Articles tagged with Carbon
A new study reveals that transforming biomass from dedicated energy crops into biochar could provide a cost-effective and scalable solution for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping China move closer to its carbon neutrality goals. Biochar can lock carbon in soils for decades or even centuries while improving soil health.
A new biochar-enhanced photocatalyst has been developed to efficiently degrade antibiotic contaminants in water, with the material demonstrating remarkable ability to break down sulfadiazine. The photocatalyst harnesses sunlight to drive chemical reactions capable of degrading antibiotic molecules, and its performance is substantially ...
Researchers analyzed the teeth of four European straight-tusked elephants, discovering they migrated up to 300km before reaching their final habitat. The study suggests organized hunting and cooperation between Neanderthals and the elephants.
Researchers at ETH Zurich discover that peatland lakes in the Congo Basin release significant amounts of ancient carbon, up to 40% of which is thousands of years old. This carbon reservoir has a leak, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere and potentially destabilizing climate change.
Researchers review how torrefaction converts biomass into versatile precursor for advanced functional materials. The process improves durability, electrical properties, and surface chemistry, enabling specific technological uses.
Researchers developed a fast and energy-efficient way to produce advanced carbon materials capable of capturing carbon dioxide, dramatically reducing production time while improving adsorption performance. The new material demonstrates exceptional ability to capture and selectively separate carbon dioxide from gas mixtures.
New analysis by Queen Mary University of London warns UK's reliance on EVs and heat pumps may offer little benefit in reducing emissions. The study urges urgent focus on grid capacity, renewables, and carbon capture to achieve net-zero targets.
Researchers developed a new strategy to engineer biochar with enhanced sunlight-driven chemical activity, boosting its ability to drive light-powered reduction reactions. The findings suggest that biochar can dynamically transform under sunlight, participating in complex photochemical reactions that affect pollutant behavior and metal ...
A UT San Antonio-led research team identified chitin in trilobite fossils over 500 million years old, offering new insights into fossil preservation and the long-term carbon cycle. This discovery has significant implications for understanding how organic carbon is stored in Earth's crust over geologic time.
A new study suggests that strategic tree planting in Canada's northern forests could remove at least five times the country's annual carbon emissions, totaling around 19 gigatons by 2100. This would be a significant step towards Canada's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and meeting its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.
A recent study published in New Phytologist reveals that trees don't record carbon from solar storms in the same way, affecting how scientists interpret past events. The research sheds light on how biological differences impact tree rings and provides a more accurate understanding of extreme space weather.
Researchers develop versatile molecular platform to synthesize multiple functionalized carbon nanohoops, exhibiting high circularly polarized luminescence and other advanced photophysical properties. The breakthrough method enables multi-site functionalization and creation of chiral nanohoops with remarkable optical performance.
Cyanobacteria can absorb and break down guanidine, using it as their sole nitrogen source, according to a new study. The ability to utilize guanidine is an advantage for colonization, despite its previous classification as a toxic substance.
The research team led by DGIST Professor Su-Il In developed a high-performance next-generation betavoltaic battery with an energy conversion efficiency of 10.79%. This is a significant improvement over the previously reported highest efficiency for perovskite-based betavoltaic batteries.
A cohort study found associations between exposure to multiple fine particulate matter components and increased depression risk among US Medicare population members. The study highlights the importance of targeted regulation to protect vulnerable populations from harmful air pollution.
Researchers found that some phage-resistant mutations enhance bacteria's ability to sink carbon, while others slow down growth rates. The study suggests that the selection of surface mutants may play a key role in marine biological pump and carbon export.
Researchers found that natural humification processes in soil can influence microbial communities and ecological risks. Artificial humic substances added to paddy soil showed a strong enrichment of genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting microbes quickly mobilize additional carbon.
A new electrode material was developed by DGIST to significantly enhance lithium-sulfur battery performance. The material, TiO-NGPC, features a porous honeycomb-like structure that securely holds sulfur and promotes electrical conductivity.
Researchers have proposed a novel route to create high-performance electromagnetic wave absorbing materials by decorating 3D macroporous carbon foams with WC1-x nanoparticles derived from salting-out protein assemblies. This innovative approach offers a low-cost, green, and scalable pathway to advanced EWAMs.
A new study found that iron fortified hemp biochar can significantly cut the amount of 'forever chemicals' that move from contaminated soil into edible radish bulbs. The treatment lowered PFAS levels in radish tissues and reduced overall plant uptake compared to unamended soil.
