Waste Conversion Energy
Articles tagged with Waste Conversion Energy
Australian researchers unlock path to scaling gas made from waste
A new research study by Australian energy companies and waste management firms has shown how organic waste can be safely turned into clean gas for homes and businesses. The team identified critical specifications for optimal biomethane quality, making it more cost-effective to produce.
Researchers show how simple magnets can help solve a complex problem
Researchers developed a new method to recover critical minerals using simple magnets, which streamlines the process while reducing energy consumption. The technique exploits small differences in magnetic susceptibility to drive selective transport and separation.
NSF CAREER Award supports research to create opportunity from nitrate pollution
A University of Virginia researcher is developing an alternative method to remove nitrate from wastewater by converting it into valuable chemical products. The project uses electrocatalysis and modulation excitation spectroscopy to optimize the conversion process, aiming to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
Frontiers in Science Deep Dive webinar series: How bacteria can reclaim lost energy, nutrients, and clean water from wastewater
Researchers explore how METs convert organic waste into electricity, fuels, fertilizers, and usable water. Pilot deployments demonstrate its potential to reclaim energy from 359 billion cubic meters of wastewater annually.
University of East London partners with STRABAG UK to pioneer low-carbon tunnelling solution
The University of East London and STRABAG UK have developed a pioneering low-carbon grout that replaces traditional cement-heavy annulus grout, reducing embodied carbon by over 61%. The innovation uses repurposed construction waste and agricultural by-products to create a sustainable alternative.
New low-energy method produces ethylene from waste gas
A new low-energy method produces ethylene from waste gas, using electricity to create a chemical building block from syngas. The device is more than 60% efficient and can work with renewable energy sources, setting the stage for a greener ethylene supply chain.
Wood becomes a high-strength conductor through metal-based eutectic gels
Researchers introduce a new strategy using natural wood as a structural scaffold for conductive eutectogels, enabling mechanically robust and environmentally stable materials. The resulting eutectogel achieves high tensile strength, toughness, and ionic conductivity, making it suitable for wearable electronics and smart sensing systems.
Electrocatalytic glycerol valorization: from catalyst design to integrated systems
Researchers have developed electrocatalytic glycerol oxidation (GOR) technology to convert waste glycerol into valuable chemicals. The process offers an energy-efficient alternative to traditional oxygen evolution reaction, producing high-value products like dihydroxyacetone and glyceric acid.
Exclusive chemical conversion of PET, bottles, textiles, and plastic waste mixtures
Researchers have developed a novel chemical conversion method for PET, bottles, textiles, and plastic waste mixtures using an inexpensive iron catalyst. The process achieves a high yield of raw materials with minimal environmental impact.
Missed the live session? Watch the full recording now!
This online talk showcases an innovative method of repurposing industrial effluents to enrich biochar, creating a sustainable circular economy in real-world farming. Biochar researcher Prof. Salah Jellali shares his insights on upgrading plain biochar into a smart fertilizer.
Aston University part of £800,000 project to create clean hydrogen from waste steam
Aston University is part of a UK-wide project creating low-carbon energy from waste steam produced by nuclear plants. The METASIS 2.0 project aims to lower the demand for expensive electrical power by partially replacing it with waste heat, using solid oxide steam electrolysers.
Pitt launches first-of-its-kind undergrad degree in natural gas, renewables, and oil engineering
The University of Pittsburgh is launching a groundbreaking undergraduate degree in Natural Gas, Renewables, and Oil Engineering (GRO), combining traditional oil and gas engineering with renewable systems. The program prepares students for a rapidly changing global energy market and offers strong career prospects.
Turning plastic waste into fuel
A University of Delaware-led research team has developed a new type of catalyst that enhances conversion of plastic waste into liquid fuels more quickly and with fewer undesired byproducts. The catalyst achieves reaction rates nearly two times faster than those previously reported, producing targeted production of liquid fuels while mi...
QUT scientists create material to turn waste heat into clean power
Researchers at QUT developed a material that achieves record-high thermoelectric performance, converting waste heat into clean electricity with over 13% efficiency. The material also has environmental benefits, being stable and simple to produce without toxic elements.
