Articles tagged with Hydrocarbons
Researchers have created a new catalyst that allows for more efficient and sustainable production of aromatic hydrocarbons using renewable sources like woody biomass. The catalyst reduces the need for high temperatures and pressures, minimizing energy costs and emissions.
Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics developed a dual-bed catalyst that achieves highly efficient and selective conversion of syngas to gasoline-range liquid hydrocarbons. The catalyst showed excellent stability, with selectivities of C5-11 and C3-11 in the hydrocarbon products reaching 80.6% and 98.2%, respectively.
Researchers analyzed soil samples from the Manchester neighborhood in Houston, finding nearly half contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to poor health outcomes and different types of cancer. The highest concentrations were found near major highways and industrial facilities.
Researchers found that PAHs toxins degrade in sunlight into smaller 'children' compounds that are often more toxic than the original 'parent' PAHs. These compounds can accumulate in rivers, dams, and agricultural land, posing significant environmental challenges.
A team of researchers has identified two complex PAHs in the Taurus Molecular Cloud, a patch of space where stars are not yet forming. This discovery suggests that these molecules can form at much lower temperatures than expected, potentially leading to new insights into planet formation.
Researchers detect over a dozen unexpected molecules in Taurus Molecular Cloud, revealing complex chemistry in interstellar space. The discovery sheds light on the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their potential impact on asteroid composition and planet formation.
A study by University of South Florida researchers found nearly 100% of red snappers sampled showed evidence of liver damage, indicating early warning signs of a compromised ecosystem. Chronic oil exposure has been linked to cancer and death in fish.
Researchers find immense biohydrocarbon cycle in ocean, with marine cyanobacteria producing pentadecane at rates of 300-600 million metric tons per year. The cycle plays a crucial role in the ocean's response to oil spills and could potentially prime the ocean for cleanup.
A new method uses ruthenium-carbon catalysts to convert polyolefins into fuels and chemical feedstock, with over 90% conversion rate at lower temperatures. The process can produce natural gas and liquid alkanes, potentially reducing post-consumer waste in landfills.
Chemists at the University of Jena have successfully created a bimetallic main-group complex using gallium, demonstrating cooperative bond activation that can remove fluorine atoms from hydrocarbon compounds. The breakthrough paves the way for further development of sustainable catalytic reactions.
The researchers synthesized a unique molecule that absorbs near infrared light, despite having only hydrogen and carbon atoms. The molecule's narrow gap between its highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) makes it useful for developing next-generation solid-state materials.
Researchers used PAHs to monitor pollution and track down its sources in various ecosystems, including soils, plants, and water. The team identified key factors that impact PAHs accumulation, providing a new tool for environmental monitoring and pollution analysis.
A new Oregon State University study suggests that firefighters are more likely to be exposed to potentially harmful chemicals while on duty compared to off duty. The researchers found 18 PAHs that have not been previously reported as firefighting exposures, and exposure levels increased with the number of fires responded to.
A new study reveals that the mysterious blue whirl flame consists of three different structures: diffusion, premixed rich, and lean flames. The researchers' simulations suggest that these flames can be controlled and scaled up safely to larger sizes.
Scientists developed a new method to synthesize three-dimensional nanocarbons using palladium catalyst, enabling precise and practical creation of superior material properties. The octagonal structure is expected to lead to discovery and elucidation of novel properties and development of next-generation functional materials.
A study by FSU researchers found that asphalt binder leaches thousands of potentially toxic compounds into the environment when exposed to sunlight and water. The team used high-resolution mass spectrometers to identify over 15,000 different carbon-containing molecules in the water.
Researchers have developed a new method to convert gaseous hydrocarbons into complex molecules at room temperatures and low pressures using UV light and a decatungstate catalyst. This breakthrough simplifies processing, reduces material waste, and decreases pollution.
Researchers have developed a precise method for evaluating the behavior of mixtures under high pressure using X-ray scattering. The study reveals that hot hydrocarbon mixtures in ice giants can produce diamond rain, which generates an additional energy source.
A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry has identified coal-tar-sealant as the primary source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Great Lakes tributaries. The research highlights the need for further analysis to determine the potential effects of PAHs on aquatic life in these areas.
Researchers created a universal model of nanobubbles to study the behavior of trapped substances. The model predicts bubble shape under thermodynamic conditions and describes molecular structure.
