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Producing hydrogen and fertilizer at the same time

A research team at Ruhr University Bochum has developed a catalyst that can convert ammonia into hydrogen and nitrite, producing both a clean energy carrier and a fertilizer precursor simultaneously. The process doubles the hydrogen yield while minimizing nitrogen production.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 15, 2024
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Study finds health risks in switching ships from diesel to ammonia fuel

Burning ammonia for maritime fuel could worsen air quality and lead to devastating public health impacts, even with cleaner engine technology and green production methods. The study suggests that stronger regulations could reduce premature deaths from 600,000 to 66,000 annually

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 11, 2024

An AI-powered wearable system tracks the 3D movement of smart pills in the gut

Scientists developed an AI-powered system to track tiny devices that monitor markers of disease in the gut. The system includes a wearable coil and ingestible pill with optical gas-sensing membranes, pinpointing device location and measuring gases like ammonia. Future improvements aim to make the device smaller and more power-efficient.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

A cleaner way to produce ammonia

Scientists from the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a new way to produce ammonia, an essential fertilizer and component of cleaning products, using rare-earth metals as catalysts. The process operates at ambient conditions, reducing energy consumption and promoting food security.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalChem Catalysis·DateMay 28, 2024
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.

Researchers can help shipowners achieve ambitious climate targets

A new study suggests that ammonia could be a smart and energy-efficient fuel in the race to achieve net zero in shipping. The NTNU researchers' model shows that IMO's ambitions have a strong impact on shipowners' choice of propulsion systems.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalMaritime Transport Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 16, 2024

Energy-friendly ammonia production for fertilizers and alternative fuel

Researchers have discovered a greener way to produce ammonia, essential for fertilizers, by developing a new catalyst that works stably at relatively low temperatures. This breakthrough reduces the amount of energy needed to synthesize ammonia, making it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels.

SourceRIKEN·JournalChemical Science·DateApr 15, 2024

UIC engineers ‘symphonize’ cleaner ammonia production

University of Illinois Chicago engineers have developed a new ammonia production process that meets several green targets. The process combines nitrogen gas and ethanol with a charged lithium electrode, producing ammonia at low temperatures and regenerating materials with each cycle. If scaled up, the process could produce ammonia at 6...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2024

Electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis: Towards an environmentally means of producing ammonia

Researchers at Tohoku University's AIMR have developed a novel approach to electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis, utilizing transition metal disulfides as catalysts. The breakthrough relies on the in-situ generation of S-vacancies on the catalyst surface, significantly enhancing nitrogen reduction activity.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMar 22, 2024

Scientists develop catalyst designed to make ammonia production more sustainable

Researchers at a FAPESP-supported research center have developed an electrochemical nitrogen reduction process using iron oxide and molybdenum disulfide catalysts. This method eliminates the need for high temperatures and pressures, reducing power consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalElectrochimica Acta·DateMar 21, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Molecular simulations of ammonia mixtures support search for renewable fuels

Researchers used HLRS's Hawk supercomputer to generate valuable thermodynamic data for chemical engineering research. The simulations provide insights into ammonia's fundamental properties and how they change when mixing with other molecules.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalJournal of Chemical & Engineering Data·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 13, 2024

Ammonia-powered engines: A path to cleaner and more efficient transportation

Researchers at Sophia University have optimized air–fuel mixing conditions for efficient ammonia combustion in engines, bringing us closer to viable ammonia-fueled vehicles. Swirling flow patterns promote better air and fuel mixing, leading to improved combustion and reduced emissions.

SourceSophia University·JournalEnergy·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024
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.

Powering nitrogenases

Researchers have identified two essential ferredoxins that play a key role in determining the performance of iron nitrogenase. The discovery opens up new possibilities for elucidating and maximizing nitrogenase's potential, which could lead to sustainable enzymatic production of ammonia and carbon compounds.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalmBio·DateFeb 23, 2024

Ammonia attracts the shipping industry, but researchers warn of its risks

A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the production and use of ammonia as a marine fuel can lead to eutrophication, acidification, and emissions of potent greenhouse gases. Researchers warn that the pursuit of low-carbon fuels may create new environmental challenges.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalApplied Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2024

Microbial research unravels a global nitrogen mystery

Novel research by University of Oklahoma-led team improves understanding of ammonia oxidation, a critical component of the global nitrogen cycle. Different AOM lineages employ varying regulatory strategies to minimize competition, allowing coexistence in the same environment.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 1, 2024
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Where to go with nitrate electroreduction reaction?

