Category: Research

Munster Technological University leads decentralized green biorefinery demonstration initiative

May 29, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Ireland, Munster Technological University will lead a new first-of-its-kind decentralized green biorefinery demonstration initiative funded under the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU). The €8.7 million “Rural BioReFarmeries” project will advance the development of farm-centered bioeconomy approaches through the deployment of green biorefineries across grassland regions of Europe. Two primary green biorefinery and anaerobic […]

University of Sydney researchers use plasma to create SAF from methane

May 28, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Australia, University of Sydney researchers have developed a chemical process using plasma that could create sustainable jet fuel from methane gas emitted from landfills, potentially creating a low-carbon aviation industry. Aviation currently accounts for approximately three percent of the world’s emissions. Creating a “closed loop” fuel based on existing emissions would eliminate the need for traditional and sustainable […]

Northwestern University researchers develop new catalyst from everyday materials to destroy CO2

May 27, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Illinois, a new catalyst made from an inexpensive, abundant metal and common table sugar has the power to destroy carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. In a new Northwestern University study, the catalyst successfully converted CO2 into carbon monoxide (CO), an important building block to produce a variety of useful chemicals. When the reaction occurs in […]

Nanobubble research to improve green hydrogen production

May 26, 2024 | Juan Pedro Tomas

In Sweden, StatNano reported that researchers of the University of Twente have made significant strides in understanding the behaviour of micro- and nanobubbles on electrodes during water electrolysis. The reported noted that this process is crucial for green hydrogen production. The report highlighted that the production of hydrogen is significantly impeded by bubbles at the […]

Illinois researchers identify family of catalysts that converts CO2 into chemicals

May 23, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Illinois, in a collaborative project involving the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, Northern Illinois University and Valparaiso University scientists report a family of catalysts that efficiently converts CO2 into ethanol, acetic acid or formic acid. These liquid hydrocarbons are among the most produced chemicals in the U.S. and are found in […]

NREL demonstrates SAF production from microbial waste

May 21, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Colorado, a new study from Conversion of Organic Waste to Sustainable Aviation Fuel via Carboxylic Acids demonstrates conversion of organic waste to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using microbial conversion followed by catalytic upgrading. Carboxylic acids produced by microbes are upgraded to SAF over commercially available catalysts. This research reports a catalytic process to convert […]

NREL study new type of biofuel produced from genetically engineered bacteria

May 20, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Colorado, while the demand for climate-warming fuels like petroleum and diesel is expected to peak before 2030, the global energy demand for alternative fuels to power vehicles to transport people, goods, and services will grow rapidly in the coming years. Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently studied whether a new type […]

Biobased resins could offer recyclable future for 3D printing, researchers find

May 19, 2024 | Juan Pedro Tomas

In the UK, The University of Birmingham reported that a new type of recyclable resin, made from biosourced materials, has been designed for use in 3D printing applications. In a study, published in Nature magazine, researchers from the University of Birmingham showed that high-resolution, 3D printed structures can be manufactured from an entirely bio-sourced feedstock. […]

Japanese researchers find tannin from persimmons improves yeast growth

May 16, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Japan, an Osaka Metropolitan University research team has found that improves the growth of the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the presence of ethanol. The findings were published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. The researchers explored persimmon tannin because it is known for its antioxidative properties. “In this study, […]

University of Gothenburg researchers study how bubbles in biodiesel can boost ICE energy efficiency

May 15, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Sweden, by studying how bubbles form in a drop of biodiesel, researchers at the University of Gothenburg can help future engines get the most energy out of the fuel. In an internal combustion engine, the fuel is distributed in small droplets in injection valves to maximize combustion. In the engine, the fuel droplets are […]

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