Category: Research

University of Basel researchers see lake-bound methane as potential energy source

University of Basel researchers see lake-bound methane as potential energy source

April 1, 2021 |

In Switzerland, lakes store huge amounts of methane. In their most recent publication, researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland outline the potential and theoretical possibilities for using methane from lakes and other freshwater bodies for sustainable energy production. Methane from lakes and water reservoirs makes up about 20% of global natural methane missions. […]

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University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers find palm oil yields could be increased through improved management

University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers find palm oil yields could be increased through improved management

March 31, 2021 |

In Nebraska, four-year research project led by researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and supported by a $4 million grant from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggests that keeping up with demand may not necessarily mean converting more valuable, fragile ecosystems into agricultural land. According to research published March 25 in Nature Sustainability, palm […]

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Chinese researchers find red and blue LEDs can boost microalga growth and yields

Chinese researchers find red and blue LEDs can boost microalga growth and yields

March 30, 2021 |

In China, in their paper, published in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Yangzhou University researchers in China show how a combination of monochromatic red and blue LED illumination on one type of microalga can enhance its growth and increase the biosynthesis of critical components, such as lipids, for microalgae feedstock development. The researchers […]

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NTU researchers make antibacterial gel bandage from durian husks

NTU researchers make antibacterial gel bandage from durian husks

March 29, 2021 |

In Singapore, food scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have made an antibacterial gel bandage using the discarded husks of the popular tropical fruit, durian.  Known as the “King of Fruits” in Southeast Asia, the durian has a thick husk with spiky thorns which is discarded, while the sweet flesh surrounding the seeds […]

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A stable copper catalyst for CO2 conversion

A stable copper catalyst for CO2 conversion

March 28, 2021 |

In Germany, researchers at RUB and the University of Duisburg-Essen developed a new catalyst for converting carbon dioxide into chemicals or fuels. They optimized already available copper catalysts in order to improve their selectivity and long-term stability. The greenhouse gas CO2 can be converted into larger carbon compounds that can be used as basic chemicals […]

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PNNL researchers produce renewable diesel from biocrude for more than 2,000 hours straight

PNNL researchers produce renewable diesel from biocrude for more than 2,000 hours straight

March 25, 2021 |

In Washington state, a large-scale demonstration converting biocrude to renewable diesel fuel has passed a significant test, operating for more than 2,000 hours continuously without losing effectiveness. Scientists and engineers led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory conducted the research to show that the process is robust enough to handle many […]

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Researchers develop Smart Transfer Chutes to increase biorefinery efficiencies

Researchers develop Smart Transfer Chutes to increase biorefinery efficiencies

March 24, 2021 |

In New Mexico, a collaboration between Los Alamos National Laboratory and Jenike & Johanson, a bulk solids storage company, and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office through the Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium, has developed new technologies, called Smart Transfer Chutes, with integrated acoustic moisture sensors that greatly improve the operational reliability of […]

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PNNL researchers produce dense biofuel from food waste

PNNL researchers produce dense biofuel from food waste

March 23, 2021 |

In Washington state, researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory successfully converted food waste from Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Coyote Ridge Corrections Center into an energy-dense biofuel that could help replace today’s fossil fuels. Early results suggest food waste might deliver a trifecta of efficiency, economic and environmental benefits. First, from an efficiency standpoint, food waste’s […]

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Canada announces grant funding for bioplastics and bioeconomy

Canada announces grant funding for bioplastics and bioeconomy

March 22, 2021 |

In Canada, Canadian farmers are looking to reduce waste, and plant-based plastics are an increasingly popular alternative as part of a growing Canadian bioeconomy. Creating exciting new options for Canadian farmers, while supporting them in responsibly managing on-farm plastic waste, is helping to build a healthier economy and environment. Today the Minister of Agriculture and […]

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New clean energy process converts methane to hydrogen with zero CO2 emissions

New clean energy process converts methane to hydrogen with zero CO2 emissions

March 21, 2021 |

In France, researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and West Virginia University, in collaboration with industry partners Southern California Gas Company and C4-MCP, developed a process that converts methane—the primary component of natural gas—into hydrogen while emitting zero CO2. The process also creates carbon solids for manufacturing applications. The hydrogen can be used in fuel […]

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