Carbon

EU rules could make fossil-free aviation fuels unnecessarily expensive and energy-intensive

Digging deeper: The overlooked carbon fortress beneath our feet

A comprehensive review reveals that deep soil layers store over 50-60% of the total carbon in top meter of soil. The subsoil environment is characterized by low oxygen and limited microbial activity, making it a stable target for long-term carbon removal strategies.

Electricity could produce cement with almost no carbon footprint

Advanced chemical frameworks offer a photocatalytic solution for uranium extraction from water

Researchers develop heterocyclic-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that utilize light to trigger specific redox reactions, reducing soluble uranium into insoluble forms. The materials have shown impressive photocatalytic uranium extraction efficiency and potential for environmental cleanup and nuclear fuel security.

BRIGHT and LanzaTech launch new partnership to accelerate carbon to value biotechnology in Europe

The partnership aims to establish a next-generation C1 biofoundry at DTU to convert CO2, CO, and methane into valuable products. This technology has the potential to reduce industrial emissions and enable circular, climate-positive solutions.

Carbon credits have enabled vital protection of tropical forests, despite being oversold tenfold

A major analysis found that four in five REDD+ projects successfully protected forests. Many projects have slowed deforestation despite over-crediting; 'bad credits' do not necessarily mean bad projects.

Engineered Biochar for Carbon Capture and Resource Recovery: Bridging Science, Sustainability, and Industrial Application

The upcoming international forum will explore engineered biochar's potential to advance carbon capture and sustainable resource recovery. Recent advances in biochar design, including structural engineering and hybridization with nanomaterials, will be showcased.

Self‑sensing NiFe@N‑doped carbon aerogel: Integrating excellent radar stealth, inherent structural health monitoring, thermal management, and flame retardancy

Researchers have developed a self-sensing NiFe@N-doped carbon aerogel that seamlessly integrates multiple essential functionalities into a single lightweight structure. The aerogel addresses critical operational requirements such as real-time damage detection, thermal protection, and fire safety for aerospace, defense, and advanced ele...

Global forum highlights new strategies to balance soil health and carbon sequestration

The session discussed the complex relationship between organic carbon inputs and long-term carbon storage in soils. Emerging strategies were presented to optimize organic amendments and enhance both soil function and carbon retention.

Coffee waste transformed into high-performance, biodegradable insulation material

Researchers developed a biodegradable composite made from spent coffee grounds and natural polymer, offering strong thermal insulation while being environmentally sustainable. The new material has a thermal conductivity comparable to commercial expanded polystyrene and is fully derived from renewable resources.

Turning crops into carbon sinks: Biochar offers a low-cost path to carbon removal in China

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.

Hunted by neanderthals: Giant elephants traveled hundreds of kilometers across ice-age europe

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 develop biochar-based photocatalyst that rapidly removes antibiotic pollutants from water

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 ...

Peatland lakes in the Congo Basin release carbon that is thousands of years old

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.

Turning agricultural waste into advanced materials: Review highlights how torrefaction could power a sustainable carbon future

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.

Rapid microwave method creates high performance carbon material for carbon dioxide capture

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.

Sanity check warns EVs and heat pumps deliver “no proven carbon savings” ahead of 2030 clean‑power target

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.

UT San Antonio-led research team discovers compound in 500-million-year-old fossils, shedding new light on Earth’s carbon cycle

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.

Scientists design solar-responsive biochar that accelerates environmental cleanup

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 ...

Strategic tree planting brings meaningful carbon reductions

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.

How tree rings help scientists understand disruptive extreme solar storms

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.

A new route to synthesize multiple functionalized carbon nanohoops

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.

Not only toxic but also a nutrient: guanidine as a nitrogen source

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.

DGIST achieves the world’s highest efficiency with the development of a perovskite-based self-powered betavoltaic battery

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.

Exposure to multiple fine particulate matter components and incident depression in the US Medicare population

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.

Bacteria resisting viral infection can still sink carbon to ocean floor

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.

Leading dramatic improvement in lithium-sulfur battery performance! DGIST develops a multifunctional carbon-titanium composite material in a single process

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.

New study reveals how natural humic substances reshape soil carbon cycling and boost antibiotic resistance

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.

Directional three‑dimensional macroporous carbon foams decorated with WC1−x nanoparticles derived from salting‑out protein assemblies for highly effective electromagnetic absorption

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.

Iron fortified hemp biochar helps keep “forever chemicals” out of radishes and the food chain

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.

Efficient neutral nitrate-to-ammonia electrosynthesis using synergistic Ru-based nanoalloys on nitrogen-doped carbon

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.

New carbon materials offer eco-friendly solutions for water pollution, energy storage, and green chemistry

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.

Breakthrough material advances uranium extraction from seawater, paving the way for sustainable nuclear energy

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.

New review shows how iron powered biochar can transform pollution control and sustainable agriculture

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.

Innovative biochar composite offers solution to nitrate pollution in agriculture

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.

Missed the live session? Watch the recording now!

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.

Mapping resilient supply solutions for graphite, a critical mineral powering energy storage: Rice experts’ take

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, affordable tool to combat water pollution

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.

Turning waste into clean water: Magnetic carbon materials remove toxic pollutants from wastewater

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.

Turning trash into treasure: Scientists transform waste plastics into high-value carbon materials

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.

New biochar-enhanced cement could lock away more carbon dioxide

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.

Scientists turn algae and crop waste into valuable fuels and nanomaterials

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.

Global analysis reveals how biochar supercharges composting and cuts greenhouse gases

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.

New biochar innovation captures stubborn metal pollutants from water

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.

Carbon opportunities highlighted in Australia’s utilities sector

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.

Using AI to optimize hydrogen fuel production and reduce environmental impact: Worcester Polytechnic Institute research published in Nature Chemical Engineering

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.

New biochar strategy tackles toxic cadmium in rice paddies while locking away carbon

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.

Turning a problem into a resource: Scientists transform biomass tar into high-value carbon materials

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.

Beyond adsorption: Dalian scientists uncover biochar’s hidden superpower—direct pollutant destruction

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.

Boston College’s Hanqin Tian is 2025 AGU Bert Bolin Award and Lecture Recipient

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.

From trash to treasure: Indonesian scientists turn plastic bags into glowing water sensors

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.

Seasonal freeze–thaw cycles may cause “green” biochar to leak toxic metals, new study warns

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.

New paper links atmosphere and ocean in weathering, carbon dioxide removal

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.

Machine learning accelerates biochar research to cut carbon emissions and recycle waste

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.

Study reveals how nitrogen atmosphere enhances performance of iron-biochar catalysts in wastewater treatment

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.

Researchers uncover potential biosignatures on Mars

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.

3D‑printed boron‑nitrogen doped carbon electrodes for sustainable wastewater treatment via MPECVD

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.

Revolutionizing energy storage: unlocking the potential of two-dimensional biphenylene oxide for metal-ion batteries

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.

Discovery unlocks potential of “miracle material” for future electronics

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.

Green chemistry breakthrough: Microwave-assisted synthesis of biomass-derived N-doped carbon dots for metal ion sensing

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.