HEADLINES ARCHIVE
Tracing lithium back to its source to ensure ethical mining activities
Lithium, used in the manufacture of everything from smartphones to automobiles, can potentially be traced back to its mine of origin using lithium isotopic signatures.
Copper nanowire spray to combat the spread of diseases
Scientists developed two types of the sprayable copper nanowires — the first composed entirely of copper nanowires (CuNWs) and the second composed of copper-zinc nanowires (CuZnNWs).
New tech promises uninterrupted methane emission detection
Because reducing methane emissions has become a critical component of many new global environmental efforts and regulations, Sensirion Connected Solutions has developed “Nubo Sphere,” a methane emissions monitoring solution.
Collective urges multi-layered approach for protecting public health from oil and gas drilling impacts
The collective details a framework for decision-making that they expect will encourage the application of additional public health protective measures.
Cement fortified with shrimp shells 40% stronger
Nanocrystals and nanofibers of chitin from waste shrimp shells added to cement reportedly made the material 40% stronger and delayed the set time for the cement by more than an hour.
Polymer grabs dyes from wastewater
The removal of dyes contaminating pharmaceutical, textile and other industrial wastewaters is facilitated with a synthetic polymer developed at North Carolina State University.
New coating promises to kill bacteria faster
Capable of killing bacteria in greater quantities than current formulations, the new copper coating also features tiny bumps that rupture bacterial walls and zinc, an antibacterial.
Industrial waste materials being eyed for construction materials
According to the chemists, the new type of polymer brick is composed of waste cooking oil mixed with petroleum refining byproducts sulfur and dicyclopentadiene (DCPD).
Hydrocarbon-free fluids to support next-gen drilling
The team designed hydrocarbon-free reformulated fluids to support next generation drilling technology, such as new coiled tubing drilling technology, which demands higher volumes of specialized fluids than those used in conventional drilling.
Team develops safer anti-cavity, teeth whitening coating
The new hydrogel coating is the combination of bismuth oxychloride nanoparticles, copper oxide nanoparticles and sodium alginate, which is activated by safer green light.
A greener battery chemistry for EVs
This battery technology could reduce the carbon footprint of an electric vehicle (EV) battery by up to 39%.
Old CDs find new life as biosensors
The inexpensive process for transforming old CDs into flexible biosensors involves separating a gold CD's thin metallic layer from rigid plastic and transforming it into sensors.
Electromechanical robots that are faster than cheetahs
The steerable robots, which are controlled using a magnetic field and powered using a battery pack or tether, were constructed using soft, tiny electromagnetic actuators featuring embedded liquid metal coils.
New Kennametal ceramic grade offers higher wear resistance, longer tool life in hard turning applications
The new grade provides greater depth of cut capabilities than polycrystalline cubic boron nitride inserts when machining hardened steel or cast iron.
A cheap and efficient carbon capture component
Off-the-shelf melamine powder forms the basis of an inexpensive material that could be of value on curbing carbon emissions.
How carbon emissions will change the plastics industry
Despite an anticipated increase in the deployment of recycling systems, humans generated 460 million tons of plastic in 2019, and usage will continue to climb.
Video: DURABIO, a plant-based bio plastic, adopted for industry’s first biomass helmet
The bio-based plastic offers excellent scratch resistance, color retention, durability and heat resistance.
Plant-based membrane remediates metal-laden water
Proteins harvested from oilseed meal residue have been demonstrated to effectively adsorb heavy metal contaminants from aqueous systems.
Catalyst cuts fuel cell cost, boosts durability
A new electrocatalyst can lead to an 80% reduction in the amount of platinum consumed and extended hydrogen fuel cell service life.
First industrial scale carbon capture plant in the UK
The Tata Chemicals Europe facility is expected to capture 40,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually and reduce the company’s carbon emissions by over 10%.