Articles tagged with Carbon
A USC-led team discovered that bacteria size and type influence the speed of carbon transfer to the ocean's deepest waters. The research enables a computer model for estimating carbon transfer rates, which could help understand Earth's natural carbon cycle.
Researchers have developed a new type of membrane material that can significantly improve the efficiency of gas separation processes. The membranes, based on hydrocarbon ladder polymers, offer both high permeability and selectivity, making them outperform other polymer materials in many gas separations.
Researchers found that laser-induced reduction of graphene oxide can produce high-quality graphene by reducing defects and improving lattice structure. At high temperatures, oxidation occurs near defects but is balanced by annealing in the center of the sheet, resulting in well-structured material.
Researchers at MIT have developed a way to create lightweight fibers out of petroleum residue, offering advantages over traditional carbon fiber materials. The new process uses heavy waste material left over from refining, reducing production costs and enabling the creation of load-bearing applications.
Scientists confirm a brief rise in CO2 emissions before the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), an abrupt global warming event. The study reveals unique insights into how Earth's current climate could respond to continued carbon emissions.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed an ultra-high-rate coating technology for functional hard carbon films using vacuum plasma. The new method achieved a film deposition rate exceeding one order of magnitude faster than existing technologies while maintaining the same degree of film quality.
Researchers found variations in carbon isotopes in younger kimberlites, suggesting the Cambrian Explosion affected the Earth's lower mantle. The study suggests that changes in marine sediments leave profound traces on the Earth's interior.
A team of scientists led by Samuel Dunning has developed an original technique to predict and guide the ordered creation of strong, yet flexible, diamond nanothreads. The innovation allows for easier synthesis of the material, which has potential applications in space elevators, ultra-strong fabrics, and other fields.
Scientists at Hokkaido University have developed an electrochemical method to recycle waste CO2 while producing molecules useful for drug development. The method utilizes an electron added to either the CO2 molecule or another molecule in the solution, making it easier to react with each other.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a way to convert carbon dioxide into fuel using solar energy, creating a potential solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The process uses advanced materials and ultra-fast laser spectroscopy, allowing for the conversion of CO2 to carbon monoxide.
Rice University scientists have developed a method to extract rare earth elements from fly ash, bauxite residue, and electronic waste using flash Joule heating. This process improves yields and reduces the use of strong acids, making it a more sustainable solution for recycling these materials.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a new catalyst that can convert carbon dioxide into gasoline up to 1,000 times more efficiently than existing standards. The breakthrough allows for the production of long-chain hydrocarbons, making it easier to handle and store, with potential applications in a carbon-neutral cycle.
Researchers developed a novel coating material based on methylene blue dye to mitigate the polysulfide shuttling effect in lithium-sulfur batteries, improving their durability and electrochemical performance. This breakthrough could lead to the widespread adoption of sustainable energy storage systems.
Researchers at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a method to break down plastics and create stronger, more valuable materials. By modifying carbon-hydrogen bonds, they can expand the life span of single-use plastics into high-value polymers.
A new study found that Hong Kong's remote sensing enforcement program significantly reduced harmful chemicals at the roadside and in the atmosphere. The program led to a 22-39% reduction in total hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitric oxide emissions from high-emitting vehicles.
Rice University scientists employ machine-learning techniques to streamline the process of synthesizing graphene from waste through flash Joule heating. The lab used its custom optimization model to improve graphene crystallization from four starting materials over 173 trials.
University of Delaware professors Wei-Jun Cai and David Kirchman have been named AAAS Fellows for their important contributions to STEM fields. Cai was recognized for his work on the global carbon cycle and ocean acidification, while Kirchman was honored for his research on marine biosciences and microbial ecology.
Researchers have developed a new nanocatalyst for the dry reforming of methane, overcoming coking resistance with its confined core-shell structure. The catalyst's superior carbon resistance is attributed to the confinement and electron transfer between In and Ni.
A team of researchers at MIT has identified and modeled a major reason for poor performance in electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion systems, which is caused by a local depletion of CO2 gas near the electrodes. By pulsing the current off and on, they can replenish the gas levels, allowing the process to continue efficiently.
Researchers have found that special treatment of minerals called zeolites can efficiently remove methane from the air, with advantages over other methods. The process converts methane into carbon dioxide, which is less impactful in the atmosphere than methane.
