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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers have discovered a rare white dwarf remnant with a carbon signature, suggesting it formed from the merger of two stars. The high-mass white dwarf, WD 0525+526, has a thin atmosphere that allows carbon to reach its surface, providing insights into the early stages of stellar evolution.
Researchers developed a groundbreaking carbon membrane that can enable high-precision proton beams for cancer treatment. The new material outperforms best-in-class materials like graphene and commercial carbon films.
Researchers introduce a novel electrocatalyst design strategy using chemical fermentation, creating a multilevel porous carbon architecture embedded with Ni–Fe alloy nanoparticles. This approach achieves ultra-efficient oxygen evolution reaction performance, with a record-low overpotential of 165 mV at 10 mA cm−2.
Researchers from NUS develop non-alternant carbon nanobelts featuring five-membered cyclopentadienyl units, allowing for improved electron flow and new electronic properties. The novel structures emit bright red light and exhibit small energy gaps, making them suitable for organic light-emitting diodes and solar cells.
Agricultural systems scientist Bruno Basso's research at Michigan State University provides a dynamic baseline approach to measure climate benefits in agricultural carbon markets. The study evaluates both soil organic carbon sequestration and nitrous oxide emissions, offering a comprehensive assessment of net climate impact.
Researchers at Rice University developed a new glass coating that forms a thin, tough layer that reflects heat and resists scratches and moisture. The coating improves energy savings by 2.9% compared to existing alternatives, making it a promising solution for cities with cold winters.
Researchers develop carbon-based multivariable sensors for efficient and versatile chemical sensing in complex environments. These sensors leverage CNTs and graphene to classify and identify multiple analytes, overcoming traditional sensing limitations.
Researchers developed Se-regulated MnS porous nanocubes encapsulated in carbon nanofibers for high-performance sodium-ion batteries. These novel anode materials show significant improvements in electrochemical performance, making them a promising candidate for high-energy-density SIBs.
A study analyzing China's emissions trading system finds that it increases financing pressures on high-carbon firms, particularly privately owned or financially constrained ones. This dynamic may hinder their green transition and overall competitiveness.
Scientists at Rice University have developed a scalable method to create high-performance single-photon emitters in carbon-doped hexagonal boron nitride, paving the way for practical quantum light sources. The findings overcome long-standing challenges in the field and set a new benchmark for qubit production.
Longer winter sea ice duration is associated with a 20% increase in atmospheric CO2 absorption by the Southern Ocean. Sea ice protects the ocean from strong winds, allowing it to absorb more CO2 during winter.
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.
Researchers created a new steel alloy combining TRIP effect and L1₂ nanoprecipitates, achieving high tensile strengths of 1.2–1.8 GPa and uniform elongation of 10–30%. This breakthrough offers promising synergy for strength and ductility in uncharted territory.
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...
A new study reveals that the negative effects of the ozone hole on the Southern Ocean's carbon uptake are reversible, but only if greenhouse gas emissions rapidly decrease. The study found that as the ozone hole heals, its influence on the ocean's carbon sink diminishes, while the influence of greenhouse gas emissions rises.
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.
Scientists are constructing novel three-dimensional (3D) carbon crystals with superhard, conducting, and porous properties through 'Lego'-style assembly of carbon units. Experimental breakthroughs have enabled the synthesis of various 3D carbon structures using different techniques.
Researchers propose a novel approach to reduce carbon emissions in cement manufacturing by leveraging iron naturally present in cement raw materials. The method enables the co-thermal conversion of CaCO₃ with CH₄ under a methane atmosphere, resulting in high-value syngas as a byproduct and significantly reducing carbon footprint.
Researchers have discovered a new shape for energy storage using cone and disc carbon structures, which can store large ions like sodium and potassium efficiently. The discovery could lead to more affordable and sustainable battery technologies, reducing reliance on lithium.
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.
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 at the University of Surrey developed a cost-effective method for removing CO2 from the air and converting it into synthetic fuel. The Dual-Function Material (DFM) process has been shown to be financially competitive with established industry methods, offering a promising route to decarbonize industries.
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.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a more efficient way to produce methanol from carbon dioxide, a cleaner alternative fuel. The new process uses a dual catalyst system, resulting in a 66% increase in efficiency and paving the way for sustainable technologies.