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Turning Sargassum waste into a high-performance material for carbon capture

A new study reveals that carefully controlled pore structure and surface chemistry can transform nuisance seaweed into an efficient and reusable CO2 adsorbent. Researchers developed a porous biochar from Sargassum tenerrimum, achieving high CO2 adsorption capacity and rapid uptake.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalBiochar X·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

Fishbone-derived catalyst turns agricultural plastic waste into olefin-rich bio-oil

Researchers developed a fishbone-derived catalyst that turns low-density polyethylene agricultural film into olefin-rich liquid products with yields up to 89.32 wt.% and olefin selectivity of 84.03%. The catalyst, combined with phosphoric acid and iron, promotes carbon-carbon bond cleavage and regulates dehydrogenation reactions.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalSustainable Carbon Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2026

Quartz particles reveal how reactor design can boost coal tar yield and quality

Researchers developed a simple visual method for tracking vapor movement inside a fixed-bed reactor, finding that internal structures can redirect vapors and improve tar production and gas quality. The design increased total tar yield and raised the light tar fraction to as much as 74.42 percent.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalSustainable Carbon Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Selective microwave heating speeds bamboo-to-hydrogen fuel conversion

Researchers at Kyushu University found that microwave heating creates high-temperature regions on nickel nanoparticles, accelerating hydrogen production and paving the way for low-carbon chemical manufacturing. The study showed a six-fold increase in hydrogen production compared to conventional heating.

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers reveal safer way to manage chemical sewage sludge using pyrolysis

A study by Jeonbuk National University researchers highlights the potential risks of chemical-enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) sewage sludge, but also shows that thermal treatment can lead to secondary heavy metal pollution. The team recommends using lower pyrolysis temperatures to enhance sustainability.

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalProcess Safety and Environmental Protection·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Turning agricultural plastic waste into valuable chemicals with biochar catalysts

Researchers developed a method to convert waste plastic mulch film into useful chemicals through catalytic pyrolysis. The study found that temperature controlled the product distribution and long-term stability of the catalyst, with optimal conditions producing valuable olefins and easily regenerable tar.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

From craft dust to green gold: Turning palm handicraft waste into high value bio based chemicals

Researchers discovered that mannan rich palm handicraft residues, particularly tagua nut and bodhi root powders, can be converted into levomannosan and related furan compounds at moderate temperatures. This process provides a practical guide for using handicraft waste as a controlled chemical feedstock.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2026

Microwaves could transform how sustainable carbon materials are made

A new review reveals microwave-assisted pyrolysis can produce advanced carbon materials from biomass and waste in a fraction of the time, with improved performance and sustainability. This technology offers a powerful alternative for building next-generation materials needed for carbon neutrality.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 31, 2025

Turning livestock waste into clean water: Animal manure biochar emerges as a low cost tool to remove toxic pollutants from wastewater

Animal manure biochar effectively removes hazardous pollutants such as dyes, antibiotics and heavy metals from wastewater. The material's surface chemistry and mineral content support mechanisms like electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding and ion exchange.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 18, 2025
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

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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.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·DateNov 13, 2025

Researchers develop high-performance biochar for efficient carbon dioxide capture

Researchers developed a novel biochar material with a high specific surface area and micropore volume, achieving a maximum CO2 adsorption capacity of 3.434 millimoles per gram at room temperature. The material's optimal mesopore proportion enabled rapid adsorption kinetics, resolving a long-standing trade-off in biochar design.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2025

Turning animal waste into a powerful tool for cleaner water

A new study shows that animal manure can be converted into a valuable solution for cleaning polluted water. Biochar, a carbon-rich material formed by heating organic matter, is stable, safe, and highly effective at removing contaminants such as toxic dyes, heavy metals, and pharmaceutical residues.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 3, 2025

Bio-oil made with corn stalks, wood debris could plug orphaned fossil fuel wells

Researchers propose using bio-oil to sequester carbon dioxide in abandoned oil wells, offering a cost-effective alternative to direct air capture. The technology involves fast pyrolysis of biomass feedstock, producing bio-oil that can be injected into empty wells.

