Articles tagged with Green Chemistry
A new method for the controlled cleavage of carbon-carbon double bonds in alkenes has been developed using CO₂ as an oxygen donor and visible light. This process replaces traditional oxidising substances with a safer and more sustainable approach, yielding ketones and carboxylic acids.
Researchers at Hasanuddin University developed a biodegradable plastic film with oxygen-scavenging properties, using cellulose from fermented coconut water to improve strength and functionality. The film breaks down quickly in soil, but maintaining flexibility and barrier performance remains a challenge.
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University developed biobased poly(ester amide)s with superior mechanical properties, outperforming conventional polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene. These materials are derived from non-edible renewable resources and can be easily chemically recycled.
Researchers at Kyushu University developed a new food preservation solution using pumpkin peel, creating a nanomaterial that slows deterioration of fruit and reduce transport damage. The material showed good biocompatibility and was effective in suppressing microbial growth and preserving freshness.
A new study reveals common properties of eumelanin and natural organic matter, two substances responsible for Earth's pigments. The research could lead to more efficient solar power cells, longer-lasting batteries, and electronics.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science engineered CYP107J1 enzyme from Bacillus subtilis into a more practical tool for selective oxidation chemistry. The modified enzyme showed 28-fold higher catalytic activity and successfully converted indole into indigo, a commercially important blue dye.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo genetically engineer cyanobacteria to produce sulfated polysaccharides, a sustainable route for manufacturing biomaterials. The study demonstrates the feasibility of engineering complex biosynthetic pathways in photosynthetic organisms.
A new study describes an integrated solar reactor that uses engineered E. coli to grow biomass in a single beaker, combining sunlight, water, and CO2. This technology holds promise for producing environmentally clean chemicals and materials, as well as microbial protein.
The EU's plans for domestic production of fossil-free aviation fuels risk steering development towards more expensive and energy-intensive pathways. A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the current regulatory framework favours combustion-based alternatives over gasification, leading to increased costs and energy use.
Scientists have created an electrochemical strategy capable of producing amines directly from molecular nitrogen, eliminating complex chemical processes and reducing energy consumption. The new method uses a catalyst to facilitate the conversion of N2 into nitrogen-containing organic molecules.
A team of researchers from Okayama University has developed a novel photocatalytic system based on copper(II) that achieves anti-Markovnikov hydration of alkenes with high selectivity. The system operates under visible light and can efficiently convert a broad range of alkenes into alcohols.
Researchers discovered that limonene can be used as a reaction solvent for the Mitsunobu reaction, allowing efficient separation and purification. This characteristic promotes high reaction efficiency and simplified purification, making it an attractive alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers have discovered that native soil bacteria can degrade persistent pollutants like dioxins without genetic engineering. Using decoy molecules, the bacteria's natural enzymes are tricked into breaking down these toxic compounds.
The team successfully developed a multifunctional catalyst incorporating palladium and copper complexes on mesoporous silica, enabling the efficient activation of ketones and allyl alcohols. This process accelerates the allylation reaction by up to a factor of 15.5 compared to previous catalysts.
A new study reveals that even low concentrations of pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and other chemicals can subtly alter plant physiology and disrupt soil health, posing wider environmental and human health risks. The review emphasizes the need for stronger regulation and redesign of chemicals to make them safer.
Researchers visualized activity across a platinum catalyst with unprecedented detail, revealing coordinated, interconnected systems. Individual crystal grains specialize in different chemical steps, and cooperative electron flows enhance overall reaction efficiency.
Researchers develop synergistic ultramicropore-confined and electronic-state modulation strategies in sustainable lignin-derived hard carbon to achieve robust sodium-ion batteries. The material exhibits high reversible capacity and initial Coulombic efficiency, making it a promising anode candidate.
Scientists have developed a new catalyst that uses sunlight to break down polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of water-repellent chemicals linked to increased cancer risk. The technology could be scaled up for detection or removal from the environment and human body.
Researchers have discovered that endophytic bacteria can coexist with plant cells without harming them, triggering the production of previously unattainable compounds. This method has the potential to expand the diversity of obtainable plant-derived compounds for various industries.
