Safer, more efficient drug discovery
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a faster and safer method to test the movement of new drugs within the body. This approach accelerates the drug development process while reducing its risks.
Carbon
Articles tagged with Carbon
New findings shed light on finding valuable ‘green’ metals
Research sheds light on how concentrations of metals used in renewable energy technologies can be transported from deep within the Earth's interior mantle by low temperature, carbon-rich melts. Carbonate melts effectively dissolve and transport base metals, precious metals, and oxidised sulfur.
New composite decking could reduce global warming effects of building materials
Scientists have developed a carbon-negative composite decking material that stores more CO2 than is required to manufacture it. The new material, which is less expensive and meets building codes, could offset up to 250,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually if replaced in the US market.
A new manganese-fluorine catalyst with exceptional oxidizing power
A research team has synthesized a cutting-edge manganese-fluorine catalyst with exceptional oxidizing power, capable of extracting electrons from compounds. The catalyst facilitates efficient electron loss from toxic toluene derivatives, marking a significant breakthrough in catalytic research.
UMass Amherst scientists propose new method for tracking elusive origins of CO2 emissions from streams
A team of researchers proposes a new method to track the elusive origins of CO2 emissions from streams, accounting for 60% of emissions under alkaline conditions. Using carbonate buffering, scientists can better understand the balance of CO2, water, and carbonate in stream systems.
Amorphous solar cells with FIDO technology are more efficient, stable, and lightweight
Scientists at Nagoya University have created a new material based on fullerene indanones (FIDO) to enhance the durability of next-generation solar cells. The new material is more efficient, stable, and lightweight than conventional silicon solar cells, making it suitable for vertical installations.
Inexpensive, carbon-neutral biofuels are finally possible
A new study reveals that introducing a simple, renewable chemical to the pretreatment step can make next-generation biofuel production cost-effective and carbon neutral. A CELF biorefinery can more fully utilize plant matter than earlier methods, resulting in sustainable aviation fuel at a break-even price of $3.15 per gallon.
Groundbreaking discovery enables cost-effective and eco-friendly green hydrogen production
A new bifunctional water electrolysis catalyst made from ruthenium, silicon, and tungsten enables the efficient production of high-purity green hydrogen. The catalyst demonstrates exceptional durability in acidic environments, making it an attractive alternative to traditional precious metal catalysts.
Innovative design marks groundbreaking progress in terahertz technology
Researchers developed a carbon-based tunable metasurface absorber with an ultrawide, tunable bandwidth in the THz range. The absorber boasts high absorption efficiency and insensitivity to polarization angles, paving the way for advanced technological applications.
Breakthrough in organic semiconductor synthesis paves the way for advanced electronic devices
Researchers at UNIST have achieved a significant breakthrough in organic semiconductor synthesis by synthesizing a novel molecule called BNBN anthracene. This derivative exhibits unique properties, including precise modulation of electronic properties without structural changes.
Chance twists ordered carbon nanotubes into ‘tornado films’
Researchers develop methods to introduce chirality into materials, enabling tunable properties in thin films. The discovery has potential applications in pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, communication and energy.
A mineral produced by plate tectonics has a global cooling effect, study finds
A clay mineral called smectite, formed through plate tectonics, efficiently traps organic carbon and could help buffer global warming. Smectite's accordion-textured folds effectively trap dead organisms, preventing them from being consumed by microbes.
Kavli Exploration Award backs Rice-led sustainable carbon materials research
A multidisciplinary research project aims to improve carbon nanotube synthesis efficiency, enabling more sustainable alternatives to heavy industry materials. The project, led by Rice University's Matteo Pasquali, has received a $4.1 million grant from the Kavli Foundation.
New method verifies carbon capture in concrete
Researchers develop a method to verify whether carbon in concrete comes from air or raw materials. By analyzing carbon isotopes, they can confirm direct air capture and certify offsetting CO2 emissions. This technology is crucial for the construction industry and supports a circular economy.
UCLA chemists use oxygen, copper ‘scissors’ to make cheaper drug treatments possible
Researchers develop method to produce valuable chemicals at lower cost, using ozone and copper catalyst. This breakthrough could make cancer treatment more affordable, with prices potentially reduced from thousands to just a few dollars.
