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Solar panels light the way from carbon dioxide to fuel

Researchers at Princeton University have developed an efficient method for harnessing sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into formic acid, a potential alternative fuel. The process achieves nearly 2% energy efficiency, twice that of natural photosynthesis, and has the potential to store solar energy in fuel cells.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of CO2 Utilization·DateJul 1, 2014

Gold nanoparticles give an edge in recycling CO2

Researchers from Brown University have developed a catalyst using gold nanoparticles that selectively converts CO2 to carbon monoxide, an active molecule for making alternative fuels and commodity chemicals. The team found that particles with an exact size of eight nanometers achieved the best selectivity, converting 90% of CO2 to CO.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 24, 2013

A new form of carbon: Grossly warped 'nanographene'

Researchers at Boston College and Nagoya University have synthesized the first example of a new form of carbon, grossly warped graphene, which alters its physical, optical and electronic properties. The new material consists of multiple identical pieces of warped graphene with exactly 80 carbon atoms joined together in a network of 26 ...

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 15, 2013

Surprise superconductor

Scientists found superconductivity in carbon disulfide at -449°F, a highly disordered state that defies conventional understanding of superconductivity. The discovery could lead to new insights into the interplay between superconductivity, magnetism, and structural disorder.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

Notre Dame research may have important implications for combating diabetes

University of Notre Dame biochemist Anthony S. Serianni's research provides new perspectives on sugar breakdown in the human body, particularly for diabetic patients. The study discovered an unexpected reaction pathway involving a novel rearrangement of the carbon backbone, undermining prevailing assumptions about sugar degradation.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 12, 2012

Chemistry curbs spreading of carbon dioxide

A new study from the University of Cambridge shows that simple chemical reactions can delay or prevent CO2 from spreading in deep saline rock formations. The findings have implications for carbon sequestration methods and may enable engineers to manipulate reaction strength to enhance storage.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review E·DateMay 6, 2011

Closing in on a carbon-based solar cell

Indiana University chemists have developed an unusual solution to create large, stable graphene sheets by attaching a 3D bramble patch to each side. This allows for the creation of uniform-sized graphene sheets that can efficiently absorb sunlight, paving the way for cheaper and more sustainable solar cells.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 9, 2010

Snatched from the air

Researchers have created a novel reaction scheme to efficiently convert carbon dioxide into methanol with minimal energy input. The method utilizes an N-heterocyclic carbene catalyst and silane as the reducing agent, enabling the use of air-borne CO2 as a renewable resource.

SourceWiley·DateApr 20, 2009

Technological breakthrough in the fight to cut greenhouse gases

Scientists at Newcastle University have developed a highly energy-efficient technology to convert waste carbon dioxide (CO2) into cyclic carbonates, which can be used in various industrial applications. The technology has the potential to use up to 48 million tonnes of waste CO2 per year, reducing UK emissions by about four percent.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEuropean Journal of Inorganic Chemistry·DateApr 24, 2008

First-ever study to link increased mortality specifically to carbon dioxide emissions

A new study by Stanford University researcher Mark Jacobson links increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to increased human mortality, with up to 20,000 air-pollution-related deaths worldwide per degree Celsius. The study highlights California's particularly dire situation due to its severe air pollution, which is expecte...

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 3, 2008

Harvard and U. Pittsburgh researchers explain carbon monoxide's anti-inflammatory effects

Scientists from Harvard University and the University of Pittsburgh found that carbon monoxide reduces or shuts down inflammatory responses by releasing chemical signals in mitochondria. This discovery raises hopes for developing new anti-inflammatory therapies, such as low levels of inhaled carbon monoxide.

Learning to live with oxygen on early Earth

Microbes adapted to living with oxygen around 2.7 billion years ago, as indicated by changes in fossil isotopes of carbon in rocks from the late Archean period in Western Australia. This finding supports the idea that oxygen-producing photosynthesis evolved and enriched the atmosphere over time.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2006

Carbon-rich molecules 'supersized' for the first time

Scientists have successfully produced giant superstructures of unnatural carbon, exceeding twice the size of previously developed fragments. These supersized molecules exhibit high density of pi-electrons useful for electronics and optics, with potential applications in optical electronics and switches used in telecommunications.