Pollution Science 101
Solutions
By Michael J. Ross
Http://MonsantoInvestigation.com
PollutionScience.com
Published: August 23rd, 2025
Last update: September 4th, 2025 10:30 AM
Under Construction
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{New} Pollution Science X - Solutions (Florida) - (Pollution Science 101 - Solutions (Florida)
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Chapters:
Chapter 1: Dyeing technology
Chapter 2: Armor technology
Chapter 3: Materials & fibers
Chapter 4: Sustainable Paints & coatings
Chapter 5: Plastics & Polymer technology
Chapter 6: Conductivity in polymers and rubbers
Chapter 7: Strongest fibers & materials
Chapter 8: Glass technology
Chapter 9: Light Energy
Chapter 10: Tesla Coils
Chapter 11: CERN
Chapter 12: Antimatter
Chapter 13: Plasma energy
Chapter 14: Fusion
Chapter 15: Batteries & energy storage
Chapter 16: Magnetic energy
Chapter 17: Piezoelectric & mechanical energy
Chapter 18: Lazers
Chapter 19: Solar, Electrical & Hydrogen power
Chapter 20: Green computing
Chapter 21: Chips, Wires & Wafers
Chapter 22: Nature & energy
Chapter 23: Wind energy
Chapter 24: Air power
Chapter 25: Transportation
Chapter 26: Alternative fuel
Chapter 27: Biofuel
Chapter 28: Sustainable Lubricants
Chapter 29: Displays
Chapter 30: Water harvesting & Carbon
Chapter 31: Refrigeration
Chapter 32: Sustainable farming methods
Chapter 33: Clean-up technology
Chapter 34: Toxic clean-up technology
Chapter 35: Adhesives
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Intro:
Today, we have an abundance of science and
technology. It seems that for many of the problems that we have as a
civilization, such as war, famine, hunger, pollution and disease. That
we can solve many of these concerns. In this series, we will dedicate
the learning of science and technology, to many of the potential benefits of technology. This includes how
these technologies can be misused in our civilization.
We
can already see the amount of landfills and pollution being caused by
different types of industrial activities, including the use of machinery
and technology. This includes many toxic chemicals, being produced daily. Many industrial chemicals, are not often correctly disposed. These chemicals are a hazard to the environment, including in landfills. This book will talk about new and sustainable ways to replace and phase-out, many toxic and industrial chemicals.
With all of the technology that has been invented in our pasts, we must ask ourselves if it is possible to make our civilization coexist with this planet.
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{New} Pollution Science X - Solutions (Florida) - (Pollution Science 101 - Solutions (Florida)
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Chapter 1: Dyeing technology
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In
this chapter, we will explain the problem with many synthetic dyes out
on the market. For many of these toxic dyes that are listed, there is an
environmentally friendly alternative.
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Food Dyes Linked to Cancer, ADHD, Allergies
2010
”Red 3 and Citrus Red 2 should be banned under the Delaney amendment,
because they caused cancer in rats (some uses were banned in 1990), as
should Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, which are tainted with
cancer-causing contaminants.
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/07/popular-food-dyes-linked-to-cancer-adhd-and-allergies/#.UmH8shDNkmx
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Food Dyes Linked to Behavioral Problems
Red 40 is used mainly in junk foods. Linked to hyperactivity. Banned in Denmark,
Belgium, France, Switzerland, and Sweden being phased out in the entire EU. Made of petroleum and 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid.
http://www.inspirationgreen.com/food-dyes-linked-to-behavior-problems.html
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50 Jawdroppingly Toxic Food Additives to Avoid
http://mphprogramslist.com/50-jawdroppingly-toxic-food-additives-to-avoid/
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Dangerous Food Additives - AVOID!
http://www.traditionaloven.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/list_of_food_additives.pdf
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How Food Companies Fool Consumers with Food Coloring Ingredients Made From Petrochemicals
You'll notice artificial colors in foods like blueberry muffins or blueberry bagels, too. Read the ingredients on blueberry bagels at your local grocery store next time, and you'll find that there are really no blueberries but plenty of artificial blue and green colors to create the impression of little blueberry bits. They can't even put blueberries in their bagels. They have to trick you with artificial colors.
Do you know what liquid they're using to hold the color? Propylene glycol -- the same chemical you put into your RV when you want to winterize it. It is antifreeze. You're eating antifreeze and petrochemicals -- and that's just the blueberry part. We haven't even gotten to everything else, like refined sugars, chemical preservatives and refined bleached white flour, which has diabetes-causing contaminants. A blueberry bagel is no longer a blueberry bagel. When you really understand what's in the foods, it's mind blowing.
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_11042.cfm
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Pretty Scary: Heavy Metals in Face Paints
What We Found
For this report, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics sent 10 children's face paints to an independent lab to test for heavy metals. Among our findings:
- 10 out of 10 children's face paints we tested contained low levels of lead, ranging from 0.05 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm).
http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=584
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Are your child’s clothes TOXIC?
http://www.mygutsy.com/are-your-childs-clothes-toxic/
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The 6+ Synthetic Fabrics You Most Want to Avoid, and Why
Toxins in Your Textiles
Most synthetic fabrics, from towels to dress shirts to bed linens, are treated with chemicals during and after processing. These chemicals not only leach into the environment, leaving an impact on groundwater, wildlife, air and soil, but they also may be absorbed or inhaled directly.
• PFCs in "wrinkle-free" pants, often used for school uniforms, may cause cancer, according to the EPA.
• Acrylic fabrics are polycrylonitriles, which may be carcinogenic.
• Nylon and polyester are made from petrochemicals, whose production creates nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that's 310 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/12/21/the-6-synthetic-fabrics-you-most-want-to-avoid-and-why.htm
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The Clothes that Kill You Slowly but Surely
http://cancerdefeated.com/newsletters/The-Clothes-that-Kill-You-Slowly-but-Surely.html
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Toxic chemicals in children's clothes, explained
A report
released this week by Greenpeace has detected a range of toxic
chemicals in children's clothing, made by various manufacturers around
the world. The environmental organization found the chemicals
in most of the 82 items of children's apparel that it tested, bought in
25 different countries and produced by 12 major brand names, including
from high-end retailers.
http://www.dw.de/toxic-chemicals-in-childrens-clothes-explained/a-17366181
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Synthetic Dyes: A look at Environmental & Human Risks
The CNN report October 2007 which Shana wrote about on Green Cotton,
revealed that new testing procedures (chemical burden testing) reveal
that young babies and children actually do have increased levels of
chemicals in their bloodstream and skin. Because clothing comes into
prolonged contact with one’s skin, toxic chemicals are often absorbed
into the skin, especially when one’s body is warm and skin pores have
opened to allow perspiration. We also know that some individuals have
what is known as chemical sensitivity, including when exposed to
garments of many types.
Symptoms in adults for chemical sensitivity range from skin rashes,
headaches, trouble concentrating, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, muscle and
joint pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, irregular heart beat,
and/or seizures. Symptoms in children include red cheeks and ears, dark
circles under the eyes, hyperactivity, and behavior or learning
problems.
http://greencotton.wordpress.com/2008/06/18/synthetic-dyes-a-look-at-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/
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How Leather Is Slowly Killing the People and Places That Make It
6/03/14
- Vegetable-tanned leather utilizes tannins found in vegetables, tree bark, and other naturally plant-derived sources. These chemicals produce a soft brown leather that is ideal for leather carving and stamping but is very unstable in water. When bathed in hot water, vegetable-tanned leather will shrink and harden drastically, which is why it was once used as both an early form of plate armor as well as for book binding.
- Synthetic-tanned leather, on the other hand, uses aromatic polymers like Novolac, Neradol, and Melamine. Invented during WWII, when vegetable tannins were being rationed as part of the war effort, it's easy to spot this kind of leather by its creamy white color.
- Alum-tanned leather and Rawhide are not generally considered "tanned materials" as they both turn putrid in water. Alum leather is produced using aluminum salts mixed with natural binding agents like flour or egg yolks. Far lighter color shades are possible with Alum than vegetable tannins, though the resulting product will be far less supple. Rawhide is created by simply scraping the skin, soaking it in lime, and stretching it as it dries. The stiff, brittle result is often employed in drum heads, shoelaces, and as doggie chew toys.
- Aldehyde-tanned leather is the primary alternative to the most popular form of tanning, which uses chromium, instead leveraging glutaraldehyde or oxazolidine. Like synthetic-tanned leathers, Aldehyde leather is white in color. It is also very water absorbent, soft, and can be machine washed, making them perfect for use in chamois.
- Chromium-tanned leather is the most popular form of producing leather these days, and one of the most noxious. It relies on a toxic slush of chromium salts and tanning liquor to produce a supple and often light blue colored product. The prepared hides are first pickled in a vat of chromium until the material's pH drops to 2.8 - 3.2, then they're transferred to a secondary vat filled with tanning liquor which penetrates the leather. Once the liquor has been thoroughly and evenly absorbed, the pH of the vat is increased to between 3.8 and 4.2. This fixes the tanning material to the leather at a molecular level and helps reduce the amount of shrinkage experienced when the leather is submerged in warm water.
http://gizmodo.com/how-leather-is-slowly-killing-the-people-and-places-tha-1572678618
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Many dyes on the market can cause
problems to the individual wearing these dyes. For more information view the following articles.
The DuPont Investigation - http://dupontinvestigation.blogspot.com
Pollution Science 101 - Cancer Investigated (California) -
http://pollutionscience101cancerinvestigated.blogspot.com
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We
need environmentally friendly paints, including dyes
used for clothing, pen ink, crayons, paint for vehicles, house paint
and food packaging. This includes any type of paint or dye
that you can think of.
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Soil as Fabric Dye? Earth Dyeing Hits Pay Dirt
09/01/11
http://www.ecouterre.com/soil-as-fabric-dye-earth-dyeing-hits-pay-dirt/
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Natural dye
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_dye
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Making Natural Dyes from Plants
http://pioneerthinking.com/crafts/natural-dyes
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Information on Natural Dyes
http://woolery.com/dyeing/natural-dyes/information-on-natural-dyes.html
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Native Plant Dyes
http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethnobotany/dyes.shtml
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Waterless dyeing technology is the future (we hope!)
Dutch Company, DyeCoo, has launched a revolutionary dyeing machine that uses supercritical carbon dioxide and not a single drop of water. This new technology could not have been invented soon enough, as every two years the textile industry uses the same amount of water that’s in the Mediterranean Sea just to dye clothing. In fact, textile dyeing and treatment are responsible for 17 to 20 percent of industrial water pollution, according to the World Bank. This new dry dye method uses 50% less energy and 50% fewer chemicals, to boot! http://designtoimprovelife.dk/waterless-dyeing-dyecoo/
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Researchers demonstrate 'no-ink' color printing with nanomaterials
June 8th, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-no-ink-nanomaterials.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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AirDye's Ecological Dyeing Process Makes the Future of Textiles Bright
Most of the discussion in sustainable textiles has centered around
the fibers—manufacturers making a switch to organic cotton, or creating
fabrics from natural, easily-renewable materials like bamboo or hemp.
But very little attention has been paid to the the dyeing process, which
can be a potentially devastating industry when it comes to chemicals,
waste, and water usage. AirDye, a new method created by Colorep
for dyeing textiles takes water almost out of the equation, using 90%
less water, but also reducing the emissions and energy used by 85%,
since extreme heat is needed to dry the textiles after they are soaked
in dye (and most fabrics then require a post-rinse and yet another dry
cycle).
AirDye's process begins with using all synthetic fibers
for its material, which can be made from recycled PET bottles. Using
dispersed dyes that are applied to a paper carrier, AirDye uses heat to
transfer the dyes from the paper to the surface of the textiles,
coloring it at the molecular level. All paper used is recycled, and dyes
are inert, meaning that they can go back to their original state and be
reused.
http://www.fastcompany.com/1368576/airdyes-ecological-dyeing-process-makes-future-textiles-bright
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Many times we hear about people trying to reuse and recycle plastic bottles.
With many concerns and reports about the toxins
in current plastic bottles on the market. We must be cautious of trying
to continue to produce and recycle toxic plastic. This includes toxic
bottles that are recycled in shirts made with plastic materials.
When we recycle plastics that contain harmful
plasticizers, including chemicals such as BPA, this is harmful for the
environment. The world needs a form of recyclable bioplastic.
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We
still need to be cautious of trying to genetically modify algae and
bacteria for dyes, and food. We must be cautious of how synthesized
chemicals could interact with other synthetic chemicals, including
pesticides and organisms in the wild.
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Microalgae Dyes Make for Clothes That Change Colors as They're Worn
June 30, 2014
One Berlin-based design studio called Blond & Bieber (no reference to Justin) believes in the pigment power of microalgae. Co-founded by designers Essi Johanna Glomb and Rasa Weber, the studio is at the forefront of using different kinds of algae for fashion.
While the thought of wearing pond scum on your back isn't
particularly appealing (if you've even thought of it), Algaemy is using
European weeds to develop new types of microalgae prints. Their pigments
come in shades of blue, green-brown, and red from microalgae.
While microalgae has been used for nutrition, energy and oil production, and potentially for CO2 sequestration,
Glomb and Weber's design lab focuses on the maximizing microalgae’s
aesthetic potential. Recently nominated for a German Design Award,
they’re launching their first limited-edition shoes with Trippen at
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this July in Berlin.
http://motherboard.vice.com/read/microalgae-dyes-make-for-clothes-that-change-colors-as-theyre-worn
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This Clear Solar Dye Can Turn Almost Anything Into A Solar Cell
May 16, 2020
https://www.intelligentliving.co/clear-solar-dye/
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Synthetic dyes made from sustainable chemicals
Yellow, orange, and red hues achieved with plant-derived molecules
October 12, 2019
https://cen.acs.org/environment/sustainability/Synthetic-dyes-made-sustainable-chemicals/97/i40
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New nanomaterials inspired by bird feathers play with light to create color
May 13, 2015
Inspired
by the way iridescent bird feathers play with light, scientists have
created thin films of material in a wide range of pure colors—from red
to green—with hues determined by physical structure rather than
pigments.
Structural color arises from the interaction
of light with materials that have patterns on a minute scale, which
bend and reflect light to amplify some wavelengths and dampen others.
Melanosomes, tiny packets of melanin found in the feathers, skin and fur
of many animals, can produce structural color when packed into solid
layers, as they are in the feathers of some birds.
"We
synthesized and assembled nanoparticles of a synthetic version of
melanin to mimic the natural structures found in bird feathers," said
Nathan Gianneschi, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the
University of California, San Diego. "We want to understand how nature
uses materials like this, then to develop function that goes beyond what
is possible in nature." -
- The
qualities of the material contribute to its potential application. Pure
hue is a valuable trait in colorimetric sensors. And unlike
pigment-based paints or dyes, structural color won't fade. Polydopamine,
like melanin, absorbs UV light, so coatings made from polydopamine
could protect materials as well. Dopamine is also a biological molecule
used to transmit information in our brains, for example, and therefore
biodegradable.
"What has kept me fascinated for 15
years is the idea that one can generate colors across the rainbow
through slight (nanometer scale) changes in structure," said Shawkey
whose interests range from the physical mechanisms that produce colors
to how the structures grow in living organisms. "This idea of biomimicry
can help solve practical problems but also enables us to test the
mechanistic and developmental hypotheses we've proposed," he said.
Natural
melanosomes found in bird feathers vary in size and particularly shape,
forming rods and spheres that can be solid or hollow. The next step is
to vary the shapes of nanoparticles of polydopamine to mimic that
variety to experimentally test how size and shape influence the
particle's interactions with light, and therefore the color of the
material. Ultimately, the team hopes to generate a palette of
biocompatible, structural color...
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-nanomaterials-bird-feathers.html#jCp
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We must question if synthetic nanoparticles are able to biodegrade properly in the wild.
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Within colors of bees and butterflies, an optical engineer's dream is realized
May 15, 2015
Evolution has created in bees,
butterflies, and beetles something optical engineers have been
struggling to achieve for years—precisely organized biophotonic crystals
that can be used to improve solar cells, fiber-optic cables, and even
cosmetics and paints, a new Yale-led study has found.
The
Yale team used high-intensity X-rays at the Argonne National Laboratory
in Chicago to investigate color-producing nanostructures within
hair-like structures that cover some species of butterflies, weevils and
beetles, bees, and spiders and tarantulas. They found that the
architecture of these nanostructures are identical to chemical polymers
engineered by chemists and materials scientists, according to the report
published May 14 in the journal Nano Letters.
"These
biophotonic nanostructures have the same shapes commonly seen in blends
of large, synthetic, Lego-like molecules called block copolymers,
developed by chemists," said lead author Vinod Saranathan, former Yale
graduate student and now faculty member at Yale-NUS College in
Singapore.
These artificial nanostructures need to be
an order of magnitude larger—such as that found in the scales of beetles
and butterflies—in order to interfere with light and make saturated
colors. Engineers, chemists, and physicists currently find it difficult
to control the self-assembly of synthetic polymers to achieve the
desired shape of molecules over a large area, Saranathan said.
Engineers,
however, have had difficulty organizing these polymers in larger
structures that would make them commercially feasible.
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-bees-butterflies-optical.html#jCp
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New research on molecular response to nanoparticles reveals power of nanoinformatics
29 May, 2023
Researchers have discovered a new response mechanism specific to exposure to nanoparticles that is common to multiple species. By analysing a large collection of datasets concerning the molecular response to nanomaterials, they have revealed an ancestral epigenetic mechanism of defence that explains how different species, from humans to simpler creatures, adapt to this type of exposure.
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Inspired by butterflies, researcher invents new paint that has no pigments
Mar 10, 2023
It can not only keep us safe from the dangerous effects of synthetic paints but also keep buildings cooler.
Researchers at the NanoScience Technology Center at the University of Central Florida have invented a new paint that does not use any pigments at all. Called plasmonic paint, it uses nanoscale structural arrangements of aluminum and aluminum oxide to generate its hues.
Exterior paints on the building have a topic of quite some research as scientists look for ways to keep the heat in cooler regions and out in the warmer regions of the world. Last year, Interesting Engineering reported how researchers were working to make the world’s whitest paint thinner so that lesser quantities would be required to paint surfaces.
Structural Color: A Sustainable Alternative
“The range of colors and hues in the natural world are astonishing — from colorful flowers, birds and butterflies to underwater creatures like fish and cephalopods,” Chanda says. “Structural color serves as the primary color-generating mechanism in several extremely vivid species where geometrical arrangement of typically two colorless materials produces all colors. On the other hand, with manmade pigment, new molecules are needed for every color present.”
Based on such bio-inspirations, Chanda’s research group innovated a plasmonic paint, which utilizes nanoscale structural arrangement of colorless materials — aluminum and aluminum oxide — instead of pigments to create colors.
While pigment colorants control light absorption based on the electronic property of the pigment material and hence every color needs a new molecule, structural colorants control the way light is reflected, scattered or absorbed based purely on the geometrical arrangement of nanostructures.
Such structural colors are environmentally friendly as they only use metals and oxides, unlike present pigment-based colors that use artificially synthesized molecules.
The researchers have combined their structural color flakes with a commercial binder to form long-lasting paints of all colors.
https://scitechdaily.com/inspired-by-butterflies-scientist-creates-the-lightest-paint-in-the-world/
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Optical Illusion Produced by Butterflies’ Wing Scales Is Secret to Ultra-Black, Lightweight Materials
Permanent Wings: – Biologically improbable due to human bone and muscle structure (though at the same time, usually easy to rationalize at first glance due to the nature of our shoulders), and if they’re intended for actual flight, you may have to write off several laws of physics as well. Therefore, such characters are often assumed to be not entirely of this world, especially since the domain of birds shares a name with God’s kingdom: Heaven. This ties into the classic depictions of winged angels as well.
Some butterflies have ultra-black wings that rival the blackest materials made by humans, using wing scales that are only a fraction as thick — here’s how they do it. Set against a piece of black construction paper, the wings of the male cattleheart butterfly look even blacker than black.
The blackness on the wings of many male butterflies is darker than it is on their female counterparts, so one theory is it helps them show off to potential mates. The black regions always border white, colored, or iridescent patches, so the idea is they might work like a dark picture frame to make the brighter blotches pop.
In a study in the March 10 issue of the journal Nature Communications, Duke researchers report that ultra-black butterflies from disparate regions of the globe appear to have converged on the same trick. The secret to making blacks this dark and lightweight, they say, isn’t a surplus of melanin — the pigment responsible for a crow’s feathers or a black cat’s fur. It’s an optical illusion created by the 3-D structure of the butterflies’ wing scales.
https://science-atlas.com/biology/optical-illusion-produced-by-butterflies-wing-scales-is-secret-to/
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Nanostructures and Living Cells in Butterfly Wings Could Inspire Radiative-Cooling Materials & Advanced Flying Machines
Infrared photographs of butterflies, where brightness correlates with the capability of radiative cooling.
Researchers discover that butterflies have specialized behaviors and wing scales to protect the living parts of their wings; nanostructures found in the wing scales could inspire the design of radiative-cooling materials to help manage excessive heat conditions; sensory network in the wings could inspire the design of advanced flying machines.
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Novel nanostructures in blue sharks reveal their remarkable potential for dynamic color-change
July 9, 2025
Blue shark dermal denticles.
New research into the anatomy of blue sharks (Prionace glauca) reveals a unique nanostructure in their skin that produces their iconic blue coloration, but intriguingly, also suggests a potential capacity for color change.
The research was presented at the Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference in Antwerp, Belgium on July 9, 2025.
"Blue is one of the rarest colors in the animal kingdom, and animals have developed a variety of unique strategies through evolution to produce it, making these processes especially fascinating," says Dr. Viktoriia Kamska, a post-doctoral researcher in the lab of Professor Mason Dean at City University of Hong Kong.
The team revealed that the secret to the shark's color lies in the pulp cavities of the tooth-like scales—known as dermal denticles— that armor the shark's skin.
The key features of this color-producing mechanism inside the pulp cavity are guanine crystals, which act as blue reflectors, alongside melanin-containing vesicles called melanosomes, which act as absorbers of other wavelengths.
"These components are packed into separate cells, reminiscent of bags filled with mirrors and bags with black absorbers, but kept in close association so they work together," explains Dr. Kamska.
As a result, a pigment (melanin) collaborates with a structured material (guanine platelets of specific thickness and spacing) to enhance color saturation.
"When you combine these materials together, you also create a powerful ability to produce and change color," says Professor Dean. "What's fascinating is that we can observe tiny changes in the cells containing the crystals and see and model how they influence the color of the whole organism."
https://phys.org/news/2025-07-nanostructures-blue-sharks-reveal-remarkable.html
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Squid and zebrafish cells inspire camouflaging smart materials
May 2, 2012
Researchers from the University of Bristol
have created artificial muscles that can be transformed at the flick of
a switch to mimic the remarkable camouflaging abilities of organisms
such as squid and zebrafish.
http://phys.org/news/2012-05-squid-zebrafish-cells-camouflaging-smart.html#nRlv
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Breakthrough material provides tunable radar absorption, infrared thermal camouflage
12/06/2023
Researchers
at Jiangsu University of Science and Technology demonstrated obscured
IR signatures of objects from human hands to aircraft fuselages,
exceeding current stealth technologies at only 2.77 millimeters
thickness.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/breakthrough-material-provides-tunable-radar-absorption-infrared-thermal-camouflage-
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This Common Backyard Insect Is Helping Scientists Develop Invisibility Devices
Leafhoppers, a common backyard insect, secrete and coat themselves in
tiny mysterious particles that could provide both the inspiration and
the instructions for next-generation technology, according to a new
study led by Penn State
researchers. In a first, the team precisely replicated the complex
geometry of these particles, called brochosomes, and elucidated a better
understanding of how they absorb both visible and ultraviolet light.
https://scitechdaily.com/this-common-backyard-insect-is-helping-scientists-develop-invisibility-devices/
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Scientists discover nerves control iridescence in squid's remarkable 'electric skin'
August 27, 2012
http://phys.org/news/2012-08-scientists-nerves-iridescence-squid-remarkable.html#nRlv
Squid's
colorful, changeable skin enables the animal—and their close relatives,
cuttlefish and octopus—to display extraordinary camouflage, the speed
and diversity of which is unmatched in the animal kingdom.
But
how squid control their skin's iridescence, or light-reflecting
property, which is responsible for the animal's sparkly rainbow of
color, has been unknown.
In a new study, MBL (Marine
Biological Laboratory) researchers Paloma Gonzalez Bellido and Trevor
Wardill and their colleagues report that nerves in squid skin control
the animal's spectrum of shimmering hues—from red to blue—as well as
their speed of change. The work marks the first time neural control of
iridescence in an invertebrate species has been demonstrated.
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This Incredible Chameleon-Like Material Changes Colour When Flexed
16 March 2015
Researchers have created a thin, flexible material that changes colour when it's stretched or bent even a tiny amount, and it has some pretty exciting potential for the future of camouflage.
The 'artificial' skin was inspired by chameleons, and doesn't involve any dyes or pigments. Instead, the material has thousands of tiny features etched into its surface, which physically changes the way light is reflected depending on how it's bent. This results in an incredible colour-shifting ability as you can see below.
https://www.sciencealert.com/this-new-material-changes-colour-when-flexed
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Chameleon-inspired 3D printing tech uses single-ink to print infinite colors
Feb 19, 2024
The research merged bottlebrush block copolymers with additive manufacturing, attaining nano control over prints and dynamic color changes.
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/chameleon-inspired-3d-printing
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Nature's unique way of controlling color explains why birds never go gray
December 21, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-nature-unique-birds-gray.html
Using
X-ray scattering at the ESRF facility in France to examine the blue and
white feathers of the Jay, researchers from the University of Sheffield
found that birds demonstrate a surprising level of control and
sophistication in producing colours.
Instead of simply
using dyes and pigments that would fade over time, the birds use
well-controlled changes to the nanostructure to create their vividly
coloured feathers - which are possibly used for Jays to recognise one
another. The Jay is able to pattern these different colours along an
individual feather barb - the equivalent of having many different
colours along a single human hair.
The Jay's feather,
which goes from ultra violet in colour through to blue and into white,
is made of a nanostructured spongy keratin material, exactly the same
kind of material human hair and fingernails are made from...
Dr
Parnell added: "This discovery means that in the future, we could
create long-lasting coloured coatings and materials synthetically. We
have discovered it is the way in which it is formed and the control of
this evolving nanostructure - by adjusting the size and density of the
holes in the spongy like structure - that determines what colour is
reflected.
"Current technology cannot make colour with
this level of control and precision - we still use dyes and pigments.
Now we've learnt how nature accomplishes it, we can start to develop new
materials such as clothes or paints using these nanostructuring
approaches. It would potentially mean that if we created a red jumper
using this method, it would retain its colour and never fade in the
wash."
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World's first "aqueous solar flow battery" outperforms traditional lithium-iodine batteries
August 3, 2015
The scientists that revealed the "world's first solar battery"
last year are now, following some modifications, reporting its first
significant performance milestone. The device essentially fits a battery
and solar cell into the one package, and has now been tested against
traditional lithium-iodine batteries, over which the researchers are
claiming energy savings of 20 percent.
It was last October that researchers at Ohio State University (OSU)
first detailed their patent-pending design for a dye-sensitized solar
cell also capable of storing its own power. With three electrodes rather
than the typical four, it featured a lithium plate base, two layers of
electrode separated by a thin sheet of porous carbon, and a titanium
gauze mesh that played host to a dye-sensitive titanium dioxide
photoelectrode.
The reasoning behind the porous nature of the
materials was to allow the battery's ions to oxidize into lithium
peroxide, which was in turn chemically decomposed into lithium ions and
stored as lithium metal. But the team has redesigned the battery so that
air no longer needs to pass through it in order to function.
http://www.gizmag.com/aqueous-solar-flow-battery-osu/38748/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Revolutionary Phase Change Nano Inks: The Future of Energy-Efficient Climate Control in Buildings & Cars
Phase change inks using nanotechnology have been developed to control temperature and provide passive climate control, reducing energy consumption. The versatile inks have potential applications in buildings, electronics, and clothing, and could become a sustainable solution to address climate change.
World-first ‘phase change inks’ that could transform how we heat and cool buildings, homes, and cars – to achieve sophisticated ‘passive climate’ control – have been developed, with enormous potential to help reduce energy use and global greenhouse gas emissions.
New research published in The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Journal of Materials Chemistry A led by Dr. Mohammad Taha, documents proof-of-concept ‘phase change inks’ that use nanotechnology to control the temperature in everyday environments. They achieve this by adjusting the amount of radiation that can pass through them, based on the surrounding environment.
Dr. Taha said these inks could be used to develop coatings to achieve passive heating and cooling, reducing our need to rely on energy creation to regulate temperatures.
“Humans use a lot of energy to create and maintain comfortable environments – heating and cooling our buildings, homes, cars, and even our bodies,” Dr. Taha said.
Revolutionizing Energy Efficiency with Nanotechnology
The breakthrough was achieved by discovering how to modify one of the main components of ‘phase change materials’ – vanadium oxide (VO2). Phase change materials use triggers, like heat or electricity, to create enough energy for the material to transform itself under stress. However, phase change materials previously needed to be heated to very high temperatures for their ‘phase changing’ properties to be activated.
“We used our understanding of how these materials are put together to test how we could trigger the insulator to metal (IMT) reaction, where the material basically acts as a switch to block heat beyond a particular temperature – near-room temperature (30-40oC),” Dr. Taha said.
Dr. Taha said the next step will involve taking the research, patented by the University of Melbourne, to production.
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Researchers show how natural materials can self-assemble into surfaces with stunning optical properties
September 15, 2015
The
tulip called Queen of the Night has a fitting name. Its petals are a
lush, deep purple that verges on black. An iridescent shimmer dances on
top of the nighttime hues, almost like moonlight glittering off regal
jewels.
Certain rainforest plants
in Malaysian demonstrate an even more striking color feature: Their
iridescent blue leaves turn green when dunked in water.
Both
the tulip's rainbow sparkle and the Malaysian plants' color change are
examples of structural color—an optical effect that is produced by a
physical structure, instead of a chemical pigment.
Now
researchers have shown how plant cellulose can self-assemble
into wrinkled surfaces that give rise to effects like iridescence and
color change. Their findings provide a foundation to understand
structural color in nature, as well as yield insights that could guide the
design of devices like optical humidity sensors. The researchers describe
their results in a paper in The Journa lof Chemical Physics.
Starting with Twisting Cellulose
Cellulose
is one of the most abundant organic materials on Earth. It forms a key
part of the cell wall of green plants, where the cellulose fibers are
found in layers. The fibers in a single layer tend to align in a single
direction. However, when you move up or down a layer the axis of
orientation of the fibers can shift. If you imagined an arrow pointing
in the direction of the fiber alignment, it would often spin in a circle
as you moved through the layers of cellulose. This twisting pattern is
called a cholesteric phase, because it was first observed while studying
cholesterol molecules.
Scientists think that cellulose
twists mainly to provide strength. "The fibers reinforce in the
direction they are oriented," said Alejandro Rey, a chemical engineer at
McGill University in Montreal, Canada. "When the orientation rotates
you get multi-directional stiffness."
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-natural-materials-self-assemble-surfaces-stunning.html
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Squid Based Material Takes 1 Second To Repair Completely
Aug 8, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28VvEEjkGuI
____________________________________
We see how we can now create a viable means to have environmentally friendly types of technology, for the use of dyeing fabrics. In the next chapters, we would like to talk about new materials and fibers that are now being invented.
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Ban on microbeads offers best chance to protect oceans, aquatic species
September 16, 2015
An
outright ban on the common use of plastic "microbeads" from products
that enter wastewater is the best way to protect water quality,
wildlife, and resources used by people, a group of conservation
scientists suggest in a new analysis.
These
microbeads are one part of the microplastic problem in oceans,
freshwater lakes and rivers, but are a special concern because in many
products they are literally designed to be flushed down the drain. And
even at conservative estimates, the collective total of microbeads being
produced today is enormous.
In an article just
published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology,
scientists from seven institutions say that nontoxic and biodegradable
alternatives exist for microbeads, which are used in hundreds of
products as abrasive scrubbers, ranging from face washes to toothpaste.
Around the size of a grain of sand, they can provide a gritty texture to
products where that is needed.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-09-microbeads-chance-oceans-aquatic-species.html#jCp
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What’s trending in the Coatings Industry: Top 10 most-clicked news of the last quarter
17.10.2024
- Cottonseed oil as a renewable source for the development of highly functional UV-curable materials
Researchers discovered that using cottonseed oil to produce bio-based UV-curable polymer resins offers a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based materials, increasing the resulting products’ flexibility. - Interview: “The high pH approach is not suitable for some water-borne coatings”
In an interview with Thomas Bernhofer, Technical Service Manager Coatings at Synthomer, our European Coatings editor Bettina Hoffmann discusses upcoming developments in water-based coatings and how external factors impact the sector’s advancement. - Merck signs agreement to sell surface solutions business unit to GNMI
Merck has signed an agreement to sell its global Surface Solutions business unit to Global New Material International Holdings for EUR 665 million in cash. The company plans to use the proceeds to further strengthen its strategic core businesses. - Insights from David Dominguez, Briolf: The future of water-based coatings
David Dominguez, Strategic Planning Director at Briolf, shared his insights with our editor, Bettina Hoffmann, about future developments and regulatory challenges in water-based coatings until 2030. - New additive process enables the production of better and more environmentally friendly chemicals of high value
Researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) have made a breakthrough that could lead to the creation of improved and greener agricultural chemicals and everyday products. - Dr. Jörg Krames appointed as new President and CEO for Byk-Gardner
The globally active measuring instrument manufacturer Byk-Gardner, based in Geretsried, Bavaria, has a new Managing Director: Dr. Jörg Krames. - Top 3 countries with the most companies in the Top 25 of the paint and coatings industry
In the current ranking of the Top 25 companies in the paint and coatings industry by revenue, Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark stand out, with Germany leading the list. - Alisha Bellezza (PPG): “The automotive industry is undergoing an enormous change”
PPG Industries announced plans to build a new production facility for automotive coatings in North America, investing USD 300 million in the project. Alisha Bellezza, Senior Vice President Global Automotive Coatings, explains to our editor Vanessa Bauersachs the rationale behind this decision and the opportunities it presents. - Bio-based coatings: Growing market share, unclear definition
Industry experts provide insights on the bio-based coatings market concerning market share, main drivers, and challenges. By European Coatings editor Kirsten Wrede. - A
flexible and transparent superhydrophobic coating on cotton fabrics
with high mechanical and chemical stability for underwater insulation
Researchers have developed a coating that provides cotton fabrics with stretchable, transparent superhydrophobic properties, enhancing both mechanical and chemical stability for underwater insulation applications.
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Sustainable Development in the Paint and Coating Industry: New Trends in Green Chemistry, Low Pollution, and Environmental Protection
2023-04-19
https://www.echemi.com/cms/1349758.html
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Explore the Top 10 Paint Industry Trends in 2025
February 11, 2025
The paints and coatings industry shifts towards sustainability, eco-friendliness, and enhanced performance. From eco-conscious formulations to advanced application methods, key trends and innovations advance the concept of paint and its usage. Emerging trends in the paint industry include anti-bacterial and VOC-free paints, as well as aerospace applications and nanotechnology. The industry also expects to see advancements in smart coatings with self-healing properties, energy-efficient reflective paints, and biobased materials.
Top 10 Latest Technologies in the Paint Industry (2025)
Anti-bacterial Paint
Aerospace Paint
Natural Paint Ingredients
Self-Healing Paint
VOC-Free Compounds
Glow In The Dark Paints
Advanced Paint Equipment
Nanocoatings
3D Color Visualization
Fast-Drying Paints
Tree Map reveals the Impact of the Top New Trends in the Paint Industry
Based on the Paint Industry Innovation Map, the TreeMap below illustrates the impact of the Top 10 Paint Industry Trends. Startups and scaleups are improving customer experience and safety with new technologies. Antibacterial and antimicrobial paints prevent bacteria and fungi growth.
Aerospace and automotive paints offer better performance and durability. Natural ingredients, VOC-free additives, and nano coatings provide healthier alternatives to traditional paints. Active paints, including self-healing, self-cleaning, advanced tools, and glow-in-the-dark options, offer improved aesthetics and functionality.
Top 10 Paint Industry Trends in 2025
1. Anti-bacterial Paint
The paint industry sees significant innovations like anti-bacterial paints, which are playing a vital role in enhancing the quality of living spaces. These paints are formulated with antimicrobial additives that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi on painted surfaces, contributing to a healthier and more hygienic environment.
In today’s health-conscious world, the demand for such paints is growing due to their potential to reduce the spread of harmful microbes. Antibacterial paints offer benefits like improved indoor air quality, reduced infection risk, and enhanced painted surface longevity. These paints find applications in healthcare facilities, homes, and public spaces, where cleanliness and hygiene are paramount.
As awareness about health and hygiene continues to rise, the adoption of anti-bacterial paints is set to have a positive impact on the industry, making it the top paint industry trend in the near future.
Further, the global antimicrobial coatings market size was USD 11.39 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.9% from 2024 to 2030.
NanoMiix provides antimicrobial additives
Australian startup, NanoMiix, develops environment-friendly antimicrobial additives using nanotechnology. Leveraging the properties of nanosilver, copper, and zinc oxide, its products eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Nanosilver particles compromise microbial structures by combining with cell wall proteins, entering the microbe, and disrupting DNA replication and oxygen production. This approach enhances existing products with potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Moreover, its advanced nanometal additives enhance microbial protection.
Alora develops Easy-to-Clean Anti-Bacterial Paints
Alora is a startup from Singapore that manufactures easy-cleaning and eco-friendly paints for residential and commercial applications. It uses a no-odor and near-zero-VOC formula to prevent harmful chemicals and smells in the home and offer a safe environment for living.
The startup’s anti-mold technology lowers mold development on painted surfaces and anti-viral protection keeps indoor spaces clean. Alora offers anti-bacterial primers, paints, and paint kits that are healthier for families and the environment.
2. Aerospace Paint
In the paint industry, aerospace paints hold a critical role in ensuring the performance and longevity of aircraft. Aerospace coatings are meticulously formulated to meet the stringent requirements of the aviation sector.
These coatings not only provide an appealing exterior appearance but also offer essential protective functions. Companies are manufacturing coatings equipped with nano-scale additives and specialized polymers to resist wear and tear, corrosion, and extreme temperatures.
The global aircraft paint market was valued at USD 4.2 billion in 2022. It is projected to reach USD 6.4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2032.
Aerospace paints are designed to provide corrosion resistance, prevent wear and tear, and minimize drag resistance, ultimately contributing to the overall aircraft efficiency and safety.
The unique demands of the aerospace industry necessitate coatings that adhere reliably to various substrates, resist UV radiation, and maintain their properties over extended periods.
Flora Surfaces makes Sustainable Surface Solutions
US-based startup Flora Surfaces develops and manufactures high-performance sustainable materials for paints in the aerospace and automotive industries. It produces biobased polymer resins from surplus natural oils and converts them to biodegradable films and coatings for corrosion protection and restoration of objects.
The startup offers FLYCO, a single-component, solvent-based aerospace paint solution that dries in ambient conditions and creates high surface energy for top coats. The paints use proprietary hybrid polyurethane resin that hardens through internal crosslinking and eliminates the need for toxic chemicals. Flora Surfaces’ solutions enhance dirt resistance and reduce drag resistance on the aircraft surface.
Henan Holywell manufactures Hollow Glass Microspheres
Chinese startup Henan Holywell manufactures hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) for aerospace vehicle painting. It utilizes hollow, spherical, powdered, ultralight, and inorganic materials that reduce part weight, lower costs, and enhance product properties.
It provides HGM-HL, HGM-HK, and HGM-HS paint and coating series for longer surface survivability under harsh conditions. These paints offer lower thermal conductivity, higher compressive strength resistance, and high-temperature resistance that is suitable for aerospace applications. Henan Holywell caters to aircraft manufacturers and service providers, oil & gas, and automotive industries.
3. Natural Paint Ingredients
Natural ingredients play a significant role in the paint industry as a response to growing environmental concerns and the demand for sustainable solutions. Paints are traditionally composed of chemicals, solvents, and pigments.
However, the incorporation of natural ingredients has gained momentum due to their eco-friendly properties. These ingredients include plant extracts, minerals, and other biodegradable components that substitute or complement synthetic materials.
This paint industry trend reduces the environmental impact of paint production and application. Additionally, some natural ingredients contribute unique textures and colors to the paint, expanding the creative possibilities for designers and consumers.
While the integration of natural ingredients presents challenges in terms of consistency and durability, it showcases the industry’s commitment to more sustainable and health-conscious paint options.
Prespaglia provides Straw-based Construction Materials
Italian startup Prespaglia uses straw recovered from wheat waste to offer sustainable construction materials that feature thermal and acoustic insulation characteristics. The startup manufactures building materials such as bricks, thermal coats, thickening glue, and natural paints.
These natural paints offer low emissions, sound-absorbing properties, and better thermal insulation in both cold and hot weather. Prespaglia provides green building materials and solutions for interior and exterior applications to both residential as well as commercial.
neogrun manufactures Organic Finger Paints
German startup neogrun manufactures organic finger paints, modeling clay, and DIY organic painting kits for children. It leverages natural and sustainable ingredients from plants and renewable resources to develop non-toxic paints for kids and enable a safe art environment.
The solution eliminates the use of parabens, azo dyes, petrochemicals, and other allergens such as milk, nuts, fish, soy. and eggs. This keeps the paints safe for all children, making it a sustainable choice for parents. neogrun caters to both retailers and wholesalers by providing organic paint solutions to keep children and the environment safe.
4. Self-Healing Paint
The global self-healing coatings market size was estimated at USD 2432.51 million in 2023. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 28.4% from 2024 to 2030.
Self-healing paints introduce a transformative mechanism that enables the restoration of paint surfaces to their original state. These innovative coatings contain microcapsules that release restorative agents when the paint is damaged or scratched, effectively healing the surface and minimizing the appearance of imperfections.
For example, in the automotive industry, self-healing car paints are becoming popular for their ability to recover from minor scratches and abrasions, reducing the need for frequent repainting. In the aerospace and industrial sectors, these paints contribute to enhanced durability and protection against wear and tear. Self-healing paints extend the lifespan of coatings, enhance aesthetics, and offer cost-effective solutions for maintaining surfaces in challenging environments.
Revivify offers Self-Repairing Paints for Surface Protection
Canadian startup Revivify manufactures self-healing paint and coating solutions to protect surfaces. It uses nanotechnology to develop coatings and paints to offer heat-activated applications on multiple surfaces.
The heat-activated coating uses a blend of organic and inorganic materials to offer high-temperature resistance in aerospace applications. Also, it offers salt corrosion resistance in maritime vessels and acid and alkali resistance in semiconductors. Revivify provides performance painting and coating solutions to automotive, aerospace, and maritime industries.
Coat-it provides Surface Treatment Solutions
Polish startup Coat-it offers solutions for surface treatments and protection in the automotive, transportation, energy, and construction industries. It offers paint and coatings with mechanical and anticorrosion feature enhancements such as self-healing, self-cleaning, antifouling, and superhydrophobic properties.
The startup also provides nano-additives for multiple plating applications to improve surface properties and enable protection against corrosion and other environmental factors. Coat-it caters to building and construction, furniture and lighting, and lifestyle industries by providing surface functionalization solutions.
5. VOC-Free Compounds
The global low VOC or zero VOC paints market is estimated to be valued at USD 10.45 billion in 2024. It is expected to reach USD 16.45 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2024 to 2031.
VOC-free compounds have emerged as a significant trend in the paint industry, addressing environmental and health concerns associated with volatile organic compounds. VOCs are chemicals emitted by conventional paints that contribute to air pollution and have adverse health effects.
VOC-free paints, also known as low-VOC or no-VOC paints, contain minimal or no VOC content, making them safer for both the environment and human health. These compounds play a vital role in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices within the industry.
By reducing VOC emissions, they improve indoor air quality, minimize respiratory issues, and contribute to better overall well-being. Additionally, VOC-free paints align with stringent environmental regulations and are preferred choices for environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.
Palette offers Indoor Air Purification Paints
Palette is a startup from the Netherlands that develops and manufactures eco-friendly paints for healthy indoors. It provides VOC-free, environmentally friendly paints that offer anti-bacterial, odorless, and pollutant-free applications for improving indoor air quality.
The startup utilizes a water-based solution along with eco-friendly chemicals such as titanium dioxide, castor oil, and silica to manufacture A+ grade paints. Palette offers safer painting solutions ideal for indoor applications that provide improved air quality and a pollutant-free environment.
Cover Story develops Plastic-Free Paints
Finnish startup Cover Story produces plastic-free, sustainable paints for interior and exterior applications. It uses organic paint binders based on renewable plant oil that eliminates the use of synthetic plastic-based ingredients as binders. This enables a VOC-free and odorless experience and a water-based solution with natural pigments.
The startup designs built-to-last paints and uses wind turbines for the manufacturing process to enable sustainability and recycling. Cover Story provides breathable and emission-free painting solutions for both indoor and outdoor residences and commercial properties.
6. Glow-In-The-Dark Paints
Glow-in-the-dark paints have carved out a unique role in the paint industry, driving both artistic and functional applications. Comprising phosphorescent pigments, these paints emit light after exposure to a light source. Their utility extends from decorative elements in the realm of art and design to safety-enhancing features in various industries.
In sectors such as emergency signage, aerospace, automotive, and interior decor, the luminous properties of these paints offer enhanced visibility during low-light conditions. While traditional glow-in-the-dark materials utilize radioactive compounds, modern versions employ safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives.
SplashKits provides Neon Painting Kits
US-based startup SplashKits makes painting kids for children of all ages to improve their creativity, imagination, and self-expression. The startup offers interactive kits such as neon and glow-in-the-dark paints for art and painting parties.
The kit offers a mini UV keychain that enables children to light up the paints in the dark, enabling a novel painting experience. It provides glow-in-the-dark painting series such as Glowing Jelly, Pop Dog, and Glowing Pop Art.
PM Colours offers Reactive Paint Solutions
PM Colours is a startup from the Czech Republic that provides painting solutions that react to environmental conditions such as sun, reflection, dark, and temperature. It offers paint series, such as Chameleon, which changes with motion, neon which shines in the sun, phosphorus paints that glow in the dark, and thermo which changes with temperature.
The startup offers paints and renovation sets to maintain the paints for longer periods of time. PM Colours provides painting solutions to the automotive industry and enables owners to showcase their art and uniqueness on their cars.
7. Advanced Paint Equipment
Advanced paint equipment plays a pivotal role in the modern paint industry, fostering innovation and efficiency. These advancements span various stages of the production process, from the formulation of paint components to precise mixing, blending, and application techniques.
Cutting-edge equipment ensures optimal dispersion of pigments, uniform consistency, reduced waste, and improved quality control. Additionally, it addresses environmental concerns by enabling the formulation of eco-friendly paints. This emerging paint industry trend not only streamlines manufacturing operations but also facilitates the creation of paints that align with sustainable practices.
Moreover, the spray painting machine market size was valued at USD 4.78 billion in 2023. It is expected to grow by 5.2% from 2024 to 2030, reaching nearly USD 6.82 billion.
ROICO Solutions develops Easy-To-Use Painting Tools
ROICO Solutions is a startup from Denmark that manufactures painting tools that offer easy-to-use indoor and outdoor applications. It provides collaborative robot solutions in construction to increase the productivity, efficiency, safety, and sustainability of painters and professionals.
Bobby is the startup’s cobot that enables wall and ceiling paintings efficiently and takes over tedious and demanding painting tasks. The startup’s solution is easy to set up and connects to a mobile application to place the cobot near the wall and prepare the paint. ROICO Solutions allows painters to carry out painting tasks faster and improve productivity in tedious and demanding painting tasks.
Dexter Robotics provides Surface Painting Robots
UAE-based startup Dexter Robotics offers solutions to improve glass/facade cleaning and wall paintings in tall buildings. It develops and manufactures robots capable of walking and clinging to structural surfaces for construction and maintenance needs.
The startup offers Cling Climbing and Cling Heavy Duty, surface-attaching robots with a strong holding force based on symmetric parallel kinematics. This enables high stiffness, high accuracy, and the capability to handle large loads of painting applications.
The robot is also programmable and portable to carry out custom paint jobs efficiently at heights. Dexter Robotics allows maintenance and construction industry professionals to perform dangerous tasks and jobs with ease and precision.
8. Nanocoatings
The global nanocoatings market size was valued at USD 12.86 billion in 2023. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.4% from 2024 to 2030.
Nanotechnology enables the integration of nanoparticles into paint formulations, resulting in enhanced performance and functionality. These nanoparticles bring advantages such as improved UV light absorption, hardness, and even antimicrobial properties.
The role of nanocoatings in the industry extends to various applications, from automotive paints to corrosion prevention and dust-repellent coatings. Researchers and manufacturers are exploring the potential of nanoparticles to create innovative solutions that address challenges in the paint sector.
As technology advances, nanocoatings will continue to gain traction as a top paint industry trend by providing tailored functionalities that enhance durability, protection, and sustainability.
SolOr manufactures Coatings for Photovoltaic Systems
Israeli startup SolOr makes coatings for photovoltaics and building integrated photovoltaics. It utilizes colloidal quantum dots, semiconductor nanoparticles that are synthesized in the liquid phase, to manufacture coatings and paints.
These nano-paints offer customized optical properties by varying the composition and synthesis conditions. The coating allows the PV cells to enable the electrical charge to flow within the material and improve the electro-optical properties of the semiconductors. SolOr caters to smart buildings and the solar industry by providing paint solutions that capture energy from the sun to generate electricity.
Fluoink Nanotechnologies provides Antibacterial Surface Protection
Fluoink Nanotechnologies is a startup from Tunisia that provides antibacterial surface protection solutions based on nanotechnology. It uses antibacterial technology to manufacture paints and coatings to provide durable protection against bacterial growth.
The startup’s technology allows paints to kill numerous types of bacteria and offers a stable, always-on application that eliminates re-application of the coating. Fluoink Nanotechnologies’ paints find applications in private and public places such as hospitals, public transport, and agri-food industries.
9. 3D Color Visualization
In the era of digitalization, the paint industry is embracing innovative tools to enhance customer experiences and decision-making processes. One of these advancements is the integration of 3D color visualizers, which have significantly transformed the way consumers interact with paints and coatings.
These visualizers allow customers to virtually apply different colors and finishes to their living spaces, enabling them to visualize the final look before making a purchase. By providing an interactive and immersive platform, 3D color visualizers allow businesses to enhance customer experience and streamline product selection. This also allows businesses to use the visualizers for training and education for paint application techniques.
moblo offers 3D Interior Design Solutions
French startup moblo provides applications for designing interiors and furniture in 3D using augmented reality. It enables designing a 2D plan in a 3D model by deploying an intuitive interface and ready-to-use elements.
The solution also enables customizing the application material and paint to visualize the results prior to real-world application. The startup’s app places the designed furniture and selected paint inside the room and makes further customizations. moblo enables interior and exterior designers, as well as customers, to choose custom designs, improve customer satisfaction, and reduce the costs of rework.
Decofy develops Generative AI Visualization Solutions
UK-based startup Decofy offers mobile AI platforms to enable customers to decorate and personalize their interiors. It utilizes generative AI to offer DIY solutions for customers to design and shop for interior designing products such as furniture, paints, and accessories.
The AI visualization tool enables customers to preview the products in their spaces using smart video technology. Using this technology, users calculate the space and amount of material needed to complete painting tasks. Decofy caters to end users as well as painting industry professionals by providing a smart sales channel to deliver digital paint solutions.
10. Fast-Drying Paints
Fast-drying paints are formulated with rapid-drying agents and advanced technology to significantly reduce the time required for paint to dry and cure on surfaces. They enable faster completion and reduce downtime for projects of all types.
Moreover, fast-drying paints contribute to energy savings as they decrease the need for extended ventilation and heating periods. The paints are formulated in different variations including water-based and oil-based options, each with its own advantages and use cases.
Fast-drying paints are commonly used for interior and exterior projects and are ideal for painting walls, furniture, and metal surfaces.
NGNT uses Nanodiamond Technology
Swiss startup NGNT develops nanocomposite coatings using enriched nanoparticles and perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) for quick drying applications. Its NGNT Nano-Composite Coatings combine nanodiamonds and PHPS to create a flexible, diamond-armored, elastic coating with hydrophobic characteristics.
PHPS, a transparent silicon-based polymer, offers heat resistance, UV resistance, water repellency, and surface hardness. The integration of nanodiamonds and carbon nanotubes results in abrasion-resistant coating and minimal interaction with natural and chemical elements. These coatings offer slower erosion times and durability with long-lasting performance.
Hanford & Green makes Performance Paints
UK-based startup Hanford & Green provides performance paint manufacturing, as well as building and commercial decorating solutions to property owners, managers, architects, and interior designers. It offers water-based low-VOC paints using biomaster technology to provide environment-friendly and antimicrobial applications and enables easy cleaning and faster drying.
It offers an odorless multi-surface application with improved opacity that requires fewer paint coats and saves on costs. Hanford & Green provides paint and coating solutions to healthcare, education, student living, residence, and commercial spaces.
https://www.startus-insights.com/innovators-guide/paint-industry-trends/
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Cloverdale Paint and Celanese launch carbon-utilizing paint initiative
January 10, 2025
Cloverdale Paint and Celanese Corporation, a global leader in specialty materials and chemicals, have created a partnership aimed at developing sustainable paint solutions using advanced carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology.
This collaboration is designed to convert industrial CO2 emissions into renewable feedstocks that can be utilized in paint production.
Celanese’s CCU technology captures CO2 emissions that would typically be released into the atmosphere and employs hydrogen to transform this captured CO2 into methanol. This methanol serves as a foundational component in vinyl acetate-based emulsions, a key ingredient for manufacturing paints.
By integrating this process, Cloverdale Paint aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions compared to conventional manufacturing practices.
The partnership is expected to enable Cloverdale Paint to incorporate over one million pounds of CO2 emissions annually into its product line, reflecting both companies’ dedication to sustainability and innovation.
Darrin Noble, president and chief operating officer of Cloverdale Paint, highlighted the initiative as part of the company’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility. “Our Green Guarantee reinforces our focus on sustainable materials and minimizing waste at every operational stage,” he stated.
Kevin Norfleet, global sustainability director at Celanese, spoke about the potential impact of the partnership, noting that it exemplifies how CCU can facilitate a reduction in the carbon footprint of products while fostering a circular economic model.
Through this initiative, Cloverdale Paint and Celanese seek to advance sustainable practices within the industry, contributing to a more environmentally conscious marketplace.
https://worldbiomarketinsights.com/cloverdale-paint-and-celanese-launch-carbon-utilizing-paint-initiative/
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Innovations in Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Exterior Paints
2024
https://wepaintsiding.com/exterior-painting/innovations-in-eco-friendly-and-sustainable-exterior-paints/
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How to make an Oil-Based Varnish
Aug 19, 2016
How to prepare a very useful oil-based varnish for all kinds of wood and wood by-products, outdoors and indoors.
Tung Oil
Linseed Oil (Flaxseed oil)
Orange Essence Oil
Camellia Oil (Tea Seed Oil)
Turpentine Essence
Carnauba Wax
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvCQdLWIUGo&t=1s
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Make Wood Stain in Any Color – 7 Easy Recipes!