Teams investigate material degradation process of carbon-based catalyst
A team of researchers elucidated how hydrogen peroxide affects the degradation of a carbon-based catalyst named N-G/MOF. The study examined changes in the catalyst's elemental composition, major chemical bonds, crystal structure, and morphology under varying concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.
Carbon atoms coming together in space
Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a mechanism for carbon atoms to come together on the surface of interstellar ice grains, producing complex organic molecules. This process occurs at temperatures above 30 Kelvin and may have played a role in the origin of life on Earth.
WVU engineers study how to pull carbon out of building air to make methanol
Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a technology that can capture carbon dioxide from the air of buildings and use it to produce methanol, a common chemical with numerous applications. The process is expected to increase the sustainable supply of methanol while removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
A new design strategy for mechanoresponsive materials with high thermal tolerance
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a new design strategy for creating mechanoresponsive materials with high thermal tolerance. The study identified two key factors that determine the thermal stability of these materials: radical-stabilization energy and Hammett constants.
New study highlights feasibility and optimization of ammonia-based power generation for carbon neutrality
A recent study evaluates the feasibility of ammonia-based power generation through techno-economic and carbon footprint analyses. The research reveals an impressive energy efficiency rate of 46.7% within the designed power generation process, with costs and greenhouse gas emissions considered.
Benchtop NMR spectroscopy can accurately analyse pyrolysis oils
A team at Aston University has demonstrated that benchtop spectrometers can analyse pyrolysis bio-oils with high accuracy, comparable to expensive high-field spectrometers. This breakthrough makes NMR analysis of pyrolysis oils more accessible and affordable.
Study suggests energy-efficient route to capturing and converting CO2
Researchers at MIT developed an electrochemical process that captures and converts CO2 in a single step, reducing energy consumption. The system can be powered by renewable electricity, making it suitable for industrial processes with no obvious renewable alternative.
New research highlights opportunities to protect carbon and communities from forest fires
A new study identifies locations where proactive forest management can reduce carbon loss and protect communities from wildfires in the Western United States. Proactive forest management techniques like thinning, prescribed fire, and cultural burning can help keep carbon in forests and reduce wildfire risk.
Enhanced chemical weathering: A solution to the climate crisis?
Researchers discovered that blending crushed rock with arable soil could help reduce global temperatures. The process, known as enhanced chemical weathering, works by releasing calcium and magnesium from rocks, which bind atmospheric carbon dioxide and prevent its release back into the atmosphere.
How fast does the charge migrate in molecules?
Scientists have successfully measured the speed of molecular charge migration in a carbon-chain molecule, revealing a movement of several angstroms per femtosecond. The study used a two-color high harmonic spectroscopy scheme with machine learning reconstruction to achieve a temporal resolution of 50 as.
USTC develops new catalysts for CO2 electroreduction
Researchers at USTC have developed a novel catalyst that achieves high electrochemical performance in both neutral and alkaline media. The asymmetric dinitrogen-coordinated nickel single-atomic sites enhance the intrinsic activity of the sites, resulting in a high turnover frequency of over 274,000 site−1 h−1.
Deep cycling of carbon and chlorine were likely flipped in Earth’s early history
Researchers from Macquarie University have found that the Earth's gradual cooling led to a flip in the deep cycling of carbon and chlorine between the surface and interior. Most carbon accumulates into solid carbonate sediments, while chlorine typically returns to the surface as volcanic gases.
Texas A&M chemists, geologists bond over NSF-funded study of clumped isotopes
A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has developed a new model to accurately measure ancient ocean temperatures using clumped isotopes. By understanding the reordering process, they were able to identify the role of water as an accelerator in resetting clumped isotope temperatures.
Lignin separation method could make renewable material profitable
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a novel method to extract lignin from wheat straw, producing a color-neutral, odorless, and homogenous material. This breakthrough could make lignin a more viable candidate for developing high-value products and biobased materials.
Electrochemical device captures carbon dioxide at the flick of a switch
A new electrochemical device developed by Rice University engineers can capture carbon dioxide directly from sources like flue gas to the atmosphere using electricity. The system has efficiency above 98% and requires minimal electricity input, making it a promising front for climate change mitigation.
