungus that can break down tough cellulose in corn stover, releasing sugars for ethanol fermentation. The study found that the fungus extracted up to 30% more sugar from corn leaves and 50% more from stalks and cobs.
Researchers create ultra-thin zeolite nanosheets catalyst for faster chemical reactions in industries; increased efficiencies could lower costs for consumers. The discovery improves production per manufacturing dollar, leading to potential cost drops for gasoline and other products.
Triclosan effectively preserves gasoline and fire starters in charred remains, enabling crime scene investigators to determine arson intent. This preservation method could help law enforcement officials catch criminals and reveal the true extent of arson problems.
The biofuels industry is expected to become a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable solution for the world's growing energy demands. Researchers at the University of British Columbia are working to speed up the process of converting biomass into biofuels, making it cheaper and more efficient.
Electric cars in China cause much more overall harmful particulate matter pollution than gasoline cars due to power plant emissions; however, their impact on public health is lower due to distance from population centers. E-bikes yield the lowest environmental health impacts per passenger.
Researchers have discovered a new porous zeolite material that can convert gasoline directly into diesel, offering a potential solution to the growing demand for diesel. The ITQ-39 material has complex atomic structure and channels of varying size and shape, enabling efficient conversion.
A consortium of universities, small companies, and bigger players in the energy sector has developed a novel approach to reviving biofuels. The project focuses on redesigning engines to adapt to non-conventional fuels, resulting in less noisy and longer-lasting engines.
Researchers found that electric vehicle charging at night reduces ozone levels, with the nighttime charging scenario showing the best results on average. This supports efforts to develop regulation encouraging nighttime charging through variable electricity pricing.
Research from the University of Murcia found that petrol stations release airborne organic compounds, including benzene and n-hexane, which can be detected up to 100m away. The study recommends maintaining a minimum distance of 50m between petrol stations and housing.
A Purdue University study finds the US is at a 'blending wall' for ethanol use, with insufficient infrastructure to increase production beyond current levels. Advances in next-generation biofuels, such as thermo-chemical biofuels, may provide a solution to meet federal renewable fuel standards.
A decade-long decline in the nation's energy supply quality may be the root cause of the current economic recession. The Energy Intensity Ratio (EIR) measures how much profit consumers get from their energy, and its decline is correlated with economic downturns.
A new catalyst formula, developed by Rice Professor Michael Wong and his team, can improve the efficiency of gasoline production and make it better for the environment. The catalyst turns straight-line molecules into branched n-pentane, resulting in a higher-octane gasoline.
New research from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln estimates that US military protection of supertankers in the Persian Gulf generates 34.4 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions annually. This finding highlights the need for regulators to include these emissions in comparisons of gasoline and biofuels.
Researchers propose using special bacteria to capture and convert CO2 into valuable natural gas, potentially lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This method has the potential to increase energy production while minimizing environmental harm.
A new study by Case Western Reserve University researchers found that leaded gasoline was the predominant source of lead exposure for African-American children in Cleveland during the latter half of the 20th century. The study used dental records and other data to show that lead levels in teeth increased dramatically during this period...
A new study by the Rochester Institute of Technology indicates that E20 fuel blends reduce tail pipe emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide without impacting vehicle drivability. The research found an average emissions reduction of 23% for carbon monoxide and 13% for hydrocarbon emissions compared to conventional gasoline.
A new study led by Stanford researchers finds that ethanol-powered vehicles produce more ozone than gas-powered ones, particularly during winter months. The increase in ozone production is attributed to the generation of aldehydes, which are precursors to ozone and can be carcinogenic.
A new study found that rats exposed to fuel vapor from both leaded and unleaded gasoline exhibited increased aggressive behavior. Exposure to either type of fuel vapor led to significant changes in brain chemistry, including fluctuations in neurotransmitters.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a method to produce up to 30 grams of butanol per liter, doubling the current amount. This breakthrough could pave the way for butanol to replace gasoline in conventional automobiles.
A diesel engine can be programmed to blend gasoline-diesel fuels in real-time, resulting in a 53% thermal efficiency. This technique reduces combustion temperatures, lowers energy loss, and decreases pollutant emissions.
A new study suggests that reducing gasoline emissions by just 10% can lead to substantial benefits for human health, particularly in urban areas. The study used a Life Cycle Impact Assessment to evaluate the potential impact of biofuels on human health and the environment.
