Researchers at University of Toronto Engineering use supercritical carbon dioxide to recover lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. The process matches conventional extraction efficiency while using fewer chemicals and generating less secondary waste.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin used Auger photo-electron coincidence spectroscopy to study the occupation of outer d-orbital shells in copper, nickel, and cobalt. The results confirm known findings for copper and nickel, but reveal highly delocalized d electrons in cobalt.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new catalyst that uses carbon dioxide to produce propylene more efficiently than existing methods. The catalyst also captures and converts carbon dioxide into useful resources. This breakthrough contributes to the carbon neutralization of the petrochemical industry.
A new field study reveals a previously unobserved fluid dynamic process that affects the ocean's deep-sea mining operations. Researchers equipped a pre-prototype collector vehicle with instruments to monitor its sediment plume disturbances, finding that the plumes remained relatively low and spread under their own weight.
Scientists argue that shallow-water mining is not a sustainable alternative to deep-water mining due to the removal of habitat and biodiversity loss. The authors caution that the extraction of valuable materials requires rigorous environmental evaluation before it can be declared safe and sustainable.
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new protocol for synthesizing dialkyl ethers using three catalysts that hydroxylate alkenes quickly and cheaply. This method enables the precise control of electrons and protons to convert unactivated alkenes into reactive carbocation equivalents under mild reaction conditions.
A team of researchers at Hokkaido University has developed a barium cobalt oxide thermoelectric converter that is reproducibly stable and efficient at temperatures as high as 600°C. This breakthrough material shows promise for wide deployment in high-temperature thermoelectric conversion devices.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a cobalt-based molecule that can detect extremely subtle temperature shifts inside the body, opening up new possibilities for medical imaging and therapy. The noninvasive probe uses radiofrequency waves to read out temperature signals from the body.
Researchers have found a way to perform hydrogen atom transfer reactions with fewer chemicals and less cost, making it more efficient for industrial and academic settings. The new method uses electrochemistry to create cobalt hydride catalysts, reducing the need for expensive oxidants and reductants.
Researchers have discovered layered 2D materials that can host unique magnetic features, including skyrmions, which remain stable at room temperature. The discovery could lead to novel low-energy data storage and information processing systems.
A new method to produce hydrogen from water has been discovered, using cobalt and manganese as catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to a cleaner and more sustainable hydrogen economy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a novel catalyst that significantly improves the efficiency of propylene production. The catalyst utilizes carbon dioxide efficiently and exhibits high selectivity, stability, and long-term reusability.
Researchers at MIT developed a selective separation process using sulfidation to target rare metals like cobalt in lithium-ion batteries. The approach reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional liquid-based separation methods.
Researchers studying cobalt mining in the DRC found associations with violence, substance abuse, and health challenges. The study highlights the need for social life cycle assessments to understand emerging technologies' impact on human well-being.
Researchers at University of Illinois have developed an electrochemical process to recover valuable metals from spent lithium-ion battery electrodes. The method produces high-purity coatings of cobalt and nickel with approximate purities of 96.4% and 94.1%, respectively.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed an ultrasound-assisted extraction method for valuable metals from electric car batteries, reducing extraction time by 50% and increasing metal ion recovery. The new process uses gentler acids and eliminates the need for harsh chemicals.
A study of metal-rich asteroids has found that they have surfaces with 85% metal such as iron and nickel, similar to stony-iron meteorites. The research also identified four possible asteroid families in the main asteroid belt, which may hold clues about their origins.
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed an ultrathin magnet that operates at room temperature, enabling high-density, compact spintronic memory devices and new tools for studying quantum physics. The discovery makes a significant breakthrough in creating 2D magnetic materials.
Researchers developed hollow amorphous Co/C composites to activate hydrogen peroxide, generating singlet oxygen that selectively eliminates oxytetracycline in complicated water matrices. The system exhibited excellent repeatability, stability, and anti-interference ability.
Berkeley Lab scientists have developed a new class of materials called DRX, which can replace cobalt and nickel in lithium-ion batteries. These cathode materials offer higher energy density and can be made with inexpensive and abundant metals like manganese and titanium.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new metal-free, recyclable polypeptide battery that degrades on demand, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. This breakthrough technology uses polypeptides, components of proteins, to create a non-toxic and recyclable power source.
