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...
A new AI method developed by Swedish researchers can identify toxic substances based on their chemical structure, potentially replacing animal testing. The method has been shown to be more accurate and broadly applicable than existing computational tools, offering a promising alternative for environmental research and authorities.
University of Illinois Chicago engineers have developed a new ammonia production process that meets several green targets. The process combines nitrogen gas and ethanol with a charged lithium electrode, producing ammonia at low temperatures and regenerating materials with each cycle. If scaled up, the process could produce ammonia at 6...
The team developed a 'catch-and-release' mechanism to oxidize hydrophobic compounds, selectively and efficiently producing hydrophilic products under mild conditions. This breakthrough enables the selective two-electron oxidation of anthracene and aromatic compounds from mixtures, solving a long-standing challenge.
A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the production and use of ammonia as a marine fuel can lead to eutrophication, acidification, and emissions of potent greenhouse gases. Researchers warn that the pursuit of low-carbon fuels may create new environmental challenges.
Scientists from Osaka University and collaborators identify environmentally friendly reaction conditions for producing peracids, overcoming wasteful and dangerous chemical synthesis methods. The optimized process uses sunlight and oxygen, allowing for safe and cost-effective production of essential chemicals.
A research team at Osaka University has found a way to synthesize alkylamines in a sustainable and cost-effective manner, using a novel catalyst system that produces only water as a byproduct.
A £1.75m project led by Professor Chenyu Du aims to develop new processes for recovering polyester and cellulose from mixed cotton and polyester fibres. The goal is to create a roadmap towards net-zero for the textiles industry, reducing plastic waste and increasing recycling rates.
The four-year Bio-LUSH project optimizes biomass value chains and develops green processing methods to extract high-quality fibers from diverse plants. The initiative supports the establishment of a sustainable bio-fibrous economy in Europe by utilizing underexplored biomass feedstocks.
A team of chemists developed a method to generate fluorochemicals without hydrogen fluoride, reducing energy requirements and carbon footprint. The new process mimics natural biomineralization, enabling the synthesis of over 50 different fluorochemicals directly from CaF2.
The Leipzig research team has developed a process to convert phenol into adipic acid using electrochemical synthesis and microbial conversion, achieving high yields of electrons and cyclohexanol. The technology has the potential to replace fossil-based nylon production, reducing emissions and energy consumption.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a baking soda solution for storing hydrogen, addressing the challenge of long-duration energy storage. The study aims to advance the DOE's H2@Scale initiative and reduce the cost of hydrogen production.
Researchers have developed a simple green process to extract both keratin and melanin from human hair without harsh chemicals or excessive waste. The extracted compounds have antioxidative properties and can help shield against ultraviolet light, making them suitable for biomedical applications.
Researchers explored multicomponent electrocatalysts for activating and converting inert bonds in CO2 and N2. Three models were developed: Type I, II, and III, offering advantages in stability, activity, and reaction processes. Future directions involve scaling up and integrating these processes into industrial applications.
Researchers at CABBI designed a new wastewater treatment process that simultaneously treats water and recovers biogas, reducing capital costs and energy usage. The process efficiently converts organic contaminants to biogas, achieving simultaneous energy recovery and wastewater treatment.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a cellulose-based material that can easily remove 80% of toxic dyes from wastewater using sunlight. The method is cost-effective, simple to set up, and could benefit countries with poor water treatment technologies.
The IMPACTIVE project aims to develop a sustainable alternative to traditional pharmaceutical production methods. By leveraging mechanochemistry, the team hopes to reduce waste and emissions in the industry. The initiative has already shown promising results, with potential cost savings of up to 12%.
Scientists at Shinshu University have created a new method for achieving structural coloring through plasma irradiation of graphite, eliminating the need for harmful color dyes. The technique produces erasable and stable colors that can be manipulated using various factors, offering a sustainable solution for the art world.
Scientists at Rice University, Stanford University, and UT Austin have developed a mechanism to generate solvated electrons through plasmon resonance, making it easier to turn light into these clean, zero-byproduct chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to new ways of driving chemical reactions and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study reveals that wood releases low levels of formaldehyde at room temperature due to a lignin-mediated Fenton reaction. Researchers have developed an effective, low-cost method to mitigate this release by mixing antioxidants and chelators with wood or spraying them on surfaces.
