Researchers developed more efficient semiconductors that convert solar energy into chemical energy, enabling the reuse of CO2 as a raw material for fuel production. The study also found that adding special catalysts boosts performance and extends system lifetime.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute created a carbon-negative building material called enzymatic structural material (ESM) that offers a new alternative to traditional concrete. ESM sequesters more than 6 kilograms of CO2 per cubic meter, reducing emissions by nearly 80% compared to conventional concrete.
Bio-based carbon capture offers a 'triple win' for people, planet, and productivity through decentralized systems cutting synthetic fertilizer use by 20-40% and boosting crop yields by 10-25%. Long-term incorporation of biomass into soils via compost and biochar increases soil organic carbon by 10-40%, improving fertility and resilience.
Heriot-Watt University's IDRIC receives £2 million funding to advance UK industrial decarbonisation, building on five successful years of impact. The initiative will focus on research supporting regional and policy impact, identifying gaps in innovation.
A new study by the University of Leicester reveals that Africa's forests have switched from absorbing to emitting carbon, with approximately 106 billion kilograms lost per year between 2010 and 2017. This alarming shift underscores the urgent need for stronger global action to protect forests.
A study at the University of Buffalo discovered a new membrane that separates hydrogen from CO2 with a record-breaking selectivity of 1,800, outperforming previous rates by 18 times. The crosslinked polyamines-based membrane also exhibits self-healing properties and stability under extreme conditions.
Marine carbon dioxide removal technologies have the potential to play a role in mitigating global warming, but verifying their effectiveness and ensuring they don't harm the ocean is crucial. The European Marine Board report highlights the need for measures to ensure these technologies are used responsibly.
Researchers developed a distributed carbon nanofiber direct air capture filter that can turn every home, office, school or other building into a small carbon-capture system. The new filter is 92.1% efficient in removing carbon dioxide from the air, equivalent to taking 130 million cars off the road for a year.
Researchers have discovered a novel approach to converting waste carbon into useful products using porous separators called diaphragms. These diaphragms can withstand the harsh conditions of the process and maintain efficiency over an extended period, making them a viable alternative to existing membranes.
Researchers measured miscanthus × giganteus net primary productivity in both aboveground and belowground structures. They found that aboveground productivity varied among sites, fertilization rates, and calculation assumptions, with yields ranging from 15.4 to 36.4 Mg DM ha–1 year–1.
A new study warns that peatland carbon loss could quadruple under extreme drought events and warmer temperatures, threatening the planet's carbon sink. Researchers found that elevated carbon dioxide levels exacerbated carbon release during droughts, wiping out hundreds of years of accumulated carbon.
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.
A new power generation system using liquid oxygen storage has been patented by SwRI and 8 Rivers, aiming to make power plants more efficient and cost-effective. The system utilizes fluctuations in energy demand by generating pure oxygen during off-peak hours, which can then be stored and used later when prices are higher.
A new study offers a risk management approach to assess carbon removal portfolios and their potential to limit global warming over centuries. The framework suggests combining nature-based carbon storage like forestry with technology-based solutions like Direct Air Capture can provide long-term temperature stabilization.
A Stanford University study reveals a roadmap for California to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, requiring significant advancements in renewable energy generation, energy storage, and low-carbon transportation. The model forecasts the need for 170 gigawatts of new generation and 54 gigawatts of storage by 2045.
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.
A study examined Vietnamese mangrove carbon since 1900 and found restored forests to act as important carbon stores. However, the study suggests that these ecosystems might not possess 'normal' ecological functions.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2025
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 at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method to convert plastic waste into a climate solution for efficient and sustainable CO2 capture. The new material, BAETA, can absorb CO2 out of the atmosphere efficiently compared to existing carbon capture technologies.
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.
A new study estimates that safe underground carbon storage can reduce warming by 0.7°C, significantly lower than previous estimates of 6°C. The study highlights the need for responsible management of this limited resource to achieve long-term climate goals.
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.
