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UCF researcher develops lotus-inspired tech to convert CO2 to fuels, chemicals

A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a nature-inspired filtration and conversion system that extracts carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere to create fuels and chemicals. The device mimics the lotus surface, capturing carbon dioxide with a microsurface comprised of a tin oxide film and fluorine layer.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2024

Urban concrete mines

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a method to combine old concrete with carbon dioxide to create a new, durable material called calcium carbonate concrete. The process involves grinding the old concrete into powder, reacting it with CO2 from the air, and then heating it to form the new block.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Advanced Concrete Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

Montana State researcher studies nano-scale materials that mimic enzymes to convert CO2 into chemical building blocks

A Montana State University researcher has developed nano-scale materials that can convert carbon dioxide into chemical building blocks, marking a potential step forward in reducing atmospheric CO2. The materials mimic enzymes and have the ability to selectively capture CO2 from the air.

SourceMontana State University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Scientists release new research on planted mangroves’ ability to store carbon

Scientists have discovered that planted mangroves can store a significant amount of carbon, reaching levels comparable to those in intact stands after just 20 years. The study used logistic models compiled from over 700 planted mangrove stands worldwide and found that the trees' carbon stock reached 71-73% of that found in intact stands.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 10, 2024

Shrinking glaciers: Microscopic fungi enhance soil carbon storage in new landscapes created by shrinking Arctic glaciers

In a study published in PNAS, researchers found that microscopic fungi play a key role in enhancing soil carbon storage in newly formed landscapes created by shrinking Arctic glaciers. The team discovered diverse communities of microbes thriving in the barren soils, and pioneer fungi sequester carbon in the soil.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2024

All-in-one method measures CO2 in concrete

A new device developed by University of Tokyo researchers can measure carbon dioxide captured in concrete quickly and accurately, skipping the need to crush concrete samples. This innovation aims to support global efforts to reach carbon neutrality and offset emissions from the concrete sector.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Advanced Concrete Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

Research to enable cheaper and safer battery storage

Researchers developed a unique electrochemical ultrasonic force microscopy (EC-UFM) technique to observe sodium-ion battery interfaces during operation. The new method guides passivating layer formation, preserving charge carrier transport and enhancing battery performance.

SourceLancaster University·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

How human activities affect groundwater storage?

The study finds a significant negative correlation between human activities and groundwater storage, with temporal analysis revealing long-lasting effects up to seven years. Economically developed regions favor groundwater storage, highlighting the need for sustainable practices.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2024

Risky path to meeting climate targets for Stockholm

Researchers at Linköping University assess Stockholm's climate strategy, finding a reliance on carbon capture technology without sufficient discussion of its risks. They recommend setting separate targets for emissions reduction and capturing CO2 to ensure clearer decision-making.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·TypeCase study·DateMay 29, 2024

“The magic of making electricity from metals and air” The vexing carbonate has achieved it!

Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a high-energy, high-efficiency all-solid-state sodium-air battery that can reversibly utilize sodium and air without additional equipment. The breakthrough overcomes the challenge of carbonate formation, increasing energy density and reducing voltage gap.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2024

Charting a pathway to next-gen biofuels

Researchers at Princeton University have modeled a supply chain for second-generation biofuels, which are derived from agricultural waste or non-food crops and can produce more sustainable substitutes for fossil fuels. The study found that careful management of the supply chain could result in systems with lower costs and emissions imp...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 23, 2024

Unraveling the drought dilemma: can reservoirs be a carbon source?

Research found that during severe droughts, agricultural reservoirs in Korea's southern region experienced increased total organic carbon concentrations. The study suggests that these reservoirs may shift from carbon storage to carbon sources, emitting carbon into the atmosphere. This finding highlights the need for integrated environm...

New technique by NUS scientists to transform waste carbon dioxide into high-value chemicals achieves cost reduction of about 30%

Researchers from NUS have developed a novel technique that converts waste carbon dioxide into value-added chemicals and fuels. The method uses a nickel catalyst and acidic electrolytes, achieving an efficiency rate of over 99%. This innovation has the potential to reduce costs by up to 30% and is adaptable for different industrial needs.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Georgia Tech and Meta create massive open dataset to advance AI solutions for carbon capture

A massive open dataset, OpenDAC, has been created to accelerate direct air capture technology development while reducing costs. The database enables the training of an AI model that predicts material interactions with high accuracy, significantly faster than traditional chemistry simulations.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 2, 2024

Sugar-based catalyst upcycles carbon dioxide

A new sugar-based catalyst has successfully converted carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, a building block for producing fuels that can replace gasoline. The catalyst, made from an inexpensive and abundant metal, offers a potential solution for disposing of captured carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2024

UNH ingenuity offers unique way to track carbon emissions in bodies of water

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have created a unique way to measure CO2 emissions in streams and rivers, providing valuable information for land use planning and climate action. The adapted sensors can capture frequent measurements, helping understand extreme precipitation events and their impact on water bodies.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Methods·DateMar 13, 2024