SourceIowa State University·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 4, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Fossil-free graphite from biomass for greener process industries

Researchers explore converting bioprecursors into fossil-free graphite, providing sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. This transition has significant implications for industrial decarbonization and the development of eco-friendly technologies.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·DateAug 5, 2025

Biochar reduces the risks of DDT-contaminated soil

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2025

UTA chemist developing method to recycle more plastics

A UTA chemist has developed a new method to separate and recycle mixed plastics using supercritical fluid chromatography. The technique can differentiate oils created from various plastics, holding promise for improving recycling rates and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Chromatography A·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2024

Study identifies key ingredient for affordable fuel cell catalysts

Researchers at University at Buffalo have discovered a way to create strong and effective fuel cell catalysts that approach the performance of platinum. By adding hydrogen to the fabricating process, they were able to balance durability and efficiency, potentially making fuel cells more affordable and polluting-free.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Catalysis·DateDec 5, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Revolutionary idea by Lithuanian scientists: recycling cigarette waste to produce green fuel

Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology develop method to treat cigarette butts using pyrolysis, producing oil, char, and gas with real applications in fertilizers, wastewater treatment, energy storage, and biofuels. The process reduces biodiesel production costs by adding triacetin-rich oil as an additive.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalJournal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Reclaiming carbon fibers from discarded composite materials

Using thermal decomposition in superheated steam helps preserve the mechanical properties of reclaimed carbon fibers. The results show improved bending strength and Izod impact strength compared to those made with virgin fibers.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalComposites·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Benchtop NMR spectroscopy can accurately analyse pyrolysis oils

A team at Aston University has demonstrated that benchtop spectrometers can analyse pyrolysis bio-oils with high accuracy, comparable to expensive high-field spectrometers. This breakthrough makes NMR analysis of pyrolysis oils more accessible and affordable.

SourceAston University·JournalChemSusChem·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2023

Nanoscale material offers new way to control fire

Researchers developed a nanoscale material technique called inverse thermal degradation (ITD) to control high-temperature flames and tune material properties. By regulating oxygen access, ITD allows for smoldering rather than bursting into flames, producing carbon tubes with desired characteristics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023

New recycling process could find markets for ‘junk’ plastic waste

A new recycling method reduces emissions by 60% and opens the door to reusing materials like plastic film, multilayer materials, and colored plastics. The technique recovers olefins from pyrolysis oil and uses them in a chemical process to convert into aldehydes and industrial alcohols.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2023

Ben-Gurion University scientists observe driver of chemical reaction in plastics industry for first time

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have detected the elusive ethyl radical intermediate in the ethane pyrolysis reaction, a key driver of chemical reactions in the plastics and natural gas industries. This discovery could lead to more efficient production of plastics and other chemicals with reduced byproducts and pollution.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Demonstration of feasible waste plastic pyrolysis through decentralized biomass heating business model

Researchers from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) demonstrate a feasible waste plastic pyrolysis model, increasing profitability and reducing CO2 emissions compared to centralized processes. The study also found significant decreases in transportation costs and related emissions.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateNov 2, 2022

Controversial approach aims to expand plastics recycling

Major chemical companies are backing pyrolysis plants to expand plastics recycling, but environmentalists remain skeptical. The process converts plastic waste into hydrocarbon feedstocks that can be turned into plastics again, making up for the shortcomings of traditional recycling which captures only about 9% of plastics in the US.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 12, 2022

New study in Earth Science Frontiers explores an untapped reserve of oil and gas resources

A research team analyzed the economic feasibility of in situ upgrading technology by assessing the energy consumption ratio. They found that appropriate well spacing and minimum total organic content are crucial for efficient energy use. The study aims to promote the application of this technology for optimized oil shale exploitation.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEarth Science Frontiers·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 8, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

CityU invents a method to convert 3D-printed polymer into a 100-times stronger, ductile hybrid carbon microlattice material

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong create lightweight, ultra-tough hybrid carbon microlattices that are 100 times stronger and doubled in ductility compared to original polymers. The new method enables the creation of sophisticated 3D parts with tailored mechanical properties for various applications.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2022

Sustainability in times of COVID-19: Converting face masks into valuable fuel

A team of researchers proposes converting discarded surgical masks into a burnable fuel through pyrolysis, yielding a carbon-rich oil with high heating value. The study suggests this method offers better environmental performance compared to conventional waste management approaches.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalBioresource Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Tackling PPE waste: Engineers propose sustainable recycling method

A new study proposes a sustainable recycling method for PPE waste using pyrolysis, a medium-temperature reaction that reduces plasticized medical-protection garb into chemicals and petroleum. The method avoids landfill use and incineration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35.42%.