July 3, 2024
Four basic DIY wood stain recipes using vinegar and steel wool or rusty nails.
I started with 4 jars to test various types of vinegar and metal:
Recipe 1. 1 1/2 cup of white vinegar and one steel wool pad
Recipe 2. 1 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar and one steel wool pad
Recipe 3. 1 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and one steel wool pad
Recipe 4. 1 1/2 cup of white vinegar and rusty nails
You must be thinking: “Oh balsamic vinegar will be the darkest stain, due to its color! “
Before we look at all the colors in comparison, let’s look at two more variations on these 4 basic wood stains.
Coffee or tea with the basic DIY wood stains
Recipe 5: Brew some tea or coffee at 3-4 times the strength, let cool, apply this mixture to raw wood surfaces. The coffee or tea do not add darker color to the wood stain, they add tannins to the wood which will make the stains much darker. Apply the stain after the wood dries from the tea / coffee first coat.
Now let’s check out all the DIY wood stains and variations in the above photo.
1. Stain #1 – #4 applied on pecan or walnut wood. This type of wood has high concentrations of tannins, so all the stains come out quite dark. No need for tea or coffee!
2. white vinegar and steel wool stain on pine: a rich brown color
3. balsamic vinegar and steel wool stain on pine: a warm gray with a gold tone
4. white vinegar and rusty nails stain on pine: a brown color lighter than the one with steel wool, i think it’s because steel wool dissolves faster, so the iron is more concentrated
5. apple cider vinegar and steel wool stain on pine: also a warm gray similar to the balsamic vinegar, more silvery gray
6. & 7. coffee and the vinegar metal stains: all the different vinegar and metal solutions produced a dark, almost black color because of the coffee
8. & 9. 50% white vinegar and steel wool stain with 50% water: both types of wood has the diluted stains on the right, and natural wood in the middle. The rich brown stain became a gray color stain after being diluted with equal amount of water.
So far we have stains in all shades of browns and grays. What about colors?
Make wood stain in any color using diluted acrylic paints! (or other water based ink or paint)
If you love colors, and you also love the grain of the wood, this method gives you the best of both worlds!
Recipe 7: Dilute the acrylic paint with a ratio of 1 part paint and 1 part water, and apply the “stain” onto the wood with a brush or a rag. The wood will be stained with the paint color, but still has the wood grain showing through!
Different brands of paints will have different consistencies. Choose exterior paints for outdoor projects. And always choose non-toxic paints!
https://www.apieceofrainbow.com/make-wood-stain/
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2-Ingredient DIY Butcher Block & Cutting Board Oil Conditioner
July 15, 2021
Pour 400 ml of food safe mineral oil into the cup, add chopped wax or pellet wax slowly until the oil and wax mixture reaches 500 ml. You can use 100% beeswax, or 50% beeswax and 50% carnauba wax. We like to use at least 1/3 carnauba wax .
https://www.apieceofrainbow.com/diy-butcher-block-cutting-board-oil-conditioner/
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2-Ingredient DIY Natural Wood Finish & Clear Furniture Wax
April 6, 2018
Glass jar with lid, a small pot to boil water.
1 part bees wax, 4 parts jojoba or olive oil (I used olive oil).
https://www.apieceofrainbow.com/diy-natural-wood-finish-clear-furniture-wax/
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5 Weird Wood Staining Techniques. Natural Wood Coloring Hacks That Really Work.
Aug 26, 2016
Coffee Staining
Tea Staining
Wine Staining
Beet Staining
Turmeric Staining
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EmtYa93KEU&t=41s
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Most Sustainable Paints, Primers, Varnishes, Stains, and Sealers: Safe, Eco-friendly, LEED Compliant
2019
https://onecommunityglobal.org/most-sustainable-paints-stains-varnish-sealers/
Following One Community’s commitment to upholding the Highest Good, we aim to provide an open source and freely available blueprint for ecologically-sustainable and holistic development. To do so, One Community aims to provide directly applicable information about the most sustainable options for everyday materials and systems like paints, toilets, shower heads, lighting, HVAC Design, etc. This page is about our most current research on eco-paint, primer, varnish, stain, and sealer options and contains the following sections:
Best and Most Sustainable Eco-friendly Paints We Could Find
Do-it-yourself Paint Options
Best and Most Sustainable Eco-friendly Primers We Could Find
Do-it-yourself Primer Options
Best and Most Sustainable Eco-friendly Varnishes We Could Find
Do-it-yourself Varnish Options
Best and Most Sustainable Eco-friendly Stains We Could Find
Do-it-yourself Stain Options
Best and Most Sustainable Eco-friendly Sealers We Could Find
Do-it-yourself Sealer Options
LEED Materials Points Explained
THE BEST AND MOST SUSTAINABLE & ECO-FRIENDLY PAINTS WE COULD FIND
Paint is arguably the most commonly used surface-application construction product by volume and application. It colors, protects, and textures both in and out of our homes. Unfortunately, it can also contain many ingredients like VOCs, SVOCs, urea formaldehyde, hexavalent chromium, and other hazardous chemicals that are bad for our health. This makes it especially desirable to choose products and companies that produce products that are non-toxic and sustainability-conscious. After over 20 hours of research, we’ve created the list below of the safest and most sustainable companies we could find for paint. They are listed in the order we’d recommend them based on safety, sustainability, selection, and price.
#3 :: REAL MILK PAINT
If you’re interested in a more natural and DIY-esque option, but not interested in experimenting with making paints from scratch, Real Milk Paint Co. is an excellent option. A company based around creating biodegradable and quality paints, Real Milk Paint Co. provides natural, milk-based paints in powdered form, which one mixes with water to produce a full, high quality, beautiful paint. All of these reasons combine to make Real Milk Paint Co. our #3 recommended eco-paint product.
DO-IT-YOURSELF CASEIN-BASED PAINT
Casein is the main protein in milk and is commonly used in many adhesives, paints, and other industrial products. It has been used since ancient Egyptian times, dries to an even consistency, can visually resemble oil painting more than most other water-based paints, and works well as an underpainting too. Casein paint loses its solubility with time and exposure and becomes water-resistant. It is suited most to inflexible surfaces like walls and furniture and can be buffed to a soft velvet finish when dry, or varnished for a gloss finish. Entirely natural, casein paint is an excellent option that can create a full, lasting, durable (when mixed with lime) paint, completely free of toxic chemicals and entirely sustainable.
Here is a casein paint recipe from this article at Mother Earth News. It produces about 1 quart.
INGREDIENTS
1 gallon nonfat milk
2 1/2 ounces “Type S” lime (dry powder available at hardware stores)
2 1/2 cups water
Natural earth pigment (more or less depending on desired color)
6 cups filler (usually whiting)
DIRECTIONS
Leave milk in a warm place for a few days to curdle. Then pour through a colander lined with cheesecloth. You should have about 2 cups of curds. The whey can be composted.
Mix curds and lime powder in a blender. Add a little water if the mixture isn’t blending well. Strain to remove any lumps.
Add water to the binder immediately after it is prepared.
Dampen and crush pigments. Add them to the mixture a little at a time until desired color intensity is achieved.
Stir in filler.
PROS FOR THIS DIY PAINT
Entirely natural and, when mixed correctly, can last indefinitely without the hazards of fungus growth, peeling, or cracking. Excess paints can be safely composted, and the freedom of DIY allows one to create the exact color your looking for.
CONS FOR THIS DIY PAINT
Mixing the paint is difficult, and requires careful precision. If not mixed correctly, the paint will dust off, peel, or crack. From Mother Earth News: “It is also important to apply thin coats and allow each coat to dry completely, because the paint will become more and more opaque as it dries. Also, in order to become an adhesive binder, casein must be combined with an alkali such as lime. You can use borax instead, but lime-casein paint is much more water resistant.”
DO-IT-YOURSELF FLOUR-BASED PAINT
Flour-based paint is also known as “wheat paint” and “ochre paint.” It is an age-old recipe originated in Sweden and is sometimes called “Swedish paint” too. From this article, “They are made from pigments (for the color), binders (to bind all the ingredients together), solvents or thinners (to dilute and make the paint easier to apply), and additives (to add specific properties to the paint, such as quicker drying, or protection against mold, etc.).”
Here is a flour-based paint recipe from this article at Mother Earth News. It produces about 1.5 quarts.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup flour
5 1/2 cups cold water
1 cup screened clay filler (clay can be purchased in a wide variety of colors)
1/2 cup additional powder filler, such as mica
DIRECTIONS
Mix flour with 2 cups cold water, whisking to remove lumps.
Bring 11/2 cups water to boil, then add the flour water from Step 1.
Turn heat to low, stirring until thick paste develops. Remove from heat.
Dilute the paste with 2 cups water, a little at a time.
In a separate work bowl, combine clay with powder filler.
Add filler mixture to diluted flour paste until desired consistency is achieved.
PROS FOR THIS DIY PAINT
Flour paints allow more room for error while still remaining successful. The proportions do not have to be as perfectly exact as other DIY paint methods. The completed paint can be applied to a wide range of surfaces and is a versatile paint with nice, full color.
CONS FOR THIS DIY PAINT
Flour paints are too thick for rollers, and are hard on brushes, making them difficult to apply, and expensive (as they burn through brushes). Painting them on large surfaces can be tedious, and leaves pronounced brush marks, necessitating a supplementary step of going over the paint with a wet sponge, to achieve a smoother coat.
DO-IT-YOURSELF OIL-BASED PAINT
Oil paint is another common DIY paint option. It is a slow-drying paint that consists of particles of pigment suspended in a drying oil, commonly linseed oil. This means the paint is entirely natural and does not contain any solvents or artificial binders. Oil-based paints are a long standing option for holistic, self-sufficient paints that allow for great painting creativity and produce a nice coat ideal for exterior surfaces.
Here is an oil-based paint recipe from this article at Mother Earth News.
INGREDIENTS
Natural oil paints typically are made with linseed oil and a natural solvent, such as pure turpentine or citrus thinner. Choose raw linseed oil or linseed stand oil, which has been heated to a high temperature, making it more durable. Avoid boiled linseed oil, which can contain a variety of ingredients that speed drying time, but may be hazardous to your health.
DIRECTIONS
Make an oil based primer like this: “Combine equal parts linseed oil and natural solvent. Then apply a thin coat, in the direction of the grain, and wipe off any excess. When the first coat is dry (about 48 hours), apply a second coat.”
Next apply your basic oil paint: “Your surface will be ready for paint about 48 hours after the primer has dried. It is difficult to provide precise recipes for oil paints, because pigments absorb oil to varying degrees. Pour several tablespoons of linseed oil in a bowl and add pigment, a little at a time, until a doughy paste forms. Then you can add more oil just until the mixture flows. Next, add solvent until the paint reaches your desired consistency. Pour the finished mixture through a strainer to remove lumps.”
PROS FOR THIS DIY PAINT
Oil paint takes a long time to dry, and may never completely harden, which allows it to remain more elastic and change along with the natural expansion/compression of materials over the seasons and years. This helps make it longer lasting and saves money in the future. Creating your own paint is rewarding and ensures a complete knowledge of the paints ingredients, thus protecting one’s ecological integrity and health.
CONS FOR THIS DIY PAINT
Creating oil paints is difficult and essentially a free-form process, with no specific set recipe. This makes the methodology difficult to recreate on a mass scale, and prone to miscalculation and mistakes. The long drying period of the paint can be frustrating and stifle projects in situations where more traditional styles of paint would achieve the goal quite quickly.
DO-IT-YOURSELF NATURAL PRIMER OPTIONS
Here are the most popular do-it-yourself primer options we could find. They are listed in alphabetical order.
DO-IT-YOURSELF CASEIN-BASED PRIMER
Casein is the main protein in milk and is commonly used in many adhesives, paints, and other industrial products. It has been used since ancient Egyptian times, dries to an even consistency, can be used as paint and primer and visually resembles oil painting more than most other water-based paints, when used as paint. Casein Primer has a firming effect and lowers absorbency. It is suited most to inflexible surfaces like walls and furniture. Entirely natural, casein paint is an excellent option that can create a full, lasting, durable primer, completely free of toxic chemicals and entirely sustainable.
Here is a casein paint/primer recipe from this article at Mother Earth News. It produces about 1 quart.
INGREDIENTS
1 gallon nonfat milk
2 1/2 ounces “Type S” lime (dry powder available at hardware stores)
2 1/2 cups water
Eliminate this for primer: Natural earth pigment
6 cups filler (usually whiting)
DIRECTIONS
Leave milk in a warm place for a few days to curdle. Then pour through a colander lined with cheesecloth. You should have about 2 cups of curds. The whey can be composted.
Mix curds and lime powder in a blender. Add a little water if the mixture isn’t blending well. Strain to remove any lumps.
Add water to the binder immediately after it is prepared.
Stir in filler.
PROS FOR THIS DIY PRIMER
Entirely natural and, when mixed correctly, can last indefinitely without the hazards of fungus growth, peeling, or cracking. Excess primer can be safely composted, and the freedom of DIY allows one to create the exact color your looking for.
CONS FOR THIS DIY PRIMER
Mixing the primer is difficult, and requires careful precision but not as much as when mixing as paint. If not mixed correctly, the primer will dust off, peel, or crack. From Mother Earth News: “It is also important to apply thin coats and allow each coat to dry completely, because the paint will become more and more opaque as it dries. Also, in order to become an adhesive binder, casein must be combined with an alkali such as lime. You can use borax instead, but lime-casein paint is much more water resistant.” We assume the same applies to primer.
DO-IT-YOURSELF CHALK-BASED PRIMER
Chalk-based primer (also called chalk-based paint) is another DIY option for you to take complete control of the ingredients going into the materials surrounding you. The recipe below by MyRepurposedLife.com creates a quality primer from nothing more than latex paint, Plaster of Paris, and water. Simply mixing them together in the correct amounts results in an easy, quality primer, perfect for home improvement projects.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup latex paint
2 TBS Plaster of Paris
4 tsp water
DIRECTIONS
Mix plaster and water till it’s smooth with no lumps.
Pour your mixture into approximately 1 cup of latex paint. If you get your paste too thin, add a little more plaster. Too thick, add a little water.
Sand your painted piece after the DIY chalky paint dries”before you add your top coat (just as you would with premium chalk paint).
PROS FOR THIS DIY PRIMER
This DIY primer is incredibly cheap, easy, and quick, and results in a high-quality finished product where you have complete control over what is in it. It can be modified to suit the needs of the user more easily than many conventional products and MyRepurposedLife.com said it stores pretty well too: “I have been known to save leftovers for up to two weeks in a container with a lid. You may need to add a little water after storing this chalky paint.”
CONS FOR THIS DIY PRIMER
DIY paint/primer recipes can be dirty and tedious, and it can be hard to perfect the mixture. Buying premixed products makes the process quicker and easier, and ensures a high quality outcome.
REAL MILK PAINT FINISH
Although they do not sell traditional varnishes, Real Milk Paint Co. has a range of finishes. These clear coats go over painted or stained surfaces to protect the coating and therefore serve a similar function to a varnish. Real Milk Paint Co. is a trusted and proven company with a remarkable commitment to sustainability combined with an innovative and creative practice – creating entirely natural, milk based paints.
DO-IT-YOURSELF NATURAL VARNISH OPTIONS
Here are the most popular do-it-yourself varnish options. They are listed in alphabetical order.
DO-IT-YOURSELF BEESWAX VARNISH
If you’re interested in a DIY alternative to commercial varnishes, beeswax-based varnishes are an excellent option. Relatively easy to produce and cheaper than buying commercial products, making DIY varnish can be a wonderful way to seal wooden components of your project. This recipe by Natural Earth Paint has only two ingredientsL: olive oil and all natural beeswax. It produces an excellent and easy-to-use product.
Here is the recipe from Natural Earth Paint:
INGREDIENTS
4 oz olive oil
1 oz pure beeswax
DIRECTIONS
Fill a measuring cup with 4 oz olive oil
Add 1 oz pure beeswax, broken into small pieces (or use beeswax pellets)
Heat until beeswax is completely melted
Pour into a glass container that can be covered to save excess polish (be careful because the mixture is very hot)
Allow to cool until mixture forms a solid, much like the consistency of lip balm
Use hands to polish the wood’s surface
Let polish sit on wood a few hours or overnight, then wipe off excess with a clean soft cloth
PROS FOR THIS DIY VARNISH
By choosing the DIY route, one has complete control over the ingredients going into their products, and thus complete control over the chemical content of the things in one’s home or project.
CONS FOR THIS DIY VARNISH
Creating DIY varnishes takes work and attention to detail with the recipe so that you get the high-quality product that is possible. Buying commercial products ensures large quantities of high quality product, without the extra work of perfecting a DIY recipe.
DO-IT-YOURSELF NATURAL STAIN OPTIONS
Not satisfied by our selections, or hoping to go even further with sustainability? For more information on DIY Wood Stains, including an overview of the science behind wood stains, 4 excellent recipes, and a comprehensive pros and cons analysis of store bought vs DIY stains, refer to this excellent writeup by A Piece of Rainbow.
STEEL WOOL AND VINEGAR RECIPE
This write-up by A Piece of Rainbow includes four natural wood stain write-ups. These cover white, balsamic, and apple cider vinegar variations, with thorough explanations of the color differences. It also includes application tutorials, a comprehensive explanation of the science behind wood stains, and an overview of the benefits of natural versus conventional methods. They go into such excellent detail on their site that we’d rather you go there than try and reproduce their information here in a lesser form.
PROS FOR THIS DIY STAIN
DIY Wood Stains are an excellent, fulfilling to use, quality, and affordable alternative to store-bought products. Although it can be difficult to master the mixing to create the stains, a bit of persistence goes a long way. DIY options are excellent for anyone who wishes to have complete control over the ingredients that go in to their living areas.
CONS FOR THIS DIY STAIN
Mastering the mixing and application could pose some difficulty, and may be less reliable than store-bought options regarding color, durability, and quality.
DO-IT-YOURSELF NATURAL SEALER OPTIONS
Here is a natural sealer option also.
DO-IT-YOURSELF LINSEED-OIL-BASED SEALER
This recipe from hunker.com has only two ingredients – linseed oil and turpentine. Want complete control over the ingredients going into the product you are using, and thus the environment you live and breathe in? Here you go! Making DIY linseed-oil-based sealer is easy, cheap, and it works.
INGREDIENTS
1 part linseed oil
1 part turpentine
DIRECTIONS
Purchase linseed oil that has already been boiled or boil it yourself. It will be ready after it reaches a full boil.
Get a large bucket and mix the linseed oil with an equal amount of turpentine. How much you make depends on how large a surface area you need to seal.
Apply at least two coats.
PROS FOR THIS DIY SEALER
This DIY option has less environmental impact than most conventional products and allows you complete control and knowledge of the ingredients.
CONS FOR THIS DIY SEALER
It requires more work to boil and mix your own than to buy it.
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Transforming Waste into Art: Food Magic's Sustainable Paint Project Inspires Creative Environmental Solutions
February 29, 2024
The goal of their larger project, titled “Food Magic” is two-fold: first, to design a system that transforms food waste into paint for school audiences; and second, to raise awareness, educate, and inspire a radical rethinking of food consumption, use, and recycling within the local community. The interdisciplinary team, led by Dr. Choi, is co-led by School of Visual Arts professor Hiromi Okumura, industrial design professor Brook Kennedy, and Sustainable Biomaterials professor Dr. Young-Teck Kim, and is composed of graduate architecture student Avery Gendell and industrial design students Farida Hanna, Camille D’Amico, and Royce Childress. Together, the Food Magic team learned how to extract pigments from different sources of food waste like corn husks, orange peels, onion skins, and more, and process these pigments into all-natural watercolor paints. They are now using this process to guide the design and development of their holistic system which guides users through all stages of the paint-making process from the collection of food waste through the production of usable watercolors.
Using the paints the team produced, Professor Okumura and Avery collaboratively created the two artworks to demonstrate the overlooked value and beauty in food waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill. As they noted in their artist’s statement, “We recognize the need for humans to return to a symbiotic relationship with the world around us.” In efforts to reflect such a need and further center the value of the natural world’s provisions, the artists painted Spirit of the Earth using only natural instruments like leaves, twigs, rocks, flowers, and seed pods...
https://design.vt.edu/news-and-events/news/transforming-waste-into-art-food-magics-sustainable-paint-project-inspires-creative-environmental-solutions.html
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Chapter 2: Armor technology
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Nanotechnology in the Military
( National Defense )
( Homeland Security )
Armor as strong as a snail?
http://ice.chem.wisc.edu/Small%20Science/From_Small_Science_Comes_Big_Decisions/Choices_files/Military.pdf
Sea snails and abalone are guiding scientists in their search for
strong and lightweight armor. Others besides the military, will benefit from these new nanoscience
developments:
firefighters, police officers, and other emergency responders. Another
method for creating super strong materials uses tungsten, not carbon,
for the basic material.
Another new nano
-
Another
new armor is called "smart" body armor. It weaves thin pads or cloth
from fibers that can sense the impact of a bullet or shrapnel and
automatically stiffen. This material would be even more resistant to
penetration and less cumbersome than the ceramic-plate armor troops wear
now.
Concerns about biochemical-warfare have resulted
in exploration into nano-size umbrellas that open to seal the cloth's
pores, making it impervious to airborne chemicals and pathogens. That
would be much easier and
lighter than the current equipment required.
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Smart Material: Spider Silk
Mar 5, 2011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYlkJyG1Oik&list=PLQoTHqAEU9OSjWhEvxWS5PIka1lSQrEZ8&index=8
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Spiders sprayed with carbon nanotubes spin superstrong webs
May 06, 2015
A team of researchers working in Italy has found
that simply spraying a spider with a carbon nanotube solution can cause
the spider to spin stronger webs. In their paper they have uploaded to
the preprint server arXiv, the team describes their experiments with
both graphene and nanotube solutions and what happened when they sprayed
it on ordinary spiders.
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-spiders-carbon-nanotubes-superstrong-webs.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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Add Graphene To Spider Silk To Create The Strongest Fiber Yet
http://www.popsci.com/spiders-add-graphene-silk-creating-strongest-fiber-yet
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Researchers explore mechanics of silk to design materials with high strength and low density
May 15, 2015
Scientists
at MIT have developed a systematic approach to research the structure
of spider silk, blending computational modeling and mechanical analysis
to 3D-print synthetic spider webs.
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-explore-mechanics-silk-materials-high.html#jCp
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Spider signal threads reveal remote sensing design secrets
December 16, 2015
When you look
at a spider web in the garden, one thing is often noticeably absent:
the spider. This may be because it is lurking away from the web in a
'retreat', where it can monitor web vibrations through a proxy known as a
signal thread.
A new Oxford study published in Journal
of the Royal Society Interface looks in more detail at the composition
and structure of these signal threads, which spiders can use to tell
whether they've caught new prey.
Dr Beth Mortimer from the Oxford Silk Group, based in the Department of Zoology, spoke to Science Blog about the research.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-spider-threads-reveal-remote-secrets.html
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NIST develops impact-resistant material inspired by mantis shrimp exoskeleton
06/30/2025
Researchers
discovered they could fine-tune the biomimetic synthetic material’s
energy dissipation upon impact, informing its future potential for
aerospace, space and beyond.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/nist-develops-impact-resistant-material-inspired-by-mantis-shrimp-exoskeleton
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Lithium-ion batteries inspired by snail shells could prove longer-lasting
February 11, 2015
In an ongoing effort to improve the performance of lithium-ion
batteries, scientists have looked to the techniques that snails use to
control the growth of their shells. This biological inspiration,
combined with a peptide found to bind very effectively with materials
used to make cathodes, has potential for making lighter and
longer-lasting batteries.
http://www.gizmag.com/lithium-ion-batteries-snail-shells/36045/
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Advanced composites may borrow designs from deep-sea shrimp
July 14, 2015
New research is revealing details about how the exoskeleton of a certain type of deep-sea shrimp allows the animal to survive scalding hot waters in hydrothermal vents thousands of feet under water.
http://phys.org/news/2015-07-advanced-composites-deep-sea-shrimp.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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NASA tests foldable cloth heat shield in Mars entry simulation
October 6, 2015
As spacecraft for manned and planetary missions get larger, so do their heat shields – which are becoming very big indeed.
To avoid the day when the shield becomes too large for any existing or
planned launcher, NASA’s Ames Research Center in California is
developing the Adaptive Deployable Entry and Placement Technology
(ADEPT) heat shield, which uses carbon-fiber cloth and can be folded up
like an umbrella. The cloth heat shield recently completed tests that
simulated entering the Martian atmosphere.
http://www.gizmag.com/nasa-cloth-heat-shield-adept/39729/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Unique three-layered snail shell could lead to tougher body armor
February 1, 2010
They say life imitates art, but any scientist knows that the best designs imitate life. Researchers from the MIT Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN) are drawing new biomimicry
inspiration for body armor design from a hardy ocean snail that boasts a
shell structure unlike anything else seen in nature... or in material
research labs.
http://www.gizmag.com/snail-shell-military-armor-car-panels/13989/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Limpets sink their teeth into world's strongest natural material crown
February 18, 2015
Spider's silk has long been the strongest natural material known to man, prompting researchers to attempt to uncover its secrets so they can replicate its remarkable properties in man-made materials.
But scientists now have a new source of inspiration in the form of
limpet teeth, which are made of a material researchers say is
potentially stronger than spider silk, is comparable in strength to the
strongest commercial carbon fibers, and could one day be copied for use
in cars, boats and planes.
http://www.gizmag.com/limpet-teeth-strongest-natural-material/36162/
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Tiny diatoms boast enormous strength
February 8, 2016
Diatoms
are single-celled algae organisms, around 30 to 100 millionths of a
meter in diameter, that are ubiquitous throughout the oceans. These
creatures are encased within a hard shell shaped like a wide, flattened
cylinder—like a tambourine—that is made of silica. Researchers in the
lab of Julia Greer, professor of materials science and mechanics in
Caltech's Division of Engineering and Applied Science, have recently
found that these shells have the highest specific strength—the strength
at which a structure breaks with respect to its density—of any known
biological material, including bone, antlers, and teeth.
http://phys.org/news/2016-02-tiny-diatoms-enormous-strength.html
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Researchers look to the boxfish for new body armor materials
July 29th, 2015
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) are
taking inspiration from nature in the search for new materials that
could one day be used to create more effective body armor. The study,
which was supported by the US Air Force, focuses on the unique structure
and strength of the hexagonally-scaled shell of the boxfish.
The idea of looking to nature for inspiration when it
comes to next-gen armor isn't anything new. We've seen numerous studies
over the last few years that focus on that same idea, including efforts
to copy the structure of overlapping fish scales and even the properties of sea sponges to develop strong yet flexible armor.
http://www.gizmag.com/boxfish-body-armor/38681/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Tiny sea creatures could provide inspiration for armor with built-in optical systems
November 25, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/mit-chiton-optical-armor/40590/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
A team of MIT researchers has looked
closer than ever before at the unique shells of chitons, using X-rays
to discover their secrets. The results reveal a no-compromise setup
that provides the tiny sea creatures with both protection and optical
visibility. The findings could one day inspire man-made armor with
similar abilities.
Turning to nature for ideas for new
materials is nothing new. In the past, researchers have looked to
fish scales, boxfish shells and even sea sponges for better body
armor, and we've even seen species of chiton inspiring higher-performing batteries and solar cells.
For the new MIT study, the researchers
worked with a fascinating species of chiton known as Acanthopleura granulata. They have an appearance similar to the rocks amongst which
they're usually found, and are small at only a few inches in diameter.
The creatures have developed a ceramic
shell system that's not only flexible, being comprised of eight
overlapping plates, but also provides high levels of visibility, by
incorporating tiny eyes throughout. Unlike the vast majority of other
living creatures, the chiton's eyes aren't made from portein, but are
instead made up of the mineral aragonite – the same ceramic that
makes up the rest of its shell.
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Next-generation body armor could be based on ... sponges?
March 18, 2013
http://www.gizmag.com/sponge-spicule-armor/26700/
Sponges’ “skeletons” – their internal structural elements – are made
up of tiny interlinked needle-like structures known as spicules. These
are hard, prickly, flexible and lightweight. As a result, they offer
enough strength to provide structural support, while they bend to such
an extent that they’re difficult to cut. A team of researchers from
Germany’s Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the Max Planck
Institute for Polymer Research set out to develop a material with those
same qualities.
The nanoscale spicules they created incorporate a
mixture of the mineral calcite, and a protein found in siliceous sponges
known as silicatein-α. Each synthetic spicule is composed of a
multitude of calcite “nanobricks” stacked together brick chimney-style,
with a matrix of the stretchy protein holding them together.
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Next generation armor inspired by animal scales
February 12, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/next-generation-armor-animal-scales/36050/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
We've seen scientists examine everything from the structure of sea sponges to the clubbing ability of mantis shrimps
in the search for next generation lightweight armor systems.
Researchers at Northeastern University’s College of Engineering believe
that fish scales could hold the key to creating armor that's both
impervious and lightweight. They eventually aim to combine the
properties of fish, snake and butterfly scales into a single protective
armor system.
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Future soldiers may be wearing fish-inspired body armor
March 16, 2015
On most fish, their hard, overlapping scales provide considerable
protection against pokes and cuts. Because those independently-moving
scales are each attached to a flexible underlying skin, however, the
fish are still able to easily twist and turn their bodies. Scientists
from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and MIT are now
attempting to copy that structure, to develop flexible-yet-effective
armor for humans.
http://www.gizmag.com/fish-inspired-armor/36563/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Fish's piranha-proof scales could lead to tough, flexible body armor
February 10, 2012
http://www.gizmag.com/arapaima-piranha-proof-scales/21419/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
The Arapaima's "hard on the outside but pliable underneath"
strategy is employed by a number of organisms, that need to be agile
while remaining protected. Meyers believes the principle could find use
in flexible ceramics, that could in turn be applied not only to
soldiers' body armor, but also fuel cells, insulation or aerospace
technology.
Here's a question - if piranhas are so ferocious and will attack
anything, why aren't they the only fish in the Amazon? Well, in some
cases, it's because other fish possess bite-proof armor. The 300-pound
(136-kg) Arapaima is just such a fish. In the dry season, when water levels get low, Arapaima
are forced to share relatively small bodies of water with piranhas.
Their tough-but-flexible scales, however, allow them to remain unharmed.
A scientist from the University of California, San Diego is now taking a
closer look at those scales, with an eye towards applying their secrets
to human technology such as body armor.
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Super-tough glass based on mollusk shells
January 29, 2014
In the future, if you drop a glass on the floor and it doesn't break,
thank a mollusk. Inspired by shellfish, scientists at Montreal's McGill
University have devised a new process that drastically increases the
toughness of glass. When dropped, items made using the technology would
be more likely to deform than to shatter.
http://www.gizmag.com/mollusk-nacre-tougher-glass/30654/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Tough-as-nails ceramic inspired by mother-of-pearl
March 25, 2014
http://www.gizmag.com/mother-of-pearl-nacre-ceramic/31367/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
Although you may know it simply as the shiny iridescent stuff on the inside of mollusk shells, mother-of-pearl (or nacre) is a remarkable material. It allows those shells, which otherwise consist almost entirely of brittle calcium carbonate, to stand up to the abuses of life in the sea. Now, a team led by the Laboratoire de Synthèse et Fonctionnalisation des Céramiques (CNRS) in Paris, has copied the structure of nacre to create a ceramic material that's almost 10 times stronger than conventional ceramics.
Natural nacre consists of layers of microscopic tablet-like blocks, that have wavy edges not unlike jig-saw puzzle pieces. This means that when the material is subjected to mechanical stress, any cracks that start to form in the boundary lines between the tablets have to follow a very circuitous route. As a result, all but the largest cracks simply just peter out.
Scientists at Montreal's McGill University recently created super-strong glass, by etching nacre boundary line-like cracks in glass microscope slides. The CNRS team, however, took a different approach with the ceramic.
They started with a ceramic powder, made up of microscopic alumina platelets. That powder was suspended in water, and the resulting solution was then frozen. The ice crystallization process caused the platelets to self-assemble into stacks, the boundaries between which were similar to the wavy boundaries between nacre tablets. A high-temperature process was then used to increase the density of the material, thus removing the water.
In lab tests of the resulting ceramic, it was found that cracks had great difficulty spreading through it – as is the case with real nacre.
Additionally, the scientists state that the process should work with any type of ceramic powder (not just alumina), and it should be easy to scale up to industrial production levels. Besides simply making existing types of ceramic items stronger, the technology could also allow them to stay at the same strength, but be made much smaller.
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Study shows how calcium carbonate forms composites to make strong materials such as in shells and pearls
January 8, 2016
Seashells
and lobster claws are hard to break, but chalk is soft enough to draw
on sidewalks. Though all three are made of calcium carbonate crystals,
the hard materials include clumps of soft biological matter that make
them much stronger. A study today in Nature Communications reveals how
soft clumps get into crystals and endow them with remarkable strength.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-calcium-carbonate-composites-strong-materials.html#nRlv
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Mantis shrimp may hold the secret to lighter, tougher body armors
June 9, 2012
The mantis shrimp is a fascinating creature that has the ability to punch its prey into submission with a club that accelerates underwater at around 10,400 g (102,000 m/s2). By studying the secrets behind this formidable weapon, a Californian researcher hopes to develop an innovative, hi-tech material that is one third the weight and thickness of existing body armor.
http://www.gizmag.com/mantis-shrimp-body-armor/22873/
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MIT breakthrough could lead to paper-thin bullet-proof armor
November 12, 2012
Scientists have theorized that paper-thin composite nanomaterials could
stop bullets just as effectively as heavy weight body armor, but
progress has been hampered by their inability to reliably test such
materials against projectile impacts. Researchers at MIT and Rice
University have developed a breakthrough stress-test that fires
microscopic glass beads at impact-absorbing material. Although the
projectiles are much smaller than a bullet, the experimental results
could be scaled up to predict how the material would stand up to larger
impacts.
http://www.gizmag.com/mit-breakthrough-paper-thin-bullet-proof-armor/24971/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Engineers create new nano-fiber tougher than Kevlar
December 7, 2010
A new high performance fiber that is better at absorbing energy without breaking than Kevlar has been created by the U.S Department of Defence.
While still under development, the material could be used in
bulletproof vests, parachutes, or in composite materials for vehicles,
airplanes and satellites in the future. The fiber has been engineered
from carbon nanotubes spun into a yarn and held together using a polymer. The resultant material is tough and strong while still remaining flexible.
http://www.gizmag.com/new-nano-fiber-tougher-than-kevlar/17203/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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New Nanomaterial Proves Stronger Than Kevlar
Mar 2, 2023
Scientists at Caltech have created a unique nano-architected material that can stop microparticles traveling at supersonic speeds, outperforming Kevlar and other protective materials.
How it works
A nano-architected material consists of patterned nanometer-scale structures that, depending on how they are arranged, can give materials unique or surprising properties, such as exceptional lightness and resilience.Greer’s Caltech team fabricated its nano-architected material with two-photon lithography, “a process that uses a fast, high-powered laser to pattern intricate, microscopic 3D architectures in polymer resins,” said Greer. “We then constructed a repeating lattice configuration composed of microscopic struts."
Making the samples for the experiments was challenging. “We knew that we wanted to test nano-architected carbon, which is made using a process called pyrolisis after the 3D lithography process,” she continued.
Similar Reading: Using Muscle to Spin Fiber
Pyrolisis is a process that burns without oxygen, which is what converts polymers and other organic materials into glassy carbon. This process also generates substantial linear and volumetric shrinkage, which made it difficult to work with. “For example, samples were no longer attached to the substrates and flew away in the furnace before we could take them out, or samples cracked, or often were simply too small to manipulate and test,” Greer said.
Once the samples were made, they were subjected to extreme deformation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology using laser-induced particle impact tests. The technique aims an ultrafast laser through a glass slide coated with a thin film of gold, which itself is coated with a layer of micro silicon-oxide particles. As the laser passes through the slide, a plasma is generated that releases and propels silicon oxide particles toward the target.
To the team’s surprise, its nano-architected carbon was, in fact, highly impact resistant.
“We did not anticipate these results. That at velocities up to almost 1 km/s, the micro-projectiles [silicon beads] would either elastically recover or embed themselves into the material or damage it slightly and then rebound,” said Greer. “In no experiment did the projectile either penetrate through the material or transmit the shock wave onto the underlying matter. This was a big surprise for us, and we didn’t have the benefit of checking the literature because it was a first-of-its-kind experiment on a nano-architected material.”
https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/new-nanomaterial-proves-stronger-than-kevlar
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New Laser-Based Method Could Help Scientists Discover New Puncture-Resistant Materials
July 3, 2023
Using tiny laser-launched projectiles and troves of data, scientists can more quickly bridge the gap between a material’s microscopic properties and its real-world behavior.
A bullet piercing the protective armor of a first responder, a jellyfish stinging a swimmer, micrometeorites striking a satellite: High-speed projectiles that puncture materials show up in many forms. Researchers constantly aim to identify new materials that can better resist these high-speed puncture events, but it has been hard to connect the microscopic details of a promising new material to its actual behavior in real-world situations.
To address this issue, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have designed a method that uses a high-intensity laser to blast microscale projectiles into a small sample at velocities that approach the speed of sound. The system analyzes the energy exchange between the particle and the sample of interest at the micro level then uses scaling methods to predict the puncture resistance of the material against larger energetic projectiles, such as bullets encountered in real-world situations. This new method, described in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, reduces the need to perform a lengthy series of lab experiments with larger projectiles and bigger samples.
“When you’re investigating a new material for its protective applications, you don’t want to waste time, money and energy in scaling up your tests if the material doesn’t pan out. With our new method we can see earlier if it’s worth looking into a material for its protective properties,” said NIST chemist Katherine Evans.
During lab experiments, synthesizing small amounts of a new polymer — e.g., a few milligrams from glassware the size of a coffee cup — can be fairly routine. The challenge comes with scaling up to produce kilograms of material to be able to test its puncture resistance. For materials made from new synthetic polymers, scaling up to sufficient quantities is often not possible or practical.
“The problem with ballistic tests is that you must take two steps when making new materials. You need to synthesize a new polymer that you think will be better, and then scale it up to kilogram size. That is a big jump. The biggest accomplishment of this work is that we surprisingly show that the micro-ballistic tests can be scaled and linked to real-world large-scale tests,” said NIST materials research engineer Christopher Soles.
During the course of the study, researchers used their method to evaluate several materials, including a widely used compound for bulletproof glass, a novel nanocomposite, and the strong, all-carbon material known as graphene.
The test is called LIPIT, which stands for laser-induced projectile impact testing. It uses lasers to launch a microprojectile made of either silica or glass into a thin film of the material of interest. Through a process called laser ablation, the laser creates a high-pressure wave that propels the microprojectile material toward the sample.
LIPIT, which stands for laser-induced projectile impacting testing, uses tiny laser-launched microprojectiles aimed at a thin layer of polymer film.
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Wood pulp extract stronger than carbon fiber or Kevlar
September 3, 2012
http://www.gizmag.com/cellulose-nanocrystals-stronger-carbon-fiber-kevlar/23959/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
The Forest Products Laboratory of the US Forest Service has opened a
US$1.7 million pilot plant for the production of cellulose nanocrystals
(CNC) from wood by-products materials such as wood chips and sawdust.
Prepared properly, CNCs are stronger and stiffer than Kevlar or carbon
fibers, so that putting CNC into composite materials results in high
strength, low weight products. In addition, the cost of CNCs is less
than ten percent of the cost of Kevlar fiber or carbon fiber. These
qualities have attracted the interest of the military for use in
lightweight armor and ballistic glass (CNCs are transparent), as well as
companies in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, consumer products,
and medical industries.
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Cellular Nanocrystals From Recycled Wood Waste Make Carbon-Fiber Composites Tougher
Electron micrograph of cellular nanocrystals on the carbon fibers.
Polymers reinforced with ultra-fine strands of carbon fibers epitomize
composite materials that are “light as a feather and strong as steel,”
earning them versatile applications across several industries. Adding
materials called carbon nanotubes can further enhance the composites’
functionality. But the chemical processes used for incorporating carbon
nanotube end up spreading them unevenly on the composites, limiting the
strength and other useful qualities that can be ultimately achieved.
https://scitechdaily.com/cellular-nanocrystals-from-recycled-wood-waste-make-carbon-fiber-composites-tougher/
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Processed wood can be moulded into complex 3D structures
10 Nov 2021
Researchers in the US have developed a new technique that allows wood to be shaped into complex 3D structures. Shaoliang Xiao, Bing Hu and colleagues at the University of Maryland, have shown how useful components can be made by breaking down the molecular structures of wood cell walls, and then moulding the material into desirable shapes. The approach could allow the manufacture of components that are normally made from plastics and metals, but with far lower environmental impacts.
Plastics and metals can be easily processed into lightweight structural components, with widely varying shapes and sizes. This property makes these materials particularly valuable for use in vehicles and buildings, where weight-saving measures are often vital for reducing costs and improving performance. Yet due to the environmental costs of producing metals and plastics, there is now a growing need for more sustainable alternatives.
As a mechanically strong, lightweight, and widely available resource, wood is now being studied as a potential replacement material. Since it is completely renewable, its production can be far more environmentally friendly than metals and plastics, provided it comes from sustainable sources.
https://physicsworld.com/a/processed-wood-can-be-moulded-into-complex-3d-structures/
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Citrus Derivatives Can Create 100% Renewable Transparent Wood
Transparent wood has been developed by researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology as an advanced structural material for building construction after it was first launched in 2016. It allows natural light to pass through while still storing thermal energy.
Researchers at KTH's Wallenberg Wood Science Centre used fossil-based polymers in earlier models of the composite. The researchers have now successfully tested an environmentally safe alternative: limonene acrylate, a limonene-derived monomer. They published their findings in the journal Advanced Science.
"The current limonene acrylate is made from organic citruses, such as peel waste from the orange juice industry," says Céline Montanari, lead author and Ph.D. student.
The polymer that restores the strength of delignified wood while allowing light to pass through is made from an extract from orange juice processing.
According to the researchers, the modern composite has a 90 percent optical transmittance at 1.2 mm thickness and a 30 percent haze. Unlike other translucent wood composites produced in the last five years, the material manufactured at KTH is intended for structural use. With a power of 174 MPa (25.2 ksi) and an elasticity of 17 GPa, it demonstrates heavy-duty mechanical efficiency (or about 2.5 Mpsi).
But, according to Professor Lars Berglund, head of the KTH's Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, "sustainability has always been a focus for the study community."
"One of the problems we've had in producing organic translucent wood has been replacing fossil-based polymers," Berglund says.
According to him, environmental concerns and so-called green chemistry pervade the whole project. No solvents are used in the production of the products, and all additives are obtained from bio-based raw materials.
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Graphene could find use in lightweight ballistic body armor
December 1st, 2014
While graphene
is already known for being the world's strongest material, most studies
have focused on its tensile strength – that's the maximum stress that
it can withstand while being pulled or stretched, before failing.
According to studies conducted at Houston's Rice University, however,
its ability to absorb sudden impacts hadn't previously been thoroughly
explored. As it turns out, the material is 10 times better than steel at
dissipating kinetic energy. That could make it an excellent choice for
lightweight ballistic body armor.
http://www.gizmag.com/graphene-bulletproof-armor/35004/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Carbyne is stronger than any known material
August 20, 2013
A paper on Arxiv presents a detailed look at the properties of carbyne, stronger than graphene and diamond, a true supermaterial. The paper is titled, "Carbyne from first principles: Chain of C atoms, a nanorod or a nanorope?" Authors are Mingjie Liu, Vasilii I. Artyukhov, Hoonkyung Lee, Fangbo Xu, and Boris I. Yakobson, from Rice University, in Houston, from the departments of mechanical engineering and materials science, chemistry, and the Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology. They have calculated the properties of carbyne. Described as a chain of carbon atoms that are linked by alternate triple and single bonds or by consecutive double bonds, carbyne is of special interest, chemists find, because it is stronger, and stiffer than anything that they have seen before. The discovery of carbyne is not entirely new. Explorations of carbyne have their own history.
http://phys.org/news/2013-08-carbyne-stronger-material.html
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“Unprecedented Mechanical Behavior of Diamond” – Scientists Discover Diamond Can Be Bent at the Nanoscale
“Diamond is the frontrunner for emerging applications in nanophotonics, microelectrical mechanical systems, and radiation shielding. This means a diverse range of applications in medical imaging, temperature sensing, and quantum information processing and communication.
“It also means we need to know how these materials behave at the nanoscale — how they bend, deform, change state, and crack. And we haven’t had this information for single-crystal diamonds,” Regan said.
The team, which included scientists from Curtin University and Sydney University, worked with diamond nanoneedles, approximately 20nm in length, or 10,000 times smaller than a human hair. The nanoparticles were subjected to an electric field force from a scanning electron microscope. By using this unique, non-destructive and reversible technique, the researchers were able to demonstrate that the nanoneedles, also known as diamond nanopillars, could be bent in the middle to 90 degrees without fracturing.
As well as this elastic deformation, the researchers observed a new form of plastic deformation when the nanopillar dimensions and crystallographic orientation of the diamond occurred together in a particular way.
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Programmable soft material bends, bounces and absorbs energy on demand
August 7, 2025
Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and their collaborators have created a new class of programmable soft materials that can absorb impacts like never before, while also changing shape when heated.
The research—which includes collaborators from Harvard University, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Sandia National Laboratories and Oregon State University—opens the door to smarter, lighter and more resilient materials that respond to the world around them. The research is published in the journal Advanced Materials.
Built from liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs)—rubbery polymers that shift in response to heat, light or stress—the team 3D-printed the materials into carefully engineered lattice structures. These lattices can be designed to absorb energy, stiffen, soften or even change shape, depending on their architecture and environmental conditions.
https://phys.org/news/2025-08-programmable-soft-material-absorbs-energy.html
____________________________________
Tubulane Inspired Ultrahard Polymers Are Full of Holes, but Stop Bullets Better Than Solid Materials
Theoretical tubulanes inspire ultrahard polymers: Rice University-printed sample is full of holes, but stops bullets better than solid materials.
A lightweight material full of holes is nearly as hard as a diamond. The mere dents left by speeding bullets prove it.
Researchers at Rice University’s Brown School of Engineering and their colleagues are testing polymers based on tubulanes, theoretical structures of crosslinked carbon nanotubes predicted to have extraordinary strength.
They fired projectiles into patterned and solid cubes at 5.8 kilometers per second (~21,000 km/h or ~13,000 mph) and the results were impressive. For the patterned cube, the bullet was stuck in the second layer of the structure, while in the solid block, cracks propagated through the whole structure.
The Rice lab of materials scientist Pulickel Ajayan found tubulanes can be mimicked as scaled-up, 3D-printed polymer blocks that prove to be better at deflecting projectiles than the same material without holes. The blocks are also highly compressible without breaking apart.
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Lightweight metal foam turns armor-piercing bullets into dust
April 10, 2016
http://newatlas.com/metal-foam-bullets/42731/
____________________________________
Scientists 3D-Print Foam That Repairs Itself
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-3d-print-foam-that-repairs-itself/
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Bacterial Armor Holds Clues for Self-Assembling Nanostructures
February 11, 2015
Imagine thousands of copies of a single protein organizing into a coat of
chainmail armor that protects the wearer from harsh and ever-changing
environmental conditions. That is the case for many microorganisms. In a
new study, researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have uncovered key
details in this natural process that can be used for the self-assembly
of nanomaterials into complex two- and three-dimensional structures.
Caroline Ajo-Franklin, a chemist and synthetic biologist at Berkeley Lab’s Molecular Foundry,
led this study in which high-throughput light scattering measurements
were used to investigate the self-assembly of 2D nanosheets from a
common bacterial surface layer (S-layer) protein. This protein, called
“SbpA,” forms the protective armor for Lysinibacillus sphaericus, a
soil bacterium used as a toxin to control mosquitoes. Their
investigation revealed that calcium ions play a key role in how this
armor assembles. Two key roles actually.
“Calcium ions not only trigger the folding of the protein into the
correct shape for nanosheet formation, but also serve to bind the
nanosheets together,” Ajo-Franklin says. “By establishing and using
light scattering as a proxy for SbpA nanosheet formation, we were able
to determine how varying the concentrations of calcium ions and SbpA
affects the size and shape of the S-layer armor.”
http://newscenter.lbl.gov/2015/02/11/bacterial-armor/
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Mesospheres in nano-armor:
Copyright © 2009
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002197970901090X
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Sweden Invents a Revolutionary Anti Bullet Wall, Saab Barracuda Soft Armour
Oct 23, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuQOmOBayBA
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Hypersonic Vibrations of Ag@SiO2 (Cubic Core)−Shell Nanospheres
Copyright © 2010
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nn102581g
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DARPA seeks high-tech alternatives to armor
August 20, 2014
As a quick visit to any armored division will make obvious, tanks are
big ... really big. A Challenger 2 main battle tank, for example, weighs
62.5 tonnes (68.9 tons) and costs about £4.2 million (US$7 million).
And as anti-tank weapons get better, tanks can only get bigger. To avoid
armies of tomorrow having to pay for land-going battleships, DARPA’s
Ground X-Vehicle Technology (GXV-T) program aims at developing lighter,
more agile successors to the tank that protect themselves with more than
ever-thicker walls of steel.
http://www.gizmag.com/darpa-gxv-t-tank-armor/33404/
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Liquid metal could be used to create morphing electronics
September 21, 2014
http://www.gizmag.com/liquid-metal-morphing-electronics/33836/
Who could forget the scene in Terminator 2: Judgement Day
where the shape-shifting T-1000 reassembles itself from thousands of
blobs of molten metal? Researchers from North Carolina State University
(NCSU) have taken the first steps to such science fiction becoming
reality by developing a way to control the surface tension of liquid
metals with the application of very low voltages. This may offer
opportunities in a new field of morphing electronic circuits, self-healing electronics, or – one day – maybe even self-assembling terminator-style robots.
The liquid metal used by the researchers was an alloy
of gallium and indium. Gallium is liquid just above room temperature at
about 29° C (84° F), while Indium has a much higher melting point at
around 156° C (312° F), yet when mixed together, they form an alloy that
is liquid at room temperature. In other words, a eutectic
alloy – one that is composed of metals with disparate melting points
that, when combined, melt as a whole at a specific temperature.
Another important aspect of this eutectic alloy, and
one that the researchers sought to exploit in their experiments, is its
exceptionally high surface tension of approximately 500 millinewtons per
meter (mN/m). The consequence of this is that a blob of this alloy
resting on a surface will tend to form an almost spherical ball and hold
its shape if undisturbed...
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Squid inspires camouflaging smart materials
June 15, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-squid-camouflaging-smart-materials.html
Three
prototype artificial cephalopod chromatophores are shown in unactuated
states. The chromatophores are made from dielectric elastomer using tape
coated with black carbon grease electrodes.
- The
researchers have shown the artificial skin, made from electroactive
dielectric elastomer, a soft, compliant smart material, can effectively
copy the action of biological chromatophores. Chromatophores are small
pigmented cells embedded on cephalopods skin which can expand and
contract and that work together to change skin colour and texture.
The
system achieves the dynamic pattern generation by using simple local
rules in the artificial chromatophore cells, so that they can sense
their surroundings and manipulate their change. By modelling sets of
artificial chromatophores in linear arrays of cells, the researchers
explored whether the system was capable of producing a variety of
patterns...
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Liquid Armor
2009
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYIWfn2Jz2g
____________________________________
Liquid Armor
2012
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6md1wgyo3Ik
____________________________________
How Liquid Body Armor Works
http://science.howstuffworks.com/liquid-body-armor1.htm
The fluid used in body
armor is made of silica particles suspended in polyethylene glycol.
Silica is a component of sand and quartz, and polyethylene glycol is a
polymer commonly used in laxatives and lubricants. The silica particles
are only a few nanometers in diameter, so many reports describe this
fluid as a form of nanotechnology.
To make liquid body
armor using shear-thickening fluid, researchers first dilute the fluid
in ethanol. They saturate the Kevlar with the diluted fluid and place it
in an oven to evaporate the ethanol. The STF then permeates the Kevlar,
and the Kevlar strands hold the particle-filled fluid in place. When an
object strikes or stabs the Kevlar, the fluid immediately hardens,
making the Kevlar stronger.
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Engineers Create New Liquid Safety Cushioning Technology
July 17, 2023
The discovery that football players were unknowingly acquiring permanent brain damage as they racked up head hits throughout their professional careers created a rush to design better head protection. One of these inventions is nanofoam, the material on the inside of football helmets.
Thanks to mechanical and aerospace engineering associate professor Baoxing Xu at the University of Virginia and his research team, nanofoam just received a big upgrade and protective sports equipment could, too. This newly invented design integrates nanofoam with “non-wetting ionized liquid," a form of water that Xu and his research team now know blends perfectly with nanofoam to create a liquid cushion. This versatile and responsive material will give better protection to athletes and is promising for use in protecting car occupants and aiding hospital patients using wearable medical devices.
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Smart Materials (4 of 5): Magneto Rheological (MR) Fluid
May 30, 2011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBXQ-6uI8GY&list=PLQoTHqAEU9OSjWhEvxWS5PIka1lSQrEZ8&index=4
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Smart materials (2 of 5): Battle Jacket, Self-healing protective coating
May 30, 2011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6qHY1H6piE&index=2&list=PLQoTHqAEU9OSjWhEvxWS5PIka1lSQrEZ8
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We can even make tanks go invisible to the eye with new technology.
____________________________________
Obrum ADVANCED STEALTH Main Battle Tank Marketing video NEW challenger to abrams and merkava tank
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-LupA0YkeU
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Quantum Stealth material designed to make target invisible
December 16, 2012
Scientists are exploring better methods of camouflage, a so-called scientific invisibility cloak, and news has spread fast about a Canadian company with substantial claims on how far they have come with camouflage technology. The company, HyperStealth Biotechnology, has developed Quantum Stealth camouflage material, which renders its wearers invisible by bending light waves around them. Their work has obvious implications for the defense industry. How can the enemy hit targets they cannot see or defend themselves from attackers who are invisible? Theoretically, any soldier could put on the material and get it working with no power source required.
http://phys.org/news/2012-12-quantum-stealth-material-invisible.html
____________________________________
With
new advances in armor technology, we are able to make tanks do many
different tasks, that were not possible before. This includes advanced
mine sweeping tanks, to the tanks such as the Crusher.
____________________________________
Chobham armour
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chobham_armour
____________________________________
Many natural elements react with these synthetic compounds
differently in the environment. It would take years of research to find out how many of these
different natural compounds would react. This also includes other synthetic compounds, such as
pesticides and genetically modified organisms. This is why I have stated
that we need to take a step back for a moment on much of the genetic
modification being done in food. This also includes other nano and
bio-technology research in all fields of genetic modification.