Ash boosts biogas production
A recent study published in Biomass and Bioenergy found that ash can increase methane production in anaerobic digestion of biowaste, improving the quality of resulting fertilizers. Adding trace elements from ash can have a complex effect on the process, but it also increases plant growth and reduces acidity.
New £13m nuclear program to boost UK energy security through sustainable graphite innovation
A £13m UK university consortium is developing sustainable technologies for advanced modular reactors, aiming to secure the UK's position in nuclear innovation. The ENLIGHT programme will address key challenges, including sovereign supply of nuclear graphite and managing irradiated waste.
High-resolution satellite remote sensing reveals underestimated methane emissions from global landfills
A new study by Chinese researchers uses high-resolution satellite data to quantify global methane emissions from landfills, revealing open dumps emit 4.8 times more methane than engineered sanitary landfills.
High-purity green hydrogen with very low tar from biomass, with chemical looping gasification
A study from the University of Johannesburg presents a promising industrial process that can turn sugarcane waste into green hydrogen with high energy efficiency and low tar content. The Sorption-Enhanced Chemical Looping Gasification (SECLG) process produces a small fraction of unwanted by-products, making it an attractive alternative...
Creating carbon-capturing cement
A team of Penn engineers and materials scientists have developed a biomineral-infused concrete that captures up to 142% more CO2 than conventional mixes while using less cement. The new material is stronger, lighter, and uses fewer materials like cement.
Potable water happy byproduct of low-cost green hydrogen technology
A Cornell University-led collaboration has developed a low-cost method to produce carbon-free 'green' hydrogen via solar-powered electrolysis of seawater. The process produces 200 milliliters of hydrogen per hour with 12.6% energy efficiency directly from seawater under natural sunlight.
Electrochemical method supports nitrogen circular economy
Researchers developed an electrochemical approach to convert harmful nitric oxide emissions into high-purity nitric acid, reducing industrial nitrogen waste and promoting sustainable pollution mitigation. The process operates at near-ambient conditions with minimal infrastructure, offering economic and environmental benefits.
New approach makes one type of clean fuel production 66% more efficient
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a more efficient way to produce methanol from carbon dioxide, a cleaner alternative fuel. The new process uses a dual catalyst system, resulting in a 66% increase in efficiency and paving the way for sustainable technologies.
Hydrothermal liquefaction of sewage sludge: a promising solution for circular bioeconomy
The study finds hydrothermal liquefaction effective in breaking down complex organic compounds, producing high-energy density bio-oil and reducing pollutants like microplastics and pharmaceutical residues. Further research is needed to optimize HTL processes and explore alternative catalysts and solvents to enhance efficiency and reduc...
How industrial waste gases could replace fossil fuels in everyday consumer products
Researchers have successfully demonstrated the environmental benefits of turning CO₂ emissions into key chemical ingredients for essential consumer goods. The study found that waste CO₂ can be part of the solution rather than the problem, reducing GWP by around 82% for paper mill emissions.
NTU Singapore scientists develop solar-powered method to convert sewage sludge into green hydrogen and animal feed
Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a solar-powered method to transform sewage sludge into green hydrogen and single-cell protein, reducing environmental damage and creating renewable energy and sustainable food. The three-step process recovers 91.4% of organic carbon and converts 63% into single-cell protein without producing h...
A dive into erythritol slurry and its potential for waste heat recovery
Researchers from Shinshu University investigated erythritol slurry as a promising heat transfer medium for thermal storage and transport. Their findings could help guide the design of industrial waste heat recovery systems, advancing energy efficiency and carbon neutrality.
Birds breathe in dangerous plastics—and so do we
A new University of Texas at Arlington study reveals high concentrations of microplastics in bird lungs, with average particles per species and gram of lung tissue measured. The study highlights the urgent need to address plastic pollution and its far-reaching impacts on ecosystem health and human health.
Turning waste organic compound into useful pharmaceuticals and energy using a technique inspired by photosynthesis
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a method of artificial photosynthesis that uses sunlight and water to produce energy and valuable organic compounds from waste organic compounds. The technique, called APOS, represents a significant step toward sustainable energy and chemical production.
Cooling materials – Out of the 3D printer
Scientists from ISTA create thermoelectric coolers with improved performance and reduced waste by 3D printing materials, offering potential for medical applications and energy harvesting. The innovative method reduces production costs and enhances material properties.