An international team of earth scientists proposes a new framework to understand the factors influencing CO2 removal, revealing their complex interactions and potential for enhanced weathering techniques. This integrated approach aims to enhance natural carbon storage, helping achieve Paris Agreement targets.
The decline of seed-dispersing animals, including birds and mammals, hinders the fight against climate change by altering forest composition and reducing carbon absorption. Researchers warn that major global efforts underestimate the importance of frugivores in conservation and restoration strategies.
A single species of coral in the Alcatrazes Archipelago retains about 20 tons of carbon per year, equivalent to the carbon emissions from burning 324,000 liters of gasoline. This stored carbon can last for centuries or millennia, making subtropical coral reefs like Alcatrazes potential greenhouse gas sinks.
Recent advances in chemistry have led to innovations in industrial carbon capture technologies, reducing energy consumption by over 30% and improving efficiency. The research highlights novel amine blends, metal-organic frameworks, and electroswing technologies that can selectively capture CO2 with high efficiency.
Airovation Technologies won the prestigious Asper Prize for innovative startup solutions, securing a NIS 100,000 award. The company's ventures focus on real-world challenges, such as gut health and carbon capture, demonstrating purpose-driven innovation.
Researchers found that low concentrations of SO2 and NO2 in flue gas improve CO2 capture stability, but high concentrations lead to decreased adsorption capacity and catalytic reforming ability. The study suggests that coating layers of calcium-containing compounds on Ni nanoparticles contribute to deactivation.
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...
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.
A new palladium-loaded a-IGZO catalyst achieved over 91% selectivity when converting CO2 to methanol, leveraging electronic properties of semiconductors. The study demonstrates novel design principles for sustainable catalysis based on electronic structure engineering.
Teams developed a CO2 capture and conversion system that can handle a wide range of CO2 concentrations, even in the presence of oxygen. The system uses a zeolite adsorbent to rapidly adsorb CO2 and a separate catalytic reactor to convert it into a usable resource.
New research claims adding lime to agricultural soils can remove CO2 from the atmosphere, rather than cause emissions. The study, based on over 100 years of data, shows that the addition of acidity is the main driver for CO2 emissions from soils.
Researchers discovered that young secondary forests, aged between 20 and 40 years, exhibit the highest rates of carbon removal – locking away up to eight times more carbon per hectare than newly regenerating forests. Protecting existing young secondary forests offers immediate substantial carbon removal benefits.
Researchers have developed a novel silica aerogel that captures CO2 efficiently while providing excellent thermal insulation. The bifunctionalized hybrid silica aerogel can adsorb CO2 at low concentrations under humid conditions, making it suitable for various applications in carbon-neutral technology.
A groundbreaking study reveals that small zooplankton like copepods and krill enhance carbon sequestration through seasonal migrations. These tiny creatures store around 65 million tonnes of carbon annually in the deep ocean.
The New Carbon Economy Consortium brings together experts from universities, national labs, NGOs, and industry leaders to develop a new economy that captures and stores more carbon than it emits. The consortium's vision is based on transforming carbon emissions into valuable resources, such as better chemicals and building materials.
A USC-developed shipboard system using limestone and seawater can remove up to half of carbon dioxide emitted from shipping vessels, cutting maritime CO2 emissions by 50%. The process mimics a natural chemical reaction in the ocean, where CO2 is absorbed into water pumped onboard and then neutralized through a bed of limestone.
Researchers estimate that burying wood debris from managed forests can capture between 770 and 937 gigatons of carbon dioxide, resulting in a reduction of global temperatures by up to 0.42 degrees Celsius. This method is considered low-tech, sustainable, and relatively simple.
Researchers explore various methods for carbon capture utilization and storage, including enhanced oil recovery technology and novel materials. Studies also investigate geological storage formations and safety issues related to CO2 storage in reservoirs.
Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.