____________________________________
Laser technique improves ultra-high temperature ceramic manufacturing for space and defense applications
May 29, 2025
https://news.ncsu.edu/2025/05/laser-extreme-ceramics/
____________________________________
Plants you can wear: Hydrogel material weaves seeds into textiles
07/05/2025
Wearable Flora: The Future of Fashion is Growing on You
Imagine
strolling through a bustling street, dressed in a garment that not only
turns heads but also cultivates life. No longer the stuff of science
fiction, thanks to the visionary minds at Cornell University's College
of Human Ecology, this dream is blossoming into reality. Researchers
have conjured up an astonishing technique that embeds seeds right into
our clothes using hydrogel materials. From stylish hairbands to chic
wristbands, and even trendy hats and sandals, these wearable marvels are
capable of sprouting into living plants—yes, you heard that right! This
groundbreaking innovation ushers in a new era of human-plant
relationships, transitioning from mere utility to heartwarming
symbiosis.
The project, aptly named "LivingLoom," is led by
Jingwen Zhu under the astute guidance of Cindy Hsin-Liu Kao. This
initiative envisions a harmonious future where humans and plants thrive
together. Using a digital Jacquard loom, researchers weave hydrogel
yarns—each lovingly integrated with seeds—into imaginative textile
structures. Designed for growth, these creations only require a tad bit
of nurturing to transform them into delightful sprouts. It’s an
invitation to engage with nature in a dynamic and meaningful way.
So,
how does this alchemical process work, you ask? It begins with a
wet-spinning technique, where a polymer-hydrogel concoction, chock-full
of chia seeds, is skillfully extruded into a coagulation bath. This
bewitching process gives birth to fibers that are then woven into our
beloved fabrics. The beauty of this method? It’s a well-established
technique, beloved in the world of hydrogel fiber preparation, known for
producing fibers ranging from a dainty few microns to several hundred.
That’s some fine-quality fabric if you ask me!
The allure of
these hydrogel textiles extends well beyond the realm of aesthetic
appeal, beckoning insights into sustainable design and human-plant
interactions. By incorporating living organisms into our fabric, we’re
not just strutting around in our fashionable threads; we're championing
ecological awareness. Imagine how this could revolutionize our
perception of the garments we wear, making them instruments for a mutual
benefit relationship with the flora that surrounds us.
But the
innovation doesn’t end there. This remarkable technology holds
implications that reach into the world of wearable sensing and
monitoring. While this is a bit detached from the plants-in-clothes
theme, it’s worth noting that hydrogel-based sensors are receiving
well-deserved attention for their ability to detect environmental
changes and stress in plants—real-time. Imagine a biohydrogel sensor
keeping tabs on hydrogen peroxide levels in your garden plants, alerting
you to any signs of stress before it’s too late—now that’s hands-on
gardening at its finest!
As we leap into this brave new world of
high-tech fabrics woven with natural elements, one thing is clear: we’re
advancing towards a future where our everyday attire nurtures life and
inspires a collective conversation about sustainability. By choosing to
wear these living threads, we not only assert our unique style but also
engage deeply with vital issues surrounding our environment and our
connection to the natural world. It’s a win-win, making fashion an
extension of our values rather than a hollow garment stripped of
meaning.
The integration of seeds into textiles is merely the tip
of the iceberg. It's a precursor to an exciting journey awaiting us—one
filled with limitless possibilities in textile science, wearable
technology, and environmental stewardship. As we forge ahead, it’s
thrilling to consider how these living garments could transform not only
our fashion choices but our daily lives and our attitudes toward
nature.
In conclusion, this concept of plants you can wear
transcends simple labels like fashion or technology; it’s about
redefining our connection to the world around us. By embracing such
groundbreaking innovations, we take one step closer to a future anchored
in sustainability and mutualism—a future where our creativity and
nature coexist beautifully. It’s about harmony, folks, and the blending
of life’s richest elements.
https://libertad.land/archives/2140
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Nano-Chainmail Unveiled: Revolutionary Material for Lightweight, Tough Protection
Northwestern University researchers have achieved a groundbreaking development in materials science with the creation of a two-dimensional, mechanically interlocked polymer that mirrors the robust, flexible properties of chainmail.
This novel material, boasting the highest density of mechanical bonds ever recorded, promises revolutionary applications in lightweight body armor and other high-demand fields.
2D Interlocked Materials
A Northwestern University-led research team has achieved a remarkable feat of chemistry by creating the first two-dimensional (2D) mechanically interlocked material.
This nanoscale innovation, resembling the interlocking links of chainmail, boasts exceptional flexibility and strength. With further refinement, it shows great potential for applications in lightweight, high-performance body armor and other demanding uses that require materials to be both tough and flexible.
Published today (January 16) in the journal Science, the study establishes several key firsts in the field. This is not only the first-ever 2D mechanically interlocked polymer but also a material with an unprecedented density of 100 trillion mechanical bonds per square centimeter — the highest ever achieved. The research team accomplished this using a novel, efficient, and scalable polymerization process, paving the way for large-scale production...
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New material could better protect soldiers, athletes and motorists
SOLDIERS, athletes, and motorists could lead safer lives thanks to a new process that could lead to more efficient and re-useable protection from shock and impact, explosion, and vibration, according to a new study.
Pressurized insertion of aqueous solutions into water-repellent nanoporous materials, such as zeolites and metal-organic frameworks, could help to create high-performance energy absorbing systems.
An international research team experimented with hydrothermally stable zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) with a ‘hydrophobic’ cage-like molecular structure—finding that such systems are remarkably effective energy absorbers at realistic, high-rate loading conditions, and this phenomenon is associated with the water clustering and mobility in nanocages.
Researchers from the Universities of Birmingham and Oxford, together with Ghent University, Belgium, published their findings in Nature Materials.
https://cbn.co.za/featured/new-material-could-better-protect-soldiers-athletes-and-motorists/
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Multifunctional Nanofiber Protects Against Explosions – For Soldiers, Firefighters, Astronauts and More
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Atomic Armor for Next-Generation, Electron-Beam Accelerators
Advancement in single-atom layer graphene coatings improves accelerator electron source lifespans.
Protective coatings are common for many things in daily life that see a lot of use: we coat wood floors with finish; apply Teflon to the paint on cars; even use diamond coatings on medical devices. Protective coatings are also essential in many demanding research and industrial applications.
Now, researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed and tested an atomically thin graphene coating for next-generation, electron-beam accelerator equipment — perhaps the most challenging technical application of the technology, the success of which bears out the potential for “Atomic Armor” in a range of applications.
https://scitechdaily.com/atomic-armor-for-next-generation-electron-beam-accelerators/
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Chapter 3: Materials & fibers
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We see many toxins in everyday consumer items. Many
plastics out on the market and synthetic fibers have problems
coexisting and biodegrading properly.
We need sustainable materials that can be used in clothing, shoes, fibers,
plastics, including any material for consumer items.
We can make organic linen from flax and hemp for fiber.
We can create tencel fiber from
birch trees and eucalyptus trees for clothing. It is debated how tencel and plastics made from plant material could impact the environment. Many question if there is a more
environmentally friendly version of tencel.
We
are already putting a lot of stress on many of the forests of the
world. Whenever we harvest too many resources from forests it can cause problems. There is a sustainable way to
harvest trees from forests. Currently tree harvesting
around the world has been causing problems in different habitats.
We can even use banana fiber, coconut fiber and jute fiber for making clothing.
We can even use grass as a sustainable source for making baskets. An example would be alaffia for making grass baskets.
Cork leather and seaweed leather could
be sustainable materials for mass-producing materials for clothing
and fibers.
Many say that silk, is also a sustainable fiber. Some groups debate the ethical standards of how some ways silk is harvested.
Current artificial PVC leather on the market contains harmful chemicals.
Even if we make an eco-friendly version of leather, such as seaweed leather. We must question the types of chemicals going into these materials.
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Dutch Students Make Leather from Fruit Waste
September 1, 2015
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/leather-fruit-waste/#.Ve-t05e-2zk
They developed a method to produce a new material from the fruit and vegetable left-overs. As the name of the initiative suggests, the new material is called “fruit leather“, and it is created by processing spoiled biological plant waste. This new type of vegan leather
can be used to make all sorts of products, from handbags to furniture,
and it can potentially have the same quality as its animal ancestor
after a few more improvements are made.
The young designers have
not yet released their precise method, I am guessing because of a patent
or a possibility for commercializing the product, but in general it
involves cleaning, mashing, boiling and then drying of the waste.
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Many types of clothing that's labeled as organic is not fully
organic or biodegradable. Many shirts labeled as organic cotton contain synthetic dyes on the organic cotton, including synthetic poly
material used for stitching, labels and the printed images on the shirt. Kapok is another good natural fiber that can be used for certain applications that cotton can be used for.
This is why when searching
for organic clothing we must look at the organic materials, organic dyes, stitching, labels and buttons being used. Even the grade
of metal or materials (coconut buttons, wood buttons, stones, bone, etc ), that is used for
making buttons.
We need to make all clothing non-toxic for humans,
including on how this material biodegrades in the environment. No one should have the chance to harm
themselves, just from putting on an article of clothing. Everyone has the right to wear non-toxic clothing.
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Making clothes out of gelatin could reduce agricultural waste
June 24, 2015
From
gummy bears to silky mousses, gelatin is essential for making some of
our favorite sweets. Now scientists are exploring another use for the
common food ingredient: spinning it into yarn so it can be made into
clothing. And because gelatin comes from livestock by-products, the new
technique would provide an additional use for agricultural leftovers.
The report appears in the ACS journal Biomacromolecules.
More
than a century ago, the textile industry started using protein fibers
from animals and vegetables such as casein from milk and zein from corn
to make new kinds of fabrics. But synthetic fibers derived from
petroleum products boomed and quickly eclipsed those efforts. Now, as
consumers search for "greener" products, scientists have revived the
idea of making fabrics from animal and plant proteins. Wendelin J. Stark
and colleagues decided to try spinning yarn out of gelatin, which comes
from collagen, an abundant protein in livestock by-products.
The researchers spun filaments of gelatin, twisted them into a yarn and then treated it with gaseous formaldehyde
and lanolin (wool grease) to make it water-resistant. The resulting
yarn was about as strong as a strand of merino wool. It was also just as
warm when knitted into a glove.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-gelatin-agricultural.html#jCp
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A leather and plastic alternative made of seaweed
28 January 2021
Anna Watkins, a student at the University of Huddersfield in the UK, developed a seaweed based material that aims to replace materials like leather and plastic.
The aim of the project was to create a biomaterial to replace the often unsustainable materials used in fashion.
The main ingredient is powdered seaweed, often used as a gelling agent in food production. By heating this powder, it becomes a jelly-like substance that becomes firm within two minutes. The material can be poured in moulds, allowing for the creation of various products.
https://materialdistrict.com/article/a-leather-and-plastic-alternative-made-of-seaweed/
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What Is Cork Fabric?: Peeling Back The Layers On Cork Leather
13 April 2024
When it comes to fabrics, our faves are those that—like the Lorax—speak for the trees. So what better choice than a fabric that actually comes from them? We’re talking cork leather fabric.
Cork fabric is a tre(e)mendously useful material used for everything from bags and purses to yoga mats...
https://www.sustainablejungle.com/what-is-cork-fabric/
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Jute Fiber: Properties, Uses, Benefits & Environmental Impact Explained
April 13, 2025
Top Uses of Jute Fiber
1. Textiles & Fashion
2. Packaging Industry
3. Home Furnishings
4. Agriculture
5. Paper Industry
6. Composite Materials
https://textilelisting.com/jute-fiber-properties-uses-benefits-environmental-impact-explained/
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What is Jute Rope Used for: 10 Surprising Uses!
May 15, 2024
Introduction To Jute Rope
Home Decor Inspiration
Gardening Applications
Crafting With Jute
Packaging With A Twist
Fashion Accessories
Nautical Uses
Pet And Livestock Utilities
Theatrical And Cinematic Props
Survival And Outdoor Gear
https://yifarope.com/what-is-jute-rope-used-for/
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The Difference Between Jute and Other Natural Fibers: An Eco-Friendly Comparison
April 13, 2025
https://textilelisting.com/the-difference-between-jute-and-other-natural-fibers-an-eco-friendly-comparison/
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15 Sustainable Straw Bags for Trips to the Beach and Beyond
2022
Materials mentioned:
Jute, Hemp, Rafia, sisal, seagrass, Iraca palm fibers, cotton canvas, Piaçava straw, Elephant swamp grass, banana leaf, maize, wild vine, fique, moriche (palm fiber) natural straw, Sabaii grass, Natural palm fiber, natural fibers
https://consciousfashion.co/guides/straw-woven-beach-bags
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Finland chooses sustainable fashion -- a gown made of birch in time for the holidays
10-Dec-2018
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/786664
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Fashion Fabrics Made From Wood Are Set To Double In Volume: What Does This Mean For Forests And Emissions?
May 27, 2022
In the fast-growing next-gen materials market, cellulose fibers extracted from wood, old textiles, and even bacteria are performing akin to cotton, silk, and polyester. This offers an exciting opportunity to alleviate environmental problems caused by incumbent fibers, and at the core of this movement are man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCFs).
MMCFs include viscose, lyocell, modal, and acetate. Around 98% of these fibers are made from wood (usually eucalyptus), 1% is from bamboo, and less than 1% are from cellulose-rich waste (but Evrnu, Renewcell, Infinited Fiber, and others are working hard to raise that percentage). While the innovators forge this path, the MMCF market is set to grow from 6 to 10 million tonnes within 15 years, with recycled MMCFs (rMMCFs) likely to reach only a fraction of this volume.
So what types of MMCFs will hoover up this growth opportunity? Right now 40-45% will come from “conventional/unknown sources/processes”, which is shorthand for possibly toxic production methods and using ancient/endangered forest wood. And here exists a critical paradox: while next-gen MMCFs offer huge potential to replace damaging incumbent materials, stakeholders risk emboldening a market that is not ready to deliver on its low-impact promises, and may cause more harm before it realizes its potential for good.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brookerobertsislam/2022/05/27/fashion-fabrics-made-from-wood-are-set-to-double-in-volume-what-does-this-mean-for-forests-and-emissions/
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Edible, Biodegradable Food Packaging Made From Milk Protein
June 10, 2025
Milk
protein and plant-derived cellulose can be electrospun into thin fibers
for use in biodegradable (and edible) materials, a new study has shown.
https://www.technologynetworks.com/applied-sciences/news/edible-biodegradable-food-packaging-made-from-milk-protein-400830
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With
genetically modified soybeans in the industry, different companies try to use this technology to create plastics, including
bacteria from soy.
Some think that it is not ethical to use bacteria made from genetically modified soy to make clothing people have stated that some GMO plants and bacteria were not properly tested in the environment.
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MIT group explores bacteria use for comfort wear
October 30, 2015
Now
they are using the bacteria in a new way—it becomes a nanoactuator that
expands and shrinks based on atmospheric moisture or the sweat of the
skin. As Gizmodo wrote, the team was interested in the possibilities:
"if natto's expansion and contraction could be carefully calibrated,
perhaps it could act more like a machine than an unpredictable organism.
Perhaps it could act more like an actuator."
The team said, "We
introduce a specific type of living cells as nanoactuators that react to
body temperature and humidity change. The living nanoactuator can be
controlled by electrical signal and communicate with the virtual world
as well." A digital printing system and design simulation software were
developed too.
http://techxplore.com/news/2015-10-mit-group-explores-bacteria-comfort.html
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We need sustainable materials to replace many toxins in plastics and fiberglass for boats, vehicles and everyday consumer items that you can think of.
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Best and Most Sustainable Insulation: Safe, Eco-friendly, LEED Compliant, High R-Value
#1 :: ROCK WOOL Comfort Batt
KEY FEATURES
Composition: Natural rock and slag, a nontoxic and renewable resource
R-value per inch: 4
Cost per sq. ft. per R-rating: $0.06
One Community Priority ratings: 1st place in Durability, 2nd place in Health and Safety, Sustainability, and Cost
Unique Feature: Only company to place facilities strategically nearby local resources to minimize transportation energy
#2 :: Black Mountain USA Sheep Wool Insulation
KEY FEATURES
Composition: Made of 98% sheep wool, a natural and renewable resource
#3 :: Havelock Wool’s Sheep Wool
KEY FEATURES
Composition: Made of 100% sheep wool, a natural and renewable resource
#4 :: ROCKWOOL Comfort Board 80
KEY FEATURES
Composition: Made of rock wool, a sustainable and nontoxic natural resource
#5 :: DIY Aircrete (Aka AirCrete, Air Crete, Airkrete, AirKrete, Air Krete)
KEY FEATURES
Composition: cement, water, and foam
#6 :: Hempitecture HempWool Fiber Batt
KEY FEATURES
Composition: 92% hemp fibers, a renewable and sustainable process
#7 :: Owens Corning ThermaFiber Ultra Batt
KEY FEATURES
Composition: 96+% charge (primarily recycled blast furnace slag, supplemented with fieldspar and trap rock) and less than 4% binder (silane, surfactant, and other)
#8 :: ThermaCork
KEY FEATURES
Composition: Made entirely of cork and water, without any additive or adhesives
#9 :: Hempitecture HempCrete
KEY FEATURES
Composition: Made of limestone and woody core fibers of hemp stalks
#10 :: Air Krete GREENsulation
KEY FEATURES
Composition: Made of cement, water, and foam
CONS FOR THIS INSULATION
Claims to be nontoxic, though magnesium oxide is on OSHA’s regulated Hazardous Items List
#11 :: Straw Bales
KEY FEATURES
Composition: 100% straw
CONS FOR THIS INSULATION
If the straw gets wet it becomes susceptible to mold growth
#12 :: Bonded Logic UltraTouch Denim Insulation (Prefer Organic Denim)
KEY FEATURES
Composition: 80% post-consumer Recycled Fiber Products (i.e. denim, cotton), ammonium sulfate, binder fiber, and boric acid (fire retardant, antifungal, antimicrobial)
CONS FOR THIS INSULATION
Post-consumer denim could contain residues of chemically-based laundry products, which likely is not widely toxic but might be a potential problem for those who are chemically sensitive
Though cotton has a small carbon footprint, the processing of dying the denim results in significant emissions
Should be biodegradable when its time to dispose of, however, there are environmental concerns of various chemicals in the recycled materials
Very poor moisture management, since it’s cotton-based it does not dry easily once it becomes wet
No vapor barrier, likely requiring additional installation
#13 :: Kenafcrete
KEY FEATURES
Composition: Kenaf wood core chips, Hydrated lime, and Water
#14 :: Greenfiber Blended Blow-In Insulation
KEY FEATURES
Composition: 85% recycled newsprint (cellulose fiber), <10% boric acid (for flame retardant), and <10% ammonium sulfate
CONS FOR THIS INSULATION
Toxicity issues, can cause eye and skin irritation, difficulty with breath when inhaled, diarrhea or vomiting if ingested, and contains reproductive toxins
Concerns of mold growth due to being made of cellulose
Some materials have ecotoxicity concerns, making safe disposal questionable
May need to rent a blow-in machine for installation, slightly more involved of a process than other products
Less durable than other products, typical lifespan is 20-30 years
Poor sound absorbency
#15 :: Styrofoam Board Insulation (Debated)
CONS FOR THIS INSULATION
Contains toxic chemicals that are released when exposed to excessive heat, including 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane, which can cause dizziness or asphyxiation
Contains teratogenic (causing harm to fetuses) and reproductive toxins
Mediocre fire resistance (Class A or B), customer reviews cite flammability concerns
Only made of 20% recycled material, not a renewable resource
Manufacturing is energy-intensive
May contain HCFCs, which deplete the ozone layer
Non-biodegradable, so when disposed of it accumulates in the environment and leaches toxic chemicals into ecosystems
Average price per sq. ft. per R-rating
Poor sound absorbency
#16 :: Aspen Aerogels Spaceloft (Debated)
KEY FEATURES
Composition: Made primarily of 40-50% Synthetic Amorphous Silica, Methylsilylated Silica, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or polyester), and Fibrous Glass.
CONS FOR THIS INSULATION
Minor exposure concerns, inhalation of dust can cause irritation, eye contact can cause temporary redness
Made of synthetic, non-renewable resources
Production and transportation processes are energy-intensive
Adverse atmospheric effects, Global Warming Potential of 4.3 (highest of any product)
Poor price per sq. ft. per R-rating
High density, making transportation and installation more challenging
Poor sound absorbency
No vapor barrier, likely requiring additional installation
#17 :: Fiberglass Insulation (Debated)
CONS FOR THIS INSULATION
Short term toxicity concerns such as rashes, itches, throat irritation, and aggravation of asthma
Though the insulation is mold resistant, many products have a paper backing, which is susceptible to mold growth
Mostly nonrenewable/non-recycled materials, may contain 0-30% recycled materials (such as crushed recycled glass)
Energy-intensive manufacturing process
Non-biodegrable and may contain toxins that can leech into the soil and cause harm to animals and humans
Though DIY installation is possible, it is more complicated and often it is recommended to hire technicians to install it
Less durable, average lifespan of 15 years
Poor moisture management, when it gets wet its insulative properties are impaired and it can slump or sag
No vapor barrier, likely requiring additional installation
#18 :: Demilec HeatlokSoya 2000 (Debated)
CONS FOR THIS INSULATION
Significant short-term toxicity concerns, including skin irritation, headaches and dizziness if inhaled, and diarrhea and vomiting if ingested
Contains chemicals suspected to be carcinogenic and toxic to internal organs
Only 22% of the materials are recyclable or renewable
Uses a blowing agent that contributes to global warming
May be harmful to the environment if disposed of in large quantities, especially hazardous to fish
Cost not listed anywhere
DIY installation not possible, it’s performed by technicians
#19 :: DIY Recycled Styrofoam (Debated)
CONS FOR THIS INSULATION
Contains toxic chemicals that are released when exposed to excessive heat, including 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane, which can cause dizziness or asphyxiation
Contains teratogenic (causing harm to fetuses) and reproductive toxins
Extremely flammable, and releases dangerous gases when burned
May contain HCFCs, which deplete the ozone layer
Non biodegradable, so when disposed of it accumulates in the environment and leaches toxic chemicals into ecosystems
Unknown price, very variable
Unknown durability, new styrofoam insulation can last 50 years, but DIY insulation likely won’t last as long
Unknown moisture management abilities
Poor sound absorbency
No vapor barrier, likely requiring additional installation
#20 :: Icynene Classic Plus (Debated)
KEY FEATURES
Composition: -Diphenylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate, Benzene -1-isocyanato-2-[(4-isocyanatophenyl)methyl]-.
R-value per inch: 3.7
Cost per sq. ft. per R-rating: Unknown
One Community Priority ratings: Last place in DIY
Unique feature: Claims to have the lowest Global Warming Potential (GWP of 1) value for foam insulation products
CONS FOR THIS INSULATION
Various short-term toxicity concerns including irritation of the eyes, nose, skin, and throat
Contains carcinogens and various hazardous decomposition products such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and nitrogen oxides
No renewable or recyclable materials
Has a Global Warming Potential of 1
Nonbiodegrable and may meet the definition of hazardous waste in many cases
Unknown price
DIY installation not possible, technicians perform installation
Poor sound absorbency
No vapor barrier, likely requiring additional installation
https://onecommunityglobal.org/most-sustainable-insulation/
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10 Modern Mud House Design Ideas, towards Sustainable Buildings
March 3, 2024
1. Designing with Insulation Properties
2. Strawbale Technique
Straw-bale construction is a building method that uses bales of straw (commonly wheat, rice, rye, and oats) as structural elements, building insulation, or both.
It is a construction method that is commonly used in natural building or “brown” construction projects. Research has shown that straw-bale construction is a sustainable method for building, from the standpoint of both materials and energy needed for heating and cooling.
Advantages of Strawbale Technique:
Strawbales are made from a waste product.
Homes insulated with straw bales can have insulation values of R-30 or more. The thickness of the wall helps to reflect sunlight throughout the room.
Strawbales have low-embodied energy.
Strawbales are 100% biodegradable when the time comes.
3. Use of Conventional Materials
Unlike traditional mud houses, modern mud houses can incorporate conventional materials to make them fire-resistant. Builders construct a fire-resistant modern mud house with lime, cement, or sand.
They can also be designed with features like metal roofs, fire-resistant doors, and windows made of tempered glass. This helps to increase the durability and density of the walls, making them more resistant to an inferno.
It is vital to note that while contemporary mud houses can be fire-resistant, they still require proper maintenance to ensure their safety.
4. Use of Soundproof
5. Rammed Earth Technique
Rammed earth is a method of building walls on-site by compacting a selected mixture of earth, sand, and aggregate in layers between the forms. Each layer is approximately 15cm deep. As each form is filled out, another form is placed above it, and the process begins again.
Until the desired wall height is reached this process is continued. A wider range of soils are suitable when a small amount of cement is added to the mix. The result, known as ‘stabilized rammed earth’, is an extremely durable and attractive masonry product with numerous benefits.
From an environmental standpoint, reducing or eliminating Portland cement is advantageous because it lowers the energy embodied in the final product. Using soils directly from the site represents an environmental advantage for the same reason.
Over 7% of global CO2 emissions come from the production of cement. Stabilized rammed earth creates beautiful and unique buildings while at the same time providing a swathe of benefits to meet the varied demands of homeowners, artists, industry, architects, and engineers.
Advantages of Rammed Earth Walls:
Rammed earth walls contain excellent thermal mass.
Buildings made from rammed earth have more durability.
It has a high fire-resistance rating and the walls are water-repellent.
These walls are load-bearing walls; you can make a multi-story house.
The nature of rammed earth is that it is non-toxic.
6. Designing with Termite-Resistant Materials
7. Use of Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation prevents moisture build-up and promotes air circulation. Use exhaust fans and open windows to ensure adequate ventilation throughout the house.
8. Cob Technique
Cob is an earth-building technique based on a mixture of clay, sand, straw, and water. The mixture is kneaded with hands, feet, or simple tools; subsequently, lumps are made that are then compressed together and shaped by hand, forming foundations and walls.
The walls of a cob house are generally about 24 inches (61 cm) thick, and the windows are correspondingly deep-set, giving the home a characteristic internal appearance.
The contents of subsoil naturally vary, and if it does not contain the right mixture, it can be modified with sand or clay. Cob is fireproof, resistant to seismic activity, and uses low-cost materials, although it is very labor intensive.
It can be used to create artistic and sculptural forms, and its use has been revived in recent years by the natural building and sustainability movements.
9. Use of Waterproof
10. Earthbag Structure
Earthbag construction is an inexpensive building method using mostly local soil to create structures that are both strong and can be quickly built.
It is a natural building technique developed from historic military bunker construction techniques and temporary flood-control dike building methods.
The technique requires very basic construction materials; such as sturdy sacks filled with organic material usually available on site.
https://environmentgo.com/modern-mud-house-design-ideas-towards-sustainable-buildings/
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Ex-MIT scientist reveals how safe, comfortable homes can be built from mud: 'Yes, you can have it all'
June 15, 2025
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/modern-mud-homes-construction-techniques-costs/
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Building Sustainable Mud Homes: A Comprehensive Guide
September 16, 2023
https://toolack.com/mud-homes/
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From Africa Mud Huts to Modern Eco Homes: The Revival of Earthen Architecture
April 22, 2025
https://echoesofafrika.com/africa-mud-huts-sustainable-architecture-africa/
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Embracing Sustainable Living with Modern Mud Houses
2024
https://www.lifestylemind.com/sustainable-lifestyle/eco-friendly-house/modern-mud-houses/
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Eco Friendly Mud House
October 25, 2024
https://environfriend.com/eco-friendly-mud-house/
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How to Build a Sustainable Home | The Magic of Mud
Mar 1, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilMutLUcGH4
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From the Earth Up: building with Adobe, Cob, & Daub - A Mesmerizing Venture
Jun 24, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxNQK6dYh3g
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The ULTIMATE GUIDE to Hyperadobe Earthbags: Pros, Cons, & Cost Savings
Jun 29, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoTlFLG_clY
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How To BUILD A RAMMED EARTH WALL: Sustainable & STRONG!
Oct 22, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA-9d9_OhLk
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Rammed Earth : You won’t Believe How They Build This!
Apr 30, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLu2gxsVBe0
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The Innovation of Beds! The Crazy Process of Making a Bed Out of Soil. Korea Soil Bed
Mar 1, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LdXE4x1WHU
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Why We Should Be Building with Dirt
Dec 17, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww-H4Ld-wcg
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Traditional mud house construction in Pakistan
Jan 30, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cIN3ycdtB1c
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Why Japanese Earthen Walls Have Lasted Centuries | Traditional Building Skills
Aug 2, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii2iGSRoAfw
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Inside Japan’s Unique Wooden Shingle Roofing Technique - Part 1
Jun 21, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwClXhfaU5Y
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Inside Japan’s Unique Wooden Shingle Roofing Technique - Part 2
Jul 5, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp-cjCLZfCE
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Why Japanese Tiled Roofs Last for Generations | Traditional Roofing Craftsmanship (Part 1)
Aug 16, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpBh5fJUBIs
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How Clay Becomes a Roof Tile
May 6, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-8mkUm1PmVY
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Why Other Countries LAUGH at American Homes
Jan 17, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTghEBfZ_D8
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Why Americans (Intentionally) Build Cheap, Flimsy Houses
Jul 20, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2rDgYq_uEU
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Yorkshire Crafts: Meet the drystone wallers
Jul 15, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBH8OLvGRL0
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Hemp Concrete Walls (R30 + Fireproof) - You Won't Believe How They Built This House!
Sep 11, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm23l_VLyp4
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The surprising materials that could decarbonize construction
Jul 12, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwhstCaYrmQ
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He Built a Tiny House from Rock after Quitting Everything
Aug 8, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1H8wwByxng
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How Bricks Made From Invasive Seaweed Clean Mexico's Beaches | World Wide Waste | Business Insider
Jul 21, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fXiboAGQvM
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Mud Homes: Nature’s Answer to Summer Heat
May 12, 2024
https://medium.com/@kristanvihaan11/mud-homes-natures-answer-to-summer-heat-844246913a51
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Novel cement lets buildings cool themselves
August 21, 2025
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-08-cement-cool.html
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Ancient Roman concrete could self-heal thanks to “hot mixing” with quicklime
Jan 6, 2023
Raman microscopy on Roman concrete in Admir Masic's lab.
The famous Pantheon in Rome boasts the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome—an architectural marvel that has endured for millennia, thanks to the incredible durability of ancient Roman concrete. For decades, scientists have been trying to determine precisely what makes the material so durable. A new analysis of samples taken from the concrete walls of the Privernum archaeological site near Rome has yielded insights into those elusive manufacturing secrets. It seems the Romans employed "hot mixing" with quicklime, among other strategies, that gave the material self-healing functionality, according to a new paper published in the journal Science Advances.
As we've reported previously, like today's Portland cement (a basic ingredient of modern concrete), ancient Roman concrete was basically a mix of a semi-liquid mortar and aggregate. Portland cement is typically made by heating limestone and clay (as well as sandstone, ash, chalk, and iron) in a kiln. The resulting clinker is then ground into a fine powder, with just a touch of added gypsum—the better to achieve a smooth, flat surface. But the aggregate used to make Roman concrete was made up of fist-sized pieces of stone or bricks.
In his treatise De architectura (circa 30 CE), the Roman architect and engineer Vitruvius wrote about how to build concrete walls for funerary structures that could endure for a long time without falling into ruins. He recommended the walls be at least two feet thick, made of either "squared red stone or of brick or lava laid in courses." The brick or volcanic rock aggregate should be bound with mortar composed of hydrated lime and porous fragments of glass and crystals from volcanic eruptions (known as volcanic tephra).
Admir Masic, an environmental engineer at MIT, has studied ancient Roman concrete for several years. For instance, in 2019, Masic and two colleagues (MIT's Janille Maragh and Harvard's James Weaver) pioneered a new set of tools for analyzing Roman concrete samples from Privernum at multiple length scales—notably, Raman spectroscopy for chemical profiling and multi-detector energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) for phase mapping the material.
Masic was also a co-author of a 2021 study analyzing samples of the ancient concrete used to build a 2,000-year-old mausoleum along the Appian Way in Rome known as the Tomb of Caecilia Metella, a noblewoman who lived in the first century CE. It's widely considered one of the best-preserved monuments on the Appian Way. They used the Advanced Light Source to identify the many different minerals contained in the samples and their orientation, as well as scanning electron microscopy.
They discovered that the tomb's mortar was similar to the walls of the Markets of Trajan: volcanic tephra from the Pozzolane Rosse pyroclastic flow, binding together large chunks of brick and lava aggregate. However, the tephra used in the tomb's mortar contained much more potassium-rich leucite. The potassium in the mortar dissolved in turn and effectively reconfigured the binding phase. Some parts remained intact after more than 2,000 years, while other areas looked wispier and showed some signs of splitting. In fact, the structure somewhat resembled nanocrystals. So the interfacial zones constantly evolve through long-term remodeling, reinforcing those interfacial zones.
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Roman concrete
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_concrete
Roman concrete, also called opus caementicium, was used in construction in ancient Rome. Like its modern equivalent, Roman concrete was based on a hydraulic-setting cement added to an aggregate.
Many buildings and structures still standing today, such as bridges, reservoirs and aqueducts, were built with this material, which attests to both its versatility and its durability. Its strength was sometimes enhanced by the incorporation of pozzolanic ash where available (particularly in the Bay of Naples). The addition of ash prevented cracks from spreading. Recent research has shown that the incorporation of mixtures of different types of lime, forming conglomerate "clasts" allowed the concrete to self-repair cracks.[1]
Roman concrete was in widespread use from about 150 BC;[2] some scholars believe it was developed a century before that.[3]
It was often used in combination with facings and other supports,[4] and interiors were further decorated by stucco, fresco paintings, or colored marble. Further innovative developments in the material, part of the so-called concrete revolution, contributed to structurally complicated forms. The most prominent example of these is the Pantheon dome, the world's largest and oldest unreinforced concrete dome.[5]
Roman concrete differs from modern concrete in that the aggregates often included larger components; hence, it was laid rather than poured.[6] Roman concretes, like any hydraulic concrete, were usually able to set underwater, which was useful for bridges and other waterside construction.
Material properties
Roman concrete, like any concrete, consists of an aggregate and hydraulic mortar, a binder mixed with water that hardens over time. The composition of the aggregate varied, and included pieces of rock, ceramic tile, lime clasts, and brick rubble from the remains of previously demolished buildings. In Rome, readily available tuff was often used as an aggregate.[14]
Gypsum and quicklime were used as binders.[2] Volcanic dusts, called pozzolana or "pit sand", were favoured where they could be obtained. Pozzolana makes the concrete more resistant to salt water than modern-day concrete.[15] Pozzolanic mortar had a high content of alumina and silica.
Research in 2023 found that lime clasts, previously considered a sign of poor aggregation technique, react with water seeping into any cracks. This produces reactive calcium, which allows new calcium carbonate crystals to form and reseal the cracks.[16] These lime clasts have a brittle structure that was most likely created in a "hot-mixing" technique with quicklime rather than traditional slaked lime, causing cracks to preferentially move through the lime clasts, thus potentially playing a critical role in the self-healing mechanism.[1]
Concrete and, in particular, the hydraulic mortar responsible for its cohesion, was a type of structural ceramic whose utility derived largely from its rheological plasticity in the paste state. The setting and hardening of hydraulic cements derived from hydration of materials and the subsequent chemical and physical interaction of these hydration products. This differed from the setting of slaked lime mortars, the most common cements of the pre-Roman world. Once set, Roman concrete exhibited little plasticity, although it retained some resistance to tensile stresses.
The setting of pozzolanic cements has much in common with setting of their modern counterpart, Portland cement. The high silica composition of Roman pozzolana cements is very close to that of modern cement to which blast furnace slag, fly ash, or silica fume have been added.
The strength and longevity of Roman 'marine' concrete is understood to benefit from a reaction of seawater with a mixture of volcanic ash and quicklime to create a rare crystal called tobermorite, which may resist fracturing. As seawater percolated within the tiny cracks in the Roman concrete, it reacted with phillipsite naturally found in the volcanic rock and created aluminous tobermorite crystals. The result is a candidate for "the most durable building material in human history". In contrast, modern concrete exposed to saltwater deteriorates within decades.[17][18][19]
The Roman concrete at the Tomb of Caecilia Metella is another variation higher in potassium that triggered changes that "reinforce interfacial zones and potentially contribute to improved mechanical performance".
Seismic technology
For an environment as prone to earthquakes as the Italian peninsula, interruptions and internal constructions within walls and domes created discontinuities in the concrete mass. Portions of the building could then shift slightly when there was movement of the earth to accommodate such stresses, enhancing the overall strength of the structure. It was in this sense that bricks and concrete were flexible. It may have been precisely for this reason that, although many buildings sustained serious cracking from a variety of causes, they continue to stand to this day.[21][10]
Another technology used to improve the strength and stability of concrete was its gradation in domes. One example is the Pantheon, where the aggregate of the upper dome region consists of alternating layers of light tuff and pumice, giving the concrete a density of 1,350 kilograms per cubic metre (84 lb/cu ft). The foundation of the structure used travertine as an aggregate, having a much higher density of 2,200 kilograms per cubic metre (140 lb/cu ft).
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Roman cement
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_cement
Roman cement is a substance developed by James Parker in the 1780s, being patented in 1796.[1][2]
The name is misleading, as it is nothing like any material used by the Romans, but was a "natural cement" made by burning septaria – nodules that are found in certain clay deposits, and that contain both clay minerals and calcium carbonate. The burnt nodules were ground to a fine powder. This product, made into a mortar with sand, set in 5–15 minutes.[1][2][3] The success of Roman cement led other manufacturers to develop rival products by burning artificial mixtures of clay and chalk.
History
There has been recent resurgence of interest in natural cements and Roman cements due mainly to the need for repair of façades done in this material in the 19th century. The major confusion involved for many people in this subject is the terminology used. Roman cement was originally the name given, by Parker, to the cement he patented which is a natural cement (i.e. it is a marl, or limestone containing integral clay, dug out of the ground, burnt and ground to a fine powder).
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Tobermorite
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobermorite
Tobermorite is a calcium silicate hydrate mineral with chemical formula: Ca5Si6O16(OH)2·4H2O or Ca5Si6(O,OH)18·5H2O.
Two structural varieties are distinguished: tobermorite-11 Å and tobermorite-14 Å. Tobermorite occurs in hydrated cement paste and can be found in nature as an alteration mineral in metamorphosed limestone and in skarn. It has been reported to occur in the Maqarin Area of north Jordan and in the Crestmore Quarry near Crestmore Heights, Riverside County, California.
Tobermorite was first described in 1880 for an occurrence in Scotland, on the Isle of Mull, around the locality of Tobermory.
Use in Roman concrete
Aluminum-substituted tobermorite is understood to be a key ingredient responsible for the longevity of ancient undersea Roman concrete. The volcanic ash that Romans used for construction of sea walls contained phillipsite, and an interaction with sea water caused the crystalline structures in the concrete to expand and strengthen, making that material substantially more durable than modern concrete when exposed to sea water.
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Rice, beer, and urine mixed into ancient structures could help explain how they're still standing after millennia
Oct 3, 2023
Ancient
builders across the world created structures that are still standing
today, thousands of years later — from Roman engineers who poured thick
concrete sea barriers, to Maya masons who crafted plaster sculptures to
their gods, to Chinese builders who raised walls against invaders.
Yet
scores of more recent structures are already staring down their
expiration dates: The concrete that makes up much of our modern world
has a lifespan of around 50 to 100 years.
A growing number of
scientists have been studying materials from long-ago eras — chipping
off chunks of buildings, poring over historical texts, mixing up copycat
recipes — hoping to uncover how they've held up for millennia.
Tree bark, volcanic ash, rice, beer, and even urine
This
reverse engineering has turned up a surprising list of ingredients that
were mixed into old buildings — materials such as tree bark, volcanic
ash, rice, beer, and even urine. These unexpected add-ins could be key
to some pretty impressive properties, like the ability to get stronger
over time and "heal" cracks when they form.
Figuring out how to
copy those features could have real impacts today: While our modern
concrete has the strength to hold up massive skyscrapers and heavy
infrastructure, it can't compete with the endurance of these ancient
materials.
And with the rising threats of climate change, there's
a growing call to make construction more sustainable. A recent UN
report estimates that the built environment is responsible for more than
a third of global CO2 emissions — and cement production alone makes up
more than 7% of those emissions.
"If you improve the properties
of the material by using … traditional recipes from Maya people or the
ancient Chinese, you can produce material that can be used in modern
construction in a much more sustainable way," said Carlos
Rodriguez-Navarro, a cultural heritage researcher at Spain's University
of Granada.
Is ancient Roman concrete better than today's?
Many
researchers have turned to the Romans for inspiration. Starting around
200 BCE, the architects of the Roman Empire were building impressive
concrete structures that have stood the test of time — from the soaring
dome of the Pantheon to the sturdy aqueducts that still carry water
today.
Even in harbors, where seawater has been battering
structures for ages, you'll find concrete "basically the way it was when
it was poured 2,000 years ago," said John Oleson, an archaeologist at
the University of Victoria in Canada.
Most modern concrete starts
with Portland cement, a powder made by heating limestone and clay to
super-high temperatures and grinding them up. That cement is mixed with
water to create a chemically reactive paste. Then, chunks of material
like rock and gravel are added, and the cement paste binds them into a
concrete mass.
According to records from ancient architects like
Vitruvius, the Roman process was similar. The ancient builders mixed
materials like burnt limestone and volcanic sand with water and gravel,
creating chemical reactions to bind everything together.
Now,
scientists think they've found a key reason why some Roman concrete has
held up structures for thousands of years: The ancient material has an
unusual power to repair itself. Exactly how is not yet clear, but
scientists are starting to find clues.
In a study published
earlier this year, Admir Masic, a civil and environmental engineer at
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, proposed that this power
comes from chunks of lime that are studded throughout the Roman material
instead of being mixed in evenly. Researchers used to think these
chunks were a sign that the Romans weren't mixing up their materials
well enough.
Instead, after analyzing concrete samples from
Privernum — an ancient city outside of Rome — the scientists found that
the chunks could fuel the material's "self-healing" abilities. When
cracks form, water is able to seep into the concrete, Masic explained.
That water activates the leftover pockets of lime, sparking up new
chemical reactions that can fill in the damaged sections.
Marie
Jackson, a geologist at the University of Utah, has a different take.
Her research has found that the key could be in the specific volcanic
materials used by the Romans.
The builders would gather volcanic
rocks left behind after eruptions to mix into their concrete. This
naturally reactive material changes over time as it interacts with the
elements, Jackson said, allowing it to seal cracks that develop.
The
ability to keep adapting over time "is truly the genius of the
material," Jackson said. "The concrete was so well designed that it
sustains itself."
Using tree juice to make sculptures as strong as seashells
At
Copan, a Maya site in Honduras, intricate lime sculptures and temples
remain intact even after more than 1,000 years exposed to a hot, humid
environment. And according to a study published earlier this year, the
secret to these structures' longevity might lie in the trees that sprout
among them.
Researchers here had a living link to the
structures' creators: They met with local masons in Honduras who traced
their lineage all the way back to the Maya builders, explained
Rodriguez-Navarro, who worked on the study.
The masons suggested
using extracts from local chukum and jiote trees in the lime mix. When
researchers tested out the recipe — collecting bark, putting the chunks
in water and adding the resulting tree "juice" into the material — they
found the resulting plaster was especially durable against physical and
chemical damage.
When scientists zoomed in, they saw that bits of
organic material from the tree juice got incorporated into the
plaster's molecular structure. In this way, the Maya plaster was able to
mimic sturdy natural structures like seashells and sea urchin spines —
and borrow some of their toughness, Rodriguez-Navarro said.
Studies
have found all kinds of natural materials mixed into structures from
long ago: fruit extracts, milk, cheese curd, beer, even dung and urine.
The mortar that holds together some of China's most famous structures —
including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City — includes traces of
starch from sticky rice.
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-ancient-maya-roman-chinese-buildings-last-millennia-2023-10?op=1
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Geopolymer
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geopolymer
A geopolymer is an inorganic, often ceramic-like material, that forms a stable, covalently bonded, non-crystalline to semi-crystalline network through the reaction of aluminosilicate materials with an alkaline or acidic solution. Many geopolymers may also be classified as alkali-activated cements or acid-activated binders.[1] They are mainly produced by a chemical reaction between a chemically reactive aluminosilicate powder e.g. metakaolin or other clay-derived powders, natural pozzolan, or suitable glasses, and an aqueous solution (alkaline or acidic) that causes this powder to react and re-form into a solid monolith. The most common pathway to produce geopolymers is by the reaction of metakaolin with sodium silicate, which is an alkaline solution, but other processes are also possible.[2]
The term geopolymer was coined by Joseph Davidovits in 1978 due to the rock-forming minerals of geological origin used in the synthesis process.[3] These materials and associated terminology were popularized over the following decades via his work with the Institut Géopolymère (Geopolymer Institute).[3]
Geopolymers are synthesized in one of two conditions:
- in alkaline medium (Na+, K+, Li+, Cs+, Ca2+…)
- in acidic medium (phosphoric acid: H3PO4)
The alkaline route is the most important in terms of research and development and commercial applications. Details on the acidic route have also been published.[4][5]
Commercially produced geopolymers may be used for fire- and heat-resistant coatings and adhesives, medicinal applications, high-temperature ceramics, new binders for fire-resistant fiber composites, toxic and radioactive waste encapsulation, and as cementing components in making or repairing concretes. Due to the increasing demand for low-emission building materials, geopolymer technology is being developed as a lower-CO2 alternative to traditional Portland cement, with the potential for widespread use in concrete production.[6] The properties and uses of geopolymers are being explored in many scientific and industrial disciplines such as modern inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, colloid chemistry, mineralogy, geology, and in other types of engineering process technologies. In addition to their use in construction, geopolymers are utilized in resins, coatings, and adhesives for aerospace, automotive, and protective applications.
Composition
In the 1950s, Viktor Glukhovsky developed concrete materials originally known as "soil silicate concretes" and "soil cements",[7] but since the introduction of the geopolymer concept by Joseph Davidovits, the terminology and definitions of the word geopolymer have become more diverse and often conflicting. The word geopolymer is sometimes used to refer to naturally occurring organic macromolecules;[8] that sense of the word differs from the now-more-common use of this terminology to discuss inorganic materials which can have either cement-like or ceramic-like character.
A geopolymer is essentially a mineral chemical compound or mixture of compounds consisting of repeating units, for example silico-oxide (-Si-O-Si-O-), silico-aluminate (-Si-O-Al-O-), ferro-silico-aluminate (-Fe-O-Si-O-Al-O-) or alumino-phosphate (-Al-O-P-O-), created through a process of geopolymerization.[9] This method of describing mineral synthesis (geosynthesis) was first presented by Davidovits at an IUPAC symposium in 1976.[10]
Even within the context of inorganic materials, there exist various definitions of the word geopolymer, which can include a relatively wide variety of low-temperature synthesized solid materials.[11] The most typical geopolymer is generally described as resulting from the reaction between metakaolin (calcined kaolinitic clay) and a solution of sodium or potassium silicate (waterglass). Geopolymerization tends to result in a highly connected, disordered network of negatively charged tetrahedral oxide units balanced by the sodium or potassium ions.
In the simplest form, an example chemical formula for a geopolymer can be written as Na2O·Al2O3·nSiO2·wH2O, where n is usually between 2 and 4, and w is around 11-15. Geopolymers can be formulated with a wide variety of substituents in both the framework (silicon, aluminium) and non-framework (sodium) sites; most commonly potassium or calcium takes on the non-framework sites, but iron or phosphorus can in principle replace some of the aluminum or silicon.[citation needed]
Geopolymerization usually occurs at ambient or slightly elevated temperature; the solid aluminosilicate raw materials (e.g. metakaolin) dissolve into the alkaline solution, then cross-link and polymerize into a growing gel phase, which then continues to set, harden, and gain strength.
Geopolymer synthesis
Covalent bonding
The fundamental unit within a geopolymer structure is a tetrahedral complex consisting of silicon or aluminum coordinated through covalent bonds to four oxygens. The geopolymer framework results from the cross-linking between these tetrahedra, which leads to a 3-dimensional aluminosilicate network, where the negative charge associated with tetrahedral aluminium is balanced by a small cationic species, most commonly an alkali metal cation (Na+, K+ etc). These alkali metal cations are often ion-exchangeable, as they are associated with, but only loosely bonded to the main covalent network, similarly to the non-framework cations present in zeolites.
Oligomer formation
Geopolymerization is the process of combining many small molecules known as oligomers into a covalently bonded network. This reaction process takes place via formation of oligomers (dimer, trimer, tetramer, pentamer) which are believed to contribute to the formation of the actual structure of the three-dimensional macromolecular framework, either through direct incorporation or through rearrangement via monomeric species.[12] These oligomers are named by some geopolymer chemists as sialates following the scheme developed by Davidovits,[3] although this terminology is not universally accepted within the research community due in part to confusion with the earlier (1952) use of the same word to refer to the salts of the important biomolecule sialic acid.[6]
The image shows five examples of small oligomeric potassium aluminosilicate species (labelled in the diagram according to the poly(sialate) / poly(sialate-siloxo) nomenclature), which are key intermediates in potassium-based alumino-silicate geopolymerization. The aqueous chemistry of aluminosilicate oligomers is complex,[13] and plays an important role in the discussion of zeolite synthesis, a process which has many details in common with geopolymerization.
Example of geopolymerization of a metakaolin precursor, in an alkaline medium[14]
The reaction process broadly involves four main stages:
- Alkaline hydrolysis of the layered structure of the calcined kaolinite
- Formation of monomeric and oligomeric species
- In the presence of waterglass (soluble potassium or sodium silicate), cyclic Al-Si structures can form (e.g. #5 in the figure), whereby the hydroxide is liberated by condensation reactions and can react again
- Geopolymerization (polycondensation) into polymeric 3D-networks.
The reaction processes involving other aluminosilicate precursors (e.g. low-calcium fly ash, crushed or synthetic glasses, natural pozzolans) are broadly similar to the steps described above.
Geopolymer 3D-frameworks and water
Geopolymerization forms aluminosilicate frameworks that are similar to those of some rock-forming minerals, but lacking in long-range crystalline order, and generally containing water in both chemically bound sites (hydroxyl groups) and in molecular form as pore water. This water can be removed at temperatures above 100 – 200 °C. Cation hydration and the locations, and mobility of water molecules in pores are important for lower-temperature applications, such as in usage of geopolymers as cements.[15][16] The figure shows a geopolymer containing both bound (Si-OH groups) and free water (left in the figure). Some water is associated with the framework similarly to zeolitic water, and some is in larger pores and can be readily released and removed. After dehydroxylation (and dehydration), generally above 250 °C, geopolymers can then crystallise above 800-1000 °C (depending on the nature of the alkali cation present).[17]
Commercial applications
There exists a wide variety of potential and existing applications. Some of the geopolymer applications are still in development, whereas others are already industrialized and commercialized.[18] They are listed in three major categories:
Geopolymer cements and concretes
- Building materials (for example, clay bricks)
- Low-CO2 cements and concretes
- Radioactive and toxic waste containment
Geopolymer resins and binders
- Fire-resistant materials, thermal insulation, foams
- Low-energy ceramic tiles, refractory items, thermal shock refractories
- High-tech resin systems, paints, binders and grouts
- Bio-technologies (materials for medicinal applications)
- Foundry industry (resins), tooling for the manufacture of organic fiber composites
- Composites for infrastructure repair and strengthening
- Fire-resistant and heat-resistant high-tech carbon-fiber composites for aircraft interiors and automobiles
Arts and archaeology
- Decorative stone artifacts, arts and decoration
- Cultural heritage, archaeology and history of sciences
Alkali-activated materials vs. geopolymer cements
There exists some confusion in the terminology applied to geopolymers, alkali-activated cements and concretes, and related materials, which have been described by a variety of names including also "soil silicate concretes" and "soil cements".[7] Terminology related to alkali-activated materials or alkali-activated geopolymers is also in wide (but debated) use. These cements, sometimes abbreviated AAM, encompass the specific fields of alkali-activated slags, alkali-activated coal fly ashes, and various blended cementing systems.
User-friendly alkaline-reagents
Geopolymerization uses chemical ingredients that may be dangerous and therefore requires some safety procedures. Material Safety rules classify the alkaline products in two categories: corrosive products (named here: hostile) and irritant products (named here: friendly).[20]
The table lists some alkaline chemicals and their corresponding safety labels.[22] Alkaline reagents belonging to the second (less elevated pH) class may also be termed as User-friendly, although the irritant nature of the alkaline component and the potential inhalation risk of powders still require the selection and use of appropriate personal protective equipment, as in any situation where chemicals or powders are handled.
The development of some alkali-activated-cements, as shown in numerous published recipes (especially those based on fly ashes) use alkali silicates with molar ratios SiO2:M2O below 1.20, or are based on concentrated NaOH. These conditions are not considered so user-friendly as when more moderate pH values are used, and require careful consideration of chemical safety handling laws, regulations, and state directives.
Conversely, geopolymer cement recipes employed in the field generally involve alkaline soluble silicates with starting molar ratios ranging from 1.45 to 1.95, particularly 1.60 to 1.85, i.e. user-friendly conditions. It may happen that for research, some laboratory recipes have molar ratios in the 1.20 to 1.45 range.
Examples of materials that are sometimes called geopolymer cements
Commercial geopolymer cements were developed in the 1980s, of the type (K,Na,Ca)-aluminosilicate (or "slag-based geopolymer cement") and resulted from the research carried out by Joseph Davidovits and J.L. Sawyer at Lone Star Industries, USA, marketed as Pyrament® cement. The US patent 4,509,985 was granted on April 9, 1985 with the title 'Early high-strength mineral polymer'.[23]
In the 1990s, using knowledge of the synthesis of zeolites from fly ashes, Wastiels et al.,[24] Silverstrim et al.[25] and van Jaarsveld and van Deventer[26] developed geopolymeric fly ash-based cements.
Materials based on siliceous (EN 197), also called class F (ASTM C618), fly ashes are known:
- alkali-activated fly ash geopolymer:[27]
- In many (but not all) cases requires heat curing at 60-80°C; not manufactured separately as a cement, but rather produced directly as a fly-ash based concrete. NaOH + fly ash: partially-reacted fly ash particles embedded in an alumino-silicate gel with Si:Al= 1 to 2, zeolitic type (chabazite-Na and sodalite) structures.
- slag/fly ash-based geopolymer cement:[28]
- Room-temperature cement hardening. Alkali metal silicate solution + blast furnace slag + fly ash: fly ash particles embedded in a geopolymeric matrix with Si:Al ~ 2. Can be produced with "user-friendly" (not extremely high pH) activating solutions.
The properties of iron-containing "ferri-sialate"-based geopolymer cements are similar to those of rock-based geopolymer cements but involve geological elements, or metallurgical slags, with high iron oxide content. The hypothesised binder chemistry is (Ca,K)-(Fe-O)-(Si-O-Al-O).[29]
Rock-based geopolymer cements can be formed by the reaction of natural pozzolanic materials under alkaline conditions,[30] and geopolymers derived from calcined clays (e.g. metakaolin) can also be produced in the form of cements.