Researchers discovered that a significant drop in calcium levels in the ocean led to a massive decrease in carbon dioxide, driving global cooling and ending the planet's greenhouse era. The study suggests that changes in seawater chemistry played a key role in shaping climate history.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a solvent-efficient technique to produce rayon, reducing chemical use by up to 70%. The process uses microfibrillated cellulose and dissolved cellulose to create continuous fibres with improved sustainability.
A Brazilian project using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction boosts hop production efficiency and reduces logistics costs, increasing beer quality. The new method extracts aromatic and bioactive compounds with up to 72% α-acids, maintaining the hops' unique flavor.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University reveal how copper particles create in mid-reaction, converting nitrite ions to ammonia. This insight promises leaps forward in developing new industrial chemistry for greener ammonia production.
The 2025 Tata Transformation Prize recognizes Padubidri V. Shivaprasad's epigenetic engineering for climate-resilient rice, Balasubramanian Gopal's sustainable bio-manufacturing platform using E. coli bacteria, and Ambarish Ghosh's cancer-targeting magnetic nanorobots.
Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed an eco-friendly method to produce highly stable and biocompatible gold nanoparticles using microalgae. This breakthrough enables the creation of safer and more effective cancer therapies with fewer side effects for patients.
Scientists have identified an ancient enzyme called methylthio-alkane reductase (MAR) that breaks down organic sulfur compounds to create ethylene. The discovery opens the door for understanding how these enzymes work and potentially harnessing them for sustainable biofuel production.
A recent study has unraveled the atomic-scale mechanisms behind pH effects on electrochemical reactions, paving the way for rational catalyst design. The research reveals that interfacial electric fields and molecular interactions play a critical role in determining reaction rates and selectivity.
Hanbat National University researchers have developed a new method for enhancing the performance of solid oxide fuel cells by inducing cobalt exsolution in high-temperature oxidizing atmospheres. This process results in improved electrochemical properties and higher oxygen reduction reaction activity, making it a promising direction fo...
Researchers developed a novel defluorination method that utilizes sodium dispersion to degrade PTFE and recover fluoride ion under mild conditions, achieving up to 98% fluorine recovery. The new method offers an efficient and environmentally friendly approach to PTFE recycling.
Researchers at IIT and UniBz developed a biodegradable hydrogel that retains water and supports plant growth in drought conditions, enabling minimal water usage. The material also exhibits potential for real-time monitoring of plant health and soil conditions.
Researchers developed chloride-resistant Ru nanocatalysts to overcome limitations in seawater electrolysis. The g-C3N4-mediated pyrolysis strategy creates a crystalline-amorphous junction with ultrafine Ru dispersion, enabling efficient and durable hydrogen production.
Molecular Sustainable Solutions has developed more powerful and sustainable disinfection methods capable of tackling resistant microorganisms. The company will accelerate technology maturation with the investment, strengthening its position in public health and sustainability.
A team of researchers from Waseda University has developed a novel technology to control the crystallinity of pore walls in single-crystalline nanoporous metal oxides. The method, known as chemical-vapor-based confined crystal growth (C3), allows for simultaneous control of the material's composition, porous structure, and crystal size.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a catalyst system that converts alcohols to valuable chemical products at lower temperatures using safer iodine compounds. The new system eliminates toxic heavy metal waste, cuts reaction temperatures by over half, and reduces energy costs.
Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology have developed a scalable and safer method to generate hydrogen fluoride, eliminating the need for pressurized HF gas and corrosive liquid reagents. The new fluorinating complexes can be used for pharmaceuticals, functional materials, and molecular probes.
The European Research Council has awarded three ERC Proof of Concept grants to Göttingen University professors, enabling the development of initiatives that can benefit Europe's economy and society. The projects focus on harnessing renewable energy, reducing chemical waste, and improving biomedical image analysis.
Researchers have developed a novel electrified catalysis strategy that removes more CO2 and CH4 from the atmosphere than it emits, resulting in net-negative greenhouse gas emissions. The process converts these compounds into syngas with an impressive energy utilization rate of 80%.
Heterometallic nanosheets with defined structures can be synthesized in a single-phase reaction, enabling their use as coatings, electronic devices, and catalysts. The discovery paves the way for mass-producing these nanomaterials using printing technology.
A new palladium-loaded a-IGZO catalyst achieved over 91% selectivity when converting CO2 to methanol, leveraging electronic properties of semiconductors. The study demonstrates novel design principles for sustainable catalysis based on electronic structure engineering.