Researchers at Aalto University have discovered a new recycling method for lithium-ion batteries that replenishes spent lithium in electrodes without crushing or melting. This process saves valuable raw materials and likely energy compared to traditional methods, which extract metals from crushed batteries by melting or dissolving them.
Osaka University researchers have developed an air-stable and highly active single-crystal cobalt phosphide nanorod catalyst for the reductive amination of carbonyl compounds. The catalyst overcomes limitations of conventional cobalt catalysts, retaining high activity after multiple uses.
Researchers have created a more powerful, fast-charging supercapacitor with improved connectivity and recyclability using affordable tin. The material enhances the properties of cobalt oxide-based electrodes, leading to increased conductivity and promising practical applications.
Researchers found Geobacter bacteria can coat themselves with cobalt nanoparticles, protecting them from toxic metal. This discovery opens doors to biotechnology applications in reclaiming and recycling cobalt from lithium-ion batteries, reducing dependence on foreign mines.
Scientists from Jülich researchers found an alternative cause for the dip in energy spectrum attributed to the Kondo effect. They propose new experiments based on their predictions, suggesting that much of what was thought about the Kondo effect needs re-examination.
Scientists at Hokkaido University have achieved a record-setting thermoelectric figure of merit for metal oxides, which can be used to enhance thermoelectric power generation. The material exhibits a high ZT value and stability across a range of operating temperatures.
A Rutgers University study found that exposure to metals like nickel, arsenic, and lead can disrupt a woman's hormones during pregnancy. This disruption may contribute to children's later health risks and disease outcomes.
The Surrey team developed highly effective cathodes using single-atom catalysts and produced atomic cobalt electrocatalysts that showed superior electrochemical performance in Li-Se batteries. The batteries demonstrated a high rate capability and excellent cycling stability with minimal capacity decay over 5000 cycles.
Scientists at Soochow University successfully alter the rate-determining step of electrochemical ammonia synthesis using cobalt single clusters, achieving outstanding yield rates and Faradaic efficiency. The new strategy reduces energy loss and cuts fundamental costs for sustainable NRR systems.
Researchers used ultrafast pulsed laser techniques to investigate chemical separations, tracking dynamics of molecules designed to grab cobalt from solutions. The study reveals the essential role of hydrogen bonding in developing new extraction methodologies.
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have developed a cobalt-free high-energy lithium-ion battery with improved energy density and reduced cycle life. The new cathode is anchored by 89% nickel, manganese, and aluminum, increasing energy storage and potentially boosting electric vehicle range.
Researchers have developed a novel electrode material that allows for direct charging of oxygen from the air, improving lithium-oxygen battery performance. The new strategy involves stabilizing atomic-level electrocatalysts within metal-organic frameworks, resulting in reduced overpotential and increased life cycle.
A research team has discovered a novel cobalt compound with a low molecular weight, allowing it to be evaporated at high temperatures without decomposition. The compound's unique geometry enables an unusual spin configuration of ½, making it a promising candidate for ultra-thin layer applications.
Skoltech scientists developed sensitive sensors based on cobalt oxide nanoflakes to detect various alcohols, including toxic methanol. The new technology enables quick and accurate tests for safe air quality, applicable to medical diagnostics and ambient air monitoring.
Researchers at York University have created a new carbon-based organic molecule that can replace cobalt in lithium-ion batteries, reducing environmental impact. The new material maintains high power capabilities and stability while being environmentally friendly.
A research project at the University of Córdoba and San Luis University in Argentina successfully manufactured new lithium batteries from used cell phones. The team recovered graphite material, eliminating impurities and reorganizing its structure for new use, making up a quarter of the total weight of a lithium battery.
Researchers have created a hybrid film combining cobalt and Buckminsterfullerene, boosting magnetic energy product five times at low temperatures. This breakthrough could lead to rare-earth-free magnets, mitigating environmental damage in renewable energy and consumer electronics.
Scientists have successfully manipulated individual atoms to exhibit collective behavior, a crucial step towards creating room-temperature superconductors. The study uses atomic manipulation to place cobalt atoms on copper surfaces in a perfectly ordered pattern, demonstrating the potential for higher temperatures.
The study found that cobalt supply is adequate in the short term, but could be affected by refining and recycling. The researchers recommend increasing efficient capacity to meet growing demand from consumer electronics and electric vehicles. By 2030, the team estimates cobalt demand will reach 235-430 thousand metric tons.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have created a visible-light photoelectrochemical system using cobalt-enhanced TiO2. The process enables efficient water oxidation, producing hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel. Cobalt domains on the surface enhance light absorption and catalytic sites facilitate water oxidation.