Plastic back turns plastic waste into valuable resources in new US partnership
Plastic Back and a US-based recycler partner to scale low-temperature chemical recycling technology converting hard-to-recycle plastics into valuable byproducts. The partnership aims to address the global plastic waste crisis, reducing landfill waste and dependency on virgin raw materials.
Chemical looping turns environmental waste into fuel
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a low-carbon system that transforms materials like plastics and agricultural waste into syngas, producing high-quality chemicals and fuels. The technology achieves a purity of around 90% in a process that takes only a few minutes.
Trash to treasure: Leveraging industrial waste to store energy
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed an efficient storage agent for sustainable energy solutions using triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO), a well-known chemical byproduct. The team's 'one-pot' reaction method enables the transformation of TPPO into a usable product with powerful potential to store energy.
New research improves predictions for solid waste management
A new method predicts the makeup of municipal solid waste with unprecedented detail, allowing waste managers to forecast specific materials and plan accordingly. This improvement enables more efficient recycling and landfill operations, making sustainable waste management a practical reality.
Sustainable upcycling of polyurethane waste for valuable polymers production
Researchers developed a heterogeneous catalytic system to depolymerize polyurethane waste into diamines, diols, and lactones. The resulting intermediates were then converted into functional polymers, including energy-storage-capable polyimide and chemically recyclable polylactone.
Tapping excess heat from a camp stove for charging power #ASA187
Scientists have created a thermoacoustic engine that converts thermal energy into acoustic energy, which can be transformed into mechanical or electrical energy. The device has the potential to generate power ranging from tens to thousands of watts and could be used for camping, backpacking, and emergency situations.
Data-driven, cost-effective roadmap for cutting US methane emissions 30% by 2030 published in a new peer-reviewed paper
A new paper assesses current and potential measures to cut US methane emissions in the oil and gas sector, proposing a complimentary, cost-effective strategy using anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic waste. Building ADs could reduce emissions by 31.5%, exceeding the 30x30 goal.
WVU researchers develop microwave technology for recycling one of most popular, least reusable plastics
Researchers at WVU have developed microwave technology to recover propylene from polypropylene waste, which can be reused in new plastics or products. The process uses precise control and lower temperatures than traditional methods, offering energy efficiency and reduced emissions.
Transition to a circular bioeconomy requires getting prices right
A circular bioeconomy aims to reduce waste, transform industries, and regenerate natural systems for environmentally sustainable food and energy production. The concept needs a values-based economic lens with the right policies and incentives to persuade consumers and producers.
Improving fumaric acid production efficiency through a ‘more haste, less speed’ strategy
The team created a new method by adding two different enzymes to the existing reaction, increasing conversion rates from 46% in 7 hours to 80% in 5 hours. This approach also improved fumaric acid production efficiency from 10% to 16%.
Revolutionizing waste management: Citrus waste to biopolymers via cavitation
Researchers introduce a novel, green approach to convert citrus waste into bioactive pectin and micronized cellulose using cavitation. The process, termed CytroCav, offers a circular economy practice requiring only water and electricity.
New continuous reaction process can help turn plant waste into sustainable aviation fuel
Washington State University scientists developed a continuous reaction process to produce lignin-based jet fuel from agricultural waste, reducing carbon footprint and emissions. The new technology has the potential to replace fossil fuel-derived compounds and make sustainable fuels fully "drop-in" capable.
New organic thermoelectric device that can harvest energy at room temperature
Researchers at Kyushu University developed a new organic thermoelectric device that can generate power from ambient temperature. The device, composed of copper phthalocyanine and fullerenes, achieved an open-circuit voltage of 384 mV and a short-circuit current density of 1.1 μA/cm².
Texas A&M joins $26 million initiative to revolutionize carbon utilization
Researchers from Texas A&M are leading a $26 million decarbonization effort to convert CO2 into valuable products, driving a circular carbon economy. The initiative aims to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions for manufacturing systems.
Copyrolysis of olive pomace and plastics reduces energy and polluting emissions in bioenergy production
Researchers develop new method to combine thermal degradation of olive pomace and plastic waste, generating valuable products like biofuels and reducing pollution. The process is efficient, producing less energy and fewer polluting gases than separate pyrolysis.