A comprehensive study has found evidence of oil exposure in all 2,500 sampled fish, including popular seafood types. Chronic PAH exposure can harm fish health, despite low levels in flesh, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring.
The Oregon State University-led research program will focus on the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on human health, including cancer, neurological systems, and developmental disorders. Researchers will work with communities impacted by hazardous waste sites to better understand the risk posed by PAHs.
Researchers have developed a new method to reconstruct formation paleo-pressure in sedimentary basins by integrating various paleo-pressure calculation methods. The study focuses on three case studies: Sinian strata in the Sichuan Basin, Ordovician strata in the Tarim Basin, and Permian strata in the Sulige Gas Field in the Ordos Basin.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University developed a new, water-soluble reagent based on sulfonated chitosan to inhibit methane hydrate formation and corrosion. The biodegradable inhibitor is also eco-friendly, cheap, and non-toxic.
The study reveals that ants' cuticular hydrocarbon layer exhibits a huge melting range, from -45 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius, composed of both liquid and solid components. This unique property allows the layer to fulfill both communication and waterproofing functions.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have found that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can selectively separate gases like propane and propene under real-world conditions. The study reveals that water does not significantly impact the material's performance, contrary to previous theories.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University developed cobalt-based catalysts that improve heavy oil refinement by breaking down asphaltene-resinous compounds. The study found a decrease in asphaltenes' molecular masses and sulfur content, leading to improved oil viscosity.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology discovered that copper oxide particles on the sub-nanoscale are more powerful catalysts than those on the nanoscale, catalyzing aromatic hydrocarbons' oxidation reactions far more effectively. The smallest CunO subnanoparticles showed superior catalytic performance and longevity.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a new product that converts biomass-derived acetone into a cyclobutane, a high-energy-density fuel additive. This process reduces the need for hydrogen treatment and generates carbon dioxide, offering environmental benefits and improving US energy security.
Research shows air pollution harms hearts in humans and marine species through similar mechanisms, with PM2.5 being a major contributor to increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. The study highlights the importance of reducing air pollution to protect human health.
Scientists have introduced a new electrochemical method to produce ethylene from CO at room temperature and standard pressure, achieving high Faradaic efficiency and C2 selectivity. The technique uses a copper catalyst and optimized electrode structure, allowing for efficient separation of gaseous ethylene.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that long-term exposure to hydrocarbons in the air may be a risk factor for ischemic stroke development. The research analyzed data from Taiwan's National Health Institute Research Database and found significant associations between air pollution levels and increased risk of ischemic stroke.
Researchers have developed a one-step conversion process that reduces ethanol-to-hydrocarbon conversion costs by 12-fold. This innovation enables the production of biofuels suitable for various applications, including blending with gasoline or jet fuel.
Researchers discovered evidence of controlled fire in Lusakert Cave 1, contradicting the long-held notion that Homo sapiens were the first to master fire. The team used archaeological, hydrocarbon, and isotope analysis to determine the age of fire control among early humans.
Researchers have developed a catalyst to upcycle polyethylene plastic waste into high-quality liquid products like motor oils and waxes. The new catalyst produces intermediate-sized hydrocarbons, increasing the value of the resulting materials.
A University of Hawaii team has provided answers to key questions about Titan's surface, including the existence of vast longitudinal dunes and dark organics. The researchers used remote sensing data from NASA's Cassini-Huygens mission to study the chemical makeup of these organic dunes.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have identified a new possible pathway for forming carbon structures in space, shedding light on a radical wrinkle in complex carbon molecule formation. The study used a portable chemical reactor and X-rays to produce ringed molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Researchers analyzed human hair fibers from polluted areas in China and found increased degradation with higher PAH levels. Exposure to UV radiation further damaged contaminated fibers, suggesting a toxic combination.
A new microbe called Methanoliparia has been found to degrade long-chain hydrocarbons into methane and carbon dioxide. This discovery provides an alternative to the previously thought complex partnership between archaea and bacteria.
Researchers have developed polyoxometalate-based coordination frameworks that selectively reduce CO2 to methane with high photocatalytic activity. The integration of polyoxometalates and metalloporphyrin coordination frameworks enhances the reduction efficiency, allowing for the efficient conversion of CO2 to a valuable hydrocarbon fuel.
Paleoproterozoic dolomites confirm direct sea water deposition and dominate Proterozoic oceans, revolutionizing our understanding of Precambrian marine systems. Researchers at Kazan University used various methods to study sedimentation, finding preserved ooids and bacterial structures supporting primary dolomite formation.