Researchers have developed sustainable carbon materials that can remove harmful pollutants from water with high selectivity and reusability. These materials also show promise in energy storage, sensing, and catalysis applications.
Researchers have developed a selective-etching route to RuM nanoalloys that deliver high Faradaic efficiency for neutral ammonia electro-synthesis. The catalysts enhance energy efficiency and in-electrode conversion, making them suitable for nitrate remediation and self-powered chemical plants.
Researchers create a new material that dramatically boosts uranium extraction efficiency, addressing one of the key challenges in sustainable nuclear energy. The study introduces a special type of covalent organic framework (COF) that shows record-high efficiency and selectivity in isolating uranium from seawater.
A new review highlights the potential of iron-enhanced biochar to capture pollutants, catalyze chemical reactions, and stabilize nutrients in soil and water systems. The material's unique features include high surface charge, improved porosity, and accelerated advanced oxidation processes.
Researchers developed a biochar-based material that dramatically improves nitrate removal from agricultural soils and water, maximizing both nitrate adsorption and ammonium retention. The optimized composite achieved nitrate reduction rates as high as 71 percent and increased ammonium retention by 53 percent compared to biochar alone.
Prof. Weihong Yang explores innovative strategies to replace fossil-based materials with sustainable, bio-based graphite in lithium-ion batteries and other electrochemical systems. The webinar provides key insights into converting bioprecursors into fossil-free graphite.
Rice University researchers outline emerging solutions to make graphite production cleaner and more resilient, including synthetic graphite from renewable sources. The study emphasizes the critical role of graphite in energy storage technologies and the need for sustainable supply chain management.
Engineered biochar emerges as a powerful tool to combat water pollution, removing hazardous substances from wastewater. Its tailored surface chemistry and structure make it an ideal candidate for environmental cleanup, capturing both heavy metals and organic contaminants simultaneously.
Researchers have developed magnetic carbon adsorbents made from flax shives and eucalyptus sawdust to effectively remove toxic chemicals like pentachlorophenol from water. The materials demonstrated outstanding performance in removing up to 95% of PCP, showing excellent stability and minimal loss of performance.
Researchers have discovered how to convert discarded plastics into valuable carbon-based materials, including graphene, nanotubes, and porous carbon. These materials show promise for use in environmental remediation, batteries, and supercapacitors.
Researchers have developed a new biochar-enhanced cement that can capture and store more carbon dioxide while strengthening the material. The sedimented particles in alkali-modified biochar had a greater ability to trap CO2, improving both mechanical strength and carbon sequestration.
Researchers developed a clean process to transform microalgae and agricultural residues into biofuels, bio-adsorbents, and fluorescent carbon nanodots. The study offers a sustainable way to reuse biomass resources, contributing to renewable energy production and environmental protection.
A new meta-analysis of 125 studies reveals that adding biochar to composting systems boosts compost quality and slashes harmful greenhouse gas emissions by up to 51%. Biochar improves aeration, holds nutrients, and creates a favorable habitat for beneficial microbes, accelerating the composting process.
A team of Chinese researchers has developed a low-cost biochar material that efficiently removes persistent metal complexes from water. The ferromanganese oxide-modified biochar can capture copper–citrate complexes, which are difficult to remove using conventional methods, achieving high removal rates and chemical stability.
A new study by Edith Cowan University reveals that the Australian utilities sector accounts for 43.1% of the country's carbon footprint and 37.2% of its direct emissions. Electricity generation and transmission are identified as the most significant contributors, with opportunities for adopting low-carbon technologies.
A team of researchers from Worcester Polytechnic Institute has developed a new approach to producing hydrogen using plasma technology and metal alloys. The method reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions compared to traditional methods, making it more environmentally friendly and potentially affordable.
A new type of biochar, phosphorus/iron-doped biochar, has been developed to address both problems at once—immobilizing toxic cadmium in soil while helping trap carbon. The study found that it significantly reduced cadmium mobility and improved carbon retention in the soil.
Researchers at Dalian University of Technology have discovered that biochar can directly degrade organic pollutants, removing up to 40% of contaminants. This breakthrough reveals biochar's hidden superpower, opening new avenues for sustainable wastewater treatment and environmental engineering.
Hanqin Tian, Boston College Professor and Director of the Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability, has been honored with the 2025 AGU Bert Bolin Award. His research has fundamentally advanced understanding of biogeochemical cycles and their roles in the climate system.
Researchers convert bio-tar into bio-carbon, a novel material with applications in water purification, clean energy storage, and industrial chemical reactions. Bio-carbon has higher carbon content and unique structural features, making it suitable for advanced uses.