CO2 emissions during manufacturing
Geopolymer cements can be designed to have lower attributed CO2 emissions compared to other widely used materials such as ordinary Portland cement.[31] Geopolymers use industrial byproducts/waste containing aluminosilicate phases in manufacturing, which minimizes CO2 emissions and therefore have a lower global warming potential (GWP).[32] However, emissions still arise from various stages of production of geopolymer concretes. The extraction and processing of raw materials, such as fly ash, slag, or metakaolin, require energy and contribute to CO2 emissions, though they are often industrial by-products with a lower environmental impact than clinker production in Portland concrete.[33] A significant source of emissions in geopolymer concrete manufacturing is the production of alkali activators like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate, which require high-temperature processing and contribute to the overall global warming potential.[33] Additionally, energy consumption during mixing, transportation, and curing, especially when elevated temperatures are used, can further contribute to emissions. While studies suggest that geopolymer concrete can reduce global warming potential by up to 64% compared to Portland concrete through material selection and optimized activator use, the overall impact depends on the specific composition and processing methods employed.[33]
While geopolymer concrete generally has a lower global warming potential (GWP) than ordinary Portland concrete, its environmental impact varies based on the choice of raw materials and activators.[33] In particular, the production of alkali activators like sodium hydroxide plays a crucial role in determining the overall sustainability of geopolymer concrete. A life cycle assessment (LCA) study by Salas et al. (2018) shows that sodium hydroxide production is a major factor in the environmental impact of geopolymer concrete, as it is also essential for sodium silicate production.[34] The energy mix used in its production significantly influences emissions, with a 2018 mix (85% hydroelectricity) reducing impacts by 30–70% compared to a 2012 mix (62% hydroelectricity).[34] The source of sodium hydroxide also affects geopolymer concrete’s sustainability, with solar salt-based production and hydropower reducing its GWP by 64% compared to conventional concrete (CC).[34] However, geopolymer concrete has higher ozone depletion potential due to CFC emissions from the chlor-alkali process, a drawback not present in CC production.[34] Other environmental impacts vary, with geopolymer concrete slightly outperforming CC in fossil fuel depletion and eutrophication but performing slightly worse in acidification and photochemical oxidant formation.
Geopolymers as ceramics
Geopolymers can be used as a low-cost and/or chemically flexible route to ceramic production, both to produce monolithic specimens, and as the continuous (binder) phase in composites with particulate or fibrous dispersed phases.[39]
Room-temperature processed materials
Geopolymers produced at room temperature are typically hard, brittle, castable, and mechanically strong. This combination of characteristics offers the opportunity for their usage in a variety of applications in which other ceramics (e.g. porcelain) are conventionally used. Some of the first patented applications of geopolymer-type materials - actually predating the coining of the term geopolymer by multiple decades - relate to use in automobile spark plugs.[40]
Thermal processing of geopolymers to produce ceramics
It is also possible to use geopolymers as a versatile pathway to produce crystalline ceramics or glass-ceramics, by forming a geopolymer through room-temperature setting, and then heating (calcining) it at the necessary temperature to convert it from the crystallographically disordered geopolymer form to achieve the desired crystalline phases (e.g. leucite, pollucite and others).[41]
Geopolymer applications in arts and archaeology
Because geopolymer artifacts can look like natural stone, several artists started to cast in silicone rubber molds replicas of their sculptures. For example, in the 1980s, the French artist Georges Grimal worked on several geopolymer castable stone formulations.[42]
Egyptian pyramid stones
In the mid-1980s, Joseph Davidovits presented his first analytical results carried out on samples sourced from Egyptian pyramids. He claimed that the ancient Egyptians used a geopolymeric reaction to make re-agglomerated limestone blocks.[43][44][45] Later on, several materials scientists and physicists took over these archaeological studies and have published results on pyramid stones, claiming synthetic origins.[46][47][48][49] However, the theories of synthetic origin of pyramid stones have also been stridently disputed by other geologists, materials scientists, and archaeologists.[50]
Roman cements
It has also been claimed that the Roman lime-pozzolan cements used in the building of some important structures, especially works related to water storage (cisterns, aqueducts), have chemical parallels to geopolymeric materials.
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Energetically modified cement
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energetically_modified_cement
Energetically modified cements (EMCs) are a class of cements made from pozzolans (e.g. fly ash, volcanic ash, pozzolana), silica sand, blast furnace slag, or Portland cement (or blends of these ingredients).[1] The term "energetically modified" arises by virtue of the mechanochemistry process applied to the raw material, more accurately classified as "high energy ball milling" (HEBM). At its simplest this means a milling method that invokes high kinetics by subjecting "powders to the repeated action of hitting balls" as compared to (say) the low kinetics of rotating ball mills.[2] This causes, amongst others, a thermodynamic transformation in the material to increase its chemical reactivity.[3] For EMCs, the HEBM process used is a unique form of specialised vibratory milling discovered in Sweden and applied only to cementitious materials, here called "EMC Activation".[4]
By improving the reactivity of pozzolans, their strength-development rate is increased. This allows for compliance with modern product-performance requirements ("technical standards") for concretes and mortars. In turn, this allows for the replacement of Portland cement in the concrete and mortar mixes. This has a number of benefits to their long-term qualities.[3]
Energetically modified cements have a wide range of uses. For example, EMCs have been used in concretes for large infrastructure projects in the United States, meeting U.S. concrete standards.
Justification
The term "energetically modified cement" incorporates a simple thermodynamic descriptor to refer to a class of cements produced using a specialised highly intensive milling process first discovered in 1992 at Luleå University of Technology (LTU) in Sweden.[6][7] The transformatory process is initiated entirely mechanically as opposed to heating the materials directly.[7][8][9] The mechanisms of mechanochemical transformations are often complex and different from "traditional" thermal or photochemical mechanisms.[10][11] HEBM can transform both the physical and thermodynamic properties that for example, "can lead to glass formation from elemental powder mixtures as well as by amorphization of intermetallic compound powders".[12] The effects of HEBM-transformation cause a thermodynamic change that resides ultimately in a modified Gibbs Energy.[13] The process increases the binding capacity and chemical reactivity rates of the materials transformed.[4][14]
Continuing academic work and research regarding "self-healing" properties of energetically modified cements is ongoing at LTU.[15] For example, EMCs has received awards from the Elsa ō Sven Thysells stiftelse för konstruktionsteknisk forskning (Elsa & Sven Thysell Foundation for Construction Engineering Research) of Sweden.[16] The contribution of EMCs to the domain of mechanochemistry itself has also been recognised.
Overview
The claims made include:
- An EMC is a fine powder (typical of all cements) whose colour depends on the material processed.
- EMCs are produced using only a "fraction" of the energy used in Portland cement production (claimed ~100 KWh/tonne, <8% of Portland cement).
- No CO2 is released by the process. It is "zero emissions".
- The purpose of an EMC is to replace the Portland cement requirement in the mortar or concrete being used. More than 70% replacement is claimed.
- EMC Activation is a dry process.
- No noxious fumes are released.
- EMC Activation is a low-temperature process, even though temperatures can be "momentarily extreme" at "sub-micron" scales.
- EMCs require no chemicals for their thermodynamic transformation.
- There are several types of EMCs, depending on the raw materials transformed.
- Depending on user-requirements, delivered dry products may comprise also a minority proportion of "high clinker" Portland cement.
- Each type of EMC has its own performance characteristics, including mechanical load and strength development. Concretes cast from EMCs may yield significant "self-healing" capabilities.
- The most frequently used EMCs are made from fly ash and natural pozzolans. These are relatively abundant materials, and the performance characteristics can exceed those of Portland cement.
- In 2009, fly ash EMCs were demonstrated to exceed the 'Grade 120 Slag' benchmark per ASTM C989 — the most reactive form of cementitious blast furnace slag.
- Silica sand and granite can also be treated by the process to replace Portland cement.
- EMC products have been extensively tested by independent labs and certified for use by several US DOTs including in Federal Highway Administration projects.
- EMCs comply with respective technical standards, such as ASTM C618-19 (U.S.); EN-197, EN-206 and EN 450-1:2012 (CEN territories, including EEA); BS 8615‑1:2019 (U.K.).
- Compared to using Portland cement, the resulting concrete-mix using EMC does not require a higher "total cementitious content" to meet strength-development requirements.
- In testing by BASF, the 28-day strength-development for 55% replacement of Portland cement by a natural pozzolanic EMC was 14,000 psi / 96.5 MPa (i.e. > C95). This comprised a "total cementitious content" of 335 kg/m^3 (564 lbs/CY) concrete mix.
Production and field-usage
No noxious emissions or toxic chemicals during production
EMC Activation is purely a mechanical process. As such, it does not involve heating or burning or indeed any chemical treatments. This means no fumes at all are produced during an EMC's manufacture.[23]
History
EMCs have been produced for project usage since 1992 for a wide range of uses.[5] By 2010, the volume of concrete poured containing EMCs was about 4,500,000 cu yd (3,440,496 m3), largely on US DOT projects.[5] To place this into context, that is more than the entire construction of the Hoover Dam, its associated power plants and appurtenant works, where a total of 4,360,000 cu·yds (3,333,459 m3) of concrete was poured—equivalent to a U.S. standard highway from San Francisco to New York City.[32]
Early usage in Sweden
An early project used a concrete comprising a 50% Portland cement substitution using a silica sand EMC. This was deployed for the construction of a road bridge in Karungi, Sweden, in 1999, with Swedish construction firm Skanska. The Karungi road bridge has withstood Karungi's harsh subarctic climate and divergent annual and diurnal temperature ranges.[23]
Usage in the United States
In the United States, energetically modified cements have been approved for usage by a number of state transportation agencies, including PennDOT, TxDOT and CalTrans.[25]
In the United States, highway bridges and hundreds of miles of highway paving have been constructed using concretes made from EMC derived from fly ash.[5] These projects include sections of Interstate 10.[5] In these projects, EMC replaced at least 50% of the Portland cement in the concrete poured.[26] This is about 2.5 times more than the typical amount of fly ash in projects where energetic modification is not used.[33] Independent test data showed 28-day strength-development requirements were exceeded in all projects. In 2009, fly ash EMCs were demonstrated to exceed the 'Grade 120 Slag' benchmark per ASTM C989.[26]
Another project was the extension of the passenger terminals at the Port of Houston, Texas, where energetically modified cement's ability to yield concretes that exhibit high resistances to chloride– and sulphate–ion permeability (i.e., increased resistance to seawater) was a factor.[5]
Developments in 2024
EMCs using Pozzolans such as volcanic materials
Self-healing properties of pozzolanic EMCs
Natural pozzolanic reactions can cause mortars and concretes containing these materials to "self-heal".[40][41][42] The EMC Activation process can increase the likelihood of the occurrence of these pozzolanic reactions.[43][44] The same tendency been noted and studied in the various supporting structures of Hagia Sophia built for the Byzantine emperor Justinian (now, Istanbul, Turkey).[45] There, in common with most Roman cements, mortars comprising high amounts of pozzolana were used — in order to give what was thought to be an increased resistance to the stress-effects caused by earthquakes.[46]
EMCs made from pozzolanic materials exhibit "biomimetic" self-healing capabilities that can be photographed as they develop (see picture insert).[39]
EMCs using California pozzolans
Concretes made by replacing at least 50% of the Portland cement with EMCs have yielded consistent field results in high-volume applications.[26] This is also the case for EMC made from natural pozzolans (e.g., volcanic ash).[47]
Volcanic ash deposits from Southern California were independently tested; at 50% Portland cement replacement, the resulting concretes exceeded the requirements of the relevant US standard.[48] At 28 days, the compressive strength was 4,180 psi / 28.8 MPa (N/mm²). The 56-day strength exceeded the requirements for 4,500 psi (31.1 MPa) concrete, even taking into account the safety margin as recommended by the American Concrete Institute.[49] The concrete made in this way was workable and sufficiently strong, exceeding the 75% standard of pozzolanic activity at both 7 days and 28 days.[48] The surface smoothness of pozzolans in the concrete was also increased.
Effect on pozzolanic reactions
EMC Activation is a process that increases a pozzolan's chemical affinity for pozzolanic reactions.[43][44] This leads to faster and greater strength development of the resulting concrete, at higher replacement ratios, than untreated pozzolans.[26][47] These transformed (now highly reactive pozzolans) demonstrate further benefits using known pozzolanic reaction-pathways that typically see as their end-goal a range of hydrated products. An NMR study on EMCs concluded that EMC Activation caused "the formation of thin SiO2 layers around C3S crystals", which in turn, "accelerates the pozzolanic reaction and promotes growing of more extensive nets of the hydrated products".[50]
In simple terms, by using pozzolans in concrete, porous (reactive) Portlandite can be transformed into hard and impermeable (relatively non-reactive) compounds, rather than the porous and soft relatively reactive calcium carbonate produced using ordinary cement.[51] Many of the end products of pozzolanic chemistry exhibit a hardness greater than 7.0 on the Mohs scale."Self healing" capabilities may also contribute to enhanced field-application durabilities where mechanical stresses may be present.
In greater detail, the benefits of pozzolanic concrete, starts with an understanding that in concrete (including concretes with EMCs), Portland cement combines with water to produce a stone-like material through a complex series of chemical reactions, whose mechanisms are still not fully understood. That chemical process, called mineral hydration, forms two cementing compounds in the concrete: calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). This reaction can be noted in three ways, as follows:[52]
- Standard notation:
![{\displaystyle {\mathrm {Ca} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{3}}\mathrm {SiO} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{5}}{}+{}\mathrm {H} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}}\mathrm {O} {}\mathrel {\longrightarrow } {}(\mathrm {CaO} )\,{\cdot }\,(\mathrm {SiO} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}})\,{\cdot }\,(\mathrm {H} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}}\mathrm {O} ){}+{}\mathrm {Ca} (\mathrm {OH} ){\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}}}}](https://wikimedia.org/api/rest_v1/media/math/render/svg/06560c562375fd65e39ba0e2e84ed0f56ca2a12c)
- Balanced:
![{\displaystyle {2\,\mathrm {Ca} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{3}}\mathrm {SiO} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{5}}{}+{}7\,\mathrm {H} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}}\mathrm {O} {}\mathrel {\longrightarrow } {}3\,\mathrm {CaO} \,{\cdot }\,2\,\mathrm {SiO} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}}\,{\cdot }\,4\,\mathrm {H} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}}\mathrm {O} {}+{}3\,\mathrm {Ca} (\mathrm {OH} ){\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}}}}](https://wikimedia.org/api/rest_v1/media/math/render/svg/82dba29dfa8902d22e1adb140b6586aeed9f217c)
- Cement chemist notation (the hyphenation denotes the variable stoichiometry): C3S + H → C-S-H + CH
The underlying hydration reaction forms two products:
- Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), which gives concrete its strength and dimensional stability. The crystal structure of C-S-H in cement paste has not been fully resolved yet and there is still ongoing debate over its nanostructure.[53]
- Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), which in concrete chemistry is known also as Portlandite. In comparison to calcium silicate hydrate, Portlandite is relatively porous, permeable and soft (2 to 3, on Mohs scale).[54] It is also sectile, with flexible cleavage flakes.[55] Portlandite is soluble in water, to yield an alkaline solution which can compromise a concrete's resistance to acidic attack.
Portlandite makes up about 25% of concrete made with Portland cement without pozzolanic cementitious materials.[51] In this type of concrete, carbon dioxide is slowly absorbed to convert the Portlandite into insoluble calcium carbonate (CaCO3), in a process called carbonatation:
![{\displaystyle {\mathrm {Ca} (\mathrm {OH} ){\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}}{}+{}\mathrm {CO} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}}{}\mathrel {\longrightarrow } {}\mathrm {CaCO} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{3}}{}+{}\mathrm {H} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}}\mathrm {O} }}](https://wikimedia.org/api/rest_v1/media/math/render/svg/80fd1f491d39181fff471ee28508e0b21f1437a1)
In mineral form, calcium carbonate can exhibit a wide range of hardness depending on how it is formed. At its softest, calcium carbonate can form in concrete as chalk (of hardness 1.0 on Mohs scale). Like Portlandite, calcium carbonate in mineral form can also be porous, permeable and with a poor resistance to acid attack, which causes it to release carbon dioxide.
Pozzolanic concretes, including EMCs, however, continue to consume the soft and porous Portlandite as the hydration process continues, turning it into additional hardened concrete as calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) rather than calcium carbonate.[51] This results in a denser, less permeable and more durable concrete.[51] This reaction is an acid-base reaction between Portlandite and silicic acid (H4SiO4) that may be represented as follows:
![{\displaystyle {\mathrm {Ca} (\mathrm {OH} ){\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}}{}+{}\mathrm {H} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{4}}\mathrm {SiO} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{4}}{}\mathrel {\longrightarrow } {}\mathrm {Ca} {\vphantom {A}}^{2+}{}+{}\mathrm {H} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}}\mathrm {SiO} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{4}}{\vphantom {A}}^{2-}{}+{}2\,\mathrm {H} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}}\mathrm {O} {}\mathrel {\longrightarrow } {}\mathrm {CaH} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}}\mathrm {SiO} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{4}}\,{\cdot }\,2\,\mathrm {H} {\vphantom {A}}_{\smash[{t}]{2}}\mathrm {O} }}](https://wikimedia.org/api/rest_v1/media/math/render/svg/02375460d85c0d2fdbf078ddfa0b26462a9c5340)
Further, many pozzolans contain aluminate (Al(OH)4−) that will react with Portlandite and water to form:
- calcium aluminate hydrates, such as calcium aluminium garnet (hydrogrossular: C4AH13 or C3AH6 in cement chemist notation, hardness 7.0 to 7.5 on Mohs scale);[57] or
- in combination with silica, to form strätlingite (Ca2Al2SiO7·8H2O or C2ASH8 in cement chemist notation), which geologically can form as xenoliths in basalt as metamorphosed limestone.
Pozzolanic cement chemistry (along with high-aluminate cement chemistry) is complex and per se is not constrained by the foregoing pathways. For example, strätlingite can be formed in a number of ways, including per the following equation which can add to a concrete's strength:
The role of pozzolans in a concrete's chemistry is not fully understood. For example, strätlingite is metastable, which in a high temperature and water-content environment (that can be generated during the early curing stages of concrete) may of itself yield stable calcium aluminium garnet (see first bullet point above).[63] This can be represented per the following equation:
- 3C2AH8 → 2C3AH6 + AH3 + 9H (cement chemist notation) [64]
Per the first bullet point, although the inclusion of calcium aluminium garnet per se is not problematic, if it is instead produced by the foregoing pathway, then micro-cracking and strength-loss can occur in the concrete.[65] However, adding high-reactivity pozzolans into the concrete mix prevents such a conversion reaction.[66] In sum, whereas pozzolans provide a number of chemical pathways to form hardened materials, "high-reactivity" pozzolans such as blast furnace slag (GGBFS) can also stabilise certain pathways. In this context, EMCs made from fly ash have been demonstrated to produce concretes that meet the same characteristics as concretes comprising "120 Slag" (i.e., GGBFS) according to U.S. standard ASTM C989.
Portlandite, when exposed to low temperatures, moist conditions and condensation, can react with sulphate ions to cause efflorescence. In contrast, pozzolanic chemistry reduces the amount of Portlandite available, to reduce the proliferation of efflorescence.
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Natural nanocrystals shown to strengthen concrete
Mar 31, 2015
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Building green with CO2-absorbing concrete
Apr 25, 2024
A
little over an hour from Tokyo, nestled in the mountains near Nagano, a
house has been built in Karuizawa with the world's first carbon
dioxide-removing concrete walls produced by replacing a percentage of
the cement content with an industrial byproduct and adding a
CO2-absorbing admixture of dicalcium silicate.
Karuizawa is one
of Japan's oldest and most famous forested mountain resort towns. The
house, designed by Japanese studio Nendo, has panel walls made of new
eco-friendly concrete blocks called CO2-SUICOM, short for CO2-storage
and utilization for infrastructure by concrete materials, jointly
developed by Kajima Corp. and the Chugoku Electric Power Co., Denka, and
Landes Co.
The special admixture used in CO2-SUICOM absorbs CO2
and solidifies it through a calcium carbonation process. This
significantly reduces the amount of cement and accelerates the permanent
absorption of CO2 inside the concrete.
Generally, concrete
hardens through a chemical reaction between cement and water. During the
CO2-SUICOM manufacturing process, concrete is formed with byproducts
such as coal ash or blast furnace slag, then placed in a curing chamber
fed with CO2 to be absorbed into the concrete, a reaction which hardens
the concrete mix without needing water while retaining the same strength
as traditional concrete.
In addition, it has excellent abrasion resistance and is chemically neutral and nontoxic to plants.
CO2
from various sources, including steel, power, and cement plants, could
be directly used for this, resulting in reduced emissions and even
carbon-negative production, depending on the source of CO2. For example,
a thermal power plant or other facility can redirect its carbon-heavy
exhaust into a carbon sequestration chamber, where concrete products
made with CO2-SUICOM can be placed to capture the CO2 in the gases.
https://www.metaltechnews.com/story/2024/04/17/tech-bytes/building-green-with-co2-absorbing-concrete/1720.html
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AI simulates billions of atoms to create concrete that traps carbon and lasts centuries
Jul 25, 2025
Allegro-FM simulates atoms at record scale to develop smart concrete that’s greener, stronger, and fire-resistant.
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/ai-concrete-simulation-carbon-capture
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Concrete that lasts centuries and captures carbon? AI just made it possible
July 23, 2025
Allegro-FM achieves breakthrough scalability for materials research, enabling simulations 1,000 times larger than previous models.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045707.htm
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New carbon-negative material could make concrete and cement more sustainable
March 19, 2025
Using
seawater, electricity and carbon dioxide (CO2), Northwestern University
scientists have developed a new carbon-negative building material.
As
Earth’s climate continues to warm, researchers around the globe are
exploring ways to capture CO2 from the air and store it deep
underground. While this approach has multiple climate benefits, it does
not maximize the value of the enormous amounts of atmospheric CO2.
Now,
Northwestern’s new strategy addresses this challenge by locking away
CO2 permanently and turning it into valuable materials, which can be
used to manufacture concrete, cement, plaster and paint. The process to
generate the carbon-negative materials also releases hydrogen gas — a
clean fuel with various applications, including transportation.
“We
have developed a new approach that allows us to use seawater to create
carbon-negative construction materials,” said Northwestern’s Alessandro
Rotta Loria, who led the study. “Cement, concrete, paint and plasters
are customarily composed of or derived from calcium- and magnesium-based
minerals, which are often sourced from aggregates — what we call sand.
Currently, sand is sourced through mining from mountains, riverbeds,
coasts and the ocean floor. In collaboration with Cemex, we have devised
an alternative approach to source sand — not by digging into the Earth
but by harnessing electricity and CO2 to grow sand-like materials in
seawater.”
https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2025/03/new-carbon-negative-material-could-make-concrete-and-cement-more-sustainable/
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Bio-Concrete Made From Urine: Researchers Create Sustainable Building Material
Jun 2, 2025
https://sigmaearth.com/bio-concrete-made-from-urine-researchers-create-sustainable-building-material/
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AI-powered self-healing asphalt: A step toward sustainable net-zero roads
Feb 2025
Self-healing
asphalt roads, made from biomass waste and designed with the help of
artificial intelligence (AI), could offer a promising solution to the
UK's pothole problem, which is estimated to cost £143.5 million a year.
A
team of scientists from Swansea University and King’s College London,
in collaboration with scientists in Chile, is designing a new type of
self-healing asphalt that can mend its own cracks without the need for
maintenance or human intervention.
Cracks form when bitumen—the
sticky black material in the asphalt mixture—hardens through
oxidisation, but the exact processes behind this are not entirely known.
The
team has found a way to reverse cracking and develop methods to
"stitch" asphalt back together, creating more durable and sustainable
roads.
During the research, a type of AI known as machine
learning was used to study organic molecules in complex fluids like
bitumen. The team developed a new data-driven model to accelerate
atomistic simulations, advancing research into bitumen oxidation and
crack formation. They are also collaborating with Google Cloud to
simulate the behaviour of the bitumen on a computer.
To make the
asphalt “self-healing”, the team incorporated tiny, porous materials
known as spores, which are smaller than a strand of hair and produced by
plants. These spores are filled with recycled oils, which are released
when the asphalt begins to crack, helping to reverse the process.
In
laboratory experiments, this advanced asphalt material was shown to
completely heal a microcrack on its surface in less than an hour.
Dr
Jose Norambuena-Contreras, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Civil
Engineering at Swansea University and an expert in self-healing
asphalt, said: "As part of our interdisciplinary study, we have brought
together experts in civil engineering, chemistry, and computer science,
combining this knowledge with the state-of-the-art AI tools of Google
Cloud.
“We are proud to be advancing the development of
self-healing asphalt using biomass waste and artificial intelligence.
This approach positions our research at the forefront of sustainable
infrastructure innovation, contributing to the development of net-zero
roads with enhanced durability."
A substantial portion of carbon
emissions from roads is linked to asphalt production. As the highway
sector increasingly prioritises carbon reduction to support the UK
Government's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, advancing
innovative bituminous materials for asphalt roads has become a key
research priority.
https://www.swansea.ac.uk/press-office/news-events/news/2025/02/ai-powered-self-healing-asphalt-a-step-toward-sustainable-net-zero-roads.php
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Basanite basalt rebar chosen to reinforce underground concrete structures
04/22/2022
Indian
Creek Village, an island municipality located in Florida, selected
BasaFlex and BasaMesh fiber reinforcement products as alternatives to
steel rebar.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/basanite-basalt-rebar-chosen-to-reinforce-underground-concrete-structures
____________________________________
The NCC, Skanska trial low-carbon, basalt fiber-reinforced concrete
02/08/2022
Study
is critical to understanding the impact of low-carbon concrete and
advanced composite reinforcement systems in the construction sector, and
its contributions toward low-carbon emissions, structural performance
and EOL recycling.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/the-ncc-skanska-trial-low-carbon-basalt-fiber-reinforced-concrete
____________________________________
Mortar Made From Recycled Plastic Is More Insulating and Eco-Friendly (Controversial)
February 20, 2025
https://www.technologynetworks.com/applied-sciences/news/mortar-made-from-recycled-plastic-is-more-insulating-and-eco-friendly-396369
____________________________________
Nano-engineered sealer leads to more durable concrete
February 17, 2022
A nanomaterials-engineered penetrating sealer developed by Washington
State University researchers is able to better protect concrete from
moisture and salt – the two most damaging factors in crumbling concrete
infrastructure in northern states.
https://www.thegraphenecouncil.org/blogpost/1501180/446597/Nano-engineered-sealer-leads-to-more-durable-concrete
____________________________________
Finding a new formula for concrete
27-May-2016
“If we can replace cement, partially or totally, with some other materials that may be readily and amply available in nature, we can meet our objectives for sustainability,” MIT Professor Oral Buyukozturk says.
Looking to bones and shells as blueprints for stronger, more durable concrete.
https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/158228/finding-a-new-formula-for-concrete.html
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Innovation Pioneers Score World First for Sustainable Construction With “Game-Changing” Graphene-Enhanced Concrete
What’s Concrete’s Problem?
Production of cement for concrete in the building industry is one of the leading causes of global carbon dioxide emissions. Remarkably, if concrete were a country, it would be the third largest emitter in the world behind only China and the US, producing around 8% of global CO2 emissions.
The addition of tiny amounts of graphene — a so-called ‘2D material’ made of a single layer of carbon atoms — strengthens Concretene by around 30% compared to standard RC30 concrete, meaning significantly less is needed to achieve the equivalent structural performance.
“We are thrilled to have developed and constructed this game-changing, graphene-enhanced concrete on a real project,” said Alex McDermott, co-founder and managing director of Nationwide Engineering, who is also a civil engineering graduate from Manchester. “Together with our partners at The University of Manchester’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre and structural engineers HBPW Consulting, we are rapidly evolving our knowledge and experience and are positioned for wider industry deployment through our construction frameworks, becoming the go-to company for graphene-enhanced concrete.”
What Could This Mean for the Building Industry?
Nationwide Engineering has three existing five-year construction frameworks with Network Rail and two seven-year Government Crown commercial building frameworks. With Network Rail committing to an 11% reduction in CO2 emissions over the next four years, graphene-enhanced concrete shows significant potential to help meet this target.
____________________________________
Electrifying cement with nanocarbon black
https://news.mit.edu/2021/electrifying-cement-nanocarbon-black-0420
____________________________________
Recycled Tire Waste Turned Into Graphene Makes Stronger Concrete (Controversial, many tires are toxic)
April 10, 2021
https://www.intelligentliving.co/recycled-tire-graphene-stronger-concrete/
____________________________________
Simple changes in brick kilns cut emissions and improve air quality in Bangladesh
May 8, 2025
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-05-simple-brick-kilns-emissions-air.html
____________________________________
How to Make Orgonite
http://www.orgonite.info/how-to-make-orgonite.html
Basic orgonite is simply fiberglass resin, metal shavings and a quartz
crystal, cured in any mold you like. There's no one "right" shape or
size for orgonite, and its range of effect seems to scale linearly with
volume, but there are specific, time-tested, widely-used and
repeatedly-confirmed effective designs for both personal and field
devices which have grown and continue to grow out of the steadfast work
of talented and dedicated gifters from around the world.
____________________________________
A better board: Glassing with a Bio-Based Epoxy Resin
July 19 2012
http://www.surfrider.org/jims-blog/entry/a-better-board-non-toxic-glassing
____________________________________
New high-volume joining process expands use of aluminum in autos
May 12, 2015
Researchers have demonstrated a new process for the
expanded use of lightweight aluminum in cars and trucks at the speed,
scale, quality and consistency required by the auto industry. The
process reduces production time and costs while yielding strong and
lightweight parts, for example delivering a car door that is 62 percent
lighter and 25 percent cheaper than that produced with today's
manufacturing methods.
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-high-volume-aluminum-autos.html#jCp
____________________________________
Exceptionally strong and lightweight new metal created
December 23, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-exceptionally-strong-lightweight-metal.html#jCp
____________________________________
A metal composite that will (literally) float your boat
May 12, 2015
Researchers have demonstrated a new metal matrix composite that
is so light that it can float on water. A boat made of such lightweight
composites will not sink despite damage to its structure. The new
material also promises to improve automotive fuel economy because it
combines light weight with heat resistance.
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-metal-composite-literally-boat.html#jCp
____________________________________
Nanostructured copper alloy rivals superalloys in strength and stability
March 27, 2025
Colorized scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) image showing a Cu3Li precipitate in the Cu-Ta-Li alloy. The orange-colored features are primarily Cu atoms in the alloy matrix, while the blue and yellow features correspond to the Cu3Li precipitate. The yellow represents Ta atoms in the atomic bilayer complexion, and the blue features represent Li atoms in the core of the Cu3Li precipitate.
Researchers
from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and Lehigh University have
developed a nanostructured copper alloy that could redefine
high-temperature materials for aerospace, defense, and industrial
applications.
Their findings, published in the journal Science,
introduce a Cu-Ta-Li (copper-tantalum-lithium) alloy with exceptional
thermal stability and mechanical strength, making it one of the most
resilient copper-based materials ever created.
"This is
cutting-edge science, developing a new material that uniquely combines
copper's excellent conductivity with strength and durability on the
scale of nickel-based superalloys," said Martin Harmer, the Alcoa
Foundation Professor Emeritus of Materials Science and Engineering at
Lehigh University and a co-author of the study. "It provides industry
and the military with the foundation to create new materials for
hypersonics and high-performance turbine engines."
The ARL and
Lehigh researchers collaborated with scientists from Arizona State
University and Louisiana State University to develop the alloy, which
can withstand extreme heat without significant degradation.
https://phys.org/news/2025-03-nanostructured-copper-alloy-rivals-superalloys.html
____________________________________
MIT Scientists Unveil a Secret of Stronger Metals
New research shows what happens when crystalline grains in metals reform at nanometer scales, improving metal properties.
Forming metal into the specific shapes needed for various purposes is done in many ways, including casting, machining, forging, and rolling. These processes affect the sizes and shapes of the tiny crystalline grains that make up the bulk metal, whether it be steel, aluminum, titanium, or other widely used metals and alloys.
Researchers at MIT have now been able to analyze exactly what happens as these crystal grains form during an extreme deformation process, at the tiniest scales, down to a few nanometers across. The new discoveries could lead to improved ways of processing to produce better, more consistent properties such as hardness and toughness.
https://scitechdaily.com/mit-scientists-unveil-a-secret-of-stronger-metals/
____________________________________
Chemical oscillations in palladium nanoparticles could pave way for recycling precious metal catalysts
March 26, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-03-chemical-oscillations-palladium-nanoparticles-pave.html
____________________________________
Nanocluster discovery will protect precious metals
17 August 2021
Scientists have created a new type of catalyst that will lead to new, sustainable ways of making and using molecules and protect the supply of precious metals.
A research team from the University of Nottingham have designed a new type of catalyst that combines features that are previously thought to be mutually exclusive and developed a process to fabricate nanoclusters of metals on a mass scale.
In their new research, published today in Nature Communications, they demonstrate that the behaviour of nanoclusters of palladium do not conform to the orthodox characteristics that define catalysts as either homogeneous or heterogenous.
Traditionally, catalysts are divided into homogeneous, when catalytic centres are intimately mixed with reactant molecules, and heterogenous, where reactions take place on surface of a catalyst. Usually, chemists must make compromises when choosing one type or another, as homogeneous catalysts are more selective and active, and heterogenous catalysts are more durable and reusable. However, the nanoclusters of palladium atoms appear to defy the traditional categories, as demonstrated by studying their catalytic behaviour in the reaction of cyclopropanation of styrene.
Catalysts enable nearly 80 % of industrial chemical processes that deliver the most vital ingredients of our economy, from materials (such as polymers) and pharmaceuticals right through to agrochemicals including fertilisers and crop protection. The high demand for catalysts means that global supplies of many useful metals, including gold, platinum and palladium, are become rapidly depleted. The challenge is to utilise each-and-every atom to its maximum potential. Exploitation of metals in the form of nanoclusters is one of the most powerful strategies for increasing the active surface area available for catalysis. Moreover, when the dimensions of nanoclusters break through the nanometre scale, the properties of the metal can change drastically, leading to new phenomena otherwise inaccessible at the macroscale.
The research team used analytical and imaging techniques to probe the structure, dynamics, and chemical properties of the nanoclusters, to reveal the inner workings of this unusual catalyst at the atomic level.
The team’s discovery holds the key to unlock full potential of catalysis in chemistry, leading to new ways of making and using molecules in the most atom-efficient and energy-resilient ways.
https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/nanocluster-discovery-will-protect-precious-metals
____________________________________
100 uses of indium
September 10, 2023
Indium
is a rare mеtal found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust. It is a
soft, silvеry-whitе mеtal that has a low mеlting point. Indium has a
wide variety of usеs, including in еlеctronics, optics, and
thеrmoеlеctrics.
Uses of Indium
1. Semiconductor Industry:
Indium is widely used in the production of semiconductors, helping to create electronic devices such as transistors and diodes.
2. Soldering:
Indium-based alloys are used in soldering applications, providing a low melting point and excellent bonding properties.
3. Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs):
Indium
tin oxide (ITO) is a transparent conducting material used in the
production of LCDs, allowing for the creation of touchscreens and
high-resolution displays.
4. Solar Panels:
Indium is used in the production of photovoltaic solar panels, helping to convert sunlight into electricity.
5. Aerospace Industry:
Indium
alloys are used in aerospace applications, including sealing and
bonding components, as well as thermal management systems.
6. Thin Film Coatings:
Indium
is utilized in thin film coatings to provide corrosion resistance,
solderability, and reflectivity in various applications.
7. Transparent Electrodes:
Indium
tin oxide (ITO) is used as a transparent electrode in applications such
as touchscreens, solar cells, and liquid crystal displays.
8. Bearings:
Indium-based alloys are used as low-friction bearings in high-performance applications, reducing wear and improving efficiency.
9. Superconductors:
Indium
compounds are used in the production of superconducting materials,
which have zero electrical resistance at low temperatures.
10. Electrical Connectors:
Indium is used in electrical connectors due to its low melting point and ability to provide reliable electrical conductivity.
11. Thermal Interface Materials:
Indium-based
thermal interface materials are used to improve heat transfer between
electronic components, reducing the risk of overheating.
12. Radiation Shielding:
Indium
alloys are used in radiation shielding applications, protecting against
harmful radiation in various industries, including healthcare and
nuclear power.
13. Automotive Electronics:
Indium is used
in automotive electronics, contributing to the functionality of systems
such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and engine control units.
14. Electrical Fuses:
Indium-based alloys are utilized in electrical fuses, providing reliable and precise current interruption capabilities.
15. High-Performance Solders:
Indium-based
solders are used in high-performance applications, such as aerospace
and defense, where strong and durable bonding is required.
16. X-ray and Gamma-ray Detectors:
Indium
compounds are employed in the production of detectors for X-rays and
gamma rays, enabling accurate imaging and detection of radiation.
17. Electrical Contacts:
Indium is used in electrical contacts, ensuring reliable electrical connections in various devices and equipment.
18. Alloying Agent:
Indium
is added to various alloys to enhance their properties, such as
corrosion resistance, strength, and low-temperature performance.
19. Ceramics:
Indium oxide is utilized in ceramic applications, providing thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and color pigmentation.
20. Catalysts:
Indium compounds are used as catalysts in chemical reactions, facilitating the conversion of reactants into desired products.
21. Medical Imaging:
Indium-111,
a radioactive isotope of indium, is used in medical imaging techniques,
such as SPECT scans, for diagnostic purposes.
22. Anti-reflective Coatings:
Indium
tin oxide (ITO) is employed in anti-reflective coatings, reducing glare
and improving optical clarity in lenses and displays.
23. Metal Plating:
Indium is used in metal plating processes to enhance the appearance, corrosion resistance, and durability of various objects.
24. Electrical Heaters:
Indium alloys with low melting points are used in electrical heaters, providing efficient and precise heat generation.
25. Indium Seals:
Indium is used to create hermetic seals in vacuum systems and electronic devices, preventing leakage and contamination.
26. Reflective Coatings:
Indium-based coatings are applied to mirrors and reflective surfaces, improving reflectivity and durability.
27. Fiber Optics:
Indium-based
materials are used in fiber optics, enabling the transmission of light
signals over long distances with minimal loss.
28. Electroplating:
Indium
is used in electroplating processes to deposit a thin layer of indium
onto various substrates, providing desired properties and aesthetics.
29. Gas Sensors:
Indium
oxide-based sensors are used to detect and measure the presence of
gases, enabling gas leak detection and environmental monitoring.
30. Lubricants:
Indium-based lubricants are utilized in high-temperature applications, reducing friction and wear between moving parts.
31. Ceramic Capacitors:
Indium-based materials are used in ceramic capacitors, contributing to their electrical properties and reliability.
32. Anti-static Coatings:
Indium-based
coatings are applied to surfaces to prevent the buildup of static
electricity, reducing the risk of damage to electronic components.
33. Nuclear Reactors:
Indium is used in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber, helping control the rate of nuclear fission reactions.
34. Gasoline Additives:
Indium compounds are utilized as gasoline additives, improving fuel efficiency and reducing engine emissions.
35. Alloy Plating:
Indium
alloys are used in plating processes to provide desired properties,
such as corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity.
36. Anti-tarnish Coatings:
Indium-based coatings are applied to prevent tarnishing and oxidation of metals, preserving their appearance and durability.
37. Optical Filters:
Indium
compounds are used in the production of optical filters, allowing
specific wavelengths of light to pass through while blocking others.
38. Electrical Insulation:
Indium-based
materials are employed as electrical insulation coatings, protecting
against electrical leakage and improving safety.
39. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells:
Indium oxide is used as a component in solid oxide fuel cells, facilitating the conversion of fuel into electrical energy.
40. Anti-friction Coatings:
Indium-based
coatings are applied to reduce friction and wear between surfaces,
improving the efficiency and lifespan of machinery.
41. Corrosion Protection:
Indium
coatings and alloys are used to provide corrosion resistance to various
materials, extending their lifespan and durability.
42. Dental Materials:
Indium-based materials are used in dentistry for applications such as dental fillings and orthodontic appliances.
43. Electrodes for Batteries:
Indium is utilized in the production of electrodes for batteries, contributing to their electrical performance and efficiency.
44. Magnetic Materials:
Indium
compounds are used in the production of magnetic materials, including
magnetic tapes, hard disks, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
contrast agents.
45. Water Purification:
Indium compounds
are employed in water purification processes to remove impurities and
contaminants, ensuring clean and safe drinking water.
46. Pharmaceuticals:
Indium
compounds are used in the development of pharmaceuticals, particularly
in radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging and targeted therapies.
47. Antifouling Coatings:
Indium-based
coatings are applied to surfaces in marine environments to prevent the
attachment of marine organisms, reducing fouling and improving
efficiency.
48. Flame Retardants:
Indium compounds are used as flame retardants in various applications, helping to reduce the spread of fire and improve safety.
49. Cryogenics:
Indium
is used in cryogenic applications, such as superconducting magnets and
cooling systems, due to its low-temperature properties.
50. Nuclear Medicine:
Indium-111
is used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic imaging and targeted
therapies, particularly in the detection and treatment of certain
cancers.
51. Oxygen Sensors:
Indium-based materials are
utilized in oxygen sensors, measuring the oxygen concentration in gases
and liquids for various industrial and medical applications.
52. High-Performance Bearings:
Indium alloys are used in high-performance bearings, providing low friction, high load-carrying capacity, and durability.
53. Gas Permeation Barriers:
Indium-based coatings and films are employed as gas permeation barriers, preventing the passage of gases through materials.
54. Oxygen-Deficient Atmosphere Detection:
Indium
oxide-based sensors are used to detect oxygen-deficient atmospheres,
ensuring safety in confined spaces and industrial settings.
55. Microwave Applications:
Indium
compounds are used in microwave applications, such as waveguides and
microwave filters, due to their electrical properties.
56. Catalyst Support:
Indium is used as a catalyst support, providing a stable surface for catalytic reactions in various chemical processes.
57. Electromagnetic Shielding:
Indium-based
materials are employed for electromagnetic shielding, protecting
electronic devices from electromagnetic interference (EMI).
58. Wear-Resistant Coatings:
Indium-based
coatings are applied to surfaces to provide wear resistance,
particularly in high-friction and abrasive environments.
59. Gas Chromatography:
Indium
compounds are used in gas chromatography as stationary phases,
separating and analyzing gas mixtures in various industries.
60. Metal Alloys:
Indium
is alloyed with various metals to create alloys with specific
properties, such as low melting points and improved mechanical strength.
61. Environmental Monitoring:
Indium-based sensors are used in environmental monitoring systems to detect and measure pollutants and hazardous substances.
62. Anti-wear Additives:
Indium-based
additives are used in lubricants and oils to provide anti-wear
properties, reducing friction and extending equipment lifespan.
63. X-ray Shielding:
Indium
compounds are employed in X-ray shielding applications, protecting
against harmful radiation in medical and industrial settings.
64. Catalysts for Organic Reactions:
Indium
compounds are used as catalysts in various organic reactions,
facilitating chemical transformations in synthesis and manufacturing
processes.
65. Semiconductor Targets:
Indium targets are used in the production of semiconductors, allowing for the deposition of indium-based films and layers.
66. Cryogenic Sealing:
Indium is used in cryogenic applications for sealing purposes, maintaining airtightness at extremely low temperatures.
67. Metal Matrix Composites:
Indium
is incorporated into metal matrix composites to improve their
mechanical properties, such as strength, stiffness, and thermal
conductivity.
68. Oxygen Storage:
Indium-based materials
are used for oxygen storage in oxygen generators and respiratory
equipment, ensuring a constant oxygen supply.
69. Protective Coatings for Mirrors:
Indium-based
coatings are applied to mirrors to protect against corrosion,
scratching, and degradation, maintaining optical performance.
70. Indium Targets for Sputtering:
Indium
targets are used in sputtering processes to deposit indium-based thin
films onto various substrates for electronic and optical applications.
71. Catalysts for Hydrogenation Reactions:
Indium compounds are employed as catalysts for hydrogenation reactions, converting unsaturated compounds into saturated ones.
72. Energy Storage:
Indium-based
materials are investigated for energy storage applications, such as
batteries and supercapacitors, due to their unique properties.
73. Glass Coatings:
Indium-based coatings are used on glass surfaces to improve their scratch resistance, durability, and optical properties.
74. Electrodes for Solar Cells:
Indium
is utilized in the production of electrodes for solar cells,
facilitating the conversion of sunlight into electrical energy.
75. Soil Stabilization:
Indium compounds are used in soil stabilization applications, enhancing soil properties and preventing erosion.
76. Gas Lasers:
Indium
compounds are employed in gas lasers, producing coherent light for
various applications, including cutting, welding, and scientific
research.
77. Adhesives and Sealants:
Indium-based
materials are used in the formulation of adhesives and sealants,
providing strong bonds and reliable sealing properties.
78. Metallization:
Indium
is used for metallization purposes, creating conductive layers on
non-conductive surfaces in electronic and semiconductor manufacturing.
79. Photovoltaic Materials:
Indium compounds are investigated for photovoltaic materials, aiming to improve the efficiency and performance of solar cells.
80. Cryogenic Cooling:
Indium alloys are used as cryogenic cooling agents, maintaining low temperatures in cryogenic systems and equipment.
81. Electrical Connectors:
Indium-based materials are employed in electrical connectors, ensuring reliable electrical connections and conductivity.
82. Coating Thickness Standards:
Indium foils and standards are used for calibrating coating thickness measurement devices in industrial applications.
83. Insulating Windows:
Indium-based
coatings are applied to insulating windows to improve thermal
insulation, reducing heat loss and energy consumption.
84. Aerospace Applications:
Indium-based
materials are used in various aerospace applications, including
electrical connectors, thermal management, and coatings.
85. Wave Soldering:
Indium-based
solders are used in wave soldering processes, creating reliable
connections between electronic components and circuit boards.
86. Die Attach:
Indium-based
materials are employed for die attachment in electronic packaging,
ensuring secure and efficient bonding between semiconductor devices and
substrates.
87. Heat Transfer Fluids:
Indium-based fluids
are used as heat transfer fluids in various applications, providing
efficient thermal management and temperature control.
88. Pneumatic Systems:
Indium-based
materials are utilized in pneumatic systems, including pneumatic seals
and valves, ensuring reliable and efficient operation.
89. Flame Photometry:
Indium
compounds are used in flame photometry, a technique for detecting and
analyzing elements in samples based on their emission spectra.
90. Catalysts for Dehydrogenation Reactions:
Indium compounds are employed as catalysts for dehydrogenation reactions, removing hydrogen atoms from compounds.
91. Metal Etching:
Indium-based
etchants are used for metal etching processes, selectively removing
metal layers and creating precise patterns in semiconductor
manufacturing.
92. Optical Fibers:
Indium compounds are
used in the production of optical fibers, transmitting and guiding light
signals in telecommunications and data transmission.
93. Aircraft Sealants:
Indium-based
sealants are used in aircraft applications, providing reliable sealing
and protection against moisture and corrosion.
94. Neutron Absorbers:
Indium
compounds are employed as neutron absorbers in nuclear reactors,
controlling neutron flux and preventing nuclear chain reactions.
95. Electronics Cooling:
Indium-based
materials are used in electronic cooling systems, dissipating heat
generated by electronic components and improving performance.
96. Gas Sensors:
Indium-based
sensors are used for gas sensing applications, detecting and measuring
specific gases in various industrial and environmental settings.
97. Alloys for Low Melting Point:
Indium
is alloyed with other metals to create alloys with low melting points,
used in soldering and other low-temperature applications.
98. Ion Implantation:
Indium
ions are used in ion implantation processes, modifying the properties
of materials for semiconductor and surface engineering applications.
99. Radiographic Contrast Agents:
Indium
compounds are utilized as radiographic contrast agents in medical
imaging, enhancing the visibility of specific organs and tissues.
100. DIY Makeup Remover:
Using indium compounds as a natural makeup remover helps dissolve makeup and cleanse the skin without harsh chemicals.
https://allusesof.com/elements/uses-of-indium/
____________________________________
Indium – The Essential Yet Overlooked Metal Powering Modern Technology
April 21, 2025
https://ptoe.com/indium-the-essential-yet-overlooked-metal-powering-modern-technology/
____________________________________
New Application of Indium in Batteries Could Increase Electric Vehicle Accessibility
Feb 7, 2024
https://www.cornellsun.com/article/2024/02/new-application-of-indium-in-batteries-could-increase-electric-vehicle-accessibility
____________________________________
Touchscreen tech swaps rare metal for graphene, with no performance drop
January 09, 2022
https://newatlas.com/electronics/indium-graphene-oled-touchscreen/
____________________________________
Securing Indium Utilization for High-Tech and Renewable Energy Industries
February 3, 2023
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.2c07169
____________________________________
Plasma tech could replace one of world's rarest materials
20 July 2021
Technology is low-cost, sustainable, readily available
New
plasma coating technology could see the phase-out of rare earth metal
indium that is used in smartphone glass and dimmable windows, which is
predicted to run out in 10 years.
A team led by a researcher
from the University of Sydney has developed a low-cost, sustainable, and
readily available technology that can dim the screens of electronic
devices, anti-reflection automobile mirrors, and smart architectural
windows at a fraction of the cost of current technology.
It
would replace one of the world’s scarcest – yet highly ubiquitous in use
– modern materials: indium. A rare chemical element, that it is widely
used in devices such as smartphones and computers, windscreen glass and
self-dimming windows.
Although small amounts are used to
manufacture smart device screens, indium is expensive as it is hard to
source; it naturally occurs only in small deposits. Industrial indium is
often made as a byproduct of zinc mining, which means a shortage could
occur if demand for optoelectronic devices – such as LCDs and touch
panels – ramps up.
https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2021/07/20/plasma-tech-could-replace-one-of-world-s-rarest-materials.html
____________________________________
MP35N Alloy: The High-Performance Material Powering the Next Generation of Tech Startups
18 June, 2025
https://theprint.in/ani-press-releases/mp35n-alloy-the-high-performance-material-powering-the-next-generation-of-tech-startups/2662093/
____________________________________
Molybdenum: The New Frontier in Semiconductor Metallization according to Lam Research
November 7, 2023
The
semiconductor industry is facing a significant shift as Molybdenum (Mo
or Moly as the Americans say) is tipped to replace tungsten in chip
manufacturing due to its superior atomic-scale properties. Kaihan
Ashtiani, Corporate Vice President and General Manager at Lam Research,
highlights the critical attributes of moly that make it the ideal choice
for advanced devices. The company is at the forefront, aiding
chipmakers in the transition with its ALTUS® product family, drawing
from its pioneering work in Tungsten ALD and expertise in 3D NAND
technology.
https://www.blog.baldengineering.com/2023/11/molybdenum-new-frontier-in.html
____________________________________
The Latest Industry News on Molybdenum Metal: Trends, Innovations, and Market Developments
August 7, 2024
https://www.peakrisemetal.com/knowledge/the-latest-industry-news-on-molybdenum-metal-trends-innovations-and-market-developments
____________________________________
Molybdenum: Transforming Semiconductor Manufacturing For Next-Generation Technologies
May 22nd, 2025
https://semiengineering.com/scaling-3d-chips-with-molybdenum-based-metallization/
____________________________________
One Material, Four Behaviors: Superconductor, Metal, Semiconductor, and Insulator
April 24, 2025
RIKEN
scientists have discovered how to manipulate molybdenum disulfide into
acting as a superconductor, metal, semiconductor, or insulator using a
specialized transistor technique.
https://scitechdaily.com/one-material-four-behaviors-superconductor-metal-semiconductor-and-insulator/
____________________________________
Scientists find new quantum behavior in unusual superconducting material
August 16, 2025
Researchers at Rice University and collaborating institutions have discovered direct evidence of active flat electronic bands in a kagome superconductor. This breakthrough could pave the way for new methods to design quantum materials—including superconductors, topological insulators and spin-based electronics—that could power future electronics and computing technologies.
https://phys.org/news/2025-08-scientists-quantum-behavior-unusual-superconducting.html
____________________________________
Moscovium
Moscovium
is a synthetic chemical element; it has symbol Mc and atomic number
115. It was first synthesized in 2003 by a joint team of Russian and
American scientists at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR)
in Dubna, Russia. In December 2015, it was recognized as one of four new
elements by the Joint Working Party of international scientific bodies
IUPAC and IUPAP. On 28 November 2016, it was officially named after the
Moscow Oblast, in which the JINR is situated.
Moscovium is an
extremely radioactive element: its most stable known isotope,
moscovium-290, has a half-life of only 0.65 seconds.[9] In the periodic
table, it is a p-block transactinide element. It is a member of the 7th
period and is placed in group 15 as the heaviest pnictogen. Moscovium is
calculated to have some properties similar to its lighter homologues,
nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth, and to be a
post-transition metal, although it should also show several major
differences from them. In particular, moscovium should also have
significant similarities to thallium, as both have one rather loosely
bound electron outside a quasi-closed shell. Chemical experimentation on
single atoms has confirmed theoretical expectations that moscovium is
less reactive than its lighter homologue bismuth. Over a hundred atoms
of moscovium have been observed to date, all of which have been shown to
have mass numbers from 286 to 290.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscovium
____________________________________
Facts About Moscovium (Element 115)
December 1, 2016
Moscovium
is a radioactive, synthetic element about which little is known. It is
classified as a metal and is expected to be solid at room temperature.
It decays quickly into other elements, including nihonium.
The
element had previously been designated ununpentium, a placeholder name
that means one-one-five in Latin. In November 2016, the International
Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) approved the name moscovium
for element 115.
The IUPAC also approved names for elements 113 (nihonium, with atomic symbol Nh), 117 (tennessine, Ts) and 118 (oganesson, Og).
Names
for elements 115 and 117 were proposed by their discoverers at the
Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia; the Oak Ridge
National Laboratory in Tennessee; Vanderbilt University in Tennessee;
and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. Both element
names, moscovium and tennessine, honor regions where experiments linked
to creating the elements took place.
https://www.livescience.com/41424-facts-about-ununpentium.html
____________________________________
Does the Real Element 115 Have a Connection With UFOs?
Oct 11, 2023
Element
115 is an enigma of sorts. It was only added to the periodic table in
2016, yet for decades it has attracted extra attention because of a
supposed connection to extraterrestrial technology and alien lifeforms.
Intrigued? Before we answer whether there is a connection, let's find out what element 115 really is.
What Is Element 115?
"Element
115, or moscovium, is a man-made, superheavy element that has 115
protons in its nucleus," emailed Jacklyn Gates, a scientist with the
Heavy Elements Group in the Nuclear Science Division for Berkeley Lab in
California, whom we spoke with in 2020.
As with all elements on
the periodic table, the element's number corresponds to the number of
protons in the nucleus of the element's atom. "That is 23 more protons
than the heaviest element that you can find in large quantities on
Earth, uranium."
Gates said that element 115 is an extremely rare
element that's made one atom at a time in particle accelerators. It
exists for just a fraction of a second before it decays into another
element.
"It is special because it is near a predicted 'island of
stability' where some superheavy nuclei might have much longer
lifetimes. Instead of living for less than a second, they could exist
for minutes, days or even years! That is long enough that we might be
able to use them for practical applications," she said.
How Moscovium Was Created
Element
115 was discovered in 2003 in Dubna, Russia, at the Flerov Laboratory
for Nuclear Reactions by a group of Russian scientists led by nuclear
physicist Yuri Oganessian. The element was eventually named moscovium
because Dubna is a city in the Moscow region.