A new computational method has been developed to accurately predict oxide reactions at high temperatures, even without experimental data. This approach combines quantum mechanics with machine learning to design clean carbon-neutral processes for steel production and metal recycling.
A new study led by the University of Pittsburgh reveals that 360 million metric tonnes of new plastic were produced in 2018, with only 9% being recycled. The research found that the greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production are staggering, accounting for 350 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new approach to modify the surface of copper catalysts, improving the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels. The technique involves coating the copper with thin films of ionomers, which steer the reaction towards generating carbon-rich products.
A new study by University of Pittsburgh researchers links econometric models with production profitability to predict the impact of demand shocks on carbon intensity. Small shocks are predicted to displace heavy crudes with higher carbon intensity, but the relation may be counterintuitive.
Researchers have confirmed the existence of lunar carbon dioxide cold traps that could contain solid carbon dioxide, a key resource for sustaining robot or human presence on the moon. The discovery has major implications for future lunar exploration and international policy.
Researchers discovered that certain microorganisms can form elemental carbon without high temperatures and pressures, challenging current scientific understanding. The formation of this carbon is believed to be linked to the symbiotic relationship between archaea and their partners.
Researchers discovered carbon residue in ancient ruby, indicating early life presence, and graphite changed surrounding rocks' chemistry for favourable conditions
Researchers at Arizona State University explore alternative approaches to catalysis, a chemical process crucial for industrial applications. The study aims to develop synthetic catalysts that can improve on nature's designs, leading to the production of carbon-neutral fuels.
A team of scientists has developed a new X-ray measurement method that can analyze the chemical properties of warm dense matter, a state found in planetary interiors. The method uses the strongest X-ray laser to probe carbon's bonding states, providing new insights into planetary formation and potential applications in materials science.
Scientists at Kyoto University have created a simple method to convert CO2 into metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), offering a promising approach to dispose of the greenhouse gas. The new technique, which requires lower temperatures and pressures, demonstrates potential for widespread adoption and could help mitigate global warming.
A new model, developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers, identifies coal- and natural gas-fired electricity generation plants suitable for carbon capture technologies. The tool takes into account various factors like plant age, efficiency, location, and technology to explore optimal CO2 reduction strategies at an affordable cost.
Researchers found that old oak trees consistently increased their rate of photosynthesis when exposed to elevated CO2 levels. The increase was greatest in strong sunlight and suggests the trees have adapted to capture more carbon from the air.
Engineers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a carbon dioxide reactor that can convert CO2 into methane, a potential fuel source for Mars. The process, known as the Sabatier reaction, could reduce fuel needs by half for astronauts returning to Earth, making it a promising solution for future Mars missions.
A study using ALMA revealed that protoplanetary disks around five young stars are factories of organic molecules, including nitriles implicated in the origins of life. The discovery provides insights into planetary system formation and whether these systems have what it takes to host life.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed improved carbon membranes that can efficiently separate para-xylene from its siblings, reducing energy consumption by up to three times. The breakthrough could lower energy costs in producing commodity chemicals and fuels.
Researchers at UEA developed a new method for measuring carbon uptake by Arctic plants, providing insights into the impact of climate change on this process. This study reduces uncertainties in previous assessments and investigates the influence of environmental factors on carbon uptake.
A new catalyst and microchannel reactors improve efficiency and cost in converting alcohol into jet fuel. The process reduces complexity, improves efficiency, and lowers capital costs for renewable energy production.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore have devised a new method for producing urea, a key compound in fertilisers, through electrocatalysis. This approach produces urea five times more efficiently than previous methods and has the potential to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.
Pasquali proposes splitting hydrocarbons to produce clean hydrogen energy and solid carbon materials, which could replace materials with large carbon footprints. This transition would generate robust growth in manufacturing jobs and improve production efficiency.
A team of researchers has successfully synthesized polycarbonate diols from carbon dioxide and diol at atmospheric pressure using a CeO2 catalyst. This process eliminates the need for dehydrating agents, producing only water as a by-product, making it an attractive alternative to existing methods.