SourceCornell University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateJan 27, 2022

​​​​​​​New method converts bio-polyols into CO

Researchers developed a photocatalytic oxidative reforming process to convert bio-polyols into CO under ambient conditions. The Z-scheme catalyst structure facilitated adsorption and activation of dioxygen, promoting hydroxyl radicals and enhanced CO production rate.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalCheM·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 17, 2021

Turning plastic grocery bags into sustainable fuel

Researchers at California State Polytechnic University use catalytic pyrolysis to upcycle plastic waste into a valuable fuel source. The process converts primary organic waste into a sustainable fuel or other valuable chemicals.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateNov 3, 2021

From recycling to upcycling: A smarter way of dealing with plastic

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a clean and cost-effective way to upcycle used plastic into high-value products such as carbon nanotubes and clean liquid fuel. The two-step process converts organic waste into charcoal, which is then used as a catalyst to upcycle the plastic.

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateSep 29, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Upcycled manure may ignite new sustainable fertilizing trend

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a way to transform cow manure into a manageable, ecologically friendly biochar fertilizer through pyrolysis. This process reduces water content from 90% to zero, alleviating environmental issues and saving farmers money.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2021

Turning hazelnut shells into potential renewable energy source

Researchers found that wood vinegar and tar fraction in bio-oil produced from hazelnut shells pyrolysis at 400 C to 1,000 C contain high concentrations of phenolic substances, which contribute to their antioxidant activity. The study suggests using these fractions as a potential renewable energy source.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateAug 24, 2021

Novel laser-thermal mechanism realizes ultra-fast construction of PDMS devices

Researchers at Seoul National University developed a novel laser-thermal mechanism that realizes ultra-fast construction of PDMS devices. The technique, named successive laser pyrolysis (SLP), provides an alternative to conventional soft lithography and enables the direct fabrication of various PDMS structures.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 4, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Fuel from disused tyres

A recent study published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews has explored the potential of using catalytic pyrolysis to convert used tyres into alternative fuels. The process produces liquid fuel with aromatic compounds, as well as gas and solid products that can be used for energy production and carbon black reuse.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateAug 6, 2020

Lightweight, ultrastrong carbon nanolattices

Carbon nanolattice materials exhibit unparalleled mechanical properties due to the high aspect ratio of their beams and defects sensitivity reduction.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2019

A biofuel for automated heat generation

Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University discovered that straw, chips, sawdust, and peat can generate more heat than they consume during pyrolysis, a process that can be optimized for efficient energy production. This technology has the potential to make energy generation from biofuel more resource-efficient and environmentally fr...

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·DateOct 1, 2018

Waste, an alternative source of energy to petroleum

Researchers have developed a process that uses flash pyrolysis to produce fuels and raw materials from biomass and waste, including plastics and tires. The process produces bio-oil with a high energy density and can be used to replace petroleum-based products.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateOct 23, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Biomass analysis tool is faster, more precise

The High-Throughput Analytical Pyrolysis (HTAP) tool from NREL can analyze hundreds of biomass samples daily, providing early insights into ideal plant genes. This accelerated method reduces the time required to analyze a sample from two weeks to just two minutes.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMar 5, 2013

NREL and Johnson Matthey announce 5-year collaboration on biofuels

The collaboration aims to improve vapor phase upgrading during the biomass pyrolysis process, enabling the production of lignocellulose-based fuels at a competitive cost. The partnership seeks to develop catalytic materials that can convert biomass vapors into liquid fuels suitable for transportation.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateDec 18, 2012

Study fuels insight into conversion of wood to bio-oil

Researchers calculate how cellulose in wood decomposes when heated, offering a new mechanism for converting farmed and waste wood into useful bio-oils. The findings could spur more effective and efficient ways of extracting energy from wood.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateDec 14, 2012
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Using biochar to boost soil moisture

Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service found that biochars produced from switchgrass and hardwoods increased soil moisture storage in sandy soils. The study also showed that biochars can extend the window of soil water availability for crops by 1-3 days.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateNov 8, 2011
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.