The EU-funded SUNER-C project developed a technological roadmap and community mapping tool to accelerate the transition of solar fuels and chemicals from lab to industrial applications, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and supporting the EU's carbon neutrality objectives.
The study highlights the challenges of commercializing renewable polymers, but also emphasizes the potential of chemical modification to improve their properties for clinical use. The research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these sustainable materials in biomedical practice.
A team of researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan, has developed a novel fluorinating quaternary ammonium complex with extremely low hygroscopicity, making it an excellent reagent for electrochemical fluorination. The new agent was synthesized by combining KF with tetrabutylammonium bromide and showed promise in pharma...
Researchers have developed a more efficient method for producing green ammonia using artificial intelligence and machine learning. The new process achieves a sevenfold improvement in production rate while being nearly 100% efficient, making it a viable alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers develop new recycling concept using fatty acids to extract silver from electronic waste, making it financially viable. The process uses light and diluted hydrogen peroxide, resulting in a sustainable separation method.
Researchers have discovered a zinc-based metal-organic framework (MOF) that efficiently captures CO2 while resisting interference from water. The study reveals the unique adaptability of CALF-20 under varying conditions, making it a promising solution for industrial carbon capture
Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo developed a novel catalyst that efficiently produces sulfones at low temperatures, achieving high selectivity and reducing precious metal consumption. The new SrMn₁₋xRu_xO₃ catalyst offers significant advantages over conventional systems, making it suitable for various industries.
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.
The EU has listed phosphorus as a critical raw material due to supply disruptions and lack of substitutes. Green chemistry methods can contribute to more efficient production and use of multifunctional phosphorus compounds, including phosphonates.
Researchers developed AshPhos, a ligand that facilitates the formation of carbon-nitrogen bonds using inexpensive materials. The tool has potential applications in pharmaceuticals, nanomaterials, and degrading PFAS pollutants.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed an efficient storage agent for sustainable energy solutions using triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO), a well-known chemical byproduct. The team's 'one-pot' reaction method enables the transformation of TPPO into a usable product with powerful potential to store energy.
Researchers have developed a novel copper-based catalyst that can selectively convert CO2 into acetaldehyde with an impressive efficiency of 92%. The breakthrough provides a greener and more sustainable way to produce acetaldehyde, potentially replacing the Wacker process and reducing CO2 emissions.
Scientists developed a new method using plasma-derived atomic hydrogen to enable low-temperature carbon dioxide methanation. The findings show that PDAH can improve methane yield at low temperatures and provide a promising avenue for efficient CO2 recycling.
Researchers developed a high-entropy alloy anode composed of nine non-precious metal elements, demonstrating remarkable durability and low production cost. The new anode outperforms conventional iridium oxide anodes in organic hydride electrolytic synthesis, potentially advancing large-scale hydrogen supply chain development.
A study found that levels of toxic chemicals in people's bodies decreased both in California and nationwide following the listing of over 850 chemicals under Proposition 65. This decline suggests that the law has led to widespread reformulation of products, reducing exposure to harmful substances.
Researchers at Yokohama National University have developed an efficient way to hydrogenate nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds, reducing the industry's environmental footprint. The new method uses water and renewable electricity as energy sources, achieving high efficiency and scalability.
A research team from Aarhus University has found a method to recycle polyurethane foam into its original components, polyol and isocyanate. The new process recovers up to 82 weight percent of the material, making it possible to reuse them as raw materials in new PUR products.
Empa researchers have developed a system to investigate up to ten different reaction conditions for producing synthetic fuels from CO2. The system accelerates the discovery process by generating a large number of high-quality datasets, enabling scientists to make accelerated discoveries.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a novel method to produce gold nanoparticles in water using a vortex fluidic device, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals. The technique also generates hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide through contact electrification reactions.
Engineers have modelled a new way to recycle polystyrene that could make the material reusable. The technique uses pyrolysis to break down polystyrene into parts that can be reformed into new pieces of the material, reducing energy consumption and increasing yield.
A team of researchers from Osaka University used machine learning to identify a highly effective boron-based catalyst for chemical transformations of amino acids and peptides. The new catalyst generates only water as a coproduct and promotes high-yield reactions with minimal environmental impact. By leveraging computational methods, th...