Researchers argue that nature-based solutions like restoring forests and ecosystems are necessary for achieving global climate goals. High-tech CDR methods can complement, not compete with, these natural approaches. A balanced approach is key to meeting the Paris Agreement's temperature goal in a sustainable manner.
A team of researchers has discovered a novel method for capturing carbon dioxide using clay minerals, expanding the portfolio of absorbent materials for addressing climate change. The study, published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, found that certain types of clay can selectively absorb CO2 from the air at low humidity levels.
A recent study published in Engineering delves into the complex mechanisms of multiphase reactive flow during CO₂ storage in sandstone. The research team identified significant changes in petrophysical properties, including pore and throat sizes, due to chemical reactions.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to boost the efficiency of electrochemical carbon dioxide capture and release by introducing a simple intermediate step that facilitates both capture and release. The new method uses nanofiltration membranes to separate ions in the solution based on their charge, allowing for more effici...
Researchers have found new organisms that can capture carbon dioxide and clean pollutants from the environment. By exploring extremophiles in homes, scientists can gain insights into their unique characteristics and develop sustainable solutions.
Researchers have developed an innovative catalyst made from cobalt-nickel alloy encapsulated within ceramic material Sm2O3-doped CeO2 (SDC), achieving 90% energy efficiency and sustaining performance over 2,000 hours. The breakthrough could significantly reduce operating costs by 60-80% compared to existing technologies.
A new sunlight-powered system mimics plants to separate carbon dioxide from industrial sources, reducing energy consumption and emissions. The process uses sunlight to make a stable enol molecule reactive enough to 'grab' the carbon, with potential applications in air carbon capture.
A new study found that brick kiln owners in Bangladesh are willing to implement energy-efficient operational changes after receiving training and support. The changes led to a 23% reduction in energy use and substantial savings in coal expenditures.
A team of scientists at UNIST developed a data-driven structure prediction algorithm that led to the synthesis of three novel porous materials with exceptional selectivity in gas separation. The newly developed materials have significant potential for greenhouse gas separation and purification applications.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo have developed a method to restore tens of thousands of oil and gas exploration sites in western Canada using native moss. The technique involves transplanting moss onto decommissioned well pads, effectively recreating peatlands and supporting ecosystem development.
A new study finds that ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and storage in German waters is feasible but with limitations, such as local marine conditions and required materials, energy, and infrastructure. Only five methods were shortlisted for implementation in German North Sea and Baltic waters.
Researchers have discovered a way to regulate starch storage in algae using blue light-activated signalling pathways. This method has the potential to increase starch production in biofuels, improve nutritional value of agricultural feed supplements, and capture more carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gases.
Biomass is crucial for Europe's ability to reach its climate targets, providing both energy and negative emissions. Excluding biomass from the European energy system would increase costs by 169 billion Euros per year.
Researchers at EPFL developed a scalable technique to create porous graphene membranes selectively filtering CO₂ from gas mixtures. The new approach slashes production costs while improving membrane quality and performance, paving the way for real-world applications.
Kyushu University's Direct Air Capture and Utilization device captures CO2 from air, allowing it to be reused in daily life. The technology enables small-scale, decentralized carbon capture, making it suitable for densely populated cities like Japan.
Researchers explored cyclic CO2 injection in unconventional reservoirs, finding a 3.4% increase in oil recovery and 48.3% of injected CO2 stored underground after ten cycles. However, this process reduced cumulative oil production by 2.2%.
Researchers developed a streamlined process for converting CO₂ into carbon monoxide with record-breaking efficiency, cutting down processing time from 24 hours to 15 minutes. The new method uses low-cost pigment-based catalysts and offers a promising pathway for carbon neutral energy production.
A new two-year project funded by TotalEnergies and Equinor aims to improve thermodynamic models for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) fluids. This will help establish optimum operational conditions and reduce risks associated with VOCs in CO2 streams.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed new materials for direct air capture, making it cheaper and more scalable. The study found that certain materials, such as aluminum oxide and activated carbon, can capture CO2 efficiently, paving the way for more accessible carbon capture technologies.