New research published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry found that green household consumer products (HCPs) can be either less toxic or more toxic than their conventional counterparts. The study involved testing various HCPs on grass shrimp and Daphnia Magna, a type of freshwater crustacean.
A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science has developed a novel multi-proton carrier complex that shows efficient proton conductivity even at high temperatures. The resulting starburst-type metal complex acts as a proton transmitter, making it 6 times more potent than individual imidazole molecules.
Researchers develop crosslinked polymers that can be triggered to degrade by light, offering a promising approach for producing sustainable plastics. The method uses a vanillin derivative and recovers up to 60% of the monomers without loss of quality.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022
Recent papers in ACS Environmental Au explore the impact of aerosol acidity in the southeastern U.S. and the effects of environmental films on native ecosystems. The journal also investigates electrospun nanofibrous membranes for controlling airborne viruses.
Researchers present a 'green' process for tie-dyeing cotton with renewable resources and wastes, linking science, art, and sustainability. The natural dyes used produce designs of white, brown, orange, and bluish-black colors on fabrics.
Scientists have developed a novel 'green' fertilizer that uses an advanced milling technique to produce slow-release soil nutrient crystals. The method reduces nitrogen pollution and energy consumption compared to traditional fertilizers.
Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new process for producing liquid crystals that is more efficient and environmentally friendly. The approach uses multi-component reactions to simplify the production process, eliminating the need for harsh solvents and reducing energy consumption.
Researchers in Brazil and Portugal create biodegradable plastic film using eutectic solvents and natural pigments extracted from yeast. The process is environmentally sustainable and has potential applications in smart packaging with antioxidant and anti-microbial properties.
Researchers have successfully degraded synthetic polyisoprene using enzyme LCPK30, a breakthrough that could enable recycling of car tires and production of new plastics. The method involves creating an emulsion with the polymer, allowing the enzyme to break down long molecular chains into smaller fragments.
The Estée Lauder Companies has released its Green Score methodology to assess and measure the sustainability of ingredients and formulas based on green chemistry principles. The approach uses a quantitative tool to evaluate human health, ecosystem health, and environmental impact across its product portfolio.
Researchers developed a green synthesis method for ammonia production using green tea as a reducing agent. The study found that the optimized sample showed 2.93-fold enhanced photocatalytic activity and increased NH3 selectivity, outperforming bulk g-C3N4 under simulated sunlight irradiation.
Engineered bacteria produce medium-chain olefins that can replace oil and gas in syntheses. The process uses glucose as a feedstock and reduces energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
Researchers developed a simpler, greener method for producing Grignard reagents using environment-friendly paste-based technology. This new process drastically cuts down on the use of hazardous organic solvents and could lead to reduced production costs and environmental benefits.
Scientists have developed novel gas sensors with improved detection sensitivity and durability by combining organic and inorganic materials. The hybrid sensors boast high durability and high sensitivity, making them suitable for portable gas sensing applications.
A team of chemists developed a new set of modifiable polymers made from SOF4, allowing for environmentally safe reactions and fast production. This breakthrough enables the generation of a vast library of polymers with distinct properties for applications in drug discovery and material science.
Researchers have successfully synthesized AIE-active nanoparticles in a single step, producing fluorescent sensors that can detect nitroaromatic compounds with high sensitivity. The novel solid-state sensors show quenching of fluorescence emission on contact with PA, enabling fast and accurate detection of explosives.
The synthesis of coumarin derivatives can be performed using various green chemistry methods, including ultrasound, microwaves, and solvent-free synthesis. These methods reduce the utilization and generation of toxic organic substances, while also enhancing product yields and purity.
A Yale-led research team outlines key principles for a green chemistry future, emphasizing the importance of systemic sustainability in all chemical processes. The paper highlights recent achievements in green chemistry and its potential to revolutionize various industries, from energy generation to electronics.
Researchers have developed new eco-friendly preservatives using guava leaves, while others created fertilizers from fish bones. The top challenge projects showcased sustainable chemistry practices for a greener future.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new process called pseudo-homogeneous catalysis, which combines the benefits of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic reactions. This novel technique uses elastomeric microspheres to improve palladium catalyst efficiency and reduce waste.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed an approach to quickly and cheaply remove over 99% of bisphenol A (BPA) from water. The solution involves combining TAML activators with hydrogen peroxide, breaking down harmful chemicals in water.