A new study from the University of Minnesota finds that cellulosic ethanol has fewer negative effects on human health due to lower emissions of fine particulate matter. The study estimates that transitioning to cellulosic ethanol could reduce environmental and health costs by as much as half compared to gasoline.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that some US cities make it harder to reduce commuting miles than others. Cities with sprawling suburbs like Las Vegas and Miami showed promise, while cities with compact geography, such as the Northeast Rust Belt, faced more challenges.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a process to convert plant sugars into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The new process produces identical molecular compounds to traditional petroleum-based fuels, offering a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
A study in Economic Inquiry found that gas stations adjust their prices to match a few select peers, rather than all stations. However, price movements within the same chain are often highly correlated, suggesting indirect dependence on rival stations' prices.
Researchers at Penn State's Energy Institute have developed a process to produce jet fuel, gasoline, diesel fuel, and heating oil from coal using existing refineries. The process produces various hydrocarbon products, including fuel oil, gasoline, and diesel, which can be integrated into the refinery stream.
A new standard aims to reduce carbon emissions from fuels by 10% by 2020, stimulating improvements in transportation-fuel technologies. The standard covers all gasoline and diesel fuel providers, requiring them to track life-cycle global warming intensity and reduce it over time.
The Department of Energy has selected three new Bioenergy Research Centers to accelerate basic research on developing cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels. The centers will focus on reengineering biological processes to convert plant material into efficient biofuels, aiming to reduce America's gasoline consumption by 20% in ten years.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a novel biofuel technology that uses steam, sand, and catalysts to convert forest, urban, and agricultural wastes into alcohol for use as a gasoline additive. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels.
A new study by Stanford University atmospheric scientist Mark Z. Jacobson found that ethanol-fueled vehicles increase ozone-related mortalities in the US by about 200 deaths per year compared to gasoline. Nationwide, E85 is likely to increase asthma-related emergency room visits and respiratory-related hospitalizations.
A Northwestern University research team has developed a three-dimensional imaging technique that enables the study of fuel cell microstructure. This will help improve fuel cell performance and lifespan by revealing nanometer-scale features.
The report suggests that coal liquefaction could satisfy the country's energy needs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and costs. Global efforts to capture and sequester carbon dioxide could also mitigate environmental impacts.
The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research has awarded €1 million to support state-of-the-art chemical research facilities. The funding will be used to acquire new equipment and improve existing facilities for researchers at the Universiteit van Amsterdam, Radboud University Nijmegen, and Eindhoven University of Technology.
Researchers propose using switchgrass as a supplement to corn to make ethanol, ensuring affordable fuel for distributors and consumers. The study found that cellulosic ethanol from dry switchgrass can deliver 16% ethanol fuel to all US consumers, potentially leading to significant decreases in gasoline prices.
A team of Rutgers University researchers has made a breakthrough in finding a microbial approach to clean up MTBE contaminated groundwater. By employing carbon isotope fractionation, the team can identify the key bacteria capable of breaking down MTBE and potentially speed up the process.
A recent study by UC Berkeley researchers suggests that ethanol can be a good substitute for gasoline, offering substantial energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The study analyzes six high-profile studies of ethanol and finds that producing ethanol from corn uses significantly less petroleum than producing gasoline.
Researchers detected high concentrations of MTBE in ground water throughout the Northeast US, particularly in urban areas. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with low levels of MTBE in drinking water.
A study by Stanford researchers suggests that converting to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles powered by wind could prevent millions of cases of respiratory illness and tens of thousands of hospitalizations. The conversion could be done at a comparable cost to gasoline, with potential health benefits outweighing the costs.
Research by University of Pittsburgh researcher Herbert L. Needleman suggests a strong correlation between lead exposure and aggressive behavior, with even low levels affecting brain development in children. The study highlights the need for further action to eliminate lead from the environment.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University found that RFID microchips in car keys and wireless payment tags may be vulnerable to encryption cracking, allowing thieves to bypass auto theft prevention systems and charge unauthorized purchases. The study recommends implementing free metallic sheaths to cover devices when not in use.
Carborane acids, discovered by researchers at the University of California - Riverside, show great promise in various applications. They are extremely strong, yet gentle, allowing chemists to study important molecules without destroying them. This property enables the carborane acids to add hydrogen ions to weakly basic molecules, maki...
PNNL's compact steam reformer can produce large amounts of hydrogen-rich gas from a liquid fuel in just 12 seconds, significantly reducing the delay time for hydrogen fueling. The reformer's design features microchannels that provide high rates of heat and mass transport, allowing for faster reactions and reduced system size.
A recent study by the American Chemical Society found that MTBE alternatives pose a similar environmental threat to their predecessor, with TBA contamination occurring at a scale similar to MTBE. The researchers suggest that better storage tank design and leak detection techniques can prevent such threats.
Researchers at MIT developed a device that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90% and halves the fuel needed for removal. The plasmatron reformer could lead to increased gasoline engine efficiency and significant oil consumption savings.