To make this
element, the scientists accelerated ions of calcium-48 (48Ca) to around
10 percent of the speed of light and then bombarded americium-243
(243Am) with them.
Through this bombardment, they were able to
successfully fuse the nuclei of 243Am and 48Ca atoms, said Gates. "To
create a superheavy element, you need the complete fusion of two lighter
elements," she noted.
This process produced four atoms of moscovium.
"The
new element that they made had 115 protons (20 from the 48Ca and 95
from the 243Am)," she said. "This new element was then separated from
all the other reaction products using the Dubna gas-filled recoil
separator and then implanted into a detector where scientists were able
to watch element 115 decay into element 113."
"The internal
structure of the 115 nucleus — with odd numbers of protons and neutrons
(Z = 115, N = 173) — largely prevents spontaneous fission, so it is
likely that the nucleus will undergo alpha decay," Oganessian wrote in
Nature Chemistry in 2019.
Alpha decay is a type of radioactive
decay where an unstable nucleus changes to another element by emitting a
particle composed of two protons and two neutrons.
"Emission of
an alpha particle forms an odd–odd nucleus of the element 113 that, for
the same reasons, will also undergo alpha decay. This decay pattern is
reproduced with the element 111, then 109, and so on," he added. "At
each step of this odd–odd stairway we decrease the atomic number of the
nucleus by two, and we move away by two neutrons from the magic number N
= 184.
"As a result, the nucleus becomes more stable to alpha
decay, but more prone to spontaneous fission and eventually the chain
will be terminated by spontaneous fission."
https://science.howstuffworks.com/space/aliens-ufos/element-115.htm
____________________________________
Moscovium
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscovium
____________________________________
Germanium: the OG Digital Age metalloid
September 16, 2024
Original computer semiconductor now energizes space ambitions.
Germanium
is a versatile and powerful semiconductor that traces its technology
roots back to the dawn of the Digital Age and continues to lend its
superlative semiconducting and optical properties to enhancing
computers, smartphones, solar panels, fiber optics, and other devices 80
years later.
In 1945, Sylvania introduced the first germanium
diode to enhance the vacuum tube computers that launched the Digital
Age, and by the 1950s, both Sylvania and General Electric had developed
germanium transistors to replace the vacuum tubes in the enormous
mainframes of the day.
These first steps into packing more
computing power into a smaller space have evolved into the smartphones
we now carry in our pockets that are hundreds of thousands of times more
powerful than the Apollo-era computers that guided Man's first flight
to the Moon.
Despite being the original and more powerful
semiconductor for the transistors that kickstarted the age of modern
computing, germanium was supplanted by silicon, a more abundant and less
expensive material that is now the namesake for the global capital of
computer technology and the Digital Age.
While today's global
headquarters for technology and innovation may not be known as Germanium
Valley, the Digital Age's original semiconductor still boasts superior
semiconductive and optical qualities that make it a critical ingredient
in some of the most advanced technologies of the 21st century – from
quantum computers here on Earth to solar panels powering space
exploration.
"The extensive use of germanium for military and
commercial applications has made it a critical material in the United
States and the rest of the world," the U.S. Geological Survey penned in a
2018 report on critical minerals.
This criticality rose sharply
upon China's 2023 emplacement of state-controlled restrictions on the
exports of this historic and future-leaning element of innovation.
https://www.metaltechnews.com/story/2024/09/16/critical-minerals-alliances-2024/germanium-the-og-digital-age-metalloid/1918.html
____________________________________
Teck Resources eyes output boost for chipmaking-metal germanium
June 20, 2025
LONDON, June 20 (Reuters) - Canada's Teck Resources (TECKb.TO)
,
opens new tab is weighing options to expand production of germanium, a
strategic metal key to chipmaking, and is currently talking with
governments, including Canada and the United States, on available
funding, said Doug Brown, VP communications & government affairs.
Teck's
plan comes amid growing efforts to diversify supplies of critical
minerals needed for the tech and defence sectors, as geopolitical
tensions and trade barriers complicate access to materials mainly
produced or refined in China.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/teck-resources-eyes-output-boost-chipmaking-metal-germanium-2025-06-20/
____________________________________
Germanium: the OG Digital Age metalloid
Sep 18, 2024
https://www.metaltechnews.com/story/2024/09/16/critical-minerals-alliances-2024/germanium-the-og-digital-age-metalloid/1918.html
____________________________________
China bans exports to US of gallium, germanium, antimony in response to chip sanctions
Dec 3, 2024
https://www.kxan.com/technology/ap-technology/ap-china-bans-exports-of-gallium-and-other-key-high-tech-materials-hitting-back-at-us-chip-sanctions/
____________________________________
Gallium: A catalyst for the green future
November 13, 2023
Liquid metal again displays an almost magical ability to become a catalyst for lowering CO2 in the atmosphere
A
liquid metal with semiconductor properties that make it an essential
ingredient in next-generation smartphones, telecommunication networks,
and solar technologies, gallium already lives at the edge of science
fiction and science reality. Working at this threshold, Australian
scientists are demonstrating that gallium may also be a major catalyst
for the green energy future.
Working behind the scenes to create
rubbers, plastics, paper, and other products that we use every day,
catalysts are metals or metal compounds that facilitate and accelerate
chemical reactions without participating in the reaction.
Using
gallium as a medium, a research team from the University of Sydney and
University of New South Wales has created a liquid metal catalyst that
could greatly reduce the carbon dioxide footprint of chemical
manufacturing.
"Our method offers an unparalleled possibility to
the chemical industry for reducing energy consumption and greening
chemical reactions," said Professor Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh, head of the
University of Sydney's School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
While
much of the global focus on reducing CO2 going into the atmosphere has
been on obvious emitters such as vehicles and the generation of
electricity, several industrial sectors of the global economy are also
major contributors. This includes the production of chemical products
such as plastics, fertilizers, and fuels, which account for nearly 15%
of global CO2 emissions and climbing.
"It's expected that the
chemical sector will account for more than 20% of emissions by 2050,"
said Kalantar-Zadeh. "But chemical manufacturing is much less visible
than other sectors – a paradigm shift is vital."
A liquid
gallium-nickel catalyst developed by an Australian team of scientists
led by Kalantar-Zadeh could substantially lower the energy required for
these chemical processes, and thus the CO2 emitted by them.
Gallium super catalyst
While
the chemical sector and the catalysts that enable it are largely
unseen, they are an essential part of modern life. From beer and cheddar
cheese to laundry detergent and plastic jugs, catalysts are an
essential part of modern life.
Traditionally, these chemical
processes use platinum, palladium, aluminum, nickel, and other metals or
metal compounds as catalysts. The reason why these chemical processes
tend to emit so much CO2 is because they require temperatures sometimes
exceeding 1,000 degrees centigrade (1,800 degrees Fahrenheit), which
translates to a lot of energy.
If these catalysts were liquid at
near room temperature, however, they could do their work without so much
energy input and CO2 output.
"Theoretically, they can catalyze
chemicals at much lower temperatures – meaning they require far less
energy," Kalantar-Zadeh said.
Gallium's melting point happens to
be 86.5 degrees Fahrenheit, which means the heat from your hand is
enough liquify it. While this liquid metal is not inherently a catalyst,
it has the uncanny ability to take on catalytic properties of metals
that are.
The primary reason for this is that the catalytic atoms
floating around in liquid gallium are more randomly arranged and have
greater freedom of movement than they do when they are solid. This
allows them to easily come into contact with, and participate in,
chemical reactions.
To create a near-room-temperature catalytic
fluid capable of turning cooking oil into useful chemicals, the
Australian research team dissolved high-melting-point nickel and tin in a
gallium-based liquid metal.
"By dissolving nickel in liquid
gallium, we gained access to liquid nickel at very low temperatures –
acting as a 'super' catalyst. In comparison solid nickel's melting point
is 1,455 degrees centigrade (2,650 degrees Fahrenheit)," said Junma
Tang, who works jointly at the University of Sydney and University of
New South Wales. "The same effect, to a lesser degree, is also
experienced for tin metal in liquid gallium."
The metallic catalysts were dispersed in the gallium-based liquid metal at the atomic level.
"So,
we have access to single atom catalysts," said Arifur Rahim, senior
author of a scientific paper on the findings published in Nature
Nanotechnology and DECRA Fellow at the University of Sydney's School of
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. "Single atom is the highest
surface area accessibility for catalysis which offer a remarkable
advantage to the chemical industry."
With this liquid metal super
catalyst, the scientists were able to break down canola oil molecules
into smaller organic chains, including propylene, a high-energy fuel
that is often used in clothes, outdoor furniture, automotive parts,
boats, and a wide range of other products.
The researchers said
their formula could also be used for other chemical reactions by mixing
metals using low-temperature processes.
"It requires such low
temperature to catalyze that we could even theoretically do it in the
kitchen with the gas cooktop – but don't try that at home," Tang said.
https://www.metaltechnews.com/story/2023/11/15/tech-metals/gallium-a-catalyst-for-the-green-future/1528.html
____________________________________
New Findings Challenge 150-Year-Old Assumptions: Scientists Discover New Properties of Unusual Metal
New research reveals aspects of structure and behavior at the atomic level.
Nearly 150 years after its discovery and subsequent addition to the periodic table, gallium continues to reveal its secrets. Scientists from the University of Auckland have recently uncovered new aspects of the metal’s structure and behavior.
First identified in 1875 by French chemist Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran, gallium is notable for its low melting point, which is so low that a spoon made from gallium can melt in a cup of tea. This unusual metal is also a crucial component in the manufacturing of semiconductors.
The surprising discovery relates to gallium’s behavior at the atomic level.
Unlike most metals, gallium exists in the form of `dimers’ – pairs of atoms – and is less dense as a solid than as a liquid, akin to how ice floats on water. Gallium features `covalent bonds’ where atoms share electrons, also unusual for a metal.
The new study shows that while those bonds disappear at melting point, they reappear at higher temperatures.
That contradicts long-standing assumptions and necessitates a new explanation for gallium’s low melting point. The researchers propose that the key may be a large increase in entropy – a measure of disorder – when the bonds disappear, freeing up the atoms.
____________________________________
This Metal Turns Heat Into Electricity Using a Secret Hidden in Its Atomic Pattern
June 19, 2025
More than 200 years ago, the German physicist Thomas Seebeck discovered something seemingly magical: if you heat one side of certain materials while cooling the other, a small but steady stream of electricity appears. No moving parts. No spinning generators. Just heat transformed directly into electrical power. This phenomenon, known as the Seebeck effect, still powers deep-space probes like Voyager today.
But despite its promise, thermoelectric technology has remained stuck in the shadows—too inefficient, too costly, and too niche to compete with the roaring steam turbines that dominate modern power plants.
Now, that may be about to change.
In a new study published in Physical Review X, a team led by Professor Andrej Pustogow at the Institute of Solid State Physics at TU Wien has reported a major breakthrough: a novel class of thermoelectric materials, shaped by atomic patterns known as “Kagome geometry,” can outperform traditional compounds—and do so using metals far cheaper than the rare elements typically required.
It’s a discovery with the potential to transform waste heat—from industrial machinery, car engines, and even human bodies—into clean, usable electricity.
____________________________________
A step toward cleaner iron extraction using electricity
April 9, 2025
Iron and its alloys, such as steel and cast iron, dominate the modern
world, and there's growing demand for iron-derived products.
Traditionally, blast furnaces transform iron ore into purified elemental
metal, but the process requires a lot of energy and emits air
pollution. Now, researchers report that they've developed a cleaner
method to extract iron from a synthetic iron ore using electrochemistry,
which they say could become cost-competitive with blast furnaces.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409114953.htm
____________________________________
The chemical industry is presented with an “unparalleled possibility” to alter the future of chemical processes.
Liquid metals could be the long-awaited solution to “greening” the chemical industry, according to researchers who tested a new technique they hope can replace energy-intensive chemical engineering processes harking back to the early 20th century.
Around 10-15% of global greenhouse gas emissions stem from chemical manufacturing. Additionally, chemical plants consume over 10% of the world’s energy.
Findings recently published in Nature Nanotechnology offer a much-needed innovation that moves away from old, energy-intensive catalysts made from solid materials. The research is led by Professor Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh, Head of the University of Sydney’s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Dr Junma Tang, who works jointly at the University of Sydney and UNSW.
A catalyst is a substance that makes chemical reactions occur faster and more easily without participating in the reaction. Solid catalysts, typically solid metals or solid compounds of metals, are commonly used in the chemical industry to make plastics, fertilizers, fuels, and feedstock.
However, chemical production using solid processes is energy-intensive, requiring temperatures of up to a thousand degrees centigrade.
The new process instead uses liquid metals, in this case dissolving tin and nickel which gives them unique mobility, enabling them to migrate to the surface of liquid metals and react with input molecules such as canola oil. This results in the rotation, fragmentation, and reassembly of canola oil molecules into smaller organic chains, including propylene, a high-energy fuel crucial for many industries.
____________________________________
Direct evidence revealed for rare pulsing pear-shapes in Gadolinium nuclei
March 18, 2025
Scientists
have acquired direct evidence of rare, pulsing pear-shaped structures
within atomic nuclei of the rare-earth element Gadolinium, thanks to new
research.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250317164103.htm
____________________________________
Gadolinium – The Magnetic Marvel Powering Modern Technology
April 17, 2025
In
this fifteenth installment of our critical minerals series, we turn our
focus to gadolinium—a rare earth element with extraordinary magnetic
and neutron absorption properties. Named after the Finnish chemist Johan
Gadolin, gadolinium is indispensable in medical imaging, nuclear
reactors, and advanced electronics. Its unique characteristics allow it
to enhance MRI scans, improve nuclear reactor efficiency, and even
enable data storage innovations. As technology advances, so too does the
demand for this critical mineral.
Why the U.S. Needs It
Gadolinium
is crucial in several high-tech applications, particularly in
healthcare. Its exceptional ability to enhance contrast in magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) makes it a cornerstone of modern diagnostics. In
the energy sector, gadolinium’s neutron absorption capabilities make it
essential for controlling nuclear fission reactions. Additionally, its
magnetic properties are leveraged in high-performance computing,
telecommunications, and even the development of next-generation
refrigeration technologies. Without gadolinium, progress in these fields
would be severely hindered.
https://ptoe.com/gadolinium-the-magnetic-marvel-powering-modern-technology/
____________________________________
The Fascinating Uses of Gadolinium: Transforming Technology and Industry
03 Jan 2025
Gadolinium
is a rare earth metal with the symbol Gd and atomic number 64. It's
established as an indispensable element in numerous modern technologies
and industrial applications. It has unique magnetic properties, ability
to absorb neutrons, and high thermal stability. These properties make it
an essential material for diverse sectors. For example, in healthcare,
energy, electronics, and nuclear technology. As we look to the future,
the importance of gadolinium is only expected to grow.
This
article delves into the multiple uses of gadolinium. It showcases how
this versatile element is transforming existing technologies. And it's
also paving the way for new advancements in industries that shape our
world.
https://www.aemree.com/news/uses-of-gadolinium.html
____________________________________
Zirconium – The Unsung Hero of Nuclear Energy
May 7, 2025
Zirconium
may not be a household name, but it plays a critical role in some of
the most advanced technologies on the planet. Best known for its
exceptional resistance to corrosion and high temperatures, zirconium is
indispensable in nuclear reactors, aerospace applications, and
cutting-edge electronics. As the fifty-fourth entry in our Critical
Minerals Series, we delve into why zirconium is essential to America’s
technological and energy future and why securing its domestic supply is a
strategic necessity.
Why the U.S. Needs It
Zirconium’s
primary use is in nuclear power plants, where it is a key component of
fuel rod cladding. Its low neutron absorption properties make it ideal
for safely containing nuclear fuel while allowing efficient reactor
operation. Additionally, zirconium alloys are vital in aerospace
engineering, advanced ceramics, and even medical implants due to their
biocompatibility and durability. The demand for zirconium is only
expected to rise as the U.S. expands its clean energy infrastructure and
high-tech manufacturing.
https://ptoe.com/zirconium-the-unsung-hero-of-nuclear-energy/
____________________________________
Yttrium – The Unsung Hero of Advanced Materials
May 6, 2025
Yttrium
may not be a household name, but this rare earth element plays a vital
role in some of the most cutting-edge technologies. From strengthening
high-performance alloys to enabling powerful laser systems, yttrium’s
unique properties make it indispensable. In this 53rd installment of the
Critical Minerals Series, we dive into why yttrium is crucial to
America’s technological future and the steps needed to secure its
domestic supply.
Why the U.S. Needs Yttrium
Yttrium is essential for numerous advanced applications:
Aerospace and Defense: Yttrium is a key component in thermal barrier
coatings used in jet engines and missile systems, helping materials
withstand extreme temperatures.
Medical Innovations: Yttrium-90
is a radioactive isotope used in cancer treatment, particularly in
targeted radiation therapies.
Electronics and Optics:
Yttrium-stabilized zirconia is critical for solid oxide fuel cells and
high-performance optical materials, including camera lenses and
night-vision devices.
High-Strength Alloys: Adding yttrium to
magnesium and aluminum alloys improves strength, corrosion resistance,
and thermal stability, making it vital for structural components in
automotive and aerospace industries.
https://ptoe.com/yttrium-the-unsung-hero-of-advanced-materials/
____________________________________
Ytterbium – The Silent Power Behind Precision Technology
May 6, 2025
https://ptoe.com/ytterbium-the-silent-power-behind-precision-technology/
____________________________________
Vanadium – Strengthening the Future of Energy and Industry
May 5, 2025
Vanadium: The Metal That Reinvents Steel and Batteries
In
the realm of critical minerals, vanadium is an unsung hero. Used
primarily as an alloying agent to strengthen steel, vanadium also plays a
key role in emerging energy storage technologies. With the launch of
this fifty-first article in our Critical Minerals Series, we shine a
spotlight on this versatile metal and its significance in national
security, infrastructure, and the clean energy revolution.
Why the U.S. Needs Vanadium
Vanadium
is indispensable to multiple industries, particularly in high-strength
steel production, aerospace applications, and advanced energy storage.
When added to steel, vanadium increases its tensile strength, making it a
crucial component in military vehicles, pipelines, and high-rise
buildings. However, its future importance may lie in vanadium redox flow
batteries (VRFBs), a promising technology for large-scale renewable
energy storage. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, VRFBs have a much longer
lifespan and are highly scalable, making them an attractive solution for
grid-level energy storage.
https://ptoe.com/vanadium-strengthening-the-future-of-energy-and-industry/
____________________________________
Tungsten – The Metal of Unrivaled Strength
May 5, 2025
Tungsten
holds the highest melting point of any metal, a staggering 3,422°C
(6,192°F), making it indispensable for high-temperature applications in
aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing. As we conclude our
Critical Minerals Series with this fiftieth installment, we highlight
Tungsten’s vital role in securing America’s technological and military
advantage while addressing the vulnerabilities in its supply chain.
Why the U.S. Needs It
Tungsten’s
extreme hardness and heat resistance make it essential in high-stress
environments such as jet engines, armor-piercing ammunition, and
electrical applications. It is also used in radiation shielding, cutting
tools, and wear-resistant coatings. The U.S. Department of Defense
classifies Tungsten as a critical material due to its necessity in
national security and energy sectors.
https://ptoe.com/tungsten-the-metal-of-unrivaled-strength/
____________________________________
Titanium – The Metal of Strength and Innovation
May 5, 2025
https://ptoe.com/titanium-the-metal-of-strength-and-innovation/
____________________________________
Research team develops new thin film deposition process for tin selenide-based materials
May 18, 2024
https://elnano.com/research-team-develops-new-thin-film-deposition-process-for-tin-selenide-based-materials/
____________________________________
Innovative process opens up new perspectives for thin-film technology applications
23/06/2025
For the past five years, researchers at Leipzig University have been working on fundamentally new methods for selectively assembling gaseous, charged molecular fragments into new, complex molecules. The synthesised substances are deposited onto surfaces. This innovative process opens up new perspectives for applications in modern nanoelectronics and sensor technology. It also offers new avenues of research across various scientific disciplines – from catalyst research to medical applications. The scientists at Leipzig University, together with their collaborators at Purdue University (US), have published a summary of their findings from this period in the renowned journal Nature Reviews Chemistry.
____________________________________
Mushrooms' microscopic filaments provide a blueprint for better materials
June 10, 2025
Fungi
have been around for many millions of years, with the incremental
process of evolution honing and improving their survival skills through
the millennia.
Now, Binghamton University researchers are
studying the cell structure of fungi to learn how it determines their
mechanical properties and what science can learn from that to create
better materials.
In a paper recently published in Advanced
Engineering Materials, a team from Binghamton and the University of
California–Merced has looked at the microscopic filaments known as hypha
that form a network-like structure in mushrooms and other fungi. By
twisting around each other and branching within the larger structure,
the hyphal filaments control how the fungi react to various mechanical
stresses.
The two species they studied offered a contrast: The
common white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) has only one type of
hyphal filaments and typically grows with no definitive orientation,
while the maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) has two types of filaments
and grows in a preferential direction toward sunlight and moisture.
The
researchers analyzed the mushrooms' cell structures by imaging with
scanning electron microscopy and tested them to calculate the stress
loads they could handle.
"Moving forward, the first step involves
developing a finite element model—a computational framework that
enables mechanical property testing and analysis in the second phase,"
said Mohamed Khalil Elhachimi, a Ph.D. student at the Thomas J. Watson
College of Engineering and Applied Science's Department of Mechanical
Engineering who served as first author on the research.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-mushrooms-microscopic-filaments-blueprint-materials.html
____________________________________
Porsche, Bcomp collaborate on racing car with all-natural fiber composite bodywork
10/01/2020
The
Cayman 718 GT4 CS delivers a full natural fiber composite bodywork kit
for the Four Motors racing team at the 24 Hours Nürburgring race.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/porsche-bcomp-collaborate-on-racing-car-with-all-natural-fiber-composite-bodywork-
____________________________________
ACMA to host new spring event focused on composites, sustainable solutions with Volkswagen Group
01/18/2022
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/acma-to-host-new-spring-event-focused-on-composites-sustainable-solutions-with-volkswagen-group
____________________________________
BMW unveils new M4 GT4 race car, features most natural fiber parts for GT series to date
06/21/2022
Bcomp
ampliTex and powerRibs technologies make up bodywork components such as
the hood, front splitter, doors, trunk and rear wing and several
interior components, taking next steps for future production models.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/bmw-unveils-new-m4-gt4-race-car-features-most-natural-fiber-parts-for-gt-series-to-date
____________________________________
Mechanical testing of ceramic matrix composites
07/23/2025
Today’s
CMC materials, robust and resistant to high temperatures, provide their
own set of challenges when determining their performance through
mechanical testing.
https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/mechanical-testing-of-ceramic-matrix-composites
____________________________________
Automating oxide CMC for higher part volumes
07/22/2025
FOX
Composites has adapted infusion and RTM for slurry-based matrices,
commercializing its VASI and IFOX technologies for automatable,
scalable, serial production of high-quality oxide ceramic matrix
composite parts, already proven in flight missions and a pilot-scale
line.
https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/automating-oxide-cmc-for-higher-part-volumes
____________________________________
Bio-inspired EV underbody panel developed by TPI Composites, Helicoid Industries
05/01/2023
Composite
underbody panel for battery pack protection, made of stacked multiaxial
noncrimp fabric, will serve high-volume commercial and automotive
markets.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/bio-inspired-ev-underbody-panel-developed-by-tpi-composites-helicoid-industries
____________________________________
All-recycled, needle-punched nonwoven CFRP slashes carbon footprint of Formula 2 seat
11/27/2024
Dallara
and Tenowo collaborate to produce a race-ready Formula 2 seat using
recycled carbon fiber, reducing CO2 emissions by 97.5% compared to
virgin materials.
https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/all-recycled-needle-punched-nonwoven-cfrp-slashes-carbon-footprint-of-formula-2-seat
____________________________________
Bcomp natural fiber composites to be used in future BMW Group production cars
06/18/2025
Bcomp
partners with BMW Group to integrate high-performance natural fiber
materials into series production models, reducing CO2 emissions for
exterior and interior car parts.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/bcomp-natural-fiber-composites-to-be-used-in-future-bmw-group-production-cars
____________________________________
All-electric SUV motorsport vehicle incorporates Bcomp natural fiber bodywork
04/07/2021
In
preparation for the Extreme E racing series, Spark vehicles use
ampliTex and powerRibs technologies for more sustainable, efficient and
safe off-roading.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/all-electric-suv-motorsport-vehicle-incorporates-bcomp-natural-fiber-bodywork-
____________________________________
Automating oxide CMC for higher part volumes
07/22/2025
FOX
Composites has adapted infusion and RTM for slurry-based matrices,
commercializing its VASI and IFOX technologies for automatable,
scalable, serial production of high-quality oxide ceramic matrix
composite parts, already proven in flight missions and a pilot-scale
line.
https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/automating-oxide-cmc-for-higher-part-volumes
____________________________________
Bcomp developments continue to drive natural fiber toward scalability in motorsports
11/17/2021
The
Swiss sustainable lightweight manufacturer announces new developments
for vehicle interiors, sustainability analyses results for ampliTEX and
powerRibs reinforcements and recent technology recognition.
Bcomp
(Fribourg, Switzerland), a natural fiber reinforcements manufacturer
for high-performance applications ranging from race to space, has
announced several new developments, from the addition of natural fiber
interiors to racecars, next steps for McLaren’s Formula 1 (F1) racing
seats and recent recognition for the company’s innovations.
Following
the successful delivery of a full natural fiber composite bodywork kit
for the doors and rear wing of Porsche Motorsport’s Cayman 718 GT4 CS
back in October 2020, Bcomp has now outfitted the vehicle with a more
sustainable interior to match. Nine interior carbon fiber parts —
including the air channels, consoles, instrument cluster, glovebox and
roof panel — were reverse engineered by Bcomp and replaced with natural
fiber options using ampliTEX and powerRibs reinforcements, which are
able to minimize vibrations as much as 250%. Visual components were also
painted with a matt lacquer to match the finish of the GT4 CS series
rear wing.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/bcomp-developments-continue-to-drive-natural-fiber-toward-scalability-in-motorsports
____________________________________
Bcomp ampliTex fabric is incorporated into bus A/C panels
10/23/2023
Proof
of concept project leads to the manufacture of more environmentally
responsible natural fiber-based bus panels by automotive supplier
Eberspächer.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/bcomp-amplitex-fabric-is-incorporated-into-bus-ac-panels
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Faurecia advances biocomposites, recyclability, reduced CO2 and sustainability in automotive
10/21/2022
Efforts
include advancing NAFILean materials family in weight reduction and
sustainability, as well as new Sustainable Materials division and
R&D Center.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/faurecia-advances-biocomposites-recyclability-reduced-co2-and-sustainability-in-automotive
____________________________________
INCA secures $40 million funding commitment for biocomposites development
04/30/2023
INCA
Renewable Technologies targets commercialization of hemp-based
biocomposites line for automotive, wind, marine industries, moves
forward with processing facility construction
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/inca-secures-40-million-funding-commitment-for-biocomposites-development
____________________________________
Lingrove plant-based ekoa composite featured in Hyundai Palisade concept vehicle
01/10/2023
Carbon-neutral
biocomposite enables interactive doorspear with look and feel of wood
while protecting trees, enabling transparency and capacitive touch for
futuretech.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/lingrove-plant-based-ekoa-composite-featured-in-hyundai-palisade-concept-vehicle
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iPul pultrusion system enhances Carbon TT’s CFRP profile production for vehicle chassis
10/25/2021
Krauss
Maffei’s subsidiary, Pultrex, delivers a customized iPul pultrusion
system for the production of large profile parts for around 70,000
vehicle chassis annually.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/ipul-pultrusion-system-enhances-carbon-tts-cfrp-profile-production-for-vehicle-chassis
____________________________________
Ford Mustang Dark Horse features Carbon Revolution carbon fiber wheels
02/16/2023
The
19-inch, five-spoke Dark Horse wheels feature signature blue carbon
fiber detailing, keeping with the blue accents throughout the vehicle’s
interior and exterior.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/ford-mustang-dark-horse-features-carbon-revolution-carbon-fiber-wheels
____________________________________
Volkswagen unveils hemp fiber-based leather alternative with Revoltech
09/05/2024
Bio-based
surface material made from industrial hemp is being developed and
tested for possible use in Volkswagen vehicles from 2028 onward.
Volkswagen
(Wolfsburg, Germany) has entered into a cooperation with the textiles
manufacturer startup Revoltech GmbH (Darmstadt, Germany) to research and
develop sustainable materials based on industrial hemp — specifically, a
substitute for imitation leather. These could be used as surface
materials in Volkswagen models starting in 2028.
The leather
alternative is made from 100% bio-based hemp cultivated for the food
industry. It is an all-natural, single-layer surface material called
LOVR (“leather-free, oil-free, vegan and residue-based”) that is being
developed specifically with the automotive industry in mind. It can
reportedly be produced in existing industrial plants and recycled or
composted at the end of its service life. The hemp fibers and a fully
bio-based adhesive are combined using a distinctive technology and
processed to become a surface material.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/volkswagen-unveil-hemp-fiber-based-leather-alternative-with-revoltech
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Ohoskin, ReCarbon collaborate for aesthetic, bio-based composite
01/22/2024
Novel
material to combine Ohoskin’s leather alternative made from orange and
cactus byproducts with ReCarbon’s recycled carbon fiber.
Ohoskin
(Sicilia), an Italian manufacturer developing a bio-based alternative
material to animal leather, and ReCarbon (Busto Arsizio, Italy) a
company that has developed a one-stop solution for the circularity of
carbon fiber, have announced a collaboration to create a new material
for the automotive, marine and furniture industries.
The
material, which will be produced by combining Ohoskin’s leather
alternative made from orange and cactus byproducts with ReCarbon’s
recycled carbon fiber, will feature high strength, light weight and
sustainability.
“ReCarbon’s recycled carbon fiber is an
innovative and sustainable material that fits perfectly with the
sustainability values behind our innovative material,” Ohoskin COO
Stefano Mazzetti says. “Together, we believe we can offer the market a
unique and cutting-edge product.”
“The collaboration with Ohoskin
is an important step for ReCarbon,” Luca Grati, ReCarbon CEO,
emphasizes. “We are convinced that the combination of Ohoskin’s
sustainable material and recycled carbon fiber can create an elegant,
lightweight and sustainable product in line with the needs of modern
consumers.”
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/ohoskin-recarbon-collaborate-for-aesthetic-bio-based-composite
____________________________________
RCCF of TU Dresden develops next-gen, 3D-printed structural supercapacitors
03/08/2023
Thales
Research and Technology leads PRINTCAP project for more sustainable
fast-charging, structural energy storage for automotive and aerospace
industries using multifunctional composite materials
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/rccf-of-tu-dresden-develops-next-gen-3d-printed-structural-supercapacitors
____________________________________
Scott Bader joins CHAMPION project to research novel bio-based polymers
08/11/2020
The
bio-based polymers aim to replace conventional polymers in a variety of
applications and promote alternative to end-of-life waste.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/scott-bader-joins-champion-project-to-research-novel-bio-based-polymers
____________________________________
Italian research agency fights COVID-19 with smart shelters using biocomposites
04/14/2020
SOS
Smart Operating Shelter project offers fast-build mobile healthcare
structures using natural fiber/biopolymer sandwich panels.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/italian-research-agency-fights-covid-19-with-smart-shelters-using-biocomposites
____________________________________
4M reveals progress with plasma oxidation for carbon fiber production
03/05/2020
Promising
results following application of 4M Carbon Fiber’s plasma oxidation
technology to make carbon fiber using polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor
supplied by Formosa Plastics Corp.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/4m-reveals-progress-with-plasma-oxidation-for-carbon-fiber-production
____________________________________
Hexcel, NaCa Systems develop hybrid carbon/wood fiber composite car seat back
02/07/2020
Benefits are said to include a 40% weight savings and improved carbon footprint.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/hexcel-naca-systems-develop-hybrid-carbonwood-fiber-composite-car-seat-back
____________________________________
Revolutionizing space composites: A new era of satellite materials
07/28/2025
A
new approach for high volumes of small satellite structures uses
low-CTE, low-cost CFRP cellular core, robust single-ply skins and
modular panel systems to cut lead time, labor and cost for reflectors,
solar arrays and more.
https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/revolutionizing-space-composites-a-new-era-of-satellite-materials
____________________________________
Bcomp natural fiber materials featured in Foiling SuMoth Challenge
08/21/2024
Hands-on
application and imparted wisdom about biocomposites guided 11
participating student teams in their sustainable foiling moth designs
for the three-stage content in July.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/bcomp-natural-fiber-materials-featured-in-foiling-sumoth-challenge
____________________________________
Biomaterials make strides toward composites sustainability
11/25/2024
A
compilation of trends in development or application of natural fibers,
bio-based resins and more showcases industry players, educational
institutes and global projects.
https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/biomaterials-make-strides-toward-composites-sustainability
____________________________________
Decathlon selects GreenPoxy bio-resin for latest sustainable wakeboards
03/14/2022
The
sports equipment giant combines GreenPoxy 33 with FSC-accredited wood
cores and monitors all ecological impacts of the manufacturing process,
keeping the environment at the heart of its newest designs.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/decathlon-selects-greenpoxy-bio-resin-for-latest-sustainable-wakeboards
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Sicomin GreenPoxy 33 chosen for Spleene kiteboard range
01/10/2024
Flax
fiber multiaxial reinforcement plies, a CNC milled wood core and bamboo
rail sections are press molded together using Sicomin’s bio-epoxy resin
system for an eco-friendly twintip kiteboard production
Sicomin
(Châteauneuf les Martigues, France), a formulator of high-performance
epoxy resin systems, has confirmed its GreenPoxy 33 bio-resin range will
be used by Spleene Kiteboarding (Baden-Württemberg, Germany) in its new
Eco Line RIP 39 boards.
Designed and developed with a
commitment to genuine sustainability during a 2-year collaboration with
the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg (Germany) and the
German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, all
aspects of the Eco Line RIP 39 twintip kiteboard’s construction were
reviewed. Flax fiber multiaxial reinforcement plies, a CNC milled wood
core and bamboo rail sections are press molded together using Sicomin’s
bio-epoxy resin system.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/sicomin-greenpoxy-33-chosen-for-spleene-kiteboard-range
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MIT team engineers plant-derived composite with potential for stronger, tougher applications
03/04/2022
Tough
as bone, hard as aluminum and resembling a nacre microstructure, the
cellulose nanocrystal may pave the way for naturally derived composites.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/mit-team-engineers-plant-derived-composite-with-potential-for-stronger-tougher-applications
____________________________________
We see too many Boats, Jet Skis and WaveRunners made out of fiberglass. Many people even do fiberglass repairs on their boats in the water. Many of these Fiberglass pieces end up in our Oceans and lakes. We need an alternative material to build watercraft, cars and other vehicles. People have been using wood and metals for hundreds of years. We should phase out many fiberglass materials in boats and cars, we need to have better environmentally friendly materials.
____________________________________
Fassmer, Greenboats partner to enhance natural fiber development
11/22/2023
An
established Germany-based manufacturing site to produce natural fiber
laminates, as well as production of Greenboats fibers at a Fassmer
facility.
Fiber composite technology company Fassmer (Berne,
Germany) and Greenboats (Bremen, Germany) announce a formal partnership
to enhance sustainable manufacturing technologies in Germany. Greenboats
will establish the production of its ecological composite materials at
Fassmer’s facility, thus creating a globally distinctive manufacturing
site, distinguished by its production scope and sustainability.
This
cooperation merges Fassmer’s decades of experience in composite
technologies with Greenboats’ expertise in developing natural fiber
composites. As part of the agreement, a production facility, designed to
manufacture natural fiber-reinforced composite laminates up to 6 × 2.5
meters, and characterized by the use of eco-friendly flax fibers and
bio-based resins, will be constructed. It will ultimately produce
products with significantly reduced CO2 footprints and set recycling
benchmarks...
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/fassmer-greenboats-partner-to-enhance-natural-fiber-development
____________________________________
Greenboats announces sailing boat with biocomposite construction
11/15/2023
The
MB9, representing a combination of high performance and eco-conscious
materials use, will be commercially available in time for the 2024
sailing season.
In a stride toward eco-friendly maritime
innovation, Greenboats (Bremen, Germany) announces the launch of the MB9
sailing boat. Designed by the veteran naval architect Matthias Bröker
of design engineering company Judel/Vrolijk (Bremerhaven, Germany), the
MB9 represents a fusion of top-tier performance and sustainability,
highlighting Greenboat’s expertise in natural fiber reinforcements and
natural fiber-reinforced composite semi-finished products. Having just
"hit the water," the vessel is poised for final outfitting before its
official debut in the 2024 sailing season.
At the heart of the
MB9’s design is its eco-conscious construction, offering the potential
of bio-based materials in marine construction. The sailing boat is
almost entirely from natural materials like flax, balsa wood and
bio-epoxy; flax fiber in particular is known for its durability, noise
reduction and eco-friendly properties. Notably, only the rudder shaft
and keel fin are crafted from carbon fiber, ensuring robustness where it
is most needed. The construction results in a vessel weighing just over
three tons.
Tailored for regatta racing, the MB9 is the epitome
of ergonomic design and efficiency, Greenboat says. Its cockpit is
meticulously laid out for single-handed and double-handed racing,
reflecting Bröker's aspirations for participating in prominent races in
Germany and Denmark. The attention to detail extends to customizing
dimensions for the owner’s comfort, enhancing the boat's competitive
edge.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/greenboats-announces-sailing-boat-with-biocomposite-construction
____________________________________
Nlcomp launches recyclable composite sailing boat Ecoracer30
07/07/2023
Italian
startup featured its 30-foot sustainable production boat at the Ocean
Race Grand Finale in Genoa, Italy, citing the challenges, highlights and
future related to its development.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/nlcomp-launches-recyclable-composite-sailing-boat-ecoracer30
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Refurbished Einstein yacht demonstrates innovative composites repair and redesign
02/15/2023
Years
of creative engineering work went into resurrecting the
composites-intensive IMOCA 60 racing yacht — with award-winning results.
https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/refurbished-einstein-yacht-demonstrates-innovative-composites-repair-and-redesign
____________________________________
French sailmaker incorporates Aluula composites aboard Biotherm race boat
05/22/2023
Incidence
Sails has successfully integrated Aluula Durlyte into its long-distance
ocean race sails after withstanding two years of rigorous testing in
numerous open ocean races.
Aluula Composites (Victoria, BC,
Canada), an advanced materials technology firm, reports the addition of a
new brand partner, Incidence Sails (La Rochelle), a French sailmaker,
to introduce a new generation of ultralight, strong and recycle-ready
composite material for use in sustainable sailmaking.
After two
years of thorough testing on and off the water, Incidence Sails is
commercializing Aluula Durlyte, primarily for critical sail
reinforcements such as batten pockets, bolt ropes and high wear points
such as stanchions and spreaders — additional applications include
decksweepers and sail bags. Durlyte consists of a tough, technical film
fusion bonded to Aluula’s ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
(UHMWPE) core via the company’s patented fusion technology, resulting in
a lamination that is said to produce a “family of high-performance
composite fabrics with a low friction surface and high
strength-to-weight ratio.” In addition, the material offers 10 times the
abrasion resistance of competing materials; it’s bacteria- and
water-resistant; recyclable; accepts heat welding, can be seam taped and
is thermoformable; and is proven by Incidence Sails in Transat Jacques
Vabre, Route du Rhum and The Ocean Race...
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/french-sailmaker-incorporates-aluula-composites-aboard-biotherm-race-boat
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How seawater and limestone could be used to reduce maritime emissions
Jul. 6, 2025
Maritime CO2 emissions could be reduced by as much as 50 per cent with
the use of a new shipboard system being developed by American
universities and a startup firm, according to a recently published study.
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/climate/solutions/how-seawater-and-limestone-could-be-used-to-reduce-maritime-emissions-carbon-dioxide-greenhouse-gases
____________________________________
New method stores high-density methane in graphene-coated nanoporous carbon
June 27, 2025
Methane
(CH4), one of the most abundant natural gases on Earth, is still widely
used to power several buildings and to fuel some types of vehicles.
Despite its widespread use, storing and transporting this gas safely
remains challenging, as it is highly flammable and requires compression
at high pressures of around 25 megapascals (MPa)...
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-method-high-density-methane-graphene.html
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Melker of Sweden accomplishes sea kayak with 100% sustainable composite construction
11/01/2024
Built
with ampliTex flax fabrics, a solid cork core and Sicomin plant-based
resins, the company’s Värmdö kayak model highlights an environmentally
conscious design for paddlers of all levels.
Melker of Sweden’s
(Solna) approach to innovation and sustainability has been realized
through the Värmdö sea kayak. Its shift toward lightweight,
high-performance and plant-based construction has been achieved through
the use of Bcomp Ltd. (Fribourg, Switzerland) ampliTex flax fibers,
Sicomin (Chateuneuf les Martigues, France) GreenPoxy resins and
GreenCoat gelcoats and a cork core. The kayak recently won Product of
the Year 2025 in the Sea Kayaking category at the Paddle Sports Show in
Strasbourg, France.
Melker kayaks are designed and developed in
Sweden. Värmdö highlights a sandwich layup with a solid cork core
(harvested from the bark of cork oak trees) and flax fiber
reinforcement. More specifically, these materials include:
Sicomin InfuGreen 810 resin, DNV GL-certified with 38% bio-carbon
content, offering ultra-low viscosity for efficient room-temperature
infusion.
Sicomin Green Coat transparent gelcoat, a robust,
UV-resistant coating with 50% plant-based content that protects and
enhances the natural look of the kayak’s flax and cork laminates.
Amorim NL20 cork core providing lightweight strength and impact resistance.
The
structure is vacuum infused with GreenPoxy resins, heat cured and
finalized with the Green Coat gelcoat. Melker says this approach
provides a combination of high mechanical properties with a design that
is environmentally respectful.
The Värmdö is aimed at a broad
range of paddlers — from beginners to experienced paddlers looking for a
versatile kayak that can handle everything from relaxed paddling to
more adventurous activities like surfing and exploring rocky areas.
For
2025, all Melker models will feature this same construction approach,
incorporating Bcomp flax reinforcement fabrics, Amorim cork and
plant-based resins and gelcoats from Sicomin.
In addition to
these innovations, Melker is involved in in-house R&D and rapid
prototyping using large-scale additive manufacturing (LSAM) for a more
efficient product development, and a new plant-based material. “This is
significant for us,” the company says. “We can listen to the market's
needs and quickly 3D print a full-sized prototype in one piece, which we
can then intense field test in natural conditions and under different
circumstances. We repeat the process until we are completely satisfied.
In the final step, we manufacture molds for efficient and sustainable
serial production.”
The material used for 3D printing Melker’s
prototypes is recycled kayaks — shredded and re-compounded with upcycled
fishing nets collected on Sweden’s west coast, along with wood fibers
from Finnish pine forests. This means that not only the finished product
is plant-based, but the prototypes are also created from recycled,
upcycled and plant-based materials.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/melker-of-sweden-accomplishes-sea-kayak-with-100-sustainable-composite-construction
____________________________________
Sicomin bio-based resins used in flax fiber-reinforced boat
02/05/2020
The
hull, deck and internal structure the FLAX 27 sailing boat were infused
with Sicomin’s GreenPoxy InfuGreen 810 resin and flax fiber
reinforcement fabrics.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/sicomin-bio-based-resins-used-in-flax-fiber-reinforced-boat-
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Haydale graphene contributes to stronger, lighter sea kayaks
02/20/2023
Bespoke
mechanical graphene masterbatch was effectively used in a resin
infusion process to increase the strength, stiffness and breakage
resistance of Norse Kayaks’ products.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/haydale-graphene-contributes-to-stronger-lighter-sea-kayaks
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Sicomin epoxy resins power Candela composite boat construction
10/16/2023
Candela’s
zero-emission P-12 foiling passenger shuttle offers low vessel weight,
higher journey frequency with its carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy
fabrication.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/sicomin-epoxy-resins-power-candela-composite-boat-construction
____________________________________
AmpliTex-constructed solar-powered ferry hits the Adriatic Sea
09/20/2024
The
Marservis PROeco is a mass transportation marine vessel using Bcomp
natural fiber for interior parts in place of standard materials.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/amplitex-constructed-solar-powered-ferry-hits-the-adriatic-sea
____________________________________
Toyoda Gosei develops seawater-derived fiber-reinforced material
05/14/2024
Fiber
reinforcement is formed from magnesium hydroxide derived from seawater,
achieving plastic parts that contributed to improved environmental
performance.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/toyoda-gosei-develops-seawater-derived-fiber-reinforced-material
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DITF, RBX Créations develops hemp-based pulp for filament-spun cellulose fibers
09/18/2024
Partners
present a complete process chain for the development of hemp-based
fibers, yarns and fabrics using energy- and resource-saving processes.
A
partnership between the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research
Denkendorf (DITF) and RBX Créations (Jonzac, France), an SME developing
sustainable materials with hemp and flax cellulose, has resulted in a
hemp-based pulp and its further processing into filament-spun cellulose
fibers.
Together, the companies present a complete textile
production chain — from raw materials to processing, spinning technology
and the realization of textile products. The raw hemp is grown and
obtained locally (offering a low carbon footprint), which is then
processed into a fine-fibered pulp in a process patented by RBX
Créations, and dissolved in an ionic liquid. This then serves as the raw
material for a wet spinning process developed at the DITF and patented
under the name HighPerCell. The solution is spun into cellulose fibers
in a precipitation bath — using a solvent that can be completely
recovered and reused — for development of textile fibers, yarns and
fabrics.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/ditf-rbx-creations-develops-hemp-based-pulp-for-filament-spun-cellulose-fibers
____________________________________
Alliance of European Flax-Linen & Hemp announces positive outlook for 2024 flax fiber harvest
07/10/2024
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/alliance-of-european-flax-linen-hemp-announces-positive-outlook-for-2024-flax-fiber-harvest
____________________________________
Project Greenlift to develop ground-effect Cicada222x prototype
11/19/2024
Bio-inspired
Australian-made craft featuring hemp-reinforced fuselage panels and
sustainable fuel capabilities is positioned to meet disaster relief,
e-commerce and military needs.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/project-greenlift-to-develop-ground-effect-cicada222x-prototype-
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CELC changes name to Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp
12/14/2022
The
Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp is launching its new
identity in early 2023 for all target groups, including natural fiber
composite applications.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/celc-changes-name-to-alliance-for-european-flax-linen-hemp
____________________________________
Grand Largue Composites, Sicomin enable flax fiber-built Class40 racing yacht
11/09/2022
Fibers,
fabrics, epoxy resins and adhesives from Sicomin helped realize the
lightweight, strong and stiff Crosscall yacht, capable of tackling
extreme ocean racing conditions.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/grand-largue-composites-sicomin-enable-flax-fiber-built-class40-racing-yacht
____________________________________
Flax fiber producer Group Depestele invests in Greenboats GmbH
09/15/2023
Group
Depestele acquires a minority share of Greenboats in an effort to
redefine the applications of natural fiber-reinforced composites on a
global scale.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/flax-fiber-producer-group-depestele-invests-in-greenboats-gmbh
____________________________________
Notox surfboards harness flax fiber for wave surfing competition
12/16/2024
Libeco
flax, Airbus rCF fabrics, Sicomin GreenPoxy bioresins and an agave core
form a heavy, robust surfboard custom-designed for Clément Roseyro in
this year’s Nazaré Big Waves Surf event.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/notox-surfboards-harness-flax-fiber-for-wave-surfing-competition
____________________________________
Cobra Advanced Composites launches flax fiber-based visual finish components
10/12/2022
New
range of sustainable, low-density, production-ready composite
components meet challenging automotive OEM standards for exterior and
interior applications.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/cobra-advanced-composites-launches-flax-fiber-based-visual-finish-components
____________________________________
OceanWings demonstrate wind-assisted propulsion potential via Canopée
06/27/2025
For
the last two years, the vessel that transports components of the Ariane
6 rocket has proven the success and viability of its installed
OceanWings, including fuel savings, aerodynamic performance and
versatility.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/oceanwings-demonstrate-wind-assisted-propulsion-potential-via-canopee
____________________________________
EconCore, Flaxco reveal flax fiber-reinforced thermoplastic honeycomb panels
04/04/2022
Natural
fiber sandwich panels are expected to replace those made from glass and
carbon fiber, offering enhanced rigidity and sustainability for
applications in automotive and sporting good markets.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/econcore-flaxco-reveal-flax-fiber-reinforced-thermoplastic-honeycomb-panels
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Nordic Bioproducts successfully spins novel plant-based textile fiber
01/27/2022
The
Finnish startup begins an intensive product development period to scale
up its Norratex fiber, which is manufactured without toxic chemicals or
expensive solvents.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/nordic-bioproducts-successfully-spins-novel-plant-based-textile-fiber
____________________________________
Sigmatex launches recycled carbon fiber non-woven fabric
01/24/2020
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/sigmatex-launches-recycled-carbon-fiber-non-woven-fabric
____________________________________
HyPoint partners with GTL to extend zero-emission flight with ultralight liquid hydrogen tanks
03/30/2022
NASA
award-winning fuel cell pioneer works with carbon fiber tank maker GTL
to offer up to 10 times more capacity versus existing hydrogen storage
tanks.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/hypoint-partners-with-gtl-to-extend-zero-emission-flight-with-ultralight-liquid-hydrogen-tanks
____________________________________
Bcomp, KTM Technologies brake cover listed as finalist for JEC Innovation Awards 2022
03/25/2022
Flax
fibers were used to reduce the CO2 emission of the motocross brake
cover by 82%, with KTM’s Conexus for effective bonding between thermoset
and thermoplastic parts.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/bcomp-ktm-technologies-brake-cover-listed-as-finalist-for-jec-innovation-awards-2022
____________________________________
Hypetex creates colored carbon fiber covers for IQOS tobacco heating devices
03/23/2022
The
U.K. manufacturer and supplier of advanced materials coordinated all
aspects, from initial concept to final solution, including a fully
optimized production process.
Hypetex (London, U.K.) and Philip
Morris International (PMI, Stamford, Conn., U.S.), owners of the heated
tobacco devices brand IQOS, have recently collaborated on a development
program to create colored carbon fiber composite covers for IQOS tobacco
heating devices.
PMI claims that tobacco heating devices offer a
smoke-free alternative that provide a better choice for those that
would otherwise continue to smoke. PMI approached Hypetex with the
objective to identify a viable composite material solution to create the
IQOS accessories in a visual, colored carbon fiber material, as well as
defining an easily scalable production process and manufacturing supply
chain using Hypetex’s in-mold, colored composite technology.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/hypetex-creates-colored-carbon-fiber-covers-for-iqos-tobacco-heating-devices
____________________________________
AZL Aachen conducts study to evaluate the biocomposites market
03/03/2022
Comprehensive
Joint Market and Technology report identifies CAGR for natural fibers,
biopolymers and bio-based composites market will reach 22.7% between
2021 and 2026.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/azl-aachen-conducts-study-to-evaluate-the-bio-based-composites-market
____________________________________
Series A funding expands production for Lingrove’s Ekoa natural fiber materials
02/25/2022
Carbon-negative
Ekoa composite, a substitution for wood and plastics in furniture,
interiors and automotive applications, will be scaled up to deliver to
far-reaching global customers.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/series-a-funding-expands-production-for-lingroves-ekoa-natural-fiber-materials
____________________________________
Diab reduces carbon footprint by 46%
02/23/2022
Between
2016 and 2021, the sandwich composite solutions company made
alterations in material, reduced waste and efficient use of waste,
production and energy sources to drive its reduction efforts.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/diab-reduces-carbon-footprint-by-46
____________________________________
3A Composites Core Materials passes annual FSC review
12/17/2021
Audit
identifies effort in maintaining sustainability mindset, efficient
waste management, responsible forestry in the production of core
materials.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/3a-composites-core-materials-passes-annual-fsc-review-
____________________________________
Six nominees chosen for Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year 2022 award
12/08/2021
Cellulose
fiber solutions, chosen by International Conference on Cellulose Fibres
conference advisory members, range from cellulose made of orange and
wood pulp, to a novel technology for cellulose fiber production.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/six-nominees-chosen-for-cellulose-fibre-innovation-of-the-year-2022-award
____________________________________
University of Bristol studies mycelium composites as alternative building materials
02/09/2024
Affordable,
lightweight and sustainable composite materials made from mycelium —
mushroom roots — may have potential for packaging materials, insulation
panels, floor tiles and furniture.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/university-of-bristol-studies-mycelium-composites-as-alternative-building-materials
____________________________________
3A Composites Core Materials commits to sustainable growth, harvesting and processing of balsa wood
12/06/2021
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/3a-composites-core-materials-commits-to-sustainable-growth-harvesting-and-processing-of-balsa-wood
____________________________________
DITF researches lignin-based protective coating for natural fiber geotextiles
10/27/2023
The
bio-based coating was applied to yarns and textile surfaces to extend
service life with positive results, suggesting its future application in
civil engineering
The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber
Research Denkendorf (DITF) are developing a bio-based protective
coating, based on lignin, that extends the service life of natural fiber
textiles, particularly those used in civil engineering applications.
Depending
on humidity and temperature, natural fiber materials can degrade in
soil in a matter of months or even a few days. To extend the degradation
time and make them suitable for geotextiles, the DITF team is studying
the use of its lignin-based coating, which in itself is biodegradable
and does not generate microplastics in the soil. Nevertheless, this
degradation takes a very long time in nature.
Together with
cellulose, lignin forms the building materials for wood — it is the
“glue,” holding this composite material together. In paper production,
usually only the cellulose is used, so lignin is produced in large
quantities as a waste material. So-called kraft lignin remains as a
fusible material. In addition, textile production can deal well with
thermoplastic materials. Ultimately, these facts are why DITF believes
lignin would be suitable for geotextiles.
Lignin is brittle by
nature. Therefore, it is necessary to blend the kraft lignin with softer
biomaterials. For this project, these novel biopolymer compounds of
brittle kraft lignin and softer biopolymers were applied to yarns and
textile surfaces via adapted coating systems. For this purpose, for
example, cotton yarns were coated with lignin at different application
rates and evaluated. Biodegradation testing was carried out using soil
burial tests in a climatic chamber with temperature and humidity defined
precisely according to the standard, and outdoors under real
environmental conditions.
According to DITF, the results were
positive: The service life of textiles made of natural fibers can be
extended by many factors with a lignin coating. The thicker the
protective coating, the longer the protection lasts. In the outdoor
tests, the lignin coating was still completely intact even after about
160 days of burial.
According to the team, textile materials
coated with lignin enable sustainable applications. Providing an
adjustable and sufficiently long service life for certain geotextile
applications, in addition to still remaining biodegradable, the textiles
have the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint.
Nevertheless,
further research is still needed to establish lignin, which was
previously a waste material, as a new valuable material in industrial
manufacturing processes in the textile industry.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/ditf-researches-lignin-based-protective-coating-for-natural-fiber-geotextiles
____________________________________
Metsä Group’s Kuura textile shows competitive GHG levels to existing commercial fibers
02/12/2025
A
recent LCA shows that compared to viscose, lyocell and cotton fibers,
large-scale production of Kuura would result in less environmental
impact.