Researchers from Universitas Gadjah Mada develop a breakthrough nanotechnology that converts plastic waste into glowing particles detecting toxic metals in drinking water with high precision and low cost. The innovation is a powerful step toward a circular economy, where waste becomes a resource for public health.
Researchers found that repeated freeze-thaw cycles can damage biochar and release heavy metals such as zinc, copper, and lead. Biochar made at higher production temperatures were more vulnerable to cracking and oxidation during freeze-thaw stress.
A new study found that land and ocean weathering processes are linked, influencing the amount of carbon stored or released into the atmosphere. The research proposes a continuum approach to studying weathering reactions on both land and in the ocean.
Researchers found iron-biochar composites milled in a nitrogen atmosphere exhibit superior catalytic performance for degrading organic pollutants. The composite achieved a phenol removal rate of 90.3% when used to activate persulfate, outperforming those milled in air or vacuum.
Biochar, a carbon-rich material, is gaining attention for its ability to improve soils, clean water, and capture carbon. Machine learning models can predict biochar yield and pollutant removal efficiency with over 90% accuracy, accelerating its development.
A new study has revealed chemical signatures of ancient Martian microbial life in the Bright Angel formation, a region of Jezero Crater known for its fine-grained mudstones rich in oxidized iron and organic carbon. The findings suggest that early microorganisms may have played a role in shaping these rocks through redox reactions.
Researchers have developed a game-changing solution for wastewater treatment, delivering unprecedented performance in electrochemical oxidation of persistent pollutants. The 3D-printed electrodes reduce reliance on critical raw materials and cut fabrication costs by 30%, offering a scalable, metal-free path to sustainable water treatment.
A new study introduces two-dimensional biphenylene oxide as a promising candidate for next-generation metal-ion batteries, offering high energy density and storage capacity. The material's unique properties make it an exceptional alternative to traditional materials like graphite.
Researchers directly observe 'Floquet effects' in graphene, paving the way for innovative technology. The study reveals that Floquet engineering works in many materials, enabling targeted control over electronic states.
This study introduces a novel method of synthesizing nitrogen-doped carbon dots using microwave technology from biomass, providing a green and effective approach to metal ion detection. The research offers a clear path to more efficient and environmentally friendly metal ion sensing.
A new study uses machine learning to optimize the adsorption capabilities of biochar for dye removal, identifying optimal conditions for maximum efficiency. This research has significant implications for addressing water pollution and achieving environmental sustainability.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a method to measure plant roots using DNA technology, revealing their essential role in food production and climate. The new method enables accurate measurement of biomass and species distribution, opening up applications in climate research, plant breeding, and biodiversity analysis.
A landmark review published by FAU reveals that sargassum is a rapidly growing and widely distributed marine organism. The study found that the Atlantic Ocean's sargassum biomass has increased by over 50% since the 1980s, with nitrogen content rising sharply.
The ACS Fall 2025 meeting brought together researchers, academics, and industry leaders to discuss the latest advancements in chemistry and its multidisciplinary applications. The NEW Community of Journals emerged as a significant player, featuring high-quality publications focused on sustainable development goals.
The inaugural editorial of Sustainable Carbon Materials introduces a new peer-reviewed, open-access journal focusing on carbon-based materials research. The journal covers various aspects of carbon materials, including synthesis, properties, energy applications, environmental solutions, and biomedical innovations.
The study reveals a connection between the size of pores in graphite and its swelling and degradation under radiation. Researchers found that irradiated samples showed a fractal self-similarity in their pore structures, which could lead to more accurate predictions of graphite's lifespan in nuclear reactors.
A new method for enhanced oil recovery proposed by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin is showing promising results in modeling studies. Alternative carbon carriers are chemical compounds engineered to store larger quantities of carbon molecules in subsurface formations, optimizing greenhouse gas transportation, utilizatio...
Researchers develop a promising blueprint for 'Pore Science and Engineering,' proposing two key aspects: Pore Chemistry and Pore Structure. This concept aims to achieve precise molecular-level control guided by theoretical foundations, transforming the development of porous materials from trial-and-error to on-demand design.
Researchers have developed a method to produce mirror-like graphite films with millimeter-sized grains, exceeding previous synthetic graphite's performance. The films demonstrate exceptional mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity, opening up new possibilities for high-tech applications.
Researchers have discovered a way to distinguish identical medicines at the molecular level, allowing for the tracing of counterfeit or stolen medicine. The technology focuses on variants of chemical elements such as isotopes of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.