New method could break down PFAS left on water treatment filters
University of Missouri researchers developed a method using thermal induction heating to rapidly break down PFAS on the surface of granular activated carbon and anion exchange resins. The process achieved 98% degradation in just 20 seconds, offering a highly energy-efficient alternative to conventional methods.
Inside-out heating and ambient wind could make direct air capture cheaper and more efficient
The team's innovative design uses bank-tube-inspired modules to capture CO2 with sufficient purity for underground sequestration. By eliminating steam-based heating and using ambient wind flow, the system boosts efficiency and reduces upfront costs.
You can make carbon dioxide filters with a 3D printer
Researchers at NC State University have developed a novel method for creating CO2 capture filters using 3D printing. The filters, made from a hydrogel material infused with the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, captured 24% of CO2 in a gas mixture and retained 52% of its performance after over 1,000 hours. This technology has potential applic...
With formic acid towards CO2 neutrality
Researchers develop a new method for fixing carbon dioxide using formic acid, which can replace conventional chemical manufacturing processes with carbon-neutral biological methods. The process produces formaldehyde, a non-toxic substance that can be fed into metabolic pathways to create valuable substances.
Co-thermal in-situ reduction of inorganic carbonates to reduce carbon-dioxide emission
Researchers have developed a new method using co-thermal in-situ reduction of inorganic carbonates to produce high-purity CO with a selectivity of 95.8%, reducing carbon-dioxide emission and offering potential for green hydrogen production.
Toward tunable molecular switches from organic compounds
Researchers at Hokkaido University and Kyushu University have developed a technique to synthesize potential molecular switches from anthraquinodimethanes (AQDs), a group of overcrowded organic molecules. The synthesized derivatives can stably form twisted and folded isomers, as well as other isomeric forms, in different solvents.
Discovery of crucial clue to accelerate development of carbon-neutral porous materials
Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have identified seven types of zirconium metal clusters found in MOFs and fourteen potential new metal building blocks. This discovery provides a crucial clue to accelerate the development of carbon-neutral porous materials.
New additives could turn concrete into an effective carbon sink
Researchers have found a way to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production by introducing a simple additive, sodium bicarbonate. This new process can sequester up to 15% of the total carbon dioxide associated with cement production, making concrete a more environmentally friendly material.
Swansea University academics develop world’s first completely roll-to-roll printable perovskite solar cell
Researchers at Swansea University have created a low-cost and scalable method to manufacture fully printable perovskite photovoltaics using carbon ink. The devices achieved similar performance to conventional gold electrodes, with power conversion efficiencies of up to 14%.
Crab shells could help power the next generation of rechargeable batteries
Researchers have used crab shells to create anode materials for sodium-ion batteries, which could lead to more sustainable battery technologies. The team found that the porous structure of the crab carbon provided a large surface area, enhancing its conductivity and ability to transport ions efficiently.
Astronomers detect radio recombination lines of carbon/oxygen ions for first time
Researchers from Shanghai Astronomical Observatory detect radio recombination lines of carbon and oxygen ions for the first time, using the TianMa 65-m Radio Telescope. The discovery allows for accurate measurement of element abundances and has significant implications for studying interstellar chemistry and molecular formation.
Potential for profits gives Rice lab’s plastic waste project promise
Scientists at Rice University have developed a new technique using the 'flash Joule' method to transform plastic waste into high-value carbon nanotubes and hybrid nanomaterials. This process is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for recycling plastic waste.
Metalloradical catalysis guides new cobalt-based system that exploits unique features of homolytic radical reaction
Researchers at Boston College have developed a new catalytic approach that enables concurrent control of multiple convergences and selectivities in intermolecular amination of allylic carbon-hydrogen bonds in alkenes. The cobalt-based system exploits unique features of homolytic radical reaction to form desired amine products in a high...
Scientists unveil least costly carbon capture system to date
Scientists at PNNL have created a new system that efficiently captures CO2 and converts it into methanol, reducing emissions and establishing a market for CO2-containing materials. The technology could help stimulate the development of other carbon capture technologies and promote a more circular economy.