Metsä Spring (Espoo, Finland), the innovation company of
Metsä Group, has completed a new life cycle assessment (LCA) of its
Kuura textile fiber produced from softwood pulp, with results indicating
that the large-scale production of the material would result in reduced
greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels.
To assess the
environmental impact of a possible first commercial-scale mill producing
Kuura, Metsä Spring asked technology service company Etteplan (Espoo)
to conduct a study using standard LCA methodology. The study results
were reviewed by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden. Kuura’s production
process is also currently being tested and developed at a greenfield
demo plant in Äänekoski, Finland, which features a nominal capacity of
approximately 1 tonne/day.
The assessment shows that Kuura’s
global warming potential (GWP100, fossil) score is less than one-third
of the next best option, viscose. GWP is a term used to describe the
relative potency, molecule for molecule, of a greenhouse gas,
considering how long it remains active in the atmosphere. Kuura's GWP is
only one-quarter of cotton fiber and more than 80% lower than the
impact of lyocell fiber.
“Metsä Group aims to introduce a new
textile fiber product to the market that would be competitive on many
different metrics,” says Niklas von Weymarn, CEO of Metsä Spring.
“Environmental impacts, and in particular the potential to mitigate
climate change, is one key metric. Our assessment with external experts
shows that our chosen concept has great potential. This will give
impetus to further development.”
Contributing to Kuura’s success
is the fact that it would, on an industrial scale, be produced and
integrated into Metsä Group’s existing pulp-processing mill, which the
company says does not use any fossil energy. In practice, the bioproduct
mill generates significant amounts of excess renewable energy (steam,
electricity and so on), which would be used to meet the energy demand of
producing Kuura.
Kuura is produced from softwood Kraft pulp, not
from dissolving pulp, which is commonly used as raw material in the
production of man-made cellulosic fibers such as lyocell and viscose
fibers. The wood for pulp production would be procured from forests
located close to the pulp and textile fiber mills.
Von Weymarn
says the main use pathways for Kuura (based on market volume) include
the following: Spinning the fiber into a yarn and processing the yarn
into knitted of woven fabrics, and manufacturing nonwoven fabrics. “A
third, although smaller potential application area is various composite
structures,” von Weymarn tells CW. “Other man-made cellulosic fibers
(like viscose) are already used in such structures today and so might
also be an opportunity for the Kuura fiber. On a lab scale, we have
tested the use of our fiber as a reinforcing component.”..
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/metsa-groups-kuura-textile-shows-competitive-ghg-levels-to-existing-commercial-fibers
____________________________________
Lingrove secures $10 million in financing to ramp up plant-based ekoa production
12/18/2023
New
support will enable climate-friendly, high-performance and
aesthetically pleasing interiors made from ekoa natural fiber composite
surfaces and panels.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/lingrove-secures-10-in-financing-to-ramp-up-plant-based-ekoa-production
____________________________________
Natural Fibers for Composites
https://www.compositesworld.com/topics/natural-fibers
____________________________________
Grafen AB introduces graphene-coated textiles
11/12/2021
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/grafen-ab-introduces-graphene-coated-textiles
____________________________________
Green Alternative to Graphite Mining Unveiled for Graphene Oxide Production
March 3, 2025
https://miningtechnologyinsights.com/2025/03/03/green-alternative-to-graphite-mining-unveiled-for-graphene-oxide-production/
____________________________________
Easy Composites partners with Eco-Technilin to deliver sustainable, natural fiber composites products
10/26/2021
Product
range includes Eco-Technilin Fibrimat nonwoven, FlaxDry woven, FlaxTape
UD and FlaxPreg prepreg reinforcements and feature excellent vibration
damping properties.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/easy-composites-partners-with-eco-technilin-to-deliver-sustainable-natural-fiber-composites-products
____________________________________
Porcher Industries strengthens partnership with Terre de Lin
05/01/2023
Technical
and commercial cooperation enables Terre de Lin to deliver flax rovings
to Porcher for the production of woven Polypreg Flax/TP composite
reinforcements.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/porcher-industries-strengthens-partnership-with-terre-de-lin
____________________________________
Hypetex wins Innovate UK Smart grant for FlaxTex composite
05/22/2024
In
addition to its aesthetic qualities, the novel colored natural fiber is
waterproof, 100% biodegradable and features enhanced manufacturing
attributes thanks to Hypetex’s coloring process
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/hypetex-wins-innovate-uk-smart-grant-for-flaxtex-composite
____________________________________
Lanxess reveals highly sustainable Scopeblue composite material series
10/19/2021
PA6
glass fiber-reinforced compound under Lanxess’ new Scopeblue series is
made from 92% sustainable raw materials, with content goals headed
toward 100%.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/lanxess-reveals-highly-sustainable-scopeblue-composite-material-series
____________________________________
BioStruct project to validate biocomposite-focused manufacturing processes
05/14/2024
For
the next 3 years, Ideko and European partners are working to develop
and validate to TLR 7 novel processes to boost the use of natural fibers
and biological resins.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/biostruct-project-to-validate-biocomposite-focused-manufacturing-processes
____________________________________
New research developments identify new methods for bio-derived carbon filler reinforcement for biocomposites
01/16/2023
Sustainable
methodologies employed by researchers from Tuskegee University enable
the synthesis of carbon from biomass-based precursor materials, and its
effective reinforcement in composites.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/new-research-developments-identify-new-methods-for-bio-derived-carbon-filler-reinforcement-for-biocomposites
____________________________________
Carbon fiber, additive manufacturing enhance Pleko spike shoe performance
10/11/2021
Developed
with 3D scanning support from Diadora and CRP Technology’s Windform SP
carbon fiber-filled composite material and 3D printing process for a
track shoe that meets individuals’ needs in terms of foot structure and
athletic performance.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/carbon-fiber-additive-manufacturing-enhance-pleko-spike-shoe-performance
____________________________________
Nanofibers yield stronger, tougher carbon fiber composites
June 17, 2025
A carbon fiber is prepared for mounting in a device to test its adhesion to a polymer matrix. ORNL researchers are using polymer nanofibers to increase the adhesion, and thus the performance, of carbon fiber composites.
https://www.ornl.gov/news/nanofibers-yield-stronger-tougher-carbon-fiber-composites
____________________________________
Georgia Tech leads effort to tackle the composite and hybrid materials challenge
08/24/2021
New
National Science Foundation (NSF) center combines industry and
academia, uses analytics, AI to modernize how manufacturers repair
composites.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/georgia-tech-leads-effort-to-tackle-the-composite-and-hybrid-materials-challenge
____________________________________
GreenLight project explores fire-resistant and bio-based FRPs for structural lightweight design in ships
08/11/2021
Project
leader Fraunhofer IFAM and six associated partners to study FRPs such
as polybenzoxazine- and benzoxazine-based composite materials to meet
strict safety regulations, requirements on passenger ships.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/greenlight-project-explores-fire-resistant-and-bio-based-frps-for-structural-lightweight-design-in-ships
____________________________________
NTU Singapore, Arkema manufacture carbon fiber helmets using Elium resin
07/30/2021
Carbon
fiber reinforcement increases stiffness, toughness of the helmet’s
outer shell and allows it to absorb more impact energy over a longer
period.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/ntu-singapore-arkema-manufacture-carbon-fiber-helmets-using-elium-resin
____________________________________
Deutsche Aircraft and H2FLY join forces to explore hydrogen powered flight
07/09/2021
First
flight of Dornier 328 demonstrator with fuel cell planned for 2025 to
display potential for climate-neutral regional flights.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/deutsche-aircraft-and-h2fly-join-forces-to-explore-hydrogen-powered-flight
____________________________________
Testing validates, prepares Verne CcH2 truck for commercialization
01/22/2025
Verne
has demonstrated the density and dormancy benefits of its
cryo-compressed hydrogen Class 8 truck and refueling system, moving the
technology forward for trucking and hydrogen distribution.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/testing-validates-verne-cch2-truck-prepares-for-commercialization
____________________________________
Basaltex reveals basalt fiber milestone for use in rail carriage interiors
06/17/2021
Testing
and development of basalt fiber, bioresin and rPET combo achieves
rigidity, fire resistance and lightweight properties that meet railway
application standards.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/basaltex-reveals-basalt-fiber-milestone-for-use-in-rail-carriage-interiors
____________________________________
Michelman provides fiber sizing support for FibreCoat aluminum-coated basalt fibers
02/07/2025
AluCoat,
addressing applications requiring conductive and lightweight materials,
integrates Hydrosize which provides the right balance of sizing for
optimal processing, unlocking key fiber attributes.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/michelman-provides-fiber-sizing-support-for-fibrecoat-aluminum-coated-basalt-fibers
____________________________________
Use of basalt fibers for concrete structures
2015
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0950061815301653
____________________________________
Basalt fibers: the green material of the XXI-century, for a sustainable restoration of historical buildings
2021
https://www.academia.edu/47001045/Basalt_fibers_the_green_material_of_the_XXI_century_for_a_sustainable_restoration_of_historical_buildings
____________________________________
A Sustainable fiber
https://www.basaltex.com/sustainable-fiber
____________________________________
Eco-Marine textiles
https://www.basaltex.com/applications/technical-textiles/eco-marine-textiles
____________________________________
BASALT REBAR – THE ULTIMATE STRUCTURAL COMPONENT
THE STRUCTURAL COMPONENT OF THE FUTURE
Basalt is the future, it is ready now and proven. Basalt rebars, basalt mesh, basalt chopped fibers and basalt rope twine are stronger than steel and will never rust or corrode.
Basalt is much stronger and yet lighter and lasting many dozens of years longer than the structures of today that are considered by DOTs to be the “standard”.
The future is here, it is ready and proven and we can make sea walls and buildings safe and strong and long lasting.
Protects structures from the elements with advanced concretes such as geo-polymers which are 2-3 times stronger than CO2 producing Portland cement, while also being a greener and waterproof solution to many problems.
Basalt in geo-polymers is the strongest thing for construction. The use of traditional steel rebar has demonstrated that this “preferred” steel reinforcement can cause expensive maintenance, repair and replacement problems.
Reinforced concrete structures are facing serious degradation problems due to the corrosion of the steel rebar inside of the concrete structures. Reinforced concrete structures have to be able to support the load and its own weight. As such, the greater the total weight to be supported, the more rebar and concrete required.
The problems associated with steel rebar (corrosion, weight, etc.) are avoided with the use of basalt. This new alternative to steel rebar also wants to return to a straight state. Steel when bent, stays bent, and does not want to return to being straight like basalt. Build safe, build green, and build smarter because it makes monetary sense and keeps us alive and healthy.
https://diamondbasalt.com/
____________________________________
Magnetic Properties and Ferromagnetic Mineralogy of Oceanic Basalts
01 April 1993
https://academic.oup.com/gji/article/113/1/95/732980?login=false
____________________________________
Preliminary Characterization of Submarine Basalt Magnetic Mineralogy Using Amplitude-Dependence of Magnetic Susceptibility
30 January 2024
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2023GC011222
____________________________________
Electromagnetic properties of dry and water saturated basalt rock, 1-110 GHz
31 May 1998
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/673669
____________________________________
Chapter 2. Magnetic Properties of Oceanic Basalts
1972
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0422989408710857
____________________________________
On the magnetic and mineralogical properties of basalts
December 1967
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00875312
____________________________________
Magnetic Recording Fidelity of Basalts Through 3D Nanotomography
07 March 2025
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2024GC011776
____________________________________
Some magnetic and electrical properties of basalt rocks
1990
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0167577X90900909
____________________________________
Effects of microwave radiation on dynamic compressive properties of basalt
2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1003632622660278
____________________________________
Research on the mechanical properties and pore structure deterioration of Basalt-polyvinyl alcohol hybrid fiber concrete under the coupling effects of sulfate attack and freeze-thaw cycles
2025
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0950061825010979
____________________________________
Magnetic anomalies and rock magnetism of basalts from Reykjanes (SW-Iceland)
12 February 2011
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11200-011-0007-4
____________________________________
Physicists May Have Discovered a New State of Matter – By Accident
The phenomenon appeared while the researchers were running experiments with crystalline materials that are only a few atoms thick, known as 2D materials. These materials are made up of a repeating pattern of atoms, like an endless checkerboard, and are so thin that the electrons in them can only move in two dimensions.
Stacking these ultra-thin materials can create unusual effects as the layers interact at a quantum level.
Kar and his colleagues were examining two such 2D materials, bismuth selenide and a transition metal dichalcogenide, layered on top of each other like sheets of paper. That’s when things started to get weird.
Electrons should repel one another—they’re negatively charged, and move away from other negatively charged things. But that’s not what the electrons in these layers were doing. They were forming a stationary pattern.
“At certain angles, these materials seem to form a way to share their electrons that ends up forming this geometrically periodic third lattice,” Kar says. “A perfectly repeatable array of pure electronic puddles that resides between the two layers.”
At first, Kar assumed the result was a mistake. The crystalline structures of 2D materials are too small to observe directly, so physicists use special microscopes that fire beams of electrons instead of light. As the electrons pass through the material, they interfere with each other and create a pattern. The specific pattern (and a bunch of math) can be used to recreate the shape of the 2D material.
https://scitechdaily.com/physicists-may-have-discovered-a-new-state-of-matter-by-accident/
____________________________________
Material of Interest: Magnesium-Zinc-Bismuth
https://tothestars.media/blogs/press-and-news/material-of-interest-magnesium-zinc-bismuth
____________________________________
The Bi-Mg (Bismuth-Magnesium) system
December 1985
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02887150
____________________________________
Previous Analysis of TTSA Magnesium-Bismuth Material by Dr. William Mallow by Whitley Strieber
____________________________________
Excellent room temperature deformability in high strain rate regimes of magnesium alloy
Abstract
Magnesium and its alloys have the lowest density among structural metallic materials; thus, this light-weight metal has great potential for reducing the weight, for example, of vehicles and trains. However, due to its crystal structure, deformability is poor; in particular, under compressive stress. In this study, we modified magnesium with bismuth as an alloying element, which has the characteristics of being likely to form precipitates instead of grain boundary segregation. The Mg-Bi binary alloy showed excellent deformability and high absorption of energy in high-strain rate regimes at room temperature via contribution of grain boundary sliding. These properties, which are closely comparable to those of conventional middle-strength aluminum alloys (Al-Mg and Al-Mg-Si series alloys), have never been observed before in magnesium alloys. The development of such properties opens the door for not only academic but also industrial research in magnesium.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-19124-w
____________________________________
Puzzling Material Reveals Quantum Twist: Scientists Have Uncovered the True Nature of Bismuth
____________________________________
Protein and metal give mussels their muscle
March 4, 2010
The tough, stretchy threads that fix mussels to seashore rocks are made up of a combination of sticky proteins and tough metal ions, researchers have found.
The threads can stretch to twice their normal length, and also resist the constant scraping and tearing from sand particles suspended in crashing ocean waves.
"Nature has evolved an elegant solution to a problem that engineers are still struggling with; namely, how to combine the properties of abrasion resistance and high extensibility in the same material," said Peter Fratzl, of the Max Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces, in a statement.
The researchers used a process called Raman microscopy to probe the chemical makeup of the threads, which the mussels squeeze out like spaghetti through a pasta maker.
They found that the outer layers of the byssal threads were made of an amino acid called dopa, a strong adhesive that gives the threads their stickiness and stretchiness.
There's also a high concentration of iron ions in the threads, giving them their toughness. The proteins and metal ions form a chemical complex, and their connections vary at different points on the thread.
At some points, the metals and proteins are strongly cross-linked, making the thread resistant to ocean waves and sand. At other points there are fewer cross-links, allowing the threads to stretch.
As well, when the thread stretches, tiny tears form in the protein-metal chemical complex, which prevents larger tears from forming and breaking the thread. The small tears can repair themselves when the chemical bonds reform.
The researchers said figuring out the chemical properties of mussel beard threads could allow engineers to replicate those properties in synthetic materials.
"Protective coatings are important for prolonging the lifetime of materials and devices. However, considering that hardness and extensibility are seldom coupled in engineered polymers or composites, understanding how one protects a flexible substrate becomes quite important," said Matthew Harrington of the Max Planck Institute.
Researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of Chicago also took part in the research, published this week in Science.
https://physicsworld.com/a/mussels-mix-proteins-and-metals-to-create-sticky-threads/
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Defying 60 Years of Physics – “Strange Metals” Break the Rules of Electricity
____________________________________
AARO Releases Lab Report on Alleged Alien Metamaterial
Jul 11, 2024
https://www.metabunk.org/threads/aaro-releases-lab-report-on-alleged-alien-metamaterial.13548/
____________________________________
Non-Equilibrium Crystallization of Monotectic Zn-25%Bi Alloy under 600 g
2021
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8347316/
____________________________________
Effect of bismuth on microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture behavior of AZ magnesium alloys
2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921509322010607
____________________________________
Outstanding Strength: Next-Gen Copper Alloy Pushes Past Limits of Traditional Materials
The strongest Cu-Ta-Li alloy developed to date exhibits outstanding strength and stability, making it ideal for advanced engineering applications.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Lehigh University, and Louisiana State University has developed a groundbreaking high-temperature copper alloy with outstanding thermal stability and mechanical strength.
Their study, published in the journal Science, presents a novel bulk nanocrystalline alloy, Cu-3Ta-0.5Li, that demonstrates exceptional resistance to grain coarsening and creep deformation, even at temperatures approaching its melting point.
“Our alloy design approach mimics the strengthening mechanisms found in Ni-based superalloys,” said Kiran Solanki, a professor at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, and a co-author of the study.
Nickel-based superalloys are currently the primary materials used in applications that demand exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and stability at high temperatures. These alloys are essential in critical industries such as aerospace, gas turbine engines, and chemical processing.
____________________________________
Ground-Breaking Discovery Could Create Superior Alloys
Developing alloys that can withstand high temperatures without corroding is a key challenge for many fields, such as renewable and sustainable energy technologies like concentrated solar power and solid oxide fuel cells, as well as aviation, materials processing and petrochemistry.
At high temperatures, alloys can react violently with their environment, quickly causing the materials to fail by corrosion. To protect against this, all high-temperature alloys are designed to form a protective oxide scale, usually consisting of aluminum oxide or chromium oxide. This oxide scale plays a decisive role in preventing the metals from corroding. Therefore, research on high-temperature corrosion is very focused on these oxide scales – how they are formed, how they perform at high heat, and how they sometimes fail.
The article in Nature Materials answers two classical issues in the area. One applies to the very small additives of so-called ‘reactive elements’ – often yttrium and zirconium – found in all high-temperature alloys. The second issue is about the role of water vapor.
“Adding reactive elements to alloys results in a huge improvement in performance – but no one has been able to provide robust experimental proof why,” says Nooshin Mortazavi, materials researcher at Chalmers’ Department of Physics, and first author of the study. “Likewise, the role of water, which is always present in high-temperature environments, in the form of steam, has been little understood. Our paper will help solve these enigmas.”
In this paper, the Chalmers researchers show how these two elements are linked. They demonstrate how the reactive elements in the alloy promote the growth of an aluminum oxide scale. The presence of these reactive element particles causes the oxide scale to grow inward, rather than outward, thereby facilitating the transport of water from the environment, toward the alloy substrate. Reactive elements and water combine to create a fast-growing, nanocrystalline, oxide scale.
“This paper challenges several accepted ‘truths’ in the science of high-temperature corrosion and opens up exciting new avenues of research and alloy development,” says Lars Gunnar Johansson, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at Chalmers, Director of the Competence Centre for High Temperature Corrosion (HTC) and co-author of the paper.
https://scitechdaily.com/ground-breaking-discovery-could-create-superior-alloys/
____________________________________
Recovery of ancient Greek shipwreck in Sicily reveals rare orichalcum, the fabled ‘Atlantis metal’
October 7, 2024
Off the coast of Sicily, near the ancient city of Gela, recovery operations are underway for the 5th-century BCE Greek shipwreck, “Gela II.” The wreck, discovered in 1980 by divers near Bulala, is a vital historical find that has yielded numerous treasures, most notably orichalcum, a metal alloy with connections to the legendary city of Atlantis.
The Gela II wreck, which lies about 1,000 feet underwater, is remarkably well-preserved. Underwater archaeologists first investigated the site in the 1990s, but it was in 2015 and 2017 that significant discoveries were made. Over these two expeditions, 86 ingots of orichalcum were recovered from the seabed.
Orichalcum, derived from the Greek word “oreikhalkos” meaning “mountain copper,” has long been a subject of fascination. Classical sources like Plato’s Critias describe orichalcum as a highly valuable metal, second only to gold. In the mythical city of Atlantis, orichalcum was said to cover the walls of the Temple of Poseidon and Cleito, giving them a red gleam. While there has been much debate over the metal’s composition, modern analysis of the ingots from Gela II reveals that they are an alloy composed of 75-80% copper and 14-20% zinc, with traces of nickel, lead, and iron.
According to Sebastiano Tusa, former superintendent of Sicily’s Sea Office, the ingots recovered from the shipwreck likely originated from Greece or Asia Minor. “The discovery of orichalcum ingots is significant because nothing similar has ever been found,” Tusa noted. “We knew of orichalcum from ancient texts and a few ornamental objects, but these ingots are unprecedented.”
Gela II, measuring approximately 50 feet long and 16 feet wide, was a merchant vessel that would have transported goods across the Mediterranean. In addition to the orichalcum ingots, archaeologists have uncovered Corinthian helmets, amphorae, pottery, and personal belongings of the crew.
https://archaeologymag.com/2024/10/recovery-of-greek-shipwreck-in-sicily-reveals-orichalcum/
____________________________________
Orichalcum
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orichalcum
____________________________________
Natural fiber composite wheelchair seat design aims for sustainable mobility
06/11/2021
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/natural-fiber-composite-wheelchair-seat-design-aims-for-sustainable-mobility
____________________________________
Greenboats, Sicomin and Bcomp selected as JEC Innovation Awards 2021 finalists
05/19/2021
Project
partners nominated for an offshore nacelle manufactured with natural
fiber composites, with a construction that saves approximately 60% CO2
equivalent and introduced viable options for the end of the nacelles’
life.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/greenboats-sicomin-and-bcomp-selected-as-jec-innovation-awards-2021-finalists
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Bcomp, Siux bring natural fiber composites to padel tennis
04/30/2025
Flax
fibers enter the court through Siux’s GEA padel racquets, delivering
high-performance, well-balance sports equipment to a rapidly growing
sports market.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/bcomp-siux-bring-natural-fiber-composites-to-padel-tennis
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Easy Composites appointed as exclusive U.K. distributor of Eco-Technilin natural fiber reinforcements
05/04/2021
Eco-Technilin
natural fiber product range offers woven, nonwoven, UD and prepreg
reinforcement options that are more sustainable, affordable alternatives
to traditional reinforcements like glass fiber.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/easy-composites-appointed-as-exclusive-uk-distributor-of-eco-technilin-natural-fiber-reinforcements
____________________________________
Study demonstrates improved abrasion resistance using TFP aramid nonwovens
04/14/2021
Study
shows aramid veil acts as a sacrificial layer to protect the underlying
reinforcement, improves durability and extends composite structure
lifespan.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/study-demonstrates-improved-abrasion-resistance-using-tfp-aramid-nonwovens
____________________________________
RAMPF offers lightweight construction with high-performance epoxy board and liquid materials
04/09/2021
Raku Tool epoxy boards, gelcoats, laminating resins and infusion and RTM systems offered, with encompassing technical support.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/rampf-offers-lightweight-construction-with-high-performance-epoxy-board-and-liquid-materials
____________________________________
AIMPLAS develops pultruded bio-based profiles for rural and urban development
03/29/2021
European
BASAJAUN project to optimize sustainable urban development and improve
the rural economy via novel bio-based materials, products and building
systems.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/aimplas-develops-pultruded-bio-based-profiles-for-rural-and-urban-development
____________________________________
Composites for structural batteries
03/26/2021
Researchers
in Sweden find carbon fiber composites can be used for creating
structural batteries that could help minimize mass in EVs and consumer
electronics.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/composites-for-structural-batteries
____________________________________
Covestro Desmocomp resin offers facade elements efficient thermal insulation
02/17/2021
Construction
equipment suppliers opt for composites to develop a facade fastening
system that is more UV-resistant, sustainable and lightweight than
aluminum elements.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/covestro-desmocomp-resin-offers-facade-elements-efficient-thermal-insulation
____________________________________
Sicomin-sponsored solo kayak crossing takes advantage of composites
01/27/2021
Incorporation
of Sicomin carbon fiber and PVC foam sandwich construction ensures an
efficient kayak for extreme paddler Richard Kohler’s 6,700-kilometer
journey across the South Atlantic.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/sicomin-sponsored-solo-kayak-crossing-takes-advantage-of-composites
____________________________________
Additional funding launches UMaine Forest Bioproducts Technology Maturation Program
01/24/2025
Twenty-two
million in funding by the NDAA accelerates Maine’s R&D support of
natural polymers and other wood fiber bio-products for startups and
established companies.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/additional-funding-launches-umaine-forest-bioproducts-technology-maturation-program
____________________________________
University of Maine unveils 100% bio-based 3D-printed home
11/23/2022
BioHome3D,
made of wood fibers and bioresins and entirely 3D printed, highlights
Maine’s effort to address the need for more affordable housing.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/university-of-maine-unveils-100-bio-based-3d-printed-home
____________________________________
He 3D Printed a Whole House
May 14, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/S6ci52yKAxA
____________________________________
Novel 3D Printing Method a ‘Game Changer’ for Discovery, Manufacturing of New Materials
July 6, 2023
https://www.aau.edu/research-scholarship/featured-research-topics/novel-3d-printing-method-game-changer-discovery
____________________________________
Bcomp, Temca achieve intricate composite cladding for French school façade
12/05/2024
A
combination of flax and glass fibers went into the development of 880
openwork, shade-providing panels for an international school in France.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/bcomp-tema-achieve-intricate-composite-cladding-for-french-school-facade
____________________________________
DITF, Fiber Engineering highlight biodegradable natural fiber plant pot project
10/28/2024
Materials
and fabrication process R&D achieves low-cost, compostable plant
pots made from invasive hyacinth fibers and a thermoplastic matrix
processed via hot press.
Together with Fiber Engineering GmbH
(Karlsruhe, Germany), the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber
Research Denkendorf (DITF) presents a process for the production of
plant pots that are fabricated from a natural fiber-reinforced
thermoplastic that has proven to be fully biodegradable.
Controlling
the spread of water hyacinth, an invasive species that now exists in
water ecosystems across many countries, was the starting points for this
research co-led by the DITF, which aims to produce a cost-effective
composite material from the fibrous plant material’s biomass. The result
is a prototype plant pot that is competitive and meets all the
technical requirements of the project objectives.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/ditf-fiber-engineering-highlight-biodegradable-natural-fiber-plant-pot-project
____________________________________
Henry Royce Institute uses FET system for trials on more sustainable fibers from wood pulp
11/23/2022
Fibre Extrusion Technology wet spinning system selected for sustainable, advanced materials research in the U.K.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/henry-royce-institute-uses-fet-system-for-trials-on-more-sustainable-fibers-from-wood-pulp
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Bio-Sep propels sustainable composites development via forestry-produced biochemicals
11/14/2022
Joint
industry project with iCAST, NCC and University of Bath to produce and
test bio-based composites from cellulose and lignin sawdust, replace
fossil-derived ingredients.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/bio-sep-propels-sustainable-composites-development-via-forestry-produced-biochemicals
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Helicoid Industries releases three use cases of Helicoid technology
11/11/2022
Use
case applications with Helicoid technology implementation demonstrated
mechanical performance improvements, such as impact resistance and
strength.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/helicoid-industries-releases-three-use-cases-of-helicoid-technology
____________________________________
Heartland completes first industrial hemp fiber life cycle assessment
11/11/2022
Life
cycle assessment (LCA) studies Heartland’s Imperium Filler natural
fiber additive as a carbon-negative replacement for mineral fillers
commonly used in plastics.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/heartland-completes-first-industrial-hemp-fiber-life-cycle-assessment
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Business incubator Chemovator invests in Heartland’s natural fiber additives
05/03/2024
The
Michigan company, producing hemp-based natural fiber materials, is the
latest addition to Chemovator’s program supporting early stage startups
in the chemical industry.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/business-incubator-chemovator-invests-in-heartlands-natural-fiber-additives
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Kordsa to work with Bpreg to expand biocomposite capabilities
01/22/2024
Kordsa
concludes significant investment aimed at further enhancing its
expertise in composites technologies, including development and
distribution of more sustainable fiber options to customers.
Kordsa
(Izmut, Turkey), a subsidiary of Sabancı Holding, announces its
investment in Bpreg Composites (Nilüfer/Bursa, Turkey), a company that
has specialized in industrial biocomposites using organic fibers since
2017. Kordsa aims to extend its expertise in composites technologies,
particularly regarding sustainability, by offering environmentally
friendly alternatives to its customers.
Kordsa told CW that it is
currently focused on the use of flax and hemp fibers. “Bpreg was
approved for use of hemp seeds and studies are ongoing,” Kordsa says.
“Flax fiber reinforcements are also promising.”
Kordsa
anticipates that its contribution will grow the company while opening up
opportunities for knowledge and technology sharing domestically and
internationally — Kordsa production facilities, capable of hosting
Bpreg’s mass production processes, will enable the global offering of
Bpreg’s product portfolio to Kordsa customers in various parts of the
world.
Bpreg biocomposite solutions span different sectors such
as automotive, mobility, marine vehicles, aviation, sports equipment and
consumer products. The company combines products obtained from organic
fibers with different polymers through a patented production technique,
resulting in high-performance, sustainable and industrially
user-friendly composite materials. The biocomposite materials to be
produced through the Bpreg and Kordsa collaboration will also promise a
natural appearance, making them suitable for aesthetic applications on
external surfaces.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/kordsa-to-work-with-bpreg-to-expand-biocomposite-capabilities
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Scientists achieve universal technique—called van der Waals squeezing—for atomic manufacturing of 2D metals
March 12, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-03-scientists-universal-technique-van-der.html
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TNO research offers circularity solution for discarded wind turbine blades
10/21/2022
Thermochemical
method involving pyrolysis extracts fibers, which can then be
reprocessed as thermoplastic composites for various recyclable products.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/tno-research-offers-circularity-solution-for-discarded-wind-turbine-blades
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Delta, Joby Aviation partner to deliver sustainable home-to-airport transportation
10/14/2022
Sixty-million
upfront equity investment will integrate Joby-operated eVTOL services
into Delta customer-facing channels, beginning in New York and Los
Angeles.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/delta-joby-aviation-partner-to-deliver-sustainable-home-to-airport-transportation
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Forvia brand Faurecia exhibits XL CGH2 tank, cryogenic LH2 storage solution for heavy-duty trucks
10/14/2022
Part
of its full hydrogen solutions portfolio at IAA Transportation 2022,
Faurecia also highlighted sustainable thermoplastic tanks and smart
tanks for better safety via structural integrity monitoring.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/forvia-brand-faurecia-exhibits-xl-cgh2-tank-cryogenic-lh2-storage-solution-for-heavy-duty-trucks
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Meringue-like material could make aircraft as quiet as a hairdryer
18 June 2021
Extremely low-density graphene-based aerogel ‘meringue’ can improve passenger comfort and reduce noise up to 80%
____________________________________
BlueWind partners with Greener to strengthen sustainability profile
09/06/2023
Greener,
a Brazilian company that promotes the trade of carbon credits, will
consult and coordinate BlueWind’s inventory assessment and analyze how
to further offset the composites manufacturer’s carbon footprint.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/bluewind-partners-with-greener-to-strengthen-sustainability-profile
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Toray boosts stake in Thai subsidiary to upgrade cellulosic sugar production
09/05/2023
Its
work to produce bio-based fibers, resins and films will be augmented
through a 84.4% stake and a larger facility to enable commercial
production of 100,000 metric tons of cellulosic sugar annually by 2030.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/toray-boosts-stake-in-thai-subsidiary-to-upgrade-cellulosic-sugar-production
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BioPowder expands capabilities with Gebrüder Dorfner partnership
06/30/2023
Paints, coatings and composites markets will gain access to high-performance renewable additives.
BioPowder
(Birkikara, Malta), a responsible producer and supplier of high-grade
fruit stone powders and bio-based abrasives, has formed a strategic
alliance with Gebrüder Dorfner GmbH & Co. Kaolin- und
Kristallquarzsand-Werke KG (Dorfner, Hirschau, Germany), an expert in
the refinement and application of minerals and filler systems. The
partnership combines BioPowder’s core competency in sustainable
plant-based additives — which can be used in composites, coatings and
more — with Dorfner’s expertise in application engineering, creating
product development opportunities and unlocking new areas of research.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/biopowder-expands-capabilities-with-gebruder-dorfner-partnership
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AMRC fiber handling expertise aids CMC coating technology
05/15/2023
The
CICSiC project successfully developed equipment and processing know-how
associated with the uniform, continuous coating of SiC-based CMC, to
bring down cost, and improve performance and reliability for new
designs, applications.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/amrc-fiber-handling-expertise-aids-cmc-coating-technology
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Aerospace project secures funds for developing lightweighting technology
05/08/2023
A joint project between ÉireComposites, Plasma Bound and TU Dublin will be supported by the DTIF.
ÉireComposites
(Galway, Ireland), Plasma Bound (Dublin, Ireland) and Technological
University Dublin (TU Dublin, Dublin, Ireland) have obtained funding for
the Ad Astra project. The work will be supported under the Disruptive
Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) Call 5, which is led by the
government of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.
Lightweight
composite materials’ strength-to-weight ratio versus metal alloys
provides reduced weight and increased fuel efficiency, but rapid,
cost-effective bonding of these materials can be challenging. Effective
surface preparation is a prerequisite for achieving a strong, durable
bond, but current surface preparation techniques can be highly labor
intensive, increasing process costs...
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/aerospace-project-secures-funds-for-developing-light-weighting-technology
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SHD, Lineat signs terms for sustainable carbon fiber composites
05/01/2023
Alignment
of “recycled” and waste carbon fiber material via a patented
manufacturing technology process will encourage more sustainable,
circular composite materials development.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/shd-lineat-signs-terms-for-sustainable-carbon-fiber-composites
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'In-insect synthesis': Caterpillar factories produce fluorescent nanocarbons
June 5, 2025
Tobacco cutworm caterpillars can convert [6]MCPP to [6]MCPP-oxylene far more effectively than laboratory settings.
Researchers led by Kenichiro Itami at the RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute (PRI) / RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) have successfully used insects as mini molecule-making factories, marking a breakthrough in chemical engineering.
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-insect-synthesis-caterpillar-factories-fluorescent.html
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Collaboration between NCC, UKAEA to develop fusion-grade SiC/SiC composites
04/30/2023
High-volume
composites development for future fusion power reactors under HASTE-F
program accelerates U.K.’s net-zero energy generation, drives
transformation in industries that use high-temperature CMCs.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/collaboration-between-ncc-ukaea-to-develop-fusion-grade-sicsic-composites
____________________________________
Quantum composites research opens new avenues in energy storage, electronic applications
03/29/2023
A
new type of composite material studied by the University of California,
Riverside features unique properties defined by quantum condensate
effects, presenting new approaches to materials engineering and
utilization.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/quantum-composites-research-opens-new-avenues-in-energy-storage-electronic-applications
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Anmet launches chipboard panels made from recycled composites
03/14/2023
Starting
from university R&D collaborations, the Polish recycling company
has patented a shredding and manufacturing process for wood-replacement
chipboards for use by the construction industry.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/anmet-launches-chipboard-panels-made-from-recycled-composites
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Post Cure: Natural mineral fiber biocomposite via AFP enhances implant integration
10/04/2024
Arctic
Biomaterials produces high-quality composite biomaterials incorporating
a natural mineral fiber that is useful in medical and
healthcare-related fields.
https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/post-cure-natural-mineral-fiber-biocomposite-via-afp-enhances-implant-integration
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Belzona composite wrap restores corroded carbon steel pipeline
08/08/2024
Two-part
epoxy paste, epoxy structural adhesive, composite wrap and
anti-corrosion coating prevent environmental and economic loss for
customer.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/belzona-composite-wrap-restores-corroded-carbon-steel-pipeline
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Fraunhofer EMI develops local pyrolysis method to reclaim continuous carbon fiber
04/18/2025
High-power
laser is used for controlled “unwinding” of thermoset composites
without damaging the fibers or adversely affecting their mechanical
properties, making it highly useful for recycling wound structures.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/fraunhofer-emi-develops-local-pyrolysis-method-to-reclaim-continuous-carbon-fiber
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Apply Carbon announces investments, milestones for carbon fiber and aramid recyclability
02/12/2025
Financial
investments, R&D facility inauguration and an operational solar
power plant expands the French company’s product developments,
operational recycling capacity and reduce its CO2 footprint.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/apply-carbon-announces-investments-milestones-for-carbon-fiber-aramid-recyclability-
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Fujitsu, Teijin start joint trials to promote value of recycled carbon fiber
01/20/2023
Three-month
trials with German bicycle manufacturers will lead to new platform
implementation to promote use of recycled materials, enable emissions
tracing/management.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/fujitsu-teijin-start-joint-trials-to-promote-value-of-recycled-carbon-fiber
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Hot acetic acid enables full recycling of carbon fiber composite materials
June 26, 2025
____________________________________
Teijin carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics qualified for aerospace applications
10/13/2020
Collins
Aerospace deemed Teijin Ltd.’s Tenax thermoplastic woven fabric and
consolidated laminate materials suitable for large-scale production of
structural components
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/teijin-carbon-fiber-reinforced-thermoplastics-qualified-for-aerospace-applications
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Research shows feasting fungi could shake up carbon fiber recycling
12/20/2024
Recovered
benzoic acid from CFRP matrix breakdown can be “consumed” by
genetically modified fungi, enabling high-value reclamation of both the
fiber and the matrix.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/research-shows-feasting-fungi-could-shake-up-carbon-fiber-recycling
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EuReComp announces 3rd Workshop on sustainable composites recycling
02/12/2025
Keynotes,
hands-on demonstrations and engaging discussions into composites
circularity will take place on March 19, 2025 in Athens, Greece.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/eurecomp-announces-3rd-workshop-on-sustainable-composites-recycling
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Magnetic nanoparticles show promise for thermosets recycling
05/22/2024
Aitiip
and the University of Slovenia have collaborated to develop, test and
prove how smart magnetic nanoparticles can produce a controlled
decomposition of the resin for recycling.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/magnetic-nanoparticles-show-promise-for-thermosets-recycling
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ORNL, Sierra Space create novel C/SiC TPS for reusable space vehicles
11/18/2024
CMC
tiles will be used on the Sierra Space DC100 Dream Chaser spaceplane
carrying critical supplies and science experiments to and from NASA’s
ISS.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/ornl-sierra-space-create-novel-csic-tps-for-reusable-space-vehicles
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ESA Project SHIELD advances reusable spacecraft
06/26/2025
Four
category focuses were announced, including one focused on durable,
modular and cost‑efficient TPS to be contributed to by Arceon
composites.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/esa-project-shield-advances-reusable-spacecraft
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SUSPENS project shares one-year progress, next steps
02/23/2024
European
project dedicated its first year to sustainable materials development
and prototype manufacture, looks to validating performance.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/suspens-project-shares-one-year-progress-next-steps
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Rice paper
Rice paper is a product constructed of paper-like materials made from different plants. These include:
- Thin peeled dried pith of Tetrapanax papyrifer: A sheet-like "paper" material was used extensively in late 19th century Guangdong, China as a common support medium for gouache paintings sold to Western clients of the era. The term was first defined in the Chinese–English Dictionary of Robert Morrison who referred to the use of the Chinese medicinal plant as material for painting, as well as for making artificial flowers and shoe soles.[1]
- Xuan paper made from paper mulberry: The traditional paper which originated in ancient China and it has been used for centuries in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam for writing, artwork, and architecture.
Dried starch sheets of various thickness or texture: These edible paper sheets have some properties of pulp paper and can be made from rice starch. They are known as bánh tráng, used in Vietnamese cuisine.
Mulberry paper
This "rice paper", smooth, thin, crackly, and strong, is named as a wrapper for rice, and is made from bark fibres of the paper mulberry tree. It is used for origami, calligraphy, paper screens and clothing. It is stronger than commercially made wood-pulp paper. Less commonly, the paper is made from rice straw.
Depending on the type of mulberry used, it is named kozo (Broussonetia papyrifera, the paper mulberry), gampi (Wikstroemia diplomorpha), or mitsumata (Edgeworthia chrysantha). The fiber comes from the bark of the paper mulberry, not the inner wood or pith, and traditionally the paper is made by hand.
The branches of the paper mulberry shrubs are harvested in the autumn, so the fibre can be processed and the paper formed during the cold winter months, because the fibre spoils easily in the heat. The branches are cut into sections two to three feet long and steamed in a large kettle, which makes the bark shrink back from the inner wood, allowing it to be pulled off like a banana peel. The bark can then be dried and stored, or used immediately. There are three layers to the bark at this stage: black bark, the outermost layer; green bark, the middle layer; and white bark, the innermost layer. All three can be made into paper, but the finest paper is made of white bark only.
If the bark strips have been dried, they are soaked in water overnight before being processed further. To clean the black and green bark from the white bark, the bark strip is spread on a board and scraped with a flat knife. Any knots or tough spots in the fibre are cut out and discarded at this stage.
The scraped bark strips are then cooked for two or three hours in a mixture of water and soda ash. The fibre is cooked enough when it can easily be pulled apart lengthwise. The strips are then rinsed several times in clean water to rinse off the soda ash. Rinsing also makes the fibre brighter and whiter—fine kozo paper is not bleached, but is naturally pure white.
Each bark strip is then inspected by hand, against a white background or lit from behind by a light box. Any tiny pieces of black bark and other debris are removed with tweezers, and any knots or tough patches of fibre missed during scraping are cut out of the strips. The ultimate goal is to have completely pure white bark.
The scraped, cooked, and cleaned strips are then laid out on a table and beaten by hand. The beating tool is a wooden bat that looks like a thicker version of a cricket bat. The fibres are beaten for about half an hour, or until all the fibres have been separated and no longer resemble strips of bark.
The prepared fibre can now be made into sheets of paper. A viscous substance called formation aid is added to the vat with the fibre and water. Formation aid is polyethylene oxide, and it helps slow the flow of water, which gives the paper-maker more time to form sheets. Sheets are formed with multiple thin layers of fibre, one on top of another.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_paper
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All About Mulberry Paper and How to Use It
11/13/19
Mulberry paper is a form of handmade paper. It is made from the mulberry tree and it has long fibers which help to give the paper its distinctive finish. These fibers also give mulberry paper a fine wispy edge when it is torn and this makes a very attractive finish. Mulberry paper is typically textured and is available in a variety of weights. Because mulberry paper is handmade, no two pieces are ever quite the same.
Uses
Mulberry paper is ideal for rubber stamping projects. While the surface of the paper is textured and therefore makes it difficult to stamp directly onto, the mulberry paper makes a wonderful background for layered projects. It is great for handmade cards and also makes an interesting addition to a scrapbook project. Not all mulberry paper is acid-free, therefore if you require the paper for a special or archival project, it is best to check with the supplier before purchasing paper.
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/mulberry-paper-2905868
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Discovering the Magic of Mulberry Paper: Origins, Production, and Creative Uses
Sep 02, 2023
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Know Your Treeless Paper Alternatives In 2023
March 2023
Is it even the same as normal paper?
One of the most important reasons to find tree less pieces of paper is that it takes a lot of time to grow, and we cannot simply go on cutting down trees because of our paper needs.
So by exploring tree-less eco-friendly paper made from a variety of sources such as hemp, mulberry, bamboo or even stone you can find out for yourself if they are any different from regular paper. These papers may or may not look too far from the regular paper, but can also have a unique appearance, bringing a certain character like that of mulberry paper or linen paper to your stationery and craft projects.
For that matter, a lot of tree-less paper is manufactured as high quality paper products that are suitable to be used for all your craft projects and personalized stationery for printing.
You may know that there are many kinds of tree-less alternatives to try from, such as hemp, mulberry, elephant feces or paper made from plant eating animals. Your cotton fabrics, agricultural by-products and your consumer paper waste can all contribute to making tree less paper. We would love to hear about your experience with paper that is made from anything other than trees. Tell us in the comments below, have you tried any eco-friendly tree-less paper?
https://thunderboltpaper.com/blogs/news/know-your-treeless-paper-alternatives-in-2022
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It’s paper, but not as we know it!
03/10/2018
Post-Consumer Waste
This is perhaps the most common alternative to virgin paper. This type
of paper is made from a high percentage of post-consumer waste – those
paper items that we have thrown into the recycling bin. Buying
stationery made from post-consumer waste ticks a number of environmental
boxes by reducing the number of trees used, it keeps paper out of
landfills and it also saves energy too!
Kenaf
This is similar to the cotton plant and uses 15-25% less energy than pine to make pulp.
Bamboo
This fast-growing grass produces 4 to 5 times the fibre of the
fastest-growing commercial tree species and is becoming increasingly
popular for paper, and clothing products too.
Agri-Pulp
This alternative source uses agricultural waste, along with post-consumer waste to make paper.
Cotton
Organically grown cotton, grown in several colors, including green, brown, and white is another popular alternative.
Eco-Friendly Paper Products – Paper, without trees, really?
There is a wide variety of alternative ‘fibres’ that can work as an alternative to wood-pulp paper. Sources for tree-free paper include:[1]
- agricultural residues – for example, sugar cane bagasse, husks and straw.
- fibre crops and wild plants – such as bamboo, kenaf, hemp, jute, and flax.
- textiles and cordage wastes.
There are also non-fibre sources, such as:
- calcium carbonate bound by a high-density, non-toxic polyethylene resin.
A closer look
Cotton Paper
Made using cotton liners or cotton from used cloth as the
primary material, cotton paper is used as an alternative to wood paper
for printing documents. Cotton paper is superior in both strength and
durability, compared to wood pulp-based.
Given its durability, and known to last hundreds of years without appreciable fading, discoloration, or deterioration, it is often used for archival copies of dissertations or theses, legal documents, etc.
Interestingly, it is used for banknotes in a number of countries.
Paper from Sugarcane
Bagasse is the residue left after the sugar cane is crushed in the sugar
factories for juice extraction. It contains about 45% cellulose, 28%
pentosans, 20% lignin, 5% sugar, and 2% minerals and its high- cellulose
content makes it viable as a fibrous raw material in the paper
industry.
Recently, paper experts have agreed that bagasse, after proper depithing process, is an ideal raw material for manufacturing different kinds of paper, newsprint etc.
The uses of bagasse in paper-making are extensive. The physical properties of the pulp mean that it is suited for generic printing papers, as well as tissue products. It is widely used for boxes and newspaper production and is also used for making boards like particle boards. It is often considered as a good substitute for plywood.
Turning wheat into paper
Most of the mills that produce paper from wheat and other agricultural
waste products are located in India, China, and other eastern hemisphere
countries.
Kenaf is also grown in the southeastern United States, solely for its pulp, and it is promoted by many paper suppliers in the USA.
Rock – Paper – Scissors!
Stone paper is manufactured using calcium carbonate, bonded with high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It’s used for stationery, leaflets, posters, books, magazines, bags, packaging, alongside many other uses.
Whilst it is not biodegradable, stone is photo-degradable and compostable. It can also be recycled into rich mineral paper again.
Given that it does not collect static charge, is acid-free with a neutral pH, has no grain, is water, grease, and insect resistant; stone paper is a specialist paper product.
PG paper specialises in sourcing and delivering your paper needs with ease and comfort, wherever you are in the world.
https://www.pgpaper.com/eco-friendly-paper-products/
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FiberStone | Creating Eco-Friendly Paper
How Fiberstone® Paper is Made
FiberStone® Natural Stone Paper, also known as “stone paper” or “rock paper,” is made from 80% Calcium Carbonate (CaCO) with a small quantity (20%) of non-toxic resin (HDPE- High Density Polyethylene). The Calcium Carbonate in the stone paper comes from limestone collected as waste material from existing quarries for the building and construction industry. It is ground down to a fine powder like chalk and the HDPE acts as a binder for the Calcium Carbonate. So amazingly, 80% of this new paper replacement product is from recycled, reused materials and it’s using no trees, no water, and doesn’t even emit toxic air!
Together these materials create a tough, durable, tear resistant paper that is also a water proof/grease proof paper! Waterproofing paper normally requires a film; now imagine, a soft, smooth, bright white paper that performs like a film but without all the petroleum! It is chlorine free, bleach (commonly used in paper products) free, acid free and totally safe for the environment.
https://ethosolutions.org/fiberstone-creating-eco-friendly-paper/
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Tree-free paper
Tree-free paper, also known as no tree paper, offers an alternative to traditional wood-pulp paper[1] due to its unique raw material[2] composition. This type of paper is considered more eco-friendly especially when evaluating its entire life cycle.
Sources of fiber for tree-free paper
Tree-free paper fibers are derived from various sources:
- Agricultural residues: These include sugarcane bagasse, husks and straw
- Fiber crops and wild plants: Common sources are bamboo, kenaf, hemp,[6]Coir,[7][8] jute, coffee husk, corn husk, lemongrass, rice stubble, spent barley and flax
- Textile and cordage wastes: Upcycling textile fibers also contribute to tree-free paper production.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree-free_paper
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Engineers Incorporate Optoelectronic Diodes Into Washable Fabrics
For the first time, the researchers from MIT and AFFOA have produced fibers with embedded electronics that are so flexible they can be woven into soft fabrics and made into wearable clothing.
The latest development in textiles and fibers is a kind of soft hardware that you can wear: cloth that has electronic devices built right into it.
Researchers at MIT have now embedded high-speed optoelectronic semiconductor devices, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and diode photodetectors, within fibers that were then woven at Inman Mills, in South Carolina, into soft, washable fabrics and made into communication systems. This marks the achievement of a long-sought goal of creating “smart” fabrics by incorporating semiconductor devices — the key ingredient of modern electronics — which until now was the missing piece for making fabrics with sophisticated functionality.
This discovery, the researchers say, could unleash a new “Moore’s Law” for fibers — in other words, a rapid progression in which the capabilities of fibers would grow rapidly and exponentially over time, just as the capabilities of microchips have grown over decades.
The findings are described this week in the journal Nature in a paper by former MIT graduate student Michael Rein; his research advisor Yoel Fink, MIT professor of materials science and electrical engineering and CEO of AFFOA (Advanced Functional Fabrics of America); along with a team from MIT, AFFOA, Inman Mills, EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Lincoln Laboratory.
https://scitechdaily.com/engineers-incorporate-optoelectronic-diodes-into-washable-fabrics/
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Chapter 4: Sustainable Paints & coatings
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
The people
want a sustainable methods that we can use in paints, including coatings for
vehicles, tools, machines, medical applications and everyday uses. We can see natural coatings such as crystalline coatings and patinas. We can look at nature to make better and more
sustainable coatings and finishes for many items.
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Patina
Patina is a thin layer that variously forms on the surface of stone; on copper, bronze and similar metals (tarnish produced by oxidation or other chemical processes); on wooden furniture
(sheen produced by age, wear, and polishing); or any such acquired
change of a surface through age and exposure. Patinas can provide a
protective covering to materials that would otherwise be damaged by
corrosion or weathering. They may also be aesthetically appealing.
On metal, patina is a coating of various chemical compounds such as oxides, carbonates, sulfides, or sulfates formed on the surface during exposure to atmospheric elements (oxygen, rain, acid rain, carbon dioxide, sulfur-bearing
compounds), a common example of which is rust which forms on iron or
steel when exposed to oxygen. Patina also refers to accumulated changes
in surface texture and colour that result from normal use of an object
such as a coin or a piece of furniture over time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patina
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Many firearms with a thin layer of green
patinas are often considered highly valuable, that is if the firearm still is in
good condition. The firearm can last for a
very long
time once a layer of green patina collects on a firearm. This means
that the firearm could be preserved for many hundreds of years, with the
patina now protecting the metal from accelerated rust.
Some question if we could improve this type of
natural technology, for certain types of natural finishes for paints and
powder coatings.
____________________________________
Copper in architecture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_in_architecture#Finishes
____________________________________
Graphene layer could quadruple rate of condensation heat transfer in generating plants
Jun 01, 2015
Most of the world's electricity-producing power plants—whether powered by coal, natural gas, or nuclear fission—make electricity by generating steam that turns a turbine. That steam then is condensed back to water, and the cycle begins again.
But the condensers that collect the steam are quite inefficient, and improving them could make a big difference in overall power plant efficiency.
Now, a team of researchers at MIT has developed a way of coating these condenser surfaces with a layer of graphene, just one atom thick, and found that this can improve the rate of heat transfer by a factor of four—and potentially even more than that, with further work. And unlike polymer coatings, the graphene coatings have proven to be highly durable in laboratory tests.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-graphene-layer-quadruple-condensation.html#jCp
____________________________________
Graphene used to rust-proof steel
May 29, 2012
Hexavalent chromium compounds are a key ingredient in coatings used to rust-proof steel. They also happen to be carcinogenic. Researchers, therefore, have been looking for non-toxic alternatives that could be used to keep steel items from corroding. Recently, scientists from the University at Buffalo announced that they have developed such a substance. It’s a varnish that incorporates graphene, the one-atom-thick carbon sheeting material that is the thinnest and strongest substance known to exist.
http://www.gizmag.com/graphene-anti-rust-coating/22731/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Slick coating keeps steel clean and tough
October 21, 2015
When liquids stick to steel for long enough, the steel corrodes or
becomes contaminated. Unfortunately, however, porous surface coatings
that repel liquids also tend to make steel weaker … until now, that is.
Scientists at Harvard University have recently discovered that their
existing SLIPS (Slippery Liquid Porous Surfaces) technology not only causes liquids to roll right off, but it actually makes steel stronger.
Led by Prof. Joanna Aizenberg, the Harvard team
utilized electrochemical deposition to apply a a surface coating of
rough nanoporous tungsten oxide to small sheets of steel. This coating
took the form of an utra-thin film, actually made up of hundreds of
thousands of separate microscopic tungsten oxide "islands." The
resulting surace roughness keeps liquid from sticking to the steel.
Additionally, because they're not connected to one
another, if any of the islands are damaged by abrasion to the film, that
damage stays localized instead of affecting the whole coating.
http://www.gizmag.com/slips-steel-coating/39982/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Tin-based stanene could conduct electricity with 100 percent efficiency
December 1, 2013
A team of theoretical physicists from the US Department of Energy’s
(DOE) SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University is
predicting that stanene, a single layer of tin atoms laid out in a
two-dimensional structure, could conduct electricity with one hundred
percent efficiency at room temperature. If the findings are confirmed
they could pave the way for building computer chips that are faster,
consume less power, and won't heat up nearly as much.
Stanene is an example of a topological insulator,
a class of materials that conduct electricity only on their outside
edges or surfaces. When topological insulators are just one atom thick,
their edges conduct electricity with 100 percent efficiency, forcing
electrons to move in defined lanes, without resistance.
http://www.gizmag.com/stanene-topological-insulator/29976/
____________________________________
Nano
Coatings
http://www.voyle.net/Nano%20Coatings/%20Nano%20Coating1.htm
____________________________________
Many
different paints and coatings are used for different applications. It debated what are some of the most sustainable type of coatings out there. Many
people say that we should start using medical grade type coatings for different industrial applications. It can be very expensive to produce
many types of medical grade and sustainable type coatings.