Researchers at Louisiana State University have developed a new cationic cobalt bisphosphine hydroformylation catalyst system that is highly active and extremely robust. The discovery has the potential to replace rhodium-based catalysts, which are currently expensive and in short supply.
Researchers are exploring seawater-based Na-ion batteries as a potential alternative to lithium ion batteries. A new study investigated electrode materials that increase voltage, capacity, and wattage. The development of these batteries could alleviate concerns around cobalt mining and reduce costs.
Researchers developed a new class of 'cool' blue pigments that are inexpensive, durable, and more environmentally friendly than traditional cobalt blue. The pigments, inspired by the crystalline structure of hibonite, show a range of intense blue colors and reflect near-infrared light.
Researchers have developed a new cobalt-based catalyst that enables an eightfold increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, a major electronic cleaning chemical. The catalyst, Co1-NG(O), is highly stable and efficient, producing up to 8 times more H2O2 than existing noble metal-based electrocatalysts.
Researchers at Oregon State University have made a key design advance in creating durable and non-toxic blue pigments. By analyzing the crystal structure of hibonite, they have developed a way to match or surpass the vividness of cobalt blue while using significantly less hazardous cobalt ion.
A rare form of lung scarring, typically found in metal workers, has been linked to vaping. The condition can cause breathing difficulties and chronic coughing due to damage to lung cells and the formation of 'giant' cells.
A team of Princeton researchers observed a surprising quantum effect in an iron-based superconductor when cobalt atoms were added. The findings challenge Anderson's theorem and provide new insights into the behavior of unconventional materials.
Scientists found that certain materials can bend without dislocations, allowing for stronger and more durable materials. This discovery challenges traditional methods of increasing metal strength and flexibility.
Researchers at UT Austin aim to develop a lithium-ion battery that requires no cobalt while maintaining high energy density. A $3 million collaborative project funded by the US Department of Energy seeks to demonstrate low-cobalt battery technology in large cells and create a cobalt-free battery.
Researchers developed an alternative method to evaluate local magnetization switching efficacy in ultrathin ruthenium-cobalt-ruthenium films with a wolfram layer added. The study revealed that adjusting the materials' layers thickness can change magnetic parameters, increasing spin switching efficacy.
Scientists have been exploring new materials to harness thermoelectric power from waste heat, with researchers at the University of Texas using supercomputers to optimize material configurations. The team has made promising initial findings, showing that certain cobalt oxides can convert heat into electricity.
Scientists have identified a way to convert cyclohexane to useful products at lower temperatures, reducing the need for energy and minimizing unwanted byproducts. The new catalysts work at temperatures as low as 100°C, protecting intermediate products from further conversion.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries using an environmentally friendly deep eutectic solvent. The solvent successfully extracted over 90% of cobalt and significant amounts of lithium from powdered compounds and used batteries, making it a promising approach to curtail hars...
A new technique allows continuous study of cobalt nanoparticles as they grow, producing 'nanometric phase diagrams' showing the conditions that control their structure. This method has potential applications for other materials, including alloys and oxides.
A new dating technique has pushed the formation of Earth's cobalt deposits back by 100-150 million years, according to a University of Alberta study. This revised timeline offers a fresh perspective on the global distribution of cobalt and its potential for sustainable exploration and mining.
A team of scientists has discovered a single-site, visible-light-activated catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into 'building block' molecules. The breakthrough could lead to the use of sunlight to turn a greenhouse gas into hydrocarbon fuels.
Scientists have developed cobalt and cobalt-iron nanosprings for targeted drug delivery agents in anticancer therapy. These nanosprings, with unique combined magnetic properties, can be controlled using external magnetic fields, enabling efficient movement and targeting of cancer cells.
A new study by KU Leuven reveals the hidden costs of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including high levels of cobalt in children's urine and increased DNA damage. The research highlights the need for sustainable cobalt mining practices to mitigate environmental and health impacts.
Hokkaido University researchers have created an improved catalyst for the conversion of methane gas into syngas, overcoming challenges faced by previous studies. The new catalyst successfully generates syngas at a lower temperature than conventional methods, making it more efficient and cost-effective.