Headline: Advancing chemical recycling of waste plastics
■ Release Date: 2023.7.24
■ Published by: University of Pittsburgh
■ Keywords: waste plastics, chemicals, recycling
■ Abstract:
New research focuses on optimizing a promising technology called pyrolysis, which can chemically recycle waste plastics into more valuable chemicals.
Headline: Energy-storing supercapacitor from cement, water, black carbon
■ Release Date: 2023.7.31
■ Published by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
■ Keywords: supercapacitor, energy storage, charcoals
■ Abstract:
Engineers have created a 'supercapacitor' made of ancient, abundant materials, that can store large amounts of energy. Made of just cement, water, and carbon black (which resembles powdered charcoal), the device could form the basis for inexpensive systems that store intermittently renewable energy, such as solar or wind energy.
Headline: Lignin separation method could make renewable material profitable
■ Release Date: 2023.7.31
■ Published by: Washington State University
■ Keywords: lignin, carbon, fuel
■ Abstract:
A novel method to extract lignin could help spin wheat straw into gold. Lignin produced using the new method was color-neutral, odorless and homogenous, an advance that could make this carbon-neutral material a more viable candidate for development of high-value products. Researchers extracted up to 93% lignin with up to 98% purity from wheat straw, producing a significant amount of material in a uniform way that could make it more attractive for industry use.
Headline: Cracking in lithium-ion batteries speeds up electric vehicle charging
■ Release Date: 2023.8.1
■ Published by: University of Michigan
■ Keywords: lithium, battery, cathode
■ Abstract:
Rather than being solely detrimental, cracks in the positive electrode of lithium-ion batteries reduce battery charge time, research shows. This runs counter to the view of many electric vehicle manufacturers, who try to minimize cracking because it decreases battery longevity.
Headline: Scientists discover unusual ultrafast motion in layered magnetic materials
■ Release Date: 2023.8.2
■ Published by: DOE/Argonne National Laboratory
■ Keywords: magnetic materials, ferromagnets, iron phosphorus trisulfide
■ Abstract:
A team of researchers report a mechanical response across a layered magnetic material tied to changing its electron spin. This response could have important applications in nanodevices requiring ultra-precise and fast motion control.
Headline: Faster thin film devices for energy storage and electronics
■ Release Date: 2023.8.2
■ Published by: Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics
■ Keywords: energy storage, niobium, battery
■ Abstract:
An international research team reported the first realization of single-crystalline T-Nb2O5 thin films having two-dimensional (2D) vertical ionic transport channels, which results in a fast and colossal insulator-metal transition via Li ion intercalation through the 2D channels.
Headline: New photocatalytic system converts carbon dioxide to valuable fuel more efficiently than natural photosynthesis
■ Release Date: 2023.8.3
■ Published by: City University of Hong Kong
■ Keywords: photocatalytic, fuel, methane
■ Abstract:
A research team recently developed a stable artificial photocatalytic system that is more efficient than natural photosynthesis. The new system mimics a natural chloroplast to convert carbon dioxide in water into methane, a valuable fuel, very efficiently using light. This is a promising discovery, which could contribute to the goal of carbon neutrality.
Headline: Study highlights importance of mineral iron in ocean ecosystems
■ Release Date: 2023.8.3
■ Published by: University of Liverpool
■ Keywords: iron, catalyst, carbon
■ Abstract:
New research has revealed the importance of mineral forms of iron in regulating the cycling of this bio-essential nutrient in the ocean. The findings pave the way for new work on the relationship between the iron and carbon cycles and how changing ocean oxygen levels may interact.