____________________________________
Physical vapor deposition
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_vapor_deposition
____________________________________
Titanium nitride
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanium_nitride
____________________________________
Ion plating
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_plating
____________________________________
Ion implantation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_implantation
____________________________________
Indium tin oxide
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indium_tin_oxide
____________________________________
Cathodic arc deposition
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathodic_arc_deposition
____________________________________
Plasma-immersion ion implantation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma-immersion_ion_implantation
____________________________________
Thin film
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin_film
____________________________________
Thermal spraying
Several variations of thermal spraying are distinguished:
- Plasma spraying
- Detonation spraying
- Wire arc spraying
- Flame spraying
- High velocity oxy-fuel coating spraying (HVOF)
- Warm spraying
- Cold spraying
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_spraying
____________________________________
People have used zinc, copper and phosphate coatings. Yet people will always
try to find ways to make different types of sustainable coatings that
last longer, and even coatings that conduct electricity.
____________________________________
Transparent ceramics
Nanomaterials
It has been shown fairly recently that laser elements (amplifiers, switches, ion hosts, etc.) made from fine-grained ceramic nanomaterials—produced by the low temperature sintering of high purity nanoparticles and powders—can be produced at a relatively low cost. These components are free of internal stress or intrinsic birefringence, and allow relatively large doping levels or optimized custom-designed doping profiles. This highlights the use of ceramic nanomaterials as being particularly important for high-energy laser elements and applications.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transparent_ceramics
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New nanowire structure absorbs light efficiently
Feb 25, 2015
Researchers
at Aalto University have developed a new method to implement different
types of nanowires side-by-side into a single array on a single
substrate. The new technique makes it possible to use different
semiconductor materials for the different types of nanowires.
'We
have succeeded in combining nanowires grown by the VLS
(vapor-liquid-solid) and SAE (selective-area epitaxy) techniques onto
the same platform. The difference compared with studies conducted
previously on the same topic is that in the dual-type array the
different materials do not grow in the same nanowire, but rather as
separate wires on the same substrate', says Docent Teppo Huhtio.
The research results were published in the Nano Letters journal on 5 February 2015.
The
new fabrication process has many phases. First, gold nanoparticles are
spread on a substrate. Next, the substrate is coated with silicon oxide,
into which small holes are then patterned using electron beam
lithography. In the first step of growth, (SAE), nanowires grow from
where the holes are located, after which the silicon oxide is removed.
In the second phase different types of nanowires are grown with the help
of the gold nanoparticles (VLS). The researchers used metalorganic
vapor phase epitaxy reactor in which the starting materials decompose at
a high temperature, forming semiconductor compounds on the substrate.
'In this way we managed to combine two growth methods into the same process', says doctoral candidate Joona-Pekko Kakko.
'We
noticed in optical reflection measurements that light couples better to
this kind of combination structure. For instance, a solar cell has less
reflection and better absorption of light', Huhtio adds.
In
addition to solar cells and LEDs, the researchers also see good
applications in thermoelectric generators. Further processing for
component applications has already begun.
Nanowires are
being intensely researched, because semiconductor components that are
currently in use need to be made smaller and more cost-effective. The
nanowires made out of semiconductor materials are typically 1-10
micrometres in length, with diameters of 5-100 nanometres.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-02-nanowire-absorbs-efficiently.html#jCp
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Calculations reveal how mixtures of different elements can control the thermal properties of nanowires
Apr 2015
A mathematical model of heat flow through miniature wires could help develop thermoelectric devices that efficiently convert heat—even their own waste heat—into electricity.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-04-reveal-mixtures-elements-thermal-properties.html#jCp
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Stretchable ceramics made by flame technology
June 8th, 2015
Synthesizing nanoscale materials takes place within high-tech laboratories, where scientists in full-body suits keep every grain of dust away from their sensitive innovations. However, scientists at Kiel University proved that this is not always necessary. They have successfully been able to transfer the experience from furnace to laboratory while synthesizing nanoscale materials using simple and highly efficient flame technology. This "baking" of nanostructures has already been a great success using zinc oxide. The recent findings concentrate on tin oxide, which opens up a wide field of possible new applications. The material scientists published their latest research data in today's issue (Friday, 5 June) of the renowned scientific journal Advanced Electronic Materials.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-stretchable-ceramics-flame-technology.html#jCp
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New Iron-Based Material Could Be The Best High Temperature Superconductor
____________________________________
Team announces breakthrough observation of Mott transition in a superconductor
September 11, 2015
An
international team of researchers, including the MESA+ Institute for
Nanotechnology at the University of Twente in The Netherlands and the
U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory, announced today
in Science the observation of a dynamic Mott transition in a
superconductor.
The discovery experimentally connects
the worlds of classical and quantum mechanics and illuminates the
mysterious nature of the Mott transition. It also could shed light on
non-equilibrium physics, which is poorly understood but governs most of
what occurs in our world. The finding may also represent a step towards
more efficient electronics based on the Mott transition.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-team-breakthrough-mott-transition-superconductor.html#jCp
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Quantum scientists break aluminium 'monopoly' (Update)
May 25, 2015
A Majorana fermion, or a Majorana particle, is a fermion that is its own antiparticle. Discovering the Majorana was the first step, but utilizing it as a quantum bit (qubit) still remains a major challenge. An important step towards this goal has just been taken by researchers from TU Delft in today's issue of Nature Physics. It is a nearly thirty-year-old scientific problem that has just been resolved: demonstrating the difference between the even and odd occupation of a superconductor in high magnetic fields. Thus far, this was only possible in aluminium, which is incompatible with Majoranas. This result enables the read out and manipulation of quantum states encoded in prospective Majorana qubits.
____________________________________
Superconductor breaks high-temperature record
22 February 2012
http://www.nature.com/news/superconductor-breaks-high-temperature-record-1.10081
____________________________________
New microfiber emitters boost production of versatile fibers fourfold, cut energy consumption by 92 percent
Jun 05, 2015
____________________________________
Passive cooling paint sweats off heat to deliver 10X cooling and 30% energy savings
June 18, 2025
A
new cement-based paint can cool down the building by sweating off the
heat. The cooling paint, named CCP-30, was designed by an international
team of researchers and features a nanoparticle-modified porous
structure composed of a calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel network.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-passive-cooling-10x-energy.html
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Laser-assisted cold spray: A new generation of innovative manufacturing technology
July 2, 2025
The
Center for Industrial Photonics (CIP) at the Institute for
Manufacturing (IfM) has developed an additive manufacturing
technique—laser-assisted cold spray (LACS).
The process uses
localized heating of a supersonic powder stream with a laser to deposit
metals and cermets to build, coat or repair parts, overcoming the
high-temperature and material limitations of comparable techniques such
as thermal spraying.
The CIP team has demonstrated the
effectiveness of LACS in aerospace applications, where high-precision
and localized material deposition are critical. This technique enables
on-demand fabrication of high-quality coatings and component repairs,
extending aircraft lifespan. Additionally, LACS reduces material waste
and energy consumption compared to traditional methods, supporting the
industry's transition towards net-zero emissions.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-07-laser-cold-spray-generation-technology.html
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Nanomaterial advanced smart coatings: Emerging trends shaping the future
2024
Abstract
Advancements in nanotechnology have positioned coatings as a pivotal field with the potential to significantly impact both industry and society. This review delves into nanomaterials and their potential to create smart coatings capable of real-time monitoring and flexible electronics applications. The mechanisms of conductivity and sensing capabilities within these coatings are emphasized to highlight their importance in the context of artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the current trends shaping the coatings industry are summarized, such as the concept of electronic skin (E-skin) and increasing focus on sustainability. In the digital era, the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) is set to transform the future of coatings, enhancing their intelligence and environmental interactivity. Smart coatings are poised to revolutionize our interaction with the environment, spanning applications from consumer goods to robotics and sensors. The ongoing development of these materials and technologies promises to unlock new and exciting possibilities. By discussing the above aspects in detail, this review positions itself as a forward-looking contribution that summarizes the state-of-the-art and anticipates future directions for smart coatings, offering insights into how ongoing advancements can unlock new possibilities for both industrial applications and societal impact.
1. COATINGS: an overview of state-of-the-art
Coatings have played a significant role throughout history, from prehistoric cave paintings to advanced coatings in various industries. It is a crucial topic in the scientific community, and the reasons for this widespread attention are its potential to combine the bulk properties of a substrate with the tailored capabilities of a layer at the surface and the availability of various deposition techniques [1,2]. Coatings can provide enhanced functionality by incorporating functional additives in low concentrations. By utilising these additives, the properties of the coatings are improved significantly, making them versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications. In addition, coatings reduce maintenance costs and extend the lifetime of products. Stimuli-responsive materials in coatings enable them to sense and react to environmental alterations, including temperature, force, sound, pH, electric and magnetic field (Fig. 1) [3]. Though the selection of strategy for the synthesis of coatings depends highly on the desired application, the most common methods used for the fabrication of coatings include electrochemical plating, conversion coatings, chemical and physical vapour depositions, thermal spray coating, sol-gel coatings, micro- and nanocapsule based coatings. Amongst, electrochemical plating is the simplest and most cost-effective method for coating metals to a substrate [4,5]. Aoki et al. reported a reversible electrochromic mirror for smart window applications by utilising the electroplating method to coat a film of Ag onto a transparent ITO electrode [6]. Kim et al. employed the electroplating technique to deposit nickel nanocones and zinc oxide nanosheets onto fabric, producing multifunctional materials that are wearable, stretchable, washable, hydrophobic, and antibacterial. Additionally, these materials exhibited sensing, heating, and supercapacitive properties [7]. They are widely used in self-cleaning [8], optically active [9], anti-corrosion [10], anti-bacterial, and anti-fouling applications [11] in various industries, such as automotive, military, biomedical, building, and construction (Fig. 2). The introduction of nanotechnology boosted the coating industry by creating novel coating formulations, resulting in the development of multifunctional coating systems [12]. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used for enhancing physical reinforcement and conductivity properties; nanoclays for improved barrier properties and low cost; titanium, cerium, and zinc oxide nanoparticles for UV absorption properties due to their combination of efficiency and lack of migration from the film are few examples of such nanomaterials [[13], [14], [15]].
2. Nanomaterials for smart coatings
2.1. Carbonaceous materials: CNTs & graphene
The utilization of carbon-based materials has generated significant interest in the development of smart coatings. Carbon, the fundamental element for life on Earth, plays a crucial role in a multitude of technological applications. This is due to carbon's exceptional ability to bind to itself and all other elements in countless ways. The two natural allotropes of elemental carbon are diamond and graphite, which consist of extended networks of sp3- and sp2-hybridized carbon atoms, respectively. Both forms exhibit unique physical properties such as hardness, thermal conductivity, lubrication behavior, and electrical conductivity. The discovery of fullerenes in 1985 by Kroto et al. marked the beginning of a growing family of synthetic carbon allotropes, including the synthesis of CNTs in 1991 and graphene in 2004 (Fig. 3) [39].
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[106] In-situ monitoring of crack growth and fracture behavior in composite laminates using embedded sensors of rGO coated fabrics and GnP paper
[107] 2D transition metal dichalcogenide nanomaterials: advances, opportunities, and challenges in multi-functional polymer nanocomposites
[108] Large-area synthesis of transition metal dichalcogenides via CVD and solution-based approaches and their device applications
[109] The chemistry of two-dimensional layered transition metal dichalcogenide nanosheets
[110] Recent development of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides and their applications
[111] Transition metal dichalcogenides-based flexible gas sensors
[112] MoS2-decorated laser-induced graphene for a highly sensitive, hysteresis-free, and reliable piezoresistive strain sensor
[113] A detailed comparative performance analysis of the Transition Metal Di-chalcogenides (TMDs) based strain sensors through experimental realisations and first principle calculations
[114] Flexible electronics based on 2D transition metal dichalcogenides
[115] High gauge factor strain sensors based on vanadium doped molybedenum disulfide 2D films
[116] A noncovalent functionalization approach to improve the dispersibility and properties of polymer/MoS2 composites
[117] In situ growth of 0D silica nanospheres on 2D molybdenum disulfide nanosheets: towards reducing fire hazards of epoxy resin
[118] Design of nacre-inspired 2D-MoS2 nanosheets assembled with mesoporous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for smart coatings
[119] Recent advancements in the fabrication of transition metal dichalcogenides-polymer nanocomposites: focused on molybdenum diselenide for various applications
[120] MoSe2 nanosheet/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) composite film as a Pt-free counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells
[121] MAX phases – Past, present, and future
[122] The world of two-dimensional carbides and nitrides (MXenes)
[123] MXenes for energy harvesting
[124] Polypyrrole–MXene coated textile-based flexible energy storage device
[125] Fabrication of MXene transparent conductive films via transfer process
[126] MXene-Based energy devices: from progressive to prospective
[127] The rise of MXenes
[128] MXenes: two-dimensional building blocks for future materials and devices
[129] MXenes and their applications in wearable sensors
[130] Recent advances in MXene-based sensors for structural health monitoring applications: a review
[131] High electrical conductivity and breakdown current density of individual monolayer Ti3C2Tx MXene flakes
[132] Simplified synthesis of fluoride-free Ti3C2Tx via electrochemical etching toward high-performance electrochemical capacitors
[133] Fluorine-free synthesis of high-purity Ti3C2Tx (T= OH, O) via alkali treatment
[134] A Family of 2D-MXenes: synthesis, Properties, and Gas Sensing Applications
[135] Recent advances in 2D metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes): synthesis and biological application
[136] Electrically conductive 2D material coatings for flexible and stretchable electronics: a comparative review of Graphenes and MXenes
[137] Flexible and high-sensitivity piezoresistive sensor based on MXene composite with wrinkle structure
[138] A wearable transient pressure sensor made with MXene nanosheets for sensitive broad-range human–machine interfacing
[139] Highly sensitive, reliable and flexible piezoresistive pressure sensors featuring polyurethane sponge coated with MXene sheets
[140] 3D synergistical MXene/reduced graphene oxide aerogel for a piezoresistive sensor
[141] Health monitoring of repaired composite structure using MXene sensor
[142] Why Would You Need Conductive Coatings?
[143] Electrically Conductive Coatings for Fiber-Based E-Textiles
[144] Introduction to nano-hybrid smart coatings
[145] Durable and multifunctional superhydrophobic coatings with excellent joule heating and electromagnetic interference shielding performance for flexible sensing electronics
[146] Electrical behavior of carbon black-filled polymer composites: effect of interaction between filler and matrix
[147] Self-Healing mechanism and conductivity of the hydrogel flexible sensors: a review
[148] 10 Electrical and Electromagnetic Properties of CNT/Polymer Composites, in Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Polymers
[149] Fractal Dimension Analysis of muscle fatigue with muscle surface pressure measures with compression garments. In 2nd International Conference in Sports Science & Technology (ICSST)
[150] 8 Synthesis and properties of percolative metal oxide-polymer composites
[151] Electrical percolation in graphene-polymer composites
[152] Electrical percolation in graphene–polymer composites
[153] 2D Materials towards sensing technology: from fundamentals to applications
[154] Applications of graphene-based materials in sensors: a review
[155] Graphene-based wearable piezoresistive physical sensors
[156] Wearable Multi-Functional Sensing Technology for Healthcare Smart Detection
[157] Anisotropic conductive networks for multidimensional sensing
[158] Flexible multifunctional sensors for wearable and robotic applications
[159] Morphological engineering of sensing materials for flexible pressure sensors and artificial intelligence applications
[160] 2D material-based sensing devices: an update
[161] Optimizing diamond-like carbon coatings From experimental era to artificial intelligence
[162] Graphene nanoparticles as data generating digital materials in industry 4.0
[163] A state-of-the-art review on sensors and signal processing systems in mechanical machining processes
[164] Structural health monitoring using wireless smart sensor network – An overview
[165] Digital twin-based structural health monitoring by combining measurement and computational data: an aircraft wing example
[166] A Digital Twin concept for the prescriptive maintenance of protective coating systems on wind turbine structures
[167] Cloud-Based digital twinning for structural health monitoring using deep learning
[168] Digitization of manufacturing processes: from sensing to twining
[169] Muscle Activity Analysis with a Smart Compression Garment
[170] Muscle performance investigated with a novel smart compression garment based on pressure sensor force myography and its validation against EMG
[171] Discovery of a sweet spot on the foot with a smart wearable soccer boot sensor that maximizes the chances of scoring a curved kick in soccer
[172] Additively fabricated electronic skin with high performance in dynamic sensing as human skin
[173] Future green chemistry and sustainability needs in polymeric coatings
[174] Neuro-inspired electronic skin for robots
[175] Electronic Skin: recent Progress and Future Prospects for Skin-Attachable Devices for Health Monitoring, Robotics, and Prosthetics
[176] Recent advances in carbon material-based multifunctional sensors and their applications in electronic skin systems
[177] Novel low-carbon energy solutions for powering emerging wearables, smart textiles, and medical devices
[178] Recent progress in electronic skin
[179] 25th anniversary article: the evolution of electronic skin (E-Skin): a brief history, design considerations, and recent progress
[180] Research on the preparation and thermal stability of silicone rubber composites: a review
[181] PEDOT:PSS for flexible and stretchable electronics: modifications, strategies, and applications
[182] A comprehensive review on CNTs and CNT-reinforced composites: syntheses, characteristics and applications
[183] A stretchable array of high-performance electrochromic devices for displaying skin-attached multi-sensor signals
[184] Stretchable micromotion sensor with enhanced sensitivity using serpentine layout
[185] The more and less of electronic-skin sensors
[186] Water-Modulated biomimetic hyper-attribute-gel electronic skin for robotics and skin-attachable wearables
[187] Energy autonomous electronic skin with direct temperature-pressure perception
[188] A direction-aware and ultrafast self-healing dual network hydrogel for a flexible electronic skin strain sensor
[189] Nanomaterials: fingertip skin-inspired microstructured ferroelectric skins discriminate static/dynamic pressure and temperature stimuli
[190] A chameleon-inspired stretchable electronic skin with interactive colour changing controlled by tactile sensing
[191] An ultra-low hysteresis, self-healing and stretchable conductor based on dynamic disulfide covalent adaptable networks
[192] Barbaz-Isfahani, R., S. Saber-Samandari, and M. Salehi, Experimental and numerical research on healing performance of reinforced microcapsule-based self-healing polymers using nanoparticles.
[193] Disulfide bond and Diels–Alder reaction bond hybrid polymers with high stretchability, transparency, recyclability, and intrinsic dual healability for skin-like tactile sensing
[194] Artificial optoelectronic synaptic characteristics of Bi2FeMnO6 ferroelectric memristor for neuromorphic computing
[195] Synaptic properties of a PbHfO3 ferroelectric memristor for neuromorphic computing
[196] Passivating contacts for crystalline silicon solar cells
[197] Andreani, L.C., et al., Silicon solar cells: toward the efficiency limits.
[198] Design rules for high-efficiency both-sides-contacted silicon solar cells with balanced charge carrier transport and recombination losses
[199] Carbon nanotubes for photovoltaics: from lab to industry
[200] High-efficiency CNT-Si solar cells based on a collaborative system enabled by oxide penetration
[201] CdTe-Based thin film solar cells: past, present and future
[202] A review of primary technologies of thin-film solar cells
[203] Tin-Lead perovskite fabricated via ethylenediamine interlayer guides to the solar cell efficiency of 21.74%
[204] Promoting charge separation resulting in ternary organic solar cells efficiency over 17.5%
[205] Low-bandgap mixed tin–lead iodide perovskites with reduced methylammonium for simultaneous enhancement of solar cell efficiency and stability
[206] Room-Temperature sputtered SnO2 as robust electron transport layer for air-stable and efficient perovskite solar cells on rigid and flexible substrates
[207] Advanced alkali treatments for high-efficiency Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells on flexible substrates
[208] Surface and interface science. Surface and Interface Science, 2020.
[209] Saygili, Y., Copper Bipyridyl Redox Mediators for High Performance Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. 2019.
[210] Novel Epitaxial Lift-Off for Flexible, Inexpensive GaAs Solar Cells
[211] Influence of water and precursor molarity on the tio2 thin films deposited from solventless sol-gel
[212] Choice of precursor not affecting the size of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles but affecting morphology under broader view
[213] Defective MWCNT enabled dual interface coupling for carbon-based perovskite solar cells with efficiency exceeding 22%
[214] Hole Transport Materials Based on 6,12-Dihydroindeno[1,2-b]fluorine with Different Periphery Groups: a New Strategy for Dopant-Free Perovskite Solar Cells
[215] The future of spirobifluorene-based molecules as hole-transporting materials for solar cells
[216] Oxidation of Spiro-OMeTAD in high-efficiency perovskite solar cells
[217] Generation of electrical power under human skin by subdermal solar cell arrays for implantable bioelectronic devices
[218] Efficient exploration of the composition space in ternary organic solar cells by combining high-throughput material libraries and hyperspectral imaging
[219] The energy level conundrum of organic semiconductors in solar cells
[220] Fiber/Fabric-Based piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators for flexible/stretchable and wearable electronics and artificial intelligence
[221] Recent progress in flexible–wearable solar cells for self-powered electronic devices
[222] Mineralized soft and elastic polymer dot hydrogel for a flexible self-powered electronic skin sensor
[223] Spectrally robust series/parallel-connected triple-junction photovoltaic cells used for artificial photosynthesis
[224] Solution-processed monolithic all-perovskite triple-junction solar cells with efficiency exceeding 20%
[225] Reaching the ultimate efficiency of solar energy harvesting with a nonreciprocal multijunction solar cell
[226] Progress and challenges in perovskite photovoltaics from single- to multi-junction cells
[227] A triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid nanogenerator with broadband working range for wind energy harvesting and a self-powered wind speed sensor
[228] A mobile and self-powered micro-flow pump based on triboelectricity driven electroosmosis
[229] Design of a self-powered triboelectric face mask
[230] Nanopillar-array architectured PDMS-based triboelectric nanogenerator integrated with a windmill model for effective wind energy harvesting
[231] A CNT-PDMS wearable device for simultaneous measurement of wrist pulse pressure and cardiac electrical activity
[232] Artificial tactile perception smart finger for material identification based on triboelectric sensing
[233] Ambulatory cardiovascular monitoring via a machine-learning-assisted textile triboelectric sensor
[234] Wearable triboelectric sensors enabled gait analysis and waist motion capture for IoT-based smart healthcare applications
[235] Review of power converter impact of electromagnetic energy harvesting circuits and devices for autonomous sensor applications
[236] High-performance cycloid inspired wearable electromagnetic energy harvester for scavenging human motion energy
[237] Enhanced swing electromagnetic energy harvesting from human motion
[238] The optimization of an electromagnetic vibration energy harvester based on developed electromagnetic damping models
[239] Constituting abrupt magnetic flux density change for power density improvement in electromagnetic energy harvesting
[240] A low-frequency rotational electromagnetic energy harvester using a magnetic plucking mechanism
[241] Ultraflexible, highly efficient electromagnetic interference shielding, and self-healable triboelectric nanogenerator based on Ti3C2Tx MXene for self-powered wearable electronics
[242] Magnetized microcilia array-based self-powered electronic skin for micro-scaled 3D morphology recognition and high-capacity communication
[243] Three-dimensional AgNps@Mxene@PEDOT:PSS composite hybrid foam as a piezoresistive pressure sensor with ultra-broad working range
[244] Biocompatible poly(lactic acid)-based hybrid piezoelectric and electret nanogenerator for electronic skin applications
[245] Human skin interactive self-powered piezoelectric e-skin based on PVDF/MWCNT electrospun nanofibers for non-invasive health care monitoring
[246] Enhanced electromagnetic wrist-worn energy harvester using repulsive magnetic spring
[247] Smart Magnetotactic Bacteria Enable the Inhibition of Neuroblastoma under an Alternating Magnetic Field
[248] Expanding magnetic organelle biogenesis in the domain bacteria
[249] Electrically contacted bienzyme-functionalized mesoporous carbon nanoparticle electrodes: applications for the development of dual amperometric biosensors and multifuel-driven biofuel cells
[250] Soft–Hard Composites for Bioelectric Interfaces
[251] Energy harvesting using two-dimensional magnesiochromite (MgCr2O4)
[252] Flame-retardant and leakage-proof phase change composites based on MXene/polyimide aerogels toward solar thermal energy harvesting
[253] Simultaneous solar-thermal energy harvesting and storage via shape stabilized salt hydrate phase change material
[254] Anisotropically conductive phase change composites enabled by aligned continuous carbon fibers for full-spectrum solar thermal energy harvesting
[255] High-Performance thermally conductive phase change composites by large-size oriented graphite sheets for scalable thermal energy harvesting
[256] High-performance thermally conductive phase change composites by large-size oriented graphite sheets for scalable thermal energy harvesting
[257] Full spectrum solar thermal energy harvesting and storage by a molecular and phase-change hybrid material an integrated hybrid system for simultaneous harvesting and storage of solar thermal energy. Full spectrum solar thermal energy harvesting and storage by a molecular and phase-change hybrid material
[258] Carbon nanotube bundles assembled flexible hierarchical framework based phase change material composites for thermal energy harvesting and thermotherapy
[259] Constructing flexible film electrode with porous layered structure by MXene/SWCNTs/PANI ternary composite for efficient low-grade thermal energy harvest
[260] High Power Density Thermoelectric Generators with Skutterudites
[261] Half-Heusler-like compounds with wide continuous compositions and tunable p- to n-type semiconducting thermoelectrics
[262] Dramatically reduced lattice thermal conductivity of Mg2Si thermoelectric material from nanotwinning
[263] Performance comparison of hybrid functionals for describing narrow-gap semiconductors: a study on low-temperature thermoelectric material α-SrSi2
[264] Toward self-powered real-time health monitoring of body fluid components based on improved enzymatic biofuel cells
[265] Redox-Mediated gold nanoparticles with glucose oxidase and egg white proteins for printed biosensors and biofuel cells
[266] Engineering hybrid nanotube wires for high-power biofuel cells
[267] Insights into the role of nanotechnology on the performance of biofuel cells and the production of viable biofuels: a review
[268] Flexible biofuel cell-in-a-tube (iezTube): an entirely self-contained biofuel cell for wearable green bio-energy harvesting
[269] A bendable biofuel cell-based fully integrated biomedical nanodevice for point-of-care diagnosis of scurvy
[270] A screen-printed circular-type paper-based glucose/O2 biofuel cell
[271] Self-Powered electrochemical lactate biosensing
[272] Printed-scalable microstructure BaTiO3/ecoflex nanocomposite for high-performance triboelectric nanogenerators and self-powered human-machine interaction
[273] Ultra-high dielectric tuning performance and double-set resistive switching effect achieved on the Bi2NiMnO6 thin film prepared by sol–gel method
[274] Electrocatalytic response of the modified ZnO-G electrodes towards the oxidation of serotonin with multi metallic corrosion protection
[275] Hybrid electrochemical behaviour of La1-xCaxMnO3 nano perovskites and recycled polar interspersed graphene for metal-air battery system
[276] Towards sustainable fuel cells and batteries with an AI perspective
[277] Growth mechanism of micro/nano metal dendrites and cumulative strategies for countering its impacts in metal ion batteries: a review
[278] Li-ion batteries: basics, progress, and challenges
[279] Recent advances in polymer electrolytes for zinc ion batteries: mechanisms, properties, and perspectives
[280] Electrolytes for rechargeable lithium–air batteries
[281] Beyond garnets, phosphates and phosphosulfides solid electrolytes: new ceramic perspectives for all solid lithium metal batteries
[282] Reddy, M.V., et al., Sulfide and oxide inorganic solid electrolytes for all-solid-state Li batteries: a review.
[283] Review—progress in electrolytes for rechargeable aluminium batteries
[284] Dendrite-Free zinc deposition induced by multifunctional CNT frameworks for stable flexible Zn-Ion batteries
[285] Brief history of early lithium-battery development
[286] Carbon materials as a cathode for aluminum-ion battery
[287] Synthesis and Characterization of Silicon Based Anode Materials
[288] Hybrid silicon-carbon nanostructured composites as superior anodes for lithium ion batteries
[289] High performance air breathing flexible lithium–air battery
[290] A flexible aqueous Al ion rechargeable full battery
[291] From Li-Ion batteries toward na-ion chemistries: challenges and opportunities
[292] Hard carbon anodes: fundamental understanding and commercial perspectives for Na-Ion batteries beyond Li-Ion and K-Ion counterparts
[293] (Invited) a nature-inspired porous electrode for flexible, stretchable supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries
[294] Waterborne Coatings Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Resin (Acrylic, PU, Epoxy, Polyester), By Application (Architectural, General Industrial, Marine), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 2030. Available from: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/waterborne-coatings-market
[295] Plastic waste upcycling: a sustainable solution for waste management, product development, and circular economy
[296] Closing the carbon loop in the circular plastics economy
[297] Reaching circular economy through circular chemistry: the basis for sustainable development
[298] Bioplastics
[299] Advance of design and application in self-healing anticorrosive coating: a review
[300] Sustainable smart anti-corrosion coating materials derived from vegetable oil derivatives: a review
[301] Sustainable secondary-raw materials, natural substances and eco-friendly nanomaterial-based approaches for improved surface performances: an overview of what they are and how they work
[302] Sustainable coatings on metallic alloys as a nowadays challenge
[303] Hopkinson, P., et al., Accelerating the transition towards a net zero NHS: delivering a sustainable and resilient UK healthcare sector. 2022.
[304] Life cycle gaps: interpreting LCA results with a circular economy mindset
[305] Biotoxicity and life cycle assessment of two commercial antifouling coatings in marine systems
[306] Environmental assessment of antimicrobial coatings for packaged fresh milk
[307]
Aqueous anionic polyurethane dispersions from castor oil
[308] Bio-based self-healing coating material derived from renewable castor oil and multifunctional alamine
[309] Sustainable and multifunctional composites of graphene-based natural jute fibers
[310] MWCNTs/CB waterborne conductive smart coating for damage monitoring of composites: design, fabrication, characterization, and verification
[311] Bioplastic materials.
[312] A review on bio-based graphene derived from biomass wastes
[313] Translucent lignin-based omniphobic polyurethane coating with antismudge and UV-blocking dual functionalities
[314] Facile fabrication of fluorine-free slippery antifouling coatings with self-cleaning and anti-microorganism properties
[315] An overview of recycling wastes into graphene derivatives using microwave synthesis; trends and prospects
[316] Sustainable use of cruciferous wastes in nanotechnological applications
[317] A systematic literature review on the conversion of plastic wastes into valuable 2D graphene-based materials
[318] Flash graphene from plastic waste
[319] Flash graphene from rubber waste
[320] Conducting graphene synthesis from electronic waste
[321] Preparation and characterization of biobased graphene from Kraft lignin
[322] Lightweight and flexible reduced graphene oxide/water-borne polyurethane composites with high electrical conductivity and excellent electromagnetic interference shielding performance
[323] Incorporation of carbon nanofillers tunes mechanical and electrical percolation in PHBV: PLA blends
[324] Influence of textile fabrics structures on thermal, UV shielding, and mechanical properties of textile fabrics coated with sustainable coating
[325] Sustainable and multifunctional composites of graphene-based natural jute fibers
[326] Towards Greener and More Sustainable Synthesis of MXenes: a Review
[327] Sustainable MXenes-based membranes for highly energy-efficient separations
[328] Green'synthesis of metals and their oxide nanoparticles: applications for environmental remediation
[329] Solution combustion synthesis: towards a sustainable approach for metal oxides
[330] Life cycle impact assessment of solution combustion synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and its comparison with more conventional strategies
[331] Application of ZnO nanoparticles in a self-cleaning coating on a metal panel: an assessment of environmental benefits
[332] Sustainable synthesis of Cr7C3, Cr2AlC, and their derived porous carbons in molten salts
Cited by (8)
Flame-retardant coatings: Recent advances in materials, mechanisms, and multifunctional applications
Extraction of biomolecular polyphenols for nanoparticles fabrication: Mechanistic insights environmental mitigation
Evaluation of different antimicrobial polymeric coatings for food contact surfaces
Advanced risk management software for multi-criteria decision-making in uncertain scenarios
Lignin from Plant-Based Agro-Industrial Biowastes: From Extraction to Sustainable Applications
The Role of Lightweight AI Models in Supporting a Sustainable Transition to Renewable Energy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352940724005195
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Chapter 5: Plastics & Polymer technology
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
We
can see the problems with many consumer items not being able to
biodegrade properly. We need new type of sustainable bio-cellulose and
silicone.
____________________________________
Scientists Discover New Rock Made From Human Plastic Waste and Ocean Debris
Just in time for World Environment Day, Canadian scientists have announced the discovery of a new type of rock made from the scraps of melted plastic waste and ocean debris. According to researchers at the University of Western Ontario, this new material, known as plastiglomerate, is formed when melted plastic waste on beaches mixes with sediment, lava fragments and organic debris. These virtually indestructible plastiglomerates may become part of the Earth’s geologic record forever and could one day act as a sad geological marker for humanity’s impact on the planet.
____________________________________
Making Plastic from Carbon Dioxide, Water, and Electricity
June 24, 2025
https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/making-plastic-from-carbon-dioxide-water-and-electricity
____________________________________
Turning poop into plastic at Paris climate talks
December 13, 2015
A small piece of dung
was on proud display at global climate-saving talks in Paris, just a few
steps away from being transformed into a plastic bottle or fuel for a
car.
Along with scraps from slaughterhouses and dinner
tables, it is the raw material for an innovative process to turn waste
into a range of new products.
"This is the third
Industrial Revolution. It changes the world from using oil products to
using biomass," Regis Nouaille, founder of biotech startup Afyren, told
AFP at the UN conference where 195 nations agreed a historic climate
rescue pact.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-poop-plastic-paris-climate.html
____________________________________
Eight Million Tons of Plastic Dumped in Ocean Every Year
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/02/150212-ocean-debris-plastic-garbage-patches-science/
____________________________________
Plastic Water Bottles: Harmful to the Ocean, Air, and You
http://www.algalita.org/plastic-water-bottles-harmful-to-the-ocean-air-and-you/
____________________________________
Plastic Pollution in the World's Oceans: More than 5 Trillion Plastic Pieces Weighing over 250,000 Tons Afloat at Sea
December 10, 2014
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0111913
____________________________________
The Great Plastic Tide
2009
http://coastalcare.org/2009/11/plastic-pollution/
____________________________________
This solar water wheel could be the solution to plastic ocean debris
July 30, 2014
As much as we love highlighting new and interesting technologies,
sometimes old technologies prove to be the best. This is definitely the
case in Baltimore where a giant water wheel is removing tons of trash
every day from the water, keeping it from ending up in the ocean. This
centuries-old technology is quickly becoming the best solution yet for
keeping plastic out of the oceans.
http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/solar-water-wheel-could-be-solution-plastic-ocean-debris.html
____________________________________
Japanese Scientists Create World’s First Renewable, Bio-Based Polyester
http://www.ecouterre.com/japanese-scientists-create-worlds-first-renewable-bio-based-polyester/
____________________________________
New developments and investments foreseen in bio-based polymer production by 2020 in Europe
http://www.plastemart.com/Plastic-Technical-Article.asp?LiteratureID=1999&Paper=new-developments-investments-in-bio-based-polymer-production-by-2020-in-europe
Europe’s current position in producing bio-based polymers is limited to a
few polymers. However, new developments and investments are foreseen:
the first European industrial-scale PLA plant by 2014, the introduction
of PET production facilities by 2015, recent developments in the
commercialization of bio-based PBT and further advancements in the field
of high-value fine chemicals for PA, PUR and thermosets production.
Although Europe shows a strong demand for bio-based polymers, production
tends to take place elsewhere-largely the consequence of an
unfavourable political framework for the industrial material use of
biomass.
____________________________________
Cellulose-Based Bio- and Nanocomposites: A Review
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijps/2011/837875/
Cellulose macro- and nanofibers have gained increasing attention due to the high
strength and stiffness, biodegradability and renewability, and their production and
application
in development of composites. Application of cellulose nanofibers for
the development of composites is a relatively new research area.
Cellulose macro- and nanofibers can be used as reinforcement in
composite materials because of enhanced mechanical, thermal, and
biodegradation properties of composites. Cellulose fibers are
hydrophilic in nature, so it becomes necessary to increase their surface
roughness for the development of composites with enhanced properties.
In the present paper, we have reviewed the surface modification of
cellulose fibers by various methods. Processing methods, properties, and
various applications of nanocellulose and cellulosic composites are
also discussed in this paper.
____________________________________
Improvement of plant based natural fibers for toughening green composites
http://www.deepdyve.com/lp/elsevier/improvement-of-plant-based-natural-fibers-for-toughening-green-1WjKrnx3tZ
____________________________________
ARCHIVED - Lighter, Stronger, "Greener" Plastics
2005
For
several years, the NRC-IMI team has been perfecting techniques
involving the use of clay nanoparticles to create new nanocomposite
plastics. Nanocomposites have been proven to dramatically increase the
strength of polymer materials. Just last year, NRC-IMI launched a joint
industry partnership group focused on nanocomposites to further explore
the use of such materials. It is hoped that nanoclays will add critical
strength to already lightweight foamed materials. As well, nanoparticles
have been shown to enhance the growth of foam cells, a process known as
nucleation. In the past year, a NRC-ICPET research team, in
collaboration with University of Ottawa, became the second group in the
world to publish results on the fundamental interaction of CO2 with
nanocomposites - an emerging area of study.
http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/achievements/highlights/2005/polymer_foams.html
____________________________________
Cellulose Nanopaper – Strong, Light and Green Alternative to Metals
August 3, 2015
New paper-like material made of cellulose is much stronger than metal, and could one day replace it.
Alternative eco-friendly materials
that can replace metals are of high demand. The reasons behind this are
many, including polluting mining processes, expensive manufacturing of
products made of metals, and of course, the need of making everything
lighter yet still tough and strong.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/cellulose-nanopaper/#.Ve-vFJe-2zk
____________________________________
A green and efficient method for preparing acetylated cassava stillage residue and the production of all-plant fibre composites
Cassava stillage residue (CSR), a kind of agro-industrial plant fibres,
was directly acetylated and converted into thermoplastic material by
mechanical activation-assisted solid phase reaction (MASPR) in a
stirring ball mill without the use of organic solvent and additives. As
combining mechanical activation and chemical modification in the same
equipment, the destruction of hydrogen bonds and crystalline structure
of CSR induced by intense milling improved the reactivity of CSR,
leading to the effective acetylation of CSR. After acetylation by MASPR,
the modified CSRs possessed thermoplasticity, ascribing to the
introduction of acetyl groups and the destruction of high crystallinity
structure of cellulose. The self-reinforced all-plant fibre composites
(APFC) were successfully produced with the modified CSRs as both matrix
and reinforcement by hot pressing technology. The direct acetylation of
CSR and successful production of APFC suggested that MASPR was a simple,
efficient and environmentally friendly method for chemical modification
of agro-industrial lignocellulose biomass.
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/264981183_A_green_and_efficient_method_for_preparing_acetylated_cassava_stillage_residue_and_the_production_of_all-plant_fibre_composites
____________________________________
Progress in bio-based plastics and plasticizing modifications
Over the coming few decades bioplastic materials are expected to
complement and gradually replace some of the fossil oil based materials.
Multidisciplinary research efforts have generated a significant level
of technical and commercial success towards these bio-based materials.
However, extensive application of these bio-based plastics is still
challenged by one or more of their possible inherent limitations, such
as poor processability, brittleness, hydrophilicity, poor moisture and
gas barrier, inferior compatibility, poor electrical, thermal and
physical properties. The incorporation of additives such as plasticizers
into the biopolymers is a common practice to improve these inherent
limitations. Generally, plasticizers are added to both synthetic and
bio-based polymeric materials to impart flexibility, improve toughness,
and lower the glass transition temperature. This review introduces the
most common bio-based plastics and provides an overview of recent
advances in the selection and use of plasticizers, and their effect on
the performance of these materials. In addition to plasticizers, we also
present a perspective of other emerging techniques of improving the
overall performance of bio-based plastics. Although a wide variety of
bio-based plastics are under development, this review focuses on
plasticizers utilized for the most extensively studied bioplastics
including poly(lactic acid), polyhydroxyalkanoates, thermoplastic
starch, proteinaceous plastics and cellulose acetates. The ongoing
challenge and future potentials of plasticizers for bio-based plastics
are also discussed.
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/264614759_Progress_in_bio-based_plastics_and_plasticizing_modifications
____________________________________
Effect of biodegradable plasticizers on thermal and mechanical properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)
The effects of biodegradable plasticizers on the thermal and mechanical
properties of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) were
studied using thermal and mechanical analyses. Soybean oil (SO),
epoxidized soybean oil (ESO), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and triethyl
citrate (TEC) were used as plasticizing additives. PHBV/plasticizer
blends were prepared by evaporating solvent from blend solutions. The
content of plasticizer in the blends was kept at 20wt%. Compatibility of
plasticizer with PHBV was examined with differential scanning
calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). DPB and TEC
were more effective than soybean oils (SO and ESO) in depression of the
glass transition temperatures as well as in increasing the elongation at
break and the impact strength of the films. From the thermal and
mechanical properties of the plasticized PHBV, it could be concluded
that TEC or DBP are better plasticizers than SO and ESO for PHBV.
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/232382906_Effect_of_biodegradable_plasticizers_on_thermal_and_mechanical_properties_of_poly%283-hydroxybutyrate%29
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IBM discovers first new class of polymers in decades
May 15, 2014
http://www.gizmag.com/ibm-polymer-discovery-plastic/32088/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
The IBM polymers consist of two related classes of plastic materials. They’re formed by combining paraformaldehyde and 4,4ʹ-oxydianiline in what’s called a condensation reaction. When heated to 250⁰ C (482⁰ F) the material becomes very strong as covalent bonds form and the solvent is forced out, forming the first of two versions of the polymer. Both versions are highly elastic, resistant to solvents, and are recyclable. One version can even self-heal.
These polymers also show new physical properties. The first version is lightweight, stiff, resistant to cracking, shows more strength than bone, and can also turned into new polymer structures with half again as much strength. However, it is very brittle, like glass. When mixed with carbon nanofibers and heated, it forms an extremely strong, lightweight composite material that is similar to metal, yet has a degree of self-healing when cracked.
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Characteristics of biodegradable polylactide/gelatinized starch films: Effects of starch, plasticizer, and compatibilizer
Polylactide (PLA) blends with 0–40 wt % gelatinized starches (GSs) in
the presence of plasticizers and compatibilizer for improving
interfacial bonding between two phases were prepared. The effects of
compatibilizer, type and amount of starch, including type and
concentration of plasticizer on the physical, morphological, thermal,
and mechanical properties of these films were investigated. Two types of
starch (corn and tapioca) were added as fillers, whereas the glycerol
amount was varied from 0 to 35 wt % based on starch content.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG400) and propylene glycol (PG) were added as
plasticizers at four different amounts (5–20 wt %) based on PLA content,
while methylenediphenyl diisocyanate was used as a compatibilizer at
1.25 wt % of GS. The results indicated that the presence of glycerol had
no effect on the thermal degradation of GS. For PLA plasticization, the
plasticized PLA with PEG400 had better properties than that with PG.
Water absorption isotherm of the blend films increased as the amount of
starches increased; in contrast, the tensile properties decreased
progressively with the addition of the GS content. The blend films with
gelatinized corn starch had higher tensile properties than those with
gelatinized tapioca starch.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/app.36736/abstract
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Porous Biodegradable Starch-Based Polymer: Effects of Plasticizers on the Physical Properties
The effect of the plasticizer content (mixture of water and glycerol) on the cellular structure of the considered material and its influence on the resulting properties, such as mechanical stiffness, are investigated by means of optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry and standard mechanical testing. Adding glycerol leads to larger cell walls and smaller pores but it does not significantly affect the elastic tangent modulus and strength under compression for deformations up to 50%; only a tendency to promote elastic recovery is observed.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/masy.201300134/abstract
____________________________________
Handbook of Plasticizers
By George Wypych
This
book talks about many different types of plasticizers. This includes
the simulation of different plasticizers that could be used, in the
colonization of space.
Chapter 10.14 Biodegradation in the presence of plasticizers
Chapter 10.15 Crystallization, structure, and orientation of Macromolecules
Chapter 10.17 Plasticizer effect on contact with other materials
____________________________________
The Complete Book on Biodegradable Plastics and Polymers (Recent Developments, Properties, Analysis, Materials & Processes)
By NIIR Board of Consultants & Engineers
2. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BIOPOLYMER INDUSTRY
3. RECENT ADVANCES IN SYNTHESIS OF BIOPOLYMERS BY "TRADITIONAL" METHODS
4. POLYMERS, ENVIRONMENTALLY DEGRADABLE
5. SYNTHETIC BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS AS MEDICAL DEVICES
6. BIOBASED PACKAGING MATERIALS FOR THE FOOD INDUSTRY
https://books.google.com/books?id=BS-hAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA159&lpg=PA159&dq=biodegradable+plasticizers&source=bl&ots=bSdeUdExnq&sig=zp4tjgZOQ0lgHLNMvXuQzLtYue8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=tUnYVICRPM39yQSKk4KABQ&ved=0CDkQ6AEwBjgU#v=onepage&q=biodegradable%20plasticizers&f=false
____________________________________
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE APPLICATIONS OF INDUSTRIAL (WHITE) BIOTECHNOLOGY EUROPA BIO's BIOTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION KIT
http://www.scribd.com/doc/243514826/Intro-to-the-Applications-of-White-Biotechnology#scribd
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Bio-Based PEF Bottles to Hit Market by 2016
http://www.foodproductdesign.com/news/2013/06/bio-based-pef-bottles-to-hit-market-by-2016.aspx
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ITKE Constructs New ArboSkin Pavilion with 388 Recyclable Bioplastic Pyramids
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Good plastics, bioplastics and greenwashing
2013
Plastic is not inert
Conventional plastic contains a large number, and sometimes a large proportion, of chemical additives which can be endocrine disruptors, carcinogenic or provoke other toxic reactions and can, in principle, migrate into the environment, though in small quantities. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as pesticides like DDT and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), can attach themselves from the surrounding water to plastic fragments which can be harmful and enter the food chain via marine fauna.
http://www.zerowasteeurope.eu/2013/06/good-plastics-bioplastics-and-greenwashing/
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Will Bioplastics Contaminate Conventional Plastics Recycling?
http://www.sustainableplastics.org/bioplastics/issues-with-recycling
____________________________________
Producing plastic from seaweed
August 28th, 2014
http://phys.org/wire-news/170671262/producing-plastic-from-seaweed.html
____________________________________
The Bioplastic Concept Car: Seaweed
http://www.conceptcarseries.com/car-news/the-bioplastic-concept-car-seaweed-by-toyota/
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New strain of seaweed tastes like bacon
July 16, 2015
Seaweed is widely considered to be a health food. Bacon, on the other
hand ... well, bacon isn't. There may yet be hope for pork belly lovers
around the world, however. Scientists at Oregon State University (OSU)
have patented a lab-bred strain of dulce seaweed, that they claim has "a
strong bacon flavor" when fried.
http://www.gizmag.com/dulce-seaweed-bacon/38503/
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'Mutarium' prototype is the perfect farm for edible plastic-eating fungi
Biodegradable
plastics exist because traditional ones take between 20 and 1,000 years
to break down in the wild, often blocking waterways and killing animals
as that all happens. That's why two industrial designers and a group of
microbiologists have designed a way to break down plastic -- and create
edible mushrooms in the process.
http://www.engadget.com/2014/12/15/fungi-mutarium-plastic/
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Can mushrooms replace plastic?
As it turns out, they are equally versatile outside of the food world.
They can produce packaging, home insulation, fiberboard for furniture,
even a surfboard.
http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/mushrooms-new-plastic-ecovative
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Why Mushrooms are Starting to Replace Everything
Jun 24, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI2LC3WTryw
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Mushroom Surfboards
Jan 6, 2014
The next wave in eco-friendly blanks may be made of fungi.
https://www.surfer.com/culture/mushroom-surfboards
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Could Future Homes on the Moon and Mars Be Made of Fungi?
Jan 14, 2020
https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/ames/could-future-homes-on-the-moon-and-mars-be-made-of-fungi/
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Eco-Funerals Now Feature World’s First ‘Living Coffin’ Made Out of Mushrooms
Feb 15, 2025
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/eco-funerals-now-feature-worlds-first-living-coffin-made-out-of-mushrooms/
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Robot controlled by a king oyster mushroom blends living organisms and machines
Sep 4, 2024
By growing the mushroom’s mycelium into the robot’s hardware, researchers have engineered two types of robots that sense and respond to the environment by harnessing electrical signals made by the fungus.
https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/robot-controlled-by-a-king-oyster-mushroom-blends-living-organisms-and-machines/1688031
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Diaper-grown mushrooms to cut down waste
September 3, 2014
While their contents might be considered an environmental hazard by
many, disposable diapers themselves pose a more significant problem for
the environment. According to the EPA,
the average baby will work their way through 8,000 of them before they
end up in landfill where they'll take centuries to break down. In an
effort to reduce the problem, scientists at Mexico's Autonomous
Metropolitan University, Azcapotzalco (UAM-A), have turned used diapers
to the task of growing mushrooms.
http://www.gizmag.com/diaper-grown-mushrooms/33633/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Coffee and mushroom spores make a green plastic alternative
March 31st, 2025
https://www.futurity.org/coffee-grounds-mushrooms-3d-printing-plastic-alternative-3275412/
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Tequila waste combined with recycled plastic to form wood substitute
January 21, 2015
When the sap from plants such as sugar cane is extracted for commercial
use, what's left over is a fibrous material known as bagasse. This is
commonly used as biofuel, or is compressed into a wood substitute. Now,
Mexican startup Plastinova is using agave bagasse from the tequila industry to make a wood-like material of its own, although it's also incorporating recycled plastic.
http://www.gizmag.com/agave-bagasse-plastic-wood/35710/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
How does Yulex compare with neoprene wetsuits?
Surfers have used wetsuits for decades, with neoprene as their core material. But the paradigm is shifting. Meet Yulex, the natural rubber that promises to revolutionize insulation and the sport.
You've probably heard about it. Yulex is the game-changer in the world of wetsuits.
At its core, it's a 100 percent plant-based, renewable, and biodegradable substance.
It's not just an alternative to traditional wetsuit materials - it's a leap forward. It is also 100 percent free of petroleum, limestone, and acetylene.
Extracted from certified deforestation-free rubber trees, Yulex doesn't just stop at wetsuits.
The versatile material is used in footwear, automotive items, bags and accessories, braces and sleeves, yoga gear, biking equipment, and triathlon suits, just to name a few.
The partner factories working with Yulex are subject to yearly internal audits.
Several surf brands, including Patagonia, Billabong, Slater Designs, VF Corporation, SRFACE, Finisterre, needessentials, Seea, MDNS, and Firewire, have already adopted Yulex in their manufacturing processes.
From Arizona to the World
The vision behind Yulex - the material - is spearheaded by Jeff Martin, a recognized figure in the natural rubber polymer industry and CEO and co-founder of the Yulex Corporation.
It all started in 2000 in the company's Guayule natural rubber farm in Arizona.
From there, Yulex pioneered the production of natural rubber latex in the United States.
With a legacy of innovative and culture-driven leadership, Martin's drive to increase the use of certified natural rubber is evident in Yulex's initiatives.
Today, only about 3 percent of the natural rubber worldwide is certified, but Yulex, with its commitment and partnerships, aims to amplify this figure.
As the demand surged, notably from Patagonia, Yulex pivoted to producing foam from the hevea brasiliensis rubber tree, another renewable treasure of nature.
Cultivated in Guatemala since the 1940s, hevea trees are first tapped at seven years of age.
Properly treated, they can produce rubber latex for the next 30 years.
As their yields diminish, the trees are cut and milled.
Hevea is a dense hardwood that can be built into furniture or household goods, giving each tree another life after it's felled.
New saplings are then spliced onto the stumps.
https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/yulex-vs-neoprene-the-differences-between-wetsuit-materials
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Yulex® wetsuit with natural rubber
https://srface.com/pages/yulex-wetsuit
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Introducing YULASTIC® — A new, natural, and sustainable alternative to elastane
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MIT Develops Beaver-inspired Furry Wetsuits to Keep Surfers Warm
Oct 07, 2016
MIT engineers have developed rubbery pelts inspired by the fur of beavers and sea otters, which trap pockets of air to keep the animals warm and dry while diving.
MIT researchers looked at beavers to investigate how the small creatures stay warm in the icy-cold water. Now, they’re applying the beaver’s protection to develop a furry wetsuit to keep surfers warm. Beavers most commonly live in Northern areas which experience incredibly cold winter temperatures.
https://scitechdaily.com/new-beaver-inspired-wetsuits-may-help-keep-surfers-warm/
____________________________________
This Water-Resistant Paper Could Revolutionize Packaging and Replace Plastic
A groundbreaking study showcases the creation of sustainable hydrophobic paper, enhanced by cellulose nanofibres and peptides, presenting a biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based materials, with potential uses in packaging and biomedical devices.
____________________________________
Scientists Create New Supermaterial That Could Replace Plastic
Improved bacterial cellulose could help create tougher, greener materials for things we use every day.
As plastic waste continues to accumulate across the globe, creating serious environmental challenges, researchers are turning to nature for sustainable solutions. Maksud Rahman, an assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of Houston, has developed an innovative method for transforming bacterial cellulose, a biodegradable material, into a versatile substance that could serve as a replacement for plastic.
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-create-new-supermaterial-that-could-replace-plastic/
____________________________________
Learn how PLA Bioplastic can be recycled
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_C4x-jjZBc
____________________________________
Sensor detects toxins leaching from plastic
December 10, 2015
Engineers from Massey University have developed a
highly sensitive device able to detect synthetic compounds that leach
from plastic food packaging into the contained food or beverage. These
kind of compounds are a major health concern worldwide as they have been
linked to genetic, developmental and fertility defects in humans.
Dr
Asif Zia, together with Professor Subhas Mukhopadhyay, both from the
School Engineering and Advanced Technology developed an electrochemical
sensing system that is able to rapidly quantify a synthetic compound –
di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate or DEHP for short.
DEHP is
used to induce flexibility in the plastic products but, because of its
molecular structure, it does not attach itself covalently to the
plastic's lattice structure and may leach into the surrounding
environment. It is classed as a teratogenic, or malformation causing,
compound as well as an endocrine-disrupter, which interferes with the
body's natural hormonal system. The World Health Organization refers
concentrations of DEHP greater than six parts per billion as hazardous
for human health.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-sensor-toxins-leaching-plastic.html
____________________________________
Self-healing bioplastic – just add water
September 2, 2015
Imagine if things like undersea cables or medical implants could
simply heal themselves back together if severed – it would certainly be
easier than having to go in and fix them. Well, scientists at
Pennsylvania State University are bringing such a possibility closer to
reality. They've created a moldable polymer that heals itself when
exposed to water – and it's based on squid sucker ring teeth.