Researchers explore potential routes for sustainable nitrate supply, species balance, and catalyst stability in electrochemical nitrate reduction for ammonia synthesis. Innovative strategies are proposed to address mass transfer limitations and ensure long-term stability.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateJan 8, 2024

Unlocking Earth's ammonia mysteries: China's HIRAS/FY-3D satellite reveals first global map

Researchers from China have developed an algorithm to derive atmospheric ammonia concentrations from the HIRAS instrument on the FY-3D satellite. This marks the first global map of atmospheric ammonia observed by the HIRAS instrument, providing crucial insights into its environmental impact and climate change implications.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 8, 2024
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.

Study: Extreme rainfall increases ag nutrient runoff, conservation strategies can help

A new study from the University of Illinois finds that extreme rainfall leads to significant spikes in nutrient concentrations, particularly after ½ inch, 1 inch, and 2 inches of precipitation. However, agricultural management practices such as cover crops can lower nutrient levels in water and persist until the end of the growing season.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association·DateDec 11, 2023

New conductive, cotton-based fiber developed for smart textiles

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a single strand of fiber that combines the flexibility of cotton with the electric conductivity of polyaniline. The newly created material showed good potential for wearable e-textiles, including detecting hazardous exposures and tracking human vital signs.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCarbohydrate Polymers·DateDec 11, 2023

New water treatment method can generate green energy

Researchers have designed micromotors that purify wastewater and create ammonia, a potential green energy source. An AI method developed at the University of Gothenburg will be used to optimize the motors' performance.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNanoscale·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Ammonia fuel offers great benefits but demands careful action

Researchers at Princeton University found that an ammonia economy can help achieve decarbonization goals, but it poses risks if not managed properly. The widespread use of ammonia could lead to significant emissions of nitrous oxide and nitrogen oxides, affecting air quality, water quality, and ecosystems.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 13, 2023

Ammonia for fertilisers without the giant carbon footprint

Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a method to produce ammonia without high temperatures, pressures, and infrastructure. The new technique enhances energy efficiency and makes environmentally friendly ammonia economically feasible.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

An ammonia trail to exoplanets

A team of researchers has detected ammonia isotopologues in the atmosphere of a cold brown dwarf, providing new clues to understanding gas giant formation. The ratio of two isotopologues reveals that the exoplanet formed through gravitational collapse, challenging traditional theories.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2023
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.

New study highlights feasibility and optimization of ammonia-based power generation for carbon neutrality

A recent study evaluates the feasibility of ammonia-based power generation through techno-economic and carbon footprint analyses. The research reveals an impressive energy efficiency rate of 46.7% within the designed power generation process, with costs and greenhouse gas emissions considered.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateSep 8, 2023

Can an artificial nose detect food spoilage?

A new artificial olfactory system, integrated on a single chip, detects food spoilage by identifying low levels of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia gases. The system tracks freshness scores in real-time during the spoilage process.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Science·DateSep 5, 2023

Hundred-year storms? That's how long they last on Saturn.

Researchers found long-term disruptions in Saturn's atmosphere, caused by past megastorms, which persist for hundreds of years. The study revealed that ammonia gas is being transported from the upper to lower atmosphere via precipitation and reevaporation processes.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 11, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Ammonia as a carbon-free hydrogen carrier for fuel cells: a perspective

Researchers discuss the potential of using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier for on-site power generation via ammonia decomposition. The high hydrogen content (17.6 wt%) and low toxicity make it an attractive alternative to traditional hydrogen storage methods, but challenges such as leakage and toxicity need to be addressed.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 8, 2023

Ammonia reduction should be prioritized in Europe’s fight against air pollution

A new study identifies reducing ammonia emissions as a cost-effective measure to reduce fine particulate matter concentrations in Europe. Implementing effective measures in the agricultural sector could achieve significant pollution reductions, avoiding 100,000 premature deaths annually.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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A safe, easy, and affordable way to store and retrieve hydrogen

Researchers at RIKEN CEMS have discovered a perovskite compound that can safely store corrosive ammonia gas as a nitrogen compound, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of hydrogen. The process is much cheaper than traditional methods and can be repeated multiple times.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