Plastic waste can now be converted to electronic devices
A team of researchers has successfully converted Styrofoam into a high-value conducting polymer known as PEDOT:PSS, which can be used in functional electronic devices. The study demonstrates how upgraded plastic waste can be incorporated into devices such as silicon-based hybrid solar cells and organic electrochemical transistors.
Recycled micro-sized silicon anodes from photovoltaic waste improve lithium-ion battery performance
Researchers have developed low-cost micro-sized silicon anodes from recycled photovoltaic waste using a novel electrolyte design. The new anodes exhibit remarkable electrochemical stability, maintaining an average coulombic efficiency of 99.94% after 200 cycles. This breakthrough addresses the major challenges facing micro-sized silico...
Golden ball mills as green catalysts
The study introduces a new method for selectively oxidizing alcohols into aldehydes without secondary reactions, using gold-coated ball mills. This approach reduces the formation of unwanted byproducts and minimizes environmental impact, making it more sustainable and cost-effective.
Soil bacteria respire more CO2 after sugar-free meals
Researchers tracked how a mixture of plant waste was metabolized by bacteria to contribute to atmospheric CO2. Microbes respired three times as much CO2 from lignin carbons compared to cellulose carbons, shedding light on the role of microbes in soil carbon cycling and its impact on climate change.
A powerful tool speeds success in achieving highly efficient thermoelectric materials
New approach uses calculation to predict band convergence in materials, allowing for rapid creation of high-performance thermoelectric devices. The method enables elimination of unnecessary possibilities, increasing efficiency and reducing false starts.
Roadmap to a carbon-neutral refinery by 2050
Researchers from Utrecht University introduce a vision for a completely fossil-free refinery, which would convert CO2, plastic, and biomass waste into useful raw materials. The refinery would require massive amounts of renewable energy and significant investments, but could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
Roadmap to close the carbon cycle
A new roadmap proposes a holistic approach to reducing net-zero carbon emissions by converting various parts of the economy to run on renewable electricity. The approach includes developing non-carbon fuels, finding non-fossil sources of carbon, and keeping carbon in play through circular economies.
LIST researcher wins European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant
Dr Emmanuel Defay has received an ERC grant to develop highly efficient technology converting waste heat into 100 watts of electrical power. The project aims for a 50% energy efficiency rate, applicable to various industries with high-quality or lower temperature waste heat.
Using pulp and paper waste to scrub carbon from emissions
Researchers at McGill University have developed a novel approach to improve carbon conversion efficiency using waste material from pulp and paper production. This technique reduces both the energy needed for carbon transformation and overall environmental waste.
Rice researchers develop 3D-printed wood from its own natural components
Researchers at Rice University have developed an additive-free, water-based ink made of lignin and cellulose for producing architecturally intricate wood structures via direct ink writing. The new method exclusively uses nanoscale wood components for 3D printing, marking a significant advancement in the field.
Snakes: The new, high-protein superfood
Research finds pythons convert feed into weight gain efficiently compared to conventional livestock like chickens and cattle. Pythons outperform mainstream agricultural species in terms of food and protein conversion ratios.
University of Limerick, Ireland study reveals eco-friendly way to generate power from waste wood
Researchers at University of Limerick in Ireland have discovered a way to efficiently convert low-grade heat into electricity using lignin-derived membranes. The breakthrough technology has significant potential for developing sustainable heat-to-electricity applications, reducing waste heat's environmental impact.
From waste to resource: A new and sustainable process transforms sewage sludge into activated carbon
A new study transforms sewage sludge into activated carbon, reducing energy costs and increasing its industrial value. The process produces a highly porous material useful for decontamination processes like water purification and gas treatment.
Decoding thermophotovoltaic efficiency
A new universal figure-of-merit for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) devices has been introduced to assess performance and balance power density and efficiency. This metric enables the classification of previously reported experimental results, providing a clear picture of TPV device overall performance.
Greenhouse gas repurposed in University of Auckland experiments
Scientists have developed a method to convert waste carbon dioxide into formic acid, a colorless and pungent liquid with potential as a transportation fuel and petrochemical industry enhancer. The new method efficiently converted CO2 for over 5,000 hours, suggesting cost-effective scalability.