Scientists have discovered new compounds and minerals on Saturn's moon Titan, including a co-crystal made of solid acetylene and butane. This finding suggests that the bathtub rings suspected to exist around Titan's hydrocarbon lakes may be formed by these alien crystals.
Research by social scientists reveals the US military is one of the largest climate polluters in history, consuming vast amounts of liquid fuels and emitting significant CO2e emissions. The study calculates part of the US military's impact on climate change through its global logistical supply chains.
A team of international scientists, including those from Samara University, has discovered a new method for synthesizing helicenes, a class of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This breakthrough may help explain the formation of biological molecules and better understand the mechanisms of combustion reactions.
This study characterizes spatial and temporal variations in particulate-bound PAH pollution in Ulaanbaatar, identifying sources and health risks. High PAH concentrations were found in areas with coal and wood combustion, highlighting the need for effective air pollution control strategies.
A new study investigates the Auger effect in aromatic hydrocarbons, revealing that molecules with pi electrons have a lower double ionization threshold. This finding favors Auger decay over saturated hydrocarbons, with potential applications in cancer treatment and atomic identification.
Scientists from the University of East Anglia have discovered a unique group of oil-eating bacteria in the Mariana Trench, which is located approximately 11,000 meters below sea level. The bacteria are capable of consuming hydrocarbons similar to those found in crude oil and natural gas.
A team of international scientists, including Samara University researchers, discovered the formation mechanisms of triphenylene molecules, a primary building block for meteorites and planets. The study revealed that these molecules can form graphene nanoparticles, soot, and carbon dust through a series of transformations.
Researchers use new technique to measure unique biological signatures in hydrocarbons, revealing presence of subsurface microbes. The findings have important implications for understanding global hydrocarbon cycling and detecting life on other planets.
Functionalised iron oxide particles can attract hydrocarbons, including crude oil and petrol, allowing for easy removal by magnet. The process is environmentally-friendly and can be reused, reducing the impact of contamination on the environment.
A University of Washington-led study reveals that declining nitrogen oxides due to tightened standards can lead to cleaner air, but the process may take longer. The research found that NOx affects the formation of PM2.5 by changing the chemistry of hydrocarbon vapors.
A new drilling expedition has uncovered a dramatic and complex record of past changes in climate and sea level in the Gulf of Corinth. The research sheds light on how global climate fluctuations influence sedimentation rates, particularly for the earliest sediments deposited as new ocean basins form.
Researchers developed a new iridium catalyst for the selective synthesis of chiral lactams, which are key building blocks in pharmaceutical agents. The catalyst achieves high selectivity by inducing hydrogen bonding between substrate and catalyst, leading to the production of desired compounds with minimal waste.
A University of Colorado study shows that low-molecular weight PAHs, commonly found in secondhand smoke and environmental exposures, can cause cancer-promoting changes in lung cells within 30 minutes.
Researchers at Rice University have fine-tuned a pyrolysis technique to remove petroleum contaminants from soil, restoring its fertility. The method uses gentle heat to preserve the soil's essential clays, eliminating 99.9% of total petroleum hydrocarbons and 94.5% of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have published a comprehensive study on the history, ecology, and pragmatics of rigs-to-reefs efforts. The study finds that these human-made reefs provide a productive habitat for marine life, with some platforms being more productive than coral reefs or Chesapeake Bay.
A University of Toronto Engineering study found that dust in Fort McMurray homes contained normal levels of contaminants comparable to Canadian homes. The team collected dust from over 60 homes and reported lower levels of toxic substances than health guidelines, with some chemicals even higher in Toronto homes.
A new study reveals that Florida's Formica archboldi ant uses chemical mimicry to hunt trap-jaw ants, with cuticular hydrocarbon profiles matching native species. The research expands knowledge of an important insect chemical phenotype and provides insights into the evolution of chemical diversification.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have created subnano-sized metallic particles that can perform 50 times higher catalytic activity than well-known Au-Pd bimetallic nanocatalysts. These particles are cost-effective and environmentally friendly, making them a promising solution for reducing pollution.
Researchers at NIST have developed a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) that can separate ethylene from a mixture of hydrocarbons using far less energy than traditional methods. This breakthrough could reduce the environmental cost of plastic manufacturing and make it more sustainable.