Public support hydrogen and biofuels to decarbonise global shipping

A new study finds public backing for biofuel and hydrogen as alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the global shipping industry. The research suggests that nuclear power is also a viable option, while ammonia has the least public support due to its perceived risks.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalEnvironment Development and Sustainability·TypeSurvey·DateJul 6, 2023

Emergence of solvated dielectrons observed for the first time

Researchers have discovered the formation and decay process of solvated dielectrons for the first time, using ammonia droplets containing a sodium atom. The process involves one electron migrating to solvent molecules while the other is ejected, with potential applications in reducing agents and chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience·DateMay 26, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

A panoramic view on lithium-mediated electrochemical dinitrogen reduction reaction

The review summarizes the recent progress of Li-eN2 RR, covering reaction mechanisms, catalysts developed, and electrolytes involved. It highlights the challenges and possible resolving strategies in the field. The study also discusses the importance of rational design of electrocatalysts and electrolytes for efficient NH3 production.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 24, 2023

For eco-friendly ammonia, just add water

Stanford researchers develop a simple and environmentally sound method to produce ammonia by combining nitrogen from the air with tiny water droplets, requiring minimal energy and low cost. This innovative approach could revolutionize agriculture and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with current industrial methods.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2023

Opening a new frontier: PdMo intermetallic catalyst for promoting CO2 utilization

Researchers developed a stable and active catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation at room temperature, achieving high conversion efficiency comparable to state-of-the-art heterogeneous catalysts. The PdMo intermetallic catalyst was synthesized via a simple ammonolysis process and demonstrated robustness and durability in various conditions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2023

Better air due to slurry acidification

Researchers found a 40% reduction in ammonia emissions and a two-thirds decrease in methane emissions by acidifying slurry with sulfuric acid. The method also improves fertilization and could be optimized to achieve even higher reductions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·DateApr 3, 2023

Breaking the barrier: Low-temp ammonia synthesis with iron catalysts and barium hydride

Scientists have developed a new catalyst that enables the production of ammonia at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption and potentially lowering global carbon emissions. The BaH2–BaO/Fe/CaH2 catalyst facilitates nitrogen gas adsorption, resulting in enhanced catalytic activity for ammonia production.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Ammonia: Efficient hydrogen carrier and green steel enabler

Researchers at Max Planck Institute developed an ammonia-based direct reduction process to produce sustainable iron and steel, overcoming logistics and energetic disadvantages of hydrogen. The process yields the same metallization degree as hydrogen-based reduction while forming nitrides that protect the sponge iron from corrosion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2023

The devil is in the details: Re-imagining fertilizer precursor synthesis

Researchers from Osaka University have improved the Faradaic efficiency of nitrogen reduction into ammonia at ambient pressure using trace water. This work helps optimize the sustainability of the Haber-Bosch reaction, which contributes substantially to global carbon emissions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2023

Additive to make slurry more climate-friendly

A study by the University of Bonn has confirmed a significant reduction of methane emissions in slurry by 99% using calcium cyanamide, a long-standing fertilizer. This additive suppresses microbial degradation processes, resulting in lower greenhouse gas production during long-term storage.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalWaste Management·DateMar 3, 2023

Study demonstrates energy-efficient conversion of nitrate pollutants into ammonia

A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign demonstrates an approach for integrated capture and conversion of nitrate-contaminated waters into valuable ammonia using a single electrochemical cell. The device shows significant enhancements in energy efficiency, nitrate removal, and ammonium production rate compared to ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 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.

A big step toward ‘green’ ammonia and a ‘greener’ fertilizer

UC Berkeley chemists designed and synthesized porous materials that bind and release ammonia at moderate pressures and temperatures, saving energy. The new MOFs could enable a more sustainable fertilizer production by producing ammonia closer to farmers.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

Metal-free batteries raise hope for more sustainable and economical grids

Researchers at KAUST developed a high-efficiency metal-free battery using ammonium cations as charge carriers, outperforming existing analogues with a record operation voltage of 2.75 volts. This breakthrough provides potential for lowering battery costs and enabling large-scale applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 10, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Studies identify new strategies for insect control

Scientists at UC Riverside have discovered that volatile repellents containing ammonia and amines can be used to combat insect-borne diseases by disrupting their sense of smell and taste. The research found that these compounds can silence olfactory neurons in mosquitoes, preventing them from detecting human skin odor.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023