The world in grains of interstellar dust
Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a new pathway to forming presolar grains, which could help scientists better understand the interstellar environment and develop more efficient nanoparticles. The study suggests that these grains formed through a non-classical nucleation pathway, involving three distinct steps.
Electron injection builds novel crystalline carbons
Researchers discovered a method to create long-range ordered porous carbon (LOPC) crystals using electron injection, preserving the periodic stacking of nanomaterials. The method allows for precise control of interfaces in crystal structures, enabling new material construction like LEGO blocks.
Electron injection builds novel crystalline carbons
A research team at USTC discovered a novel long-range ordered porous carbon (LOPC) crystal formed by charging C60 molecules with Li3N, preserving periodic stacking of nanomaterials. LOPC exhibits characteristics of both long-range order and partially broken C60 molecules, making it suitable for various applications.
Eating viruses can power growth, reproduction of microorganism
A team of researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has discovered that certain microorganisms, such as Halteria, can eat high numbers of chloroviruses, which are known to infect green algae. This finding suggests that virovory, a virus-only diet, can support physiological growth and even population growth in an organism.
NTU Singapore scientists convert waste paper into battery parts for smartphones and electric vehicles
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a technique to convert waste paper into lithium-ion battery electrodes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing durability. The new method uses carbonisation and laser cutting to create reusable batteries with superior properties.
University of Missouri is helping the aviation industry go “green”
MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.
Assessing the environmental impact of future ‘Higgs factories’
Researchers assessing the environmental impact of future 'Higgs factories' propose a new figure of merit: carbon footprint per Higgs boson produced. Circular colliders emerge as a promising option due to their excellent physics capability and energy efficiency, which could significantly reduce the environmental cost.
Creating carbon nanostructures using small organic molecules
Researchers at Tsinghua University Press developed a novel approach to create carbon nanostructures using heat transformation of small organic molecules into porous carbons. This technique eliminates the need for traditional polymer precursors, offering a precise and cost-effective method for producing these versatile materials.
Mexican mangroves have been capturing carbon for 5,000 years
Researchers have discovered that Mexican mangrove forests have been absorbing and storing carbon for an impressive 5,000 years. The study found that these unique ecosystems are capable of retaining large amounts of carbon due to the presence of certain microorganisms.
University of Oklahoma, Iowa State receive $4 million federal grant for clean hydrogen research
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma and Iowa State University are exploring a four-year project to create carbon-neutral or carbon-negative hydrogen energy by converting methane into solid carbon. The team aims to create new value from the byproduct, solid carbon, which could benefit society in various ways.
Recycling greenhouse gases
The TU Wien team has created a catalyst that can convert CO2 and methane into synthesis gas without the formation of carbon nanotubes. This approach, called dry reforming, has the potential to convert climate-damaging greenhouse gases into valuable products.
By design: from waste to next-gen carbon fiber
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new type of lignin that can improve the strength and recyclability of carbon fibers. When combined with polyacrylonitrile, the lignin-based material has shown record-breaking tensile strength and enhanced mechanical properties.
A simple, cheap material for carbon capture, perhaps from tailpipes
Researchers have created a cheap and energy-efficient way to capture carbon dioxide from smokestacks using porous melamine material. The process is simple to make and requires primarily off-the-shelf melamine powder, making it a promising solution for scaling down carbon emissions from vehicle exhaust or other movable sources.
Argonne researchers develop new way to calculate environmental impact of ammonia production
Argonne researchers develop a new way to calculate the environmental impact of ammonia production, evaluating two promising methods: carbon capture and water electrolysis. The study aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use in fertilizer production.
Chemists create artificial protein that peers into Earth’s chemical past
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed an artificial protein that could provide new insights into chemical evolution on early Earth. The protein, inspired by a key enzyme in energy production, has been shown to build molecules one step at a time, shedding light on how organic chemistry matured on the planet.
Novel compounds discovered in marine sponge can kill drug-resistant bacteria
Brazilian researchers have identified bioactive compounds in a marine sponge that killed antibiotic-resistant bacteria, paving the way to develop new drugs. The substances proved capable of eliminating bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which are responsible for many hospital-acquired infections.