Researchers at Georgia State University have developed an oral prodrug that delivers carbon monoxide via artificial sweeteners, showing promise in treating acute kidney injury. The study demonstrates the protective effects of CO against organ damage and suggests potential applications for transplantation and other conditions.
Researchers at UC Davis have received three ARPA-E grants totaling $4.5 million to improve biofuel production efficiency. The grants focus on using microbes, metal catalysts, and enzymes to minimize waste and carbon dioxide emissions.
A team of Ben-Gurion University researchers has developed an artificial nose capable of detecting bacteria through volatile metabolites. The technology uses carbon nanoparticles to sense gas molecules and has the potential to identify 'good' vs. pathogenic bacteria in the microbiome, detect food spoilage, and identify poisonous gases.
A new study from Aalto University suggests that green infrastructure can play a significant role in reducing urban carbon footprints. The research identified key considerations for creating standards for products used in green spaces, with the aim of helping cities reach carbon neutrality.
Three carbon-based materials have been predicted to exhibit omnidirectional auxetic behavior due to their negative Poisson's ratio. The findings suggest that these materials could be useful in photovoltaic devices or as light-powered catalysts.
Researchers used lab tools to mimic extreme conditions, redefining the conditions under which carbonates can exist in the Earth's lower mantle. The study expands our understanding of the deep carbon cycle and the Earth's evolution.
Researchers used quantum simulations to understand glycerol carbonate, a compound that could improve lithium-ion battery efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The study revealed new details about hydrogen bonding and its effects on solvent properties.
Researchers say Comet Catalina suggests comets were a key source of carbon on Earth and Mars during the solar system's early formation. This carbon-rich comet's composition helps explain how planets evolved into life-supporting worlds.
Saarbruecken chemists create new class of germanium-based compounds with Ge=Ge bond stability for synthetic use in olefin metathesis. The method enables synthesis of long-chain polymers and holds promise for novel materials in organic electronics.
Using drones equipped with magnetometers, researchers can detect magnetic anomalies and pinpoint the location of unplugged oil wells. By locating these wells, the equivalent of nearly 750,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide could be removed from the atmosphere.
A team of MIT chemical engineers has developed a system to continuously remove carbon dioxide from waste gases using an electrochemically assisted membrane. The membrane's permeability can be switched on and off at will, allowing for continuous operation without moving parts or wasted space.
Feng Jiao, a renowned chemical engineering expert, is leading research on transforming carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals using catalysis. His projects aim to produce formic acid and ethylene from CO2 without purification, with the goal of commercializing this technology.
A new analysis of galaxy evolution finds that neutron star collisions do not create the quantity of chemical elements previously assumed. Instead, an entirely different sort of stellar phenomenon - unusual supernovae with strong magnetic fields - is responsible for making most of the heavy elements, including gold.
Researchers develop a conceptually new process to produce cyclic carbonates from CO2 and basic building blocks, offering potential for biodegradable plastics and pharmaceutical intermediates. The process yields six-membered rings with great potential for creating new CO2-based polycarbonates.
A Brown University team has created a copper catalyst that can produce C2-plus compounds from CO2 with remarkable efficiency, surpassing other reported efficiencies. The catalyst's high selectivity is attributed to surface defects, which are crucial for carbon-carbon coupling reactions.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction, achieving high selectivity and efficiency in converting CO2 to carbon monoxide. The breakthrough enables the production of reusable carbon forms using renewable energy sources.
A team led by Argonne National Laboratory has discovered a new electrocatalyst that converts carbon dioxide (CO2) and water into ethanol with very high energy efficiency, selectivity for the desired final product, and low cost. This process could contribute to the circular carbon economy by reusing CO2 from industrial processes.
A new study published in Nature Astronomy sheds light on the origin of carbon in the Milky Way, revealing that dying stars play a crucial role in its synthesis. The research team found that low-mass stars shed more massive remnants than previously thought, breaking a linear trend in star formation and planetary evolution.
Scientists have synthesized brand-new transition metal carbonyl complexes, including Ta2(CO)12 and M(CO)7+, which transcend new chemical frontiers. These substances go beyond current compound limits, offering new possibilities for practical use and basic science research.
McKone's project aims to convert carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals, addressing the environmental impact of excess CO2. He is developing new catalysts and reactors to mimic biological enzymes and improve efficiency.