The Elsevier Foundation Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge has awarded two prizes to innovative projects that use bioresources to address environmental issues in Brazil and Nigeria. Dr. Dênis Pires de Lima won the first prize for his project using cashew nuts to produce environmentally friendly insecticides, while Dr. Chioma Bla...
The Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge has selected two winning projects that offer environmentally friendly processes, products, and resources for use in developing countries. Yunsang Kim's project uses nanocellulosic fibers to reduce wastewater and toxic chemicals in textile dyeing, while Suzana Yusup's project develops a wate...
The top 5 finalists of the Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge were selected from almost 500 submissions worldwide. The projects aim to provide environmentally friendly processes, products, and resources for developing countries. The winning project will receive €50,000, while the second prize winner will get €25,000.
The UCSB organic chemistry team, led by Bruce Lipshutz, developed an ecofriendly approach to the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction, significantly reducing palladium requirements. By using iron salt as a palladium substitute, they eliminated heat input and organic solvents, creating a more sustainable process.
A new five-tiered testing system, called the Tiered Protocol for Endocrine Disruption (TiPED), can help manufacturers avoid creating products with harmful endocrine disrupting chemicals. The researchers hope that chemists and companies will incorporate these tests at the early stages of product development to create safer products.
Researchers from NC State University have developed a safety testing system called TiPED to help chemists design inherently safer chemicals. The system aims to identify potential endocrine disruptors before they are used in commercial products, benefiting consumers and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.
The Advanced Denim process produces jeans using significantly less water, energy, and waste than traditional methods. This technology has the potential to save 2.5 billion gallons of water and eliminate 8.3 million cubic meters of wastewater annually.
The winners of the 2012 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards have been announced for their groundbreaking work in developing environmentally benign organic catalysts, producing high-performance green chemicals, and improving synthetic pathways. The awards recognize innovation in reducing waste and pollution.
Researchers have developed a sustainable method to convert orange peels into valuable chemicals and materials, including fragrances, water purification, and biofuels. This innovation has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a zero-waste biorefinery.
The American Chemical Society's Green Chemistry Institute will host a panel discussion on advancing global green chemistry, featuring experts from government, business and academia. The event aims to enhance the profile and importance of green chemistry while linking the global community.
Many pharmaceutical companies are making progress in embracing green chemistry principles, reducing waste generation and operating more environmentally friendly ways. The American Chemical Society's Green Chemistry Institute is helping its members share best practices and compare progress.
The American Chemical Society showcased a large number of scientific reports on sustainability and green chemistry at its meeting. Over 150 researchers presented their findings, addressing topics such as water pollution control and innovative solutions for sustainable production.
Researchers have developed green chemical technologies to extract valuable chemicals from biomass, reducing waste and increasing product quality. These innovations can be used in various applications, including construction and bioprocessing.
James C. Liao, UCLA professor, receives Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for his groundbreaking work on recycling carbon dioxide into products used in alternative transportation fuels or chemical feedstock. His technology addresses the problems hampering the development of bio-based chemicals and fuels.
A new solvent developed by Queen's University Professor Philip Jessop extracts oil from soybeans using carbon dioxide, reducing the need for energy-intensive distillation processes. The 'switchable' solvent can be reused with water, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional hexane-based cooking oils.
The American Chemical Society's top R&D official, Paul T. Anastas, emphasizes the importance of green chemistry in achieving sustainability. Green chemistry aims to incorporate 12 principles, including prevention of waste and use of safer chemicals, into product design and manufacture.
The 239th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society features a comprehensive series of scientific reports on advances in sustainable development, including the application of green chemistry to reduce hazardous substances. The event aims to shepherd scientists' collective knowledge to address the world's sustainability challenges.
Scientists at the University of York have developed a technique to recover polyvinyl-alcohol from discarded TV screens, transforming it into a substance suitable for use in tissue scaffolds that aid body regeneration. The recovered material can also be used in pills and dressings designed to deliver drugs to specific parts of the body.