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Rice University produces carbon-capture breakthrough

Researchers at Rice University have created a porous material that can capture and polymerize carbon dioxide from natural gas at ambient temperature. The material shows promise to replace more costly and energy-intensive processes, enabling the economic production of gas resources with higher carbon dioxide content.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2014

An inside look at a MOF in action

A team of researchers from Berkeley Lab has made the first in situ electronic structure observations of a metal-organic framework (MOF) as it adsorbs carbon dioxide gas. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy in probing MOF chemistry and gas adsorption.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 22, 2013

Finding the Goldilocks sites to store CO2 underground

Scientists compare results from three commercial-scale carbon capture and storage projects, revealing that not all sites are equal and successful implementation requires careful appraisal. The study's findings highlight the importance of long-term monitoring at CCS storage sites to ensure secure storage.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2013

New study shows predators affect the carbon cycle

A recent study found that the presence of spiders drives up the rate of carbon uptake by plants, while also changing their storage patterns. This effect is linked to the predator-prey relationship between grasshoppers and spiders, highlighting the vital role of predators in regulating the carbon cycle.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2013

Study: 'Waste heat' may economize CO2 capture

A Rice University team has found that using waste heat can remove more CO2 from coal-fired power plant emissions economically. The researchers hope to reduce the costs of CO2 capture by creating an integrated reaction column that uses waste heat, engineered materials and optimized components.

SourceRice University·JournalInternational Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control·DateMar 28, 2013

Solar sponge' soaks up CO₂ emissions

CSIRO researchers develop a 'solar sponge' that captures CO2 using natural sunlight, then releases it instantly when exposed to UV light. This breakthrough presents an energy-efficient method for recycling CO2 emissions, reducing the need for coal-based energy and conserving up to 30% of power plant production capacity.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 18, 2013

Carbon sponge could soak up coal emissions

Researchers have discovered a photosensitive metal organic framework (MOF) that can absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from coal power stations. The MOF can release stored CO2 when exposed to sunlight, making it a promising new tool for reducing emissions.

SourceMonash University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 11, 2013

Researchers find ancient carbon resurfacing in lakes

A new study reveals that a significant amount of carbon released into lakes and rivers is very old, approximately 1,000 to 3,000 years old. This finding challenges the current models of long-term carbon storage in lakes and rivers, suggesting a significant lag in the coupling between terrestrial and aquatic environments.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2012

Only 2 percent of Canadians deny climate change

A recent survey conducted by IPAC-CO2 Research Inc. found that only 2% of Canadians reject the concept of climate change, while most believe it is real and caused by human activity. The survey also revealed divisions in opinions on how to address climate change, with some prioritizing cleaner cars and others supporting a carbon tax.

Low-cost carbon capture gets X-rayed

Scientists at University of Leeds used Diamond Light Source to study calcium oxide-based materials as CO2 sorbents. They found a mechanism for interaction between CaO and water, which led to disintegration and generation of nano-sized crystallites. This new knowledge aims to improve the efficiency of this economically viable method.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 31, 2012

Study shows economic feasibility for capturing carbon dioxide directly from the air

A study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers shows that extracting carbon dioxide directly from the air using newly-developed adsorbent materials is economically feasible. The technique could be used to supplement capture of CO2 from power plant flue gases, with estimated costs of $100 per ton. The method has the potential to...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalChemSusChem·DateJul 23, 2012

Eat less meat and farm efficiently to tackle climate change

Research from the University of Exeter suggests that adopting a diet with lower meat consumption could significantly reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The study found that increasing agricultural efficiency, especially in livestock production, could help achieve this goal by making better use of resources and reducing waste.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJun 19, 2012

New materials could slash energy costs for CO2 capture

Researchers have identified dozens of zeolite minerals that can improve the energy efficiency of carbon capture technology, reducing 'parasitic energy' costs by up to 30%. The new materials could significantly enhance the feasibility of capturing CO2 from power plant emissions and storing it underground.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 30, 2012

Low-carbon technologies 'no quick-fix', say researchers

New research published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that low-carbon technologies will initially increase emissions due to their high energy requirements. The study indicates that substantial reductions in greenhouse gases won't be achieved until the latter part of this century.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 15, 2012

Edible carbon dioxide sponge

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered edible compounds that efficiently detect, capture and store carbon dioxide. The porous crystals, made from sugar, salt and alcohol, are simple to prepare and turn red when full of CO2.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 23, 2011

Getting a grip on CO2 capture

Canadian researchers have made a breakthrough in CO2 capture by identifying the exact sites where CO2 is held in a capture material. This discovery enables scientists to design better materials to capture more CO2, potentially mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from coal-burning flue stacks or unconventional natural gas reservoirs.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 2010

Measuring changes in rock

A research team developed tools to study supercritical CO2's impact on minerals, which could be affected by stored carbon dioxide. The new high-pressure atomic force microscope can observe changes at the atomic scale, addressing a key question about the feasibility of carbon capture and storage.

Carbon mapping breakthrough

Researchers created high-resolution maps of carbon storage and emissions in the Peruvian Amazon, revealing patterns that differ among forest types and geology. The study's findings could inform the United Nations' REDD initiative and provide financial incentives to reduce deforestation and degradation.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2010

Song receives ACS's Henry H. Storch Award in Fuel Chemistry

Chunshan Song has been awarded the Henry H. Storch Award in Fuel Chemistry by the American Chemical Society for his outstanding contributions to clean fuels and catalysis research. His work focuses on developing innovative methods for producing advanced thermally stable jet fuels and removing sulfur from liquid hydrocarbon fuels.