Led by Prof. Melik Demirel, the researchers started
by studying sucker ring teeth collected from squid in various locations
around the world. Although the exact composition of the teeth varied
between species, it was found that the same proteins which allow them to
self-heal were always present
http://www.gizmag.com/self-healing-bioplastic-squid/39220/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
This edible water blob could replace plastic bottles
Designers Rodrigo García González, Guillaume Couche and Pierre Paslier call their creation "Ooho," a gelatinous blob that is actually a membrane that encapsulates water like a bladder. When you're thirsty, just puncture the membrane and drink. Or, if you also have an appetite, just pop a bite-sized Ooho in your mouth and chomp down for a burst of hydration. The gooey membrane, made from brown algae and calcium chloride, is edible, hygienic and biodegradable.
http://www.mnn.com/food/beverages/stories/this-edible-water-blob-could-replace-plastic-bottles
____________________________________
Brazilian Lab Turns Fruits, Veggies Into Edible Plastic
January 14, 2015
BRASILIA, Brazil, January 14, 2015 (ENS) – Imagine
putting a pizza in the oven without having to remove the plastic casing
that protects the pizza from contamination. The plastic film consists of
tomatoes and, when heated, it will become part of the pizza.
This edible plastic has been developed by researchers at the
Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Instrumentation, a
state-owned company affiliated with the Brazilian Ministry of
Agriculture.
In fact, the researchers have made edible plastic films from foods such as spinach, papaya and guava as well as tomatoes.
http://ens-newswire.com/2015/01/14/brazilian-lab-turns-fruits-veggies-into-edible-plastic/
____________________________________
From fungi to furniture: the future of sustainable design?
https://from.ncl.ac.uk/from-fungi-to-furniture-future-of-sustainable-design?utm_source=research-gate&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=reputation-ranking&utm_term=image&utm_content=bioknit-project
____________________________________
Could spent coffee grounds provide an alternative to plastic packaging?
September 21, 2023
https://www.sdstate.edu/news/2023/09/could-spent-coffee-grounds-provide-alternative-plastic-packaging
____________________________________
Open for Discussion: Goodbye Plastic, Hello Edible Wrappers—or Nothing at all!
WikiCell Designs produces ultra-thin flavored
membranes, called WikiCells, that surround liquids or solids shielding
them from oxygen, oils, and moisture to extend their shelf life. Unlike
Monosol pouches, WikiCells are washable, so the outer container can act
like the skin of a fruit. You just wash and eat them.
A WikiCell is made of two sustainable layers. Eat the inner wrapping, compost the shell; no plastic is involved. The inner edible
membrane, like a grape skin, is held together by intermolecular
electrostatic forces. Positively charged calcium ions bind with
alginate, an anionic (negatively charged) polysaccharide from brown
algae (Fig. 1). The outer compostable shell is made of the residue from
sugarcane crushing.
http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/archive-2012-2013/edible-wrappers.html
____________________________________
A possible replacement for plastic: Spinning bacteria create improved cellulose
July 8, 2025
In a world overrun with plastic garbage, causing untold environmental woes, University of Houston assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, Maksud Rahman, has developed a way to turn bacterial cellulose—a biodegradable material—into a multifunctional material with the potential to replace plastic.
https://phys.org/news/2025-07-plastic-bacteria-cellulose.html
____________________________________
Medical Device Components 2.0: The Trend Towards a Healthier, PVC-Free Alternative
- 01 January 2014
System Health
If you aren’t convinced of PVC’s harmful effects in medical devices
up until this point, there remains one last detriment to using this
insulation powerhouse. A recent study released by Teknor Apex material
science company in October 2013 determined that PVC and plasticizers
alongside non-PVC components in devices can migrate when they come into
contact with each other, resulting in softening, cracks, and other
defects in the system. Their study tested ten different types of
plasticizers, including DEHP, and determined it may have adverse effects
on non-PVC plastics.
http://www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/component/content/article/1105-mdb/features/18924
____________________________________
Scientists Develop Plastic Substitute That Could Fight Ocean Pollution
Plastic pollution continues to pose a major threat to marine ecosystems, with UNESCO reporting that it accounts for 80 percent of all ocean pollution. Each year, an estimated 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the sea. In a promising development, researchers from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering have identified a natural substance found in seashells that may help create a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional plastic.
The study is led by Eun Ji Chung, who holds the Dr. Karl Jacob Jr. and Karl Jacob III Early-Career Chair at USC Viterbi. Chung is recognized for her expertise in engineered nanoparticles for medical use. Drawing from her background in biomaterials, she and her research team recently created a new type of biodegradable plastic alternative. By incorporating calcium carbonate, a mineral found in seashells, into poly (1,8-octanediol-co-citrate) (POC), a biodegradable polymer approved by the FDA for orthopedic fixation, the team engineered a material that may help reduce reliance on traditional plastics. The results were published in MRS Communications.
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-develop-plastic-substitute-that-could-fight-ocean-pollution/
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The 20-Year-Old With a Plan to Rid the Sea of Plastic
Sep 24, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmPHBhYaCR4
____________________________________
Company unlocks secret to making plastic out of air
July 30, 2014
"We're not the first people to have the idea of turning greenhouse
gas into plastic," Herrera said. "The thing that was missing was that no
one had figured out how to do it cost-effectively."
Here's how
it works: Carbon emissions are captured from farms, landfills, and
energy facilities and are fed into a 50-foot-tall reactor at Newlight's
plant. A bundle of enzymes strips out the carbon and oxygen and
rearranges them into a substance they call air carbon.
The product is then melted down and cooled inside tubes and sliced into little plastic pellets that can be molded into anything.
Herrema calls it "a disruptive technology that's gonna change the world."
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/company-unlocks-secret-to-making-plastic-out-of-air/
____________________________________
Self-healing material can build itself from carbon in the air
https://news.mit.edu/2018/self-healing-material-carbon-air-1011
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New catalyst paves way for bio-based plastics, chemicals
December 11, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-catalyst-paves-bio-based-plastics-chemicals.html
Washington
State University researchers have developed a catalyst that easily
converts bio-based ethanol to a widely used industrial chemical, paving
the way for more environmentally friendly, bio-based plastics and
products.
The researchers have published a paper online
describing the catalyst in the Journal of the American Chemical Society
and have been granted a U.S. patent.
The chemical
industry is interested in moving away from fossil fuels to bio-based
products to reduce environmental impacts and to meet new regulations for
sustainability, said Yong Wang, Voiland Distinguished Professor in the
Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and
Bioengineering.
The catalyst works on bio-based ethanol to create isobutene used in plastics and other products.
The
industry has traditionally made a widely used chemical called isobutene
- used in everything from plastic soda bottles to rubber tires - by
superheating crude oil. But in collaboration with the Archer Daniels
Midland (ADM) Company, Wang and his colleagues developed a catalyst to
convert bio-based ethanol, which is made from corn or other biomass, to
isobutene in one easy production step.
____________________________________
It
is questionable if we should genetically modify animals to
make plastic out of the materials from their DNA. We still are not for
certain how this type of plastic would react in the wild and with other
natural organisms.
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Cheap, biodegradable, biocompatible "Shrilk" is a potential plastic replacement
December 14, 2011
http://www.gizmag.com/shrilk-bioinspired-material/20858/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
Web-slinging arachnids already have researchers toiling away looking to replicate the remarkable properties of spider silk.
Now spiders, along with their insect and crustacean arthropod cousins,
have provided inspiration for a new material that is cheap to produce,
biodegradable, and biocompatible. Its creators say the material, dubbed
"Shrilk," has the potential to replace plastics in consumer products and
could also be used safely in a variety of medical applications, such as
suturing wounds or serving as scaffolding for tissue regeneration.
Arthropods have an outer skeleton made up of a
composite material called cuticle that consists of layers of a
polysaccharide polymer called chitin and protein organized in a laminar,
plywood-like structure. In its unmodified form, which can be seen in
the body wall of a caterpillar, chitin is translucent, pliable,
resilient and quite tough, but arthropods are able to modify its
properties to make it tough and rigid, as seen in the body wall of a
beetle, or to make it elastic, as seen in arthropod limb joints. Not
only does cuticle protect the arthropod's internal components and
provide structure for muscles and wings, it does so without adding
weight or bulk.
____________________________________
Plastic Roadways BUSTED!
Feb 14, 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj_FZduqblo
____________________________________
When Road Technologies Get Insanely Smart (Controversial)
Aug 28, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KbvIEBjbQ8
____________________________________
Rubber meets the road with new ORNL carbon, battery technologies
August 27, 2014
Recycled tires could see new life in lithium-ion batteries that
provide power to plug-in electric vehicles and store energy produced by
wind and solar, say researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge
National Laboratory.
By modifying the
microstructural characteristics of carbon black, a substance recovered
from discarded tires, a team led by Parans Paranthaman and Amit Naskar
is developing a better anode for lithium-ion batteries. An anode is a
negatively charged electrode used as a host for storing lithium during
charging.
http://phys.org/news/2014-08-rubber-road-ornl-carbon-battery.html#nRlv
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New production process makes PLA bioplastic cheaper and greener
July 21, 2015
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable bioplastic that is already
used to produce a variety of everyday items, such as cups, trays, bowls
and vegetable wrapping foil. Unfortunately, the current PLA production
process is expensive and produces waste. Researchers at the KU Leuven
Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis in Belgium have now developed
a new production technique that is cheaper and greener and makes PLA a
more attractive alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
PLA boasts a number of advantages over
petroleum-based plastic. It is one of the few plastics suitable for use
in 3D printers, it is biocompatible, making it suitable for medical use,
and it biodegrades in a few years in certain environments, and is
industrially compostable and recyclable. But when it comes to cost, PLA
can't compete with petroleum-based plastics due to the intermediary
steps required to produce it.
As its name suggests, lactic acid is a main building
block of PLA. This can be obtained by the fermentation of sugar that can
be sourced from renewable resources such as corn starch, tapioca and
sugarcane.
http://www.gizmag.com/bioplastic-pla-cheaper-production-process/38498/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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AI helps chemists develop tougher plastics
August 9, 2025
Researchers created polymers that are more resistant to tearing by incorporating stress-responsive molecules identified by a machine-learning model.
A new strategy for strengthening polymer materials could lead to more durable plastics and cut down on plastic waste, according to researchers at MIT and Duke University.
https://nanodigest.in/ai-helps-chemists-develop-tougher-plastics/
____________________________________
MIT Engineers Develop “Impossible” Polymer Material That is 2-Times Stronger Than Steel, But as Light as Plastic
February 6, 2022
MIT chemical engineers have created a new “impossible” material that is stronger than steel and as light as plastic, and can be easily manufactured in large quantities, thanks to a new novel polymerization process. Unlike other polymers that form one-dimensional, spaghetti-like chains, this new material is essentially a two-dimensional polymer capable of being self-assembled into sheets.
https://www.techeblog.com/mit-impossible-polymer-steel-plastic/
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Model tackles key obstacle to efficient plastic recycling
June 24, 2025
https://news.illinois.edu/model-tackles-key-obstacle-to-efficient-plastic-recycling/
____________________________________
It is debated if we should use natural or synthetic materials for
the use of materials in roads. This includes the use of natural vs
synthetic rubber, and the impact that this has on the environment.
____________________________________
Microplastics in road dust and surrounding environment: Sources, fate and analytical approaches
2024
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214158824000321
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____________________________________
____________________________________
Chapter 6: Conductivity in polymers and rubbers
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Solving mysteries of conductivity in polymers
July 15, 2015
Materials
known as conjugated polymers have been seen as very promising
candidates for electronics applications, including capacitors,
photodiodes, sensors, organic light-emitting diodes, and thermoelectric
devices. But they've faced one major obstacle: Nobody has been able to
explain just how electrical conduction worked in these materials, or to
predict how they would behave when used in such devices.
Now
researchers at MIT and Brookhaven National Laboratory have explained
how electrical charge carriers move in these compounds, potentially
opening up further research on such applications. A paper presenting the
new findings is being published in the journal Advanced Materials.
http://phys.org/news/2015-07-mysteries-polymers.html#jCp
____________________________________
Switchable Optical Nanoantennas Made From a Conducting Polymer
Creating switchable plasmons in plastics: Conductive polymer nanoantennas for dynamic organic plasmonics.
Researchers in the Organic Photonics and Nano-optics group at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics have developed optical nanoantennas made from a conducting polymer. The antennas can be switched on and off, and will make possible a completely new type of controllable nano-optical components...
The researchers have shown that both the diameter and the thickness of the disks determine the frequency of light to which they react. It is thus possible to control this wavelength by changing the geometry of the disk. The thicker the disk, the higher the frequency. They are also hoping that they can increase the range of wavelengths to which the nanoantennas react by changing the polymer used.
Another innovation they have explored is the ability to switch the organic nanoantennas on and off, which is difficult with conventional metals. The material manufactured in the laboratory is initially in an oxidized state, and the nanoantennas are switched on.
“We have shown that when we reduce the material by exposing it to a vapor, we can switch off the conduction and in this way also the antennas. If we then reoxidize it using, for example, sulphuric acid, it regains its conductivity and the nanoantennas switch on again. This is a relatively slow process at the moment, but we have taken the first steps and shown that it is possible,” says Magnus Jonsson.
“While this is basic research, our results make possible a new type of controllable nano-optical components that we believe can be used for many applications.”
https://scitechdaily.com/switchable-optical-nanoantennas-made-from-a-conducting-polymer/
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Kekulé's shattered dream: snakes become ladders
November 2021
The Universities of Bonn and Regensburg create novel molecules that serve as ziplines for energy
Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Regensburg move packets of energy along a molecular ladder made of hundreds of benzene rings. Such polymers can potentially be used to design new displays based on organic light-emitting diodes, or for solar cells. The extraordinary material is now described in the journal Nature Communications.
https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/286-2021
____________________________________
Selective electrified polyethylene upcycling by pore-modulated pyrolysis
22 July 2025
https://www.nature.com/articles/s44286-025-00248-0
____________________________________
Researchers discover new fundamental quantum mechanical property
January 6, 2016
Nanotechnologists
at the University of Twente research institute MESA+ have discovered a
new fundamental property of electrical currents in very small metal
circuits. They show how electrons can spread out over the circuit like
waves and cause interference effects at places where no electrical
current is driven. The geometry of the circuit plays a key role in this
so called nonlocal effect. The interference is a direct consequence of
the quantum mechanical wave character of electrons and the specific
geometry of the circuit. For designers of quantum computers it is an
effect to take account of. The results are published in the British
journal Scientific Reports.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-fundamental-quantum-mechanical-property.html#jCp
____________________________________
Natural
rubber from the rubber tree can be a sustainable material, if natural rubber is not
over-harvested. Many groups have turned to using synthetic rubber to strengthen rubber materials. This
type of synthetic rubber can be found in shoes, rubber seals and tires.
Synthetic rubber is actually a form of plastic. Many people are
concerned with how current synthetic rubber biodegrades
in the wild. This includes the added chemicals found in synthetic rubber that
have been known to have harmful chemicals. Even when someone tries to handle certain chemicals
that make certain types of synthetic rubber, that individual is at risk
for absorbing those chemicals through their blood system.
____________________________________
http://ehs.unl.edu/documents/tox_exposure_guidelines.pdf
Routes of Exposure
Industrial Toxicants
Chloroprene, used in production of synthetic rubber.
____________________________________
Carbon nanotubes replace metal coils for ultra-lightweight electric motors
June 10, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-carbon-nanotubes-metal-ultra-lightweight.html
____________________________________
Ricoh develops energy-generating rubber
May 22, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/ricoh-energy-generating-rubber/37590/
____________________________________
Road to supercapacitors for scrap tires
- Date:
- September 25, 2015
- Source:
- DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Summary:
- Some of the 300 million tires discarded each year in the United States alone could be used in supercapacitors for vehicles and the electric grid using a technology.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150925112114.htm
____________________________________
Simple Leonardo da Vinci experiments combined with advanced theory reveal new atomic-level insights into rubber
May 15, 2015
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-05-simple-leonardo-da-vinci-combined.html#jCp
____________________________________
These Futuristic Car Tires Never Go Flat
14.07.15
http://www.wired.com/2015/07/futuristic-car-tires-never-go-flat/
____________________________________
Researchers discover importance of using right rubber for the job
May 28th, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-importance-rubber-job.html#jCp
The
types of surface that scientists and engineers make copies of include
skin, teeth, superconductor components in particle accelerators, and
various tools, including forensic and archaeological investigations.
Surfaces are carefully measured to quantify their roughness and texture,
but this can be surprisingly tricky.
The importance of
a surface's roughness can be seen in car engines, where if the walls of
the engine's cylinders are too smooth they will seize, meaning that the
surface needs to be just rough enough to carry a film of lubricant to
maintain a smooth piston action.
Techniques have now
been developed that can make measurements of ridges, bumps and dimples,
down to the nanometre scale - less than 1/100 the thickness of a human
hair...
____________________________________
Reconfiguring hot-hole flux via polarity modulation of p-GaN in plasmonic Schottky architectures
7 Mar 2025
Abstract
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adu0086
____________________________________
Rubber Conductivity: A Comprehensive Exploration
2015
https://neuralooms.com/articles/rubber-conductivity-comprehensive-exploration/
____________________________________
CONDUCTING POLYMERS FOR ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS
2024
https://iipseries.org/assets/docupload/rsl2024E7DBDB251520BED.pdf
____________________________________
Recent progress on thermally conductive and electrical insulating rubber composites: Design, processing and applications
2020
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2452213920301583
____________________________________
Creation of Electrically Conductive Rubbers as a Promising Area in Chemistry and Technology of Processing Elastomers
23 August 2023
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S1995421223020144
____________________________________
Electrical Resistivity of Common Polymers and Plastics
https://matmake.com/properties/electrical-resistivity-of-polymers-and-plastics.html
____________________________________
Understanding Rubber Conductivity: A Guide to Conductive Rubber Properties
2024
https://www.rubber-tools.com/is-rubber-conductive-guide-in-depth/
____________________________________
Top 10 Can rubber conduct electricity China Factory Products Compare
2024
https://www.rubber-tools.com/top-can-rubber-conduct-electricity-china-factory-products-compare/
____________________________________
Improving the thermal conductivity of natural rubber by constructing three-dimensional thermal conductivity networks and chemically bonded filler-matrix interaction
2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092596352200694X
____________________________________
Electrical Conductivity of Rubber Composites with Varying Crosslink Density under Cyclic Deformation
2022
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/17/3640
____________________________________
Enhanced thermal conductivity of natural rubber based thermal interfacial materials by constructing covalent bonds and three-dimensional networks
2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359835X20301676
____________________________________
ELECTRICAL AND DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF RUBBER
2016
http://polymerphysics.net/pdf/RubChemTech_89_32_2016.pdf
____________________________________
Conducting Polymers
Jul 28, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zknwK4aa8os
____________________________________
Thermal Conductivity and mechanical properties of Carbon Black Filled Silicone Rubber
2013
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/096739111402200405
____________________________________
Tailoring the Thermal Conductivity of Rubber Nanocomposites by Inorganic Systems: Opportunities and Challenges for Their Application in Tires Formulation
2022
Abstract
The development of effective thermally conductive rubber nanocomposites for heat management represents a tricky point for several modern technologies, ranging from electronic devices to the tire industry. Since rubber materials generally exhibit poor thermal transfer, the addition of high loadings of different carbon-based or inorganic thermally conductive fillers is mandatory to achieve satisfactory heat dissipation performance. However, this dramatically alters the mechanical behavior of the final materials, representing a real limitation to their application. Moreover, upon fillers’ incorporation into the polymer matrix, interfacial thermal resistance arises due to differences between the phonon spectra and scattering at the hybrid interface between the phases. Thus, a suitable filler functionalization is required to avoid discontinuities in the thermal transfer. In this challenging scenario, the present review aims at summarizing the most recent efforts to improve the thermal conductivity of rubber nanocomposites by exploiting, in particular, inorganic and hybrid filler systems, focusing on those that may guarantee a viable transfer of lab-scale formulations to technological applicable solutions. The intrinsic relationship among the filler’s loading, structure, morphology, and interfacial features and the heat transfer in the rubber matrix will be explored in depth, with the ambition of providing some methodological tools for a more profitable design of thermally conductive rubber nanocomposites, especially those for the formulation of tires.
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210. Size-controlled self-assembly of anisotropic sepiolite fibers in rubber nanocomposites.
211. Effect of mineral fillers on physico-mechanical properties and heat conductivity of carbon black-filled SBR/butadiene rubber composite.
212. Song S.H. Synergistic Effect of Clay Platelets and Carbon Nanotubes in Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Nanocomposites.
213. High-performance tires based on graphene coated with Zn-free coupling agents.
214.Song S.H. Graphene-Silica Hybrids Fillers for Multifunctional Solution Styrene Butadiene Rubber.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8230438/
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Chapter 7: Strongest fibers & materials
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
In
this chapter we will talk about some of the strongest materials in the
world, this includes carbon fiber and graphene. We can even make some of the strongest materials in the world from these sustainable sources.
____________________________________
3D-printed composite is lighter than wood and stiffer than concrete
June 27, 2014
Reseachers at Harvard University have developed a way to 3D-print a
cellular composite with record lightness and stiffness using an epoxy
resin. This marks the first time that epoxy is used for 3D-printing, and
the advance could lead to the development of new lightweight
architectures for more efficient wind turbines, faster cars, and lighter
airplanes...
http://www.gizmag.com/3d-printed-strong-composite/32738/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
Engineering The Strongest Foam in the World
Mar 13, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfAovWHbO88
____________________________________
Superplasticizer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superplasticizer
____________________________________
Plasticizer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasticizer
Plasticizers (UK: plasticisers) or dispersants are additives that increase the plasticity or fluidity of a material. The dominant applications are for plastics, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The properties of other materials are also improved when blended with plasticizers including concrete, clays, and related products.
Effect on health
Substantial concerns have been expressed over the safety of some plasticizers, especially because several ortho-phthalates have been classified as potential endocrine disruptors with some developmental toxicity reported.[11]
Appendix: various specific plasticizers
Dicarboxylic/tricarboxylic ester-based plasticizers
- Phthalate-based
plasticizers are used in situations where good resistance to water and
oils is required. Some common phthalate plasticizers are:
- Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), used in construction materials and medical devices
- Diisononyl phthalate (DINP), used in flooring materials, found in garden hoses, shoes, toys, and building materials
- Di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP, DBP), used for cellulose plastics, food wraps, adhesives, perfumes, and cosmetics - about a third of nail polishes, glosses, enamels, and hardeners contain it, together with some shampoos, sunscreens, skin emollients, and insect repellents
- Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP) is found in vinyl tiles, traffic cones, food conveyor belts, artificial leather, and plastic foams
- Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), used for insulation of wires and cables, car undercoating, shoes, carpets, pool liners
- Dioctyl phthalate (DOP or DnOP), used in flooring materials, carpets, notebook covers, and high explosives, such as Semtex. Together with DEHP it was the most common plasticizers
- Diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP), all-purpose plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, rubbers, cellulose plastics, and polyurethane.
- Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
- Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
- Di-n-hexyl phthalate, used in flooring materials, tool handles, and automobile parts
Trimellitates
- Trimellitates
are used in automobile interiors and other applications where
resistance to high temperature is required. They have extremely low
volatility.
- Trimethyl trimellitate (TMTM)
- Tri-(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate (TEHTM-MG)
- Tri-(n-octyl,n-decyl) trimellitate (ATM)
- Tri-(heptyl,nonyl) trimellitate (LTM)
- n-octyl trimellitate (OTM)
Adipates, sebacates, maleates
- Adipate-based plasticizers are used for low-temperature or resistance to ultraviolet light. Some examples are:
- Bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA)
- Dimethyl adipate (DMAD)
- Monomethyl adipate (MMAD)
- Dioctyl adipate (DOA)
- Dibutyl sebacate (DBS)
- Dibutyl maleate (DBM)
- Diisobutyl maleate (DIBM)
Other plasticizers
- Benzoates
- Terephthalates such as Dioctyl terephthalate/DEHT (Eastman Chemical Company Trademark: Eastman 168).
- 1,2-Cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (BASF trademark: DINCH).
- Epoxidized vegetable oils
- alkyl sulphonic acid phenyl ester (ASE).
- Sulfonamides
- N-ethyl toluene sulfonamide (o/p ETSA), ortho and para isomers
- N-(2-hydroxypropyl) benzene sulfonamide (HP BSA)
- N-(n-butyl) benzene sulfonamide (BBSA-NBBS)
- Organophosphates
- Tricresyl phosphate (TCP)
- Tributyl phosphate (TBP)
- Glycols/polyethers
- Triethylene glycol dihexanoate (3G6, 3GH)
- Tetraethylene glycol diheptanoate (4G7)
- Polymeric plasticizers
- Polybutene
Bio-based plasticizers
Safer plasticizers with better biodegradability and fewer biochemical effects are being developed. Some such plasticizers are:
- Acetylated monoglycerides; these can be used as food additives
- Alkyl citrates, used in food packagings, medical products, cosmetics and children toys
- Triethyl citrate (TEC)
- Acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC), higher boiling point and lower volatility than TEC
- Tributyl citrate (TBC)
- Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), compatible with PVC and vinyl chloride copolymers
- Trioctyl citrate (TOC), also used for gums and controlled release medicines
- Acetyl trioctyl citrate (ATOC), also used for printing ink
- Trihexyl citrate (THC), compatible with PVC, also used for controlled release medicines
- Acetyl trihexyl citrate (ATHC), compatible with PVC
- Butyryl trihexyl citrate (BTHC, trihexyl o-butyryl citrate), compatible with PVC
- Trimethyl citrate (TMC), compatible with PVC
Plasticizers for energetic materials
____________________________________
How products are made: Rope
http://www.madehow.com/Volume-2/Rope.html#ixzz3guBY88YM
Although the origin of rope is unknown, the Egyptians were the first
people to develop special tools to make rope. Egyptian rope dates back to
4000 to 3500
B.C.
and was generally made of water reed fibers. Other Egyptian rope was made
from the fibers of date palms, flax, grass, papyrus, leather, or camel
hair. The use of such ropes pulled by thousands of slaves allowed the
Egyptians to move the heavy stones required to build the pyramids. By
about 2800
B.C.
, rope made of hemp fibers was in use in China.
Raw Materials
Rope may be made either from natural fibers, which have been processed to
allow them to be easily formed into yarn, or from synthetic materials,
which have been spun into fibers or extruded into long filaments.
Natural fibers include hemp, sisal, cotton, flax, and jute. Another
natural material is called manila hemp, but it is actually the fibers from
a banana plant. Sisal was used extensively to make twine, but synthetic
materials are replacing it. Manila rope is still used by traditionalists,
but it can rot from the inside, thus losing its strength without giving
any outward indication.
Synthetic fibers include nylon,
polyester,
polypropylene and aramid. Polypropylene costs the least, floats on water,
and does not stretch appreciably. For these reasons it makes a good water
ski tow rope. Nylon is moderately expensive, fairly strong, and has quite
a bit of stretch. It makes a good mooring and docking line for boats
because of its ability to give slightly, yet hold. Aramid is the
strongest, but is also very expensive. Nylon and polyester may be spun
into fibers about 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) long. Ropes made from spun
synthetic fibers feel fuzzy and are not as strong as ropes made from long,
continuous filaments. Some ropes use two different synthetic materials to
achieve a combination of high strength and low cost or high strength and
smooth surface finish.
Wire rope may be made from iron or steel wires. This is commonly referred
to as cable and is used in bridges,
elevators,
and cranes. It is made by a different process than fiber or filament
ropes.
____________________________________
Difference Between Synthetic & Natural Fiber Rope
Environmental Effects
Synthetic rope is created using plastics with dangerous chemical
byproducts, while natural fiber ropes are woven from jute, sisal, and,
hemp--all renewable and biodegradable resources with no chemical
byproduct.
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5669626_difference-synthetic-natural-fiber-rope.html#ixzz2cL95eMcQ
____________________________________
Scientists
are concerned with the use of genetically modified bacteria, this bacteria can
be used to heal structures such as rope and concrete.
____________________________________
The 'living concrete' that can heal itself
May 14, 2015
- The bioconcrete is mixed just like regular concrete, but with an extra ingredient -- the "healing agent." It remains intact during mixing, only dissolving and becoming active if the concrete cracks and water gets in.
____________________________________
Many people want an environmentally friendly version of rope with high tensile strength.
____________________________________
Ultimate tensile strength
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensile_strength
Ultimate tensile strength (UTS), often shortened to tensile strength (TS) or ultimate strength, is the maximum stress that a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before failing or breaking. Tensile strength is distinct from compressive strength.
Typical tensile strengths
Ultimate strength (MPa)
| Epoxy adhesive | - | 12 - 30 |
| Human hair | 380 |
| Bone (limb) | 130 |
| Wood, pine (parallel to grain) | 40 |
| Steel, structural ASTM A36 steel | - | 400-550 |
| Steel, Micro-Melt 10 Tough Treated Tool (AISI A11) | 5205 |
Carbon nanotube - 11000-63000
Carbon fiber 1600 for Laminate, 4137 for fiber alone
Boron Nitride Nanotube - 33000
Silicon, monocrystalline (m-Si) - 7000
Basalt fiber 4840
| Diamond | 2800 |
| Graphene | 130000 |
| Boron nitride nanotube | 33000 |
Aramid (Kevlar or Twaron) - 3757
Polypropylene 19.7-80
Polyester resin (unreinforced) 55
Nylon, type 6/6 - 75
____________________________________
Study shows how calcium carbonate forms composites to make strong materials such as in shells and pearls
January 8, 2016
Seashells
and lobster claws are hard to break, but chalk is soft enough to draw
on sidewalks. Though all three are made of calcium carbonate crystals,
the hard materials include clumps of soft biological matter that make
them much stronger. A study today in Nature Communications reveals how
soft clumps get into crystals and endow them with remarkable strength.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-calcium-carbonate-composites-strong-materials.html#nRlv
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Carbyne is stronger than any known material
August 20, 2013
A
paper on Arxiv presents a detailed look at the properties of carbyne,
stronger than graphene and diamond, a true supermaterial. The paper is
titled, "Carbyne from first principles: Chain of C atoms, a nanorod or a
nanorope?" Authors are Mingjie Liu, Vasilii I. Artyukhov, Hoonkyung
Lee, Fangbo Xu, and Boris I. Yakobson, from Rice University, in Houston,
from the departments of mechanical engineering and materials science,
chemistry, and the Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and
Technology. They have calculated the properties of carbyne. Described as
a chain of carbon atoms that are linked by alternate triple and single
bonds or by consecutive double bonds, carbyne is of special interest,
chemists find, because it is stronger, and stiffer than anything that
they have seen before. The discovery of carbyne is not entirely new.
Explorations of carbyne have their own history.
http://phys.org/news/2013-08-carbyne-stronger-material.html
____________________________________
Theorists calculate atom-thick carbyne chains may be strongest material ever
Oct 09, 2013
https://scitechdaily.com/atom-thick-carbyne-nanorods-may-strongest-material-ever/
____________________________________
Russian Scientists Synthesize a New Ultra-Hard Material
Russian scientists have synthesized a new ultra-hard material containing scandium and carbon. It consists of polymerized fullerene molecules with scandium and carbon atoms inside.
https://scitechdaily.com/russian-scientists-synthesize-a-new-ultra-hard-material/
____________________________________
Artificial graphene could outperform the real thing
February 14, 2014
Graphene
is truly a 21st-century wonder material, finding use in everything from
solar cells to batteries to tiny antennas. Now, however, a group of
European research institutes have joined forces to create a graphene
knock-off, that could prove to be even more versatile.
Conventional
graphene takes the form of a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon atoms,
linked together in a honeycomb pattern. Along with being transparent and
conductive, it is also both the world's thinnest material, and the
strongest.
The artificial graphene has the same
honeycomb structure, but is made from nanometer-thick semiconductor
crystals instead of carbon atoms. The chemical makeup, size and shape of
those crystals can be tweaked, essentially custom-tuning the properties
of the material to the desired application.
It could
conceivably be used in many of the same places in which graphene is
currently utilized, but with even better performance. According to
project partner the University of Luxembourg, “'Artificial graphene'
should lead to faster, smaller and lighter electronic and optical
devices of all kinds, including higher performance photovoltaic cells,
lasers or LED lighting."
http://www.gizmag.com/artificial-graphene/30845/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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MIT has a new method for producing large quantities of graphene
May 21, 2015
(The new technique involves wrapping a substrate around an inner tube and passing gas through an outer tube).
http://www.gizmag.com/mit-graphene-large-quantities/37635/
____________________________________
For faster, larger graphene add a liquid layer
July 15, 2015
Millimetre-sized crystals of high-quality graphene can be made in minutes instead of hours using a new scalable technique, Oxford University researchers have demonstrated.In just 15 minutes the method can produce large graphene crystals around 2-3 millimetres in size that it would take up to 19 hours to produce using current chemical vapour deposition (CVD) techniques in which carbon in gas reacts with, for example, copper to form graphene.
Graphene
promises to be a 'wonder material' for building new technologies
because of its combination of strength, flexibility, electrical
properties, and chemical resistance. But this promise will only be
realised if it can be produced cost-effectively on a commercial scale.
http://phys.org/news/2015-07-faster-larger-graphene-liquid-layer.html#jCp
____________________________________
Unexpected catalytic activity of nanorippled graphene
March 13, 2023
Significance
Abstract
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2300481120
____________________________________
Breaking the surface: How damage reshapes ripples in graphene
March 7, 2025
Scientists discover how defects in the surface of two-dimensional sheets alter ripple effects, even freezing the sheet's motion altogether
Rippling is a crucial property of 2D materials and influences strength, conductivity, chemical activity and fluid interactions. Understanding the relationship between rippling and defects is essential for key technologies such as flexible electronics, energy storage, catalysis and nanofluidics. The research is published in PNAS.
Dr Fabian Thiemann, the first author on this paper, started this research during his PhD between UCL, the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London, and is now a Research Scientist at IBM.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250303141638.htm
____________________________________
High-efficiency, semi-transparent perovskite/graphene solar cells created at low cost
September 11, 2015
With
the continued rise in the uptake of solar cells, consumers are now
looking at less obtrusive ways to incorporate these in buildings and
vehicles. Transparent or semi-transparent cells provide greater
flexibility and visual appeal than standard, opaque silicon solar cells,
however their relatively high-cost and poor efficiencies have meant
that their adoption has been slow. To help remedy this, researchers
working at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have created
semi-transparent, efficient, low-cost perovskite solar cells with
graphene electrodes.
http://www.gizmag.com/transparent-perovskite-solar-cells-graphene-electrodes/39349/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
Conductive graphene yarn is lighter and stretchier than copper wire
June 23, 2014
The researchers started by chemically exfoliating flakes of graphene
from a block of graphite. Those flakes were then mixed with water, and
that mixture was concentrated into a slurry using a centrifuge. That
slurry was then spread across a plate and allowed to dry, forming into a
thin transparent film of graphene oxide.
The film was subsequently peeled off the plate and
cut into narrow strips, those strips in turn getting wound together
using an automatic fiber scroller.
The resulting yarn can be knotted and stretched
without fracturing, and is said to be much stronger than other types of
carbon fibers – this quality could be due to the presence of tiny air
pockets within it.
Removing oxygen from the material boosts its
electrical conductivity, and adding silver nanorods to it in the
film-fabricating stage could reportedly boost that conductivity further,
to the point of matching that of copper. Its stretchability and lighter
weight, however, could make it a better alternative in many
applications.
http://www.gizmag.com/stretchable-graphene-yarn/32657/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
New Carbon Nanotube Yarn Harvests Mechanical Energy
Jan. 26, 2023
Twistrons, made from spun carbon nanotubes (CNTs), convert mechanical movement into electricity. Scanning electron microscope images show how UT Dallas researchers made a new kind of twistron by intertwining three individual strands of spun carbon nanotube fibers to make a single yarn, similar to the way conventional yarns used in textiles are constructed. A previous version of a harvester (right) was made by coiling the CNT fibers. The scale bars indicate 100 micrometers.
Nanotechnology researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas have made novel carbon nanotube yarns that convert mechanical movement into electricity more effectively than other material-based energy harvesters.
In a study published Jan. 26 in Nature Energy, UT Dallas researchers and their collaborators describe improvements to high-tech yarns they invented called “twistrons,” which generate electricity when stretched or twisted. Their new version is constructed much like traditional wool or cotton yarns.
Twistrons sewn into textiles can sense and harvest human motion; when deployed in salt water, twistrons can harvest energy from the movement of ocean waves; and twistrons can even charge supercapacitors.
First described by UTD researchers in a study published in 2017 in the journal Science, twistrons are constructed from carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which are hollow cylinders of carbon 10,000 times smaller in diameter than a human hair. To make twistrons, the nanotubes are twist-spun into high-strength, lightweight fibers, or yarns, into which electrolytes can also be incorporated.
https://news.utdallas.edu/science-technology/carbon-nanotube-yarn-2023/
____________________________________
Caltech engineers have developed an unusually hard new material
Complex materials, constructed from polymers, exhibit tensile toughness far superior to uncomplicated but structurally identical materials, including materials in which individual strands are intertwined rather than knotted.
Caltech engineers have made a major breakthrough in the field of nano- and nano-engineered materials by creating a new material consisting of many interconnected infinitesimal nodes.
Compared to materials that are structurally similar but do not interlock, the presence of knots in this new material greatly enhances its durability by enabling it to absorb more energy and deform more before returning to its original shape without any damage. These complex new materials may find applications in biomedicine as well as in aerospace applications because of their robustness, potential biocompatibility, and high deformability.
https://www.electriccitymagazine.ca/caltech-engineers-have-developed-an-unusually-hard-new-material/
____________________________________
New technique builds super-hard metals from nanoparticles
January 22, 2021
Brown University researchers have shown a way to make bulk metals by smashing tiny metal nanoparticles together, which allows for customized grain structures and improved mechanical and other properties.
https://www.brown.edu/news/2021-01-22/metals
____________________________________
Graphene could find use in lightweight ballistic body armor
December 1st, 2014
While graphene
is already known for being the world's strongest material, most studies
have focused on its tensile strength – that's the maximum stress that
it can withstand while being pulled or stretched, before failing.
According to studies conducted at Houston's Rice University, however,
its ability to absorb sudden impacts hadn't previously been thoroughly
explored. As it turns out, the material is 10 times better than steel at
dissipating kinetic energy. That could make it an excellent choice for
lightweight ballistic body armor.
http://www.gizmag.com/graphene-bulletproof-armor/35004/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Graphene used to rust-proof steel
May 29, 2012
Hexavalent chromium compounds are a key ingredient in coatings used to
rust-proof steel. They also happen to be carcinogenic. Researchers,
therefore, have been looking for non-toxic alternatives that could be
used to keep steel items from corroding. Recently, scientists from the
University at Buffalo announced that they have developed such a
substance. It’s a varnish that incorporates graphene, the one-atom-thick
carbon sheeting material that is the thinnest and strongest substance
known to exist.
http://www.gizmag.com/graphene-anti-rust-coating/22731/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Graphene shown to safely interact with neurons in the brain
January 29, 2016
Researchers have successfully demonstrated how it is possible to interface graphene - a two-dimensional form of carbon - with neurons, or nerve cells, while maintaining the integrity of these vital cells. The work may be used to build graphene-based electrodes that can safely be implanted in the brain, offering promise for the restoration of sensory functions for amputee or paralysed patients, or for individuals with motor disorders such as epilepsy or Parkinson's disease.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-graphene-shown-safely-interact-neurons.html
____________________________________
A new way to make higher quality bilayer graphene
February 8, 2016
A team of researchers with members from institutions in the U.S., Korea and China has developed a new way to make bilayer graphene that is higher in quality than that produced through any other known process. In their paper published in Nature Nanotechnology, the team describes the technique they developed and the possible uses for the bilayer graphene that is produced.
Graphene is, of course, a flat material made from just single carbon atoms; it forms in a honeycomb pattern and has been found to have excellent electrical properties—one hindrance to using graphene in many applications has been the lack of a bandgap. That hindrance was partially overcome back in 2009 when a team working in the U.S. found that creating two layers of graphene bonded together and then applying electricity could cause a bandgap to occur. Since that time, researchers have been looking for ways to create such bilayer graphene in a way that could be commercialized. In this latest effort, the researchers report on a new technique they have developed that they claim produces the highest quality bilayer graphene yet.
http://phys.org/news/2016-02-higher-quality-bilayer-graphene.html
____________________________________
2D self-assembling semiconductor could beat out graphene
May 2, 2014
Graphene may be talked about as the future wonder material (and for
that matter, the present one), but it has one critical deficiency. It
lacks a natural bandgap, the physical trait that puts the “semi” in
“semiconductor," so it has to be doped to become effective. Enter
Ni3(2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaiminotriphenylene)2 ... well, you can refer to it
as a metal-organic graphene analogue for now. In addition to having a
natural band gap, it’s able to self-assemble and represents a whole
family of compounds that’s exciting to researchers for its novel
properties.
Nickel (the metal) and HITP (the organic compound)
are represented in the diagram at the top of the page, with nickel
colored in green, amino groups in purple, and carbon rings in grey. The
amino groups in the carbon rings are attracted to the nickel, and
because of the symmetry and geometry in HITP, the overall organometallic
complex almost has a fractal nature that allows this new semiconductor
to self-organize perfectly. A band gap is created in the “hole” where
electrons aren’t, a space that's just about 2 nm across.
http://www.gizmag.com/2d-self-assembling-semiconductor-graphene/31879/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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New alloy claimed to have higher strength-to-weight ratio than any other metal
December 11, 2014
When it comes to metal that's being used in the automotive or aerospace
industries, the higher its strength-to-weight ratio, the better. With
that in mind, researchers from North Carolina State University and Qatar
University have developed a new alloy that reportedly has a low density
similar to that of aluminum, but that's stronger than titanium.
http://www.gizmag.com/high-entropy-alloy-strength-to-weight/35170/
____________________________________
6 of the lightest and strongest materials on Earth
Mar 18, 2017
https://inhabitat.com/6-of-the-lightest-and-strongest-materials-on-earth/
3D Graphene
Carbyne
Aerographite
Aerographene
Metallic microlattice
Limpet teeth
____________________________________
World's lightest solid material, known as 'frozen smoke', gets even lighter
January 13, 2011
Researchers have created a new aerogel that boasts amazing strength
and an incredibly large surface area. Nicknamed ‘frozen smoke’ due to
its translucent appearance, aerogels are manufactured materials derived
from a gel in which the liquid component of the gel has been replaced
with a gas, resulting in a material renowned as the world’s lightest
solid material. The new so-called “multiwalled carbon nanotube (MCNT)
aerogel” could be used in sensors to detect pollutants and toxic
substances, chemical reactors, and electronics components.
Although aerogels have been fabricated from silica,
metal oxides, polymers, and carbon-based materials and are already used
in thermal insulation in windows and buildings, tennis racquets, sponges
to clean up oil spills, and other products, few scientists have
succeeded in making aerogels from carbon nanotubes.
The researchers were able to succeed where so many
before them had failed using a wet gel of well-dispersed pristine
MWCNTs. After removing the liquid component from the MWCNT wet gel, they
were able to create the lightest ever free-standing MWCNT aerogel
monolith with a density of 4 mg/cm3.
MWCNT aerogels infused with a plastic material are
flexible, like a spring that can be stretched thousands of times, and if
the nanotubes in a one-ounce cube were unraveled and placed
side-to-side and end-to-end, they would carpet three football fields.
The MWCNT aerogels are also excellent conductors of electricity, which
is what makes them ideal for sensing applications and offers great
potential for their use in electronics components.
http://www.gizmag.com/worlds-lightest-solid-material-gets-even-lighter/17588/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Aerographite claims title of World's Lightest Solid Material
July 12, 2012
http://www.gizmag.com/aerographite-worlds-lightest-material/23295/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
While they were each once hailed as the lightest solid material ever made, metallic microlattice and aerogel
have now been moved back to second and third place (respectively), with
aerographite taking the crown. Developed by a team from the Technical
University of Hamburg and Germany’s University of Kiel, the material is
composed of 99.99 percent air, along with a three-dimensional network of
porous carbon nanotubes that were grown into each other.
Aerographite has a density of less than 0.2
milligrams per cubic centimeter, which allows it be compressed by a
factor of 1,000, then subsequently spring back to its original state.
Despite its extremely low density, it is black and optically-opaque in
appearance. By contrast, the density of metallic microlattice sits at
0.9 mg per cubic centimeter.
The scientists discovered the sponge-like material
when they were researching three-dimensionally cross-linked carbon
structures. It is reportedly much more robust than the relatively
fragile aerogel, being able to withstand at least 35 times as much
mechanical force for its density. It is grown in a one-step process
using zinc oxide templates, which allow blocks of the material to be
created in various shapes, in sizes as large as several cubic
centimeters.
____________________________________
Graphene aerogel takes world’s lightest material crown
March 24, 2013
Not even a year after it claimed the title of the world’s lightest
material, aerographite has been knocked off its crown by a new aerogel
made from graphene. Created by a research team from China’s Zhejiang
University in the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering lab
headed by Professor Gao Chao, the ultra-light aerogel has a density
lower than that of helium and just twice that of hydrogen.
Although first created in 1931 by American scientist
and chemical engineer, Samuel Stephens Kistler, aerogels have recently
become a hotly contested area of scientific research. A “multiwalled
carbon nanotube (MCNT) aerogel” dubbed “frozen smoke” with a density of 4 mg/cm3 lost its world’s lightest material title in 2011 to a micro-lattice material with a density of 0.9 mg/cm3. Less than a year later, aerographite claimed the crown with its density of 0.18 mg/cm3.
Now a new title-holder has been crowned, with the
graphene aerogel created by Gao and his team boasting a density of just
0.16 mg/cm3. To create the record-setting material, Gao and
his team turned to the wonder material du jour – graphene. Building on
experience in developing macroscopic graphene materials, including
one-dimensional graphene fibers and two-dimensional graphene films, the
team decided to add another dimension and make a three-dimensional
porous material out of graphene in an attempt to claim the record.
Instead of the sol-gel
method and template-oriented methods generally used to create aerogels,
Gao and his team used a new freeze-drying method that involved
freeze-drying solutions of carbon nanotubes and graphene to create a
carbon sponge that can be arbitrarily adjusted to any shape.
http://www.gizmag.com/graphene-aerogel-worlds-lightest/26784/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Newly developed metallic "micro-lattice" material is world's lightest
November 17, 2011
The 0.01 percent of the material that isn't air consists of a micro-lattice of interconnected hollow nickel-phosphorous tubes with a wall thickness of 100 nanometers - or 1,000 times thinner than a human hair. These tubes are angled to connect at nodes to form repeating, three-dimensional asterisk-like cells.
http://www.gizmag.com/ultralight-micro-lattice-material/20537/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
Microstructured materials as strong as steel yet less dense than water
April 14, 2014
Researchers in Germany have developed a lightweight, high-strength
material inspired by the framework structure of bones and wood and the
shell structure of bees' honeycombs. Created using 3D laser polymer
printing combined with a ceramic coating, the material is less dense
than water but, relative to its size, boasts strength comparable to
high-performance steel or aluminum.
Although inspired by nature, the polymer
microarchitecture produced by a team at the Karlsruhe Institute of
Technology (KIT) outperforms its natural counterparts in terms of
strength/density ratio. The underlying structure was produced using a
process of 3D laser lithography or polymer printing and hardening.
A number of structures were tested, including
triangular, hexagonal and honeycomb. These were then coated by gas
deposition to provide extra strength, with coatings of a ceramic
material and alumina both tested. The polymer structure measured roughly
50 µm long, wide, and high, while various coating thicknesses were
tested ranging from 10 nm to 200 nm.
It was found that a honeycomb polymer structure with
an alumina coating of 50 nm yielded the highest stability to density
ratio. This microarchitecture outperformed the triangular and hexagonal
counterparts produced and tested, while no additional strength was
achieved after a coating thickness of 50 nm of alumina was exceeded.
This optimized honeycomb structure failed at a pressure of 28 kg/mm2, yet only had a density of 810 kg/m3, which the team says exceeds the stability/density ratio of bones, massive steel or aluminum.
"The novel lightweight construction materials
resemble the framework structure of a half-timbered house with
horizontal, vertical, and diagonal struts,” said study co-author Jens
Bauer. "Our beams, however, are only 10 µm in size.”
The team says microstructured materials are often
used for insulation or as shock absorbers, and that such open-pore
materials can be used as filters in the chemical industry.
http://www.gizmag.com/microstructured-lightweight-construction-material/31339/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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New materials developed that are as light as aerogel, yet 10,000 times stronger
June 22, 2014
http://www.gizmag.com/llnl-ultralight-metamaterial/32589/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
Imagine materials strong enough to use in building airplanes or motor cars, yet are literally lighter than air. Soon, that may not be so hard to do because a team of researchers from MIT and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have developed new ultra-lightweight materials that are as light as aerogel, but 10,000 times stiffer, and may one day revolutionize aerospace and automotive designs.
Aerogels are incredibly light, so light that the record holder, aerographene, boasts a density of just 0.16 mg/cm3. Currently, aerogels are used for insulation, tennis racquets, as a means of controlling oil spills, and were used on the NASA Stardust mission to collect samples from a comet’s tail. Unfortunately, despite its seemingly ephemeral nature, its very much a solid and will shatter if pressed hard enough, so its use is limited.
The new materials developed by the MIT/LLNL team aren't aerogels, but are metamaterials. That is, artificial materials with properties that aren't found in nature. The idea is to structure it, so that it has the lightness of aerogel, but is much stronger. The strength of the new materials comes from their geometric structure, not their chemical composition.
The new materials were made using projection micro-stereolithography, a form of desktop 3D printing that works on a microscopic level and can create highly complex, three-dimensional microstructures layer by layer very quickly for easy prototyping. It involves projecting a beam of ultraviolet light into a tank of polymers, responsive hydrogels, shape memory polymers, or bio-materials using the digital stereolithography technique in the form of masks, similar to those used to create microchips, to shape the layers.
Projection micro-stereolithography operates on a very small scale that allows the formation of "microlattices," which are much like trusses and girders. Materials can even be switched during fabrication. According to the team, it can be applied to many different materials, including polymers, metals and ceramics, which is exactly what the team did using a variety of constituent materials.
Firstly, the LLNL/MIT team made a polymer template coated with a metal film 200 to 500 nanometers thick, then the polymer base was melted away, leaving behind the metal in the form of thin-film tubes.
The team then used the same technique but replaced the metal with ceramic to create ceramic tubes about 50 nanometers thick, which produced a material with the properties of an extremely stiff aerogel, four orders of magnitude stiffer than conventional aerogel, but with the same density...
____________________________________
Flexible, high-strength polymer aerogels deliver "super-insulation" properties
September 27, 2012
Often called "frozen smoke", aerogels
are among the amazing materials of our time, with fifteen Guinness Book
of World Records entries to their name. However, despite their list of
extreme properties, traditional aerogels are brittle, crumbling and
fracturing easily enough to keep them out of many practical
applications. A new class of mechanically robust polymer aerogels
discovered at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Ohio may soon enable
engineering applications such as super-insulated clothing, unique
filters, refrigerators with thinner walls, and super-insulation for
buildings...
http://www.gizmag.com/polymer-aerogel-stronger-flexible-nasa/23955/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
New technique leads to creation of elastic high-strength carbon nanotube film
February 4, 2016
http://phys.org/news/2016-02-technique-creation-elastic-high-strength-carbon.html
____________________________________
New experimental research exposes the strength of beryllium at extreme conditions
August 5, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-08-experimental-exposes-strength-beryllium-extreme.html#jCp
Until recently, there were very little experimental data about the behavior of beryllium (Be) at very high pressures and strain rates, with existing material models predicting very different behaviors in these regimes. In a successful example of international research collaboration, a team of scientists from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and the Russian Federal Nuclear Center-All-Russian Research Institute of Experimental Physics (RFNC-VNIIEF) changed this field of knowledge The technique involves setting off a piece of high explosives (HE) near the Be. On the side of the Be facing the HE, the team imposed a sinusoidal ripple pattern designed by co-author Jon Belof. When the expanding HE products load up against the target, the target accelerates. Since there is a low density gas pushing against a higher density metal, the interface is Rayleigh-Taylor unstable and the ripples grow in amplitude as the target accelerates.
If the target has no strength, the ripples will grow indefinitely and become turbulent at some point. However, since the Be does have strength, the ripple growth is limited by the strength of the material itself. The main diagnostic for the experiments is an X-ray image from the side of the target showing the height of the ripples at some time after the HE loading has occurred. The other diagnostic is velocimetry of the target showing its acceleration profile.
____________________________________
Bamboo inspires new process for making metals tougher
July 3, 2014
Steel is a common benchmark against which the strength of materials
is measured, with "stronger than steel" a familiar catch cry for those
touting the properties of some new space-age material. But now
researchers at North Carolina State University have created steel that
is stronger than steel using a process that increases the toughness of various metals by altering the microstructures within them.
Inspired by the internal structure of bones and
bamboo, which both boast impressive strength-to-weight ratios, the
researchers were able to increase the strength and toughness of metals
by giving them what the researchers refer to as a "gradient structure."
This is a structure where the size of the millions of tightly-packed
grains that make up the metal are gradually increased further down into
the material...
http://www.gizmag.com/gradient-structure-increase-metal-toughness/32819/
____________________________________
Hemp is another good natural fiber that we can make for many materials such as rope, clothing, industrial fabrics and industrial materials.
____________________________________
Comparison of composites made from fungal defibrated hemp with composites of traditional hemp yarn [2007]
Abstract:
Aligned epoxy-matrix composites were made from hemp fibres defibrated
with the fungi Phlebia radiata Cel 26 and Ceriporiopsis subvermispora
previously used for biopulping of wood. The fibres produced by
cultivation of P. radiata Cel 26 were more cellulose rich (78%, w/w)
than water-retted hemp due to more degradation of pectin and lignin. The
defibrated hemp fibres had higher fibre stiffness (88-94 GPa) than the
hemp yarn (60 GPa), which the fibre twisting in hemp yarn might explain.
Even though mild processing was applied, the obtained fibre strength
(643 MPa) was similar to the strength of traditionally produced hemp
yarn (677 MPa). The fibre strength and stiffness properties are derived
from composite data using the rule of mixtures model. The fibre tensile
strength increased linearly with cellulose content to 850 MPa for pure
cellulose. The fibre stiffness increased also versus the cellulose
content and cellulose crystallinity and reached a value of 125 GPa for
pure crystalline cellulose.
http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=US201300749080
____________________________________
Hemp
and cannabis also have nutritional value, this is why you can buy hemp
seeds at the health food store. Hemp and cannaabis can also help treat
people with medical conditions, including cancer.
____________________________________
Cannabis Compound Destroyed Incurable Brain Tumors
(Modern uses for the hemp plant)
http://www.cureyourowncancer.org/cannabis-compound-destroyed-incurable-brain-tumors.html
____________________________________
What is Hemp?
http://azmarijuana.com/marijuana-info/what-is-hemp/
____________________________________
Pollution: Petrol vs Hemp
http://www.hempcar.org/petvshemp.shtml
____________________________________
Hemp can even be made for insulation, concrete and foam materials.
____________________________________
Wood foam may be a new form of green home insulation
Insulating your home may help the environment by lowering your energy
usage, but unfortunately the petroleum-based foam that's typically used
as insulation isn't all that eco-friendly itself. Researchers
at Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, however, have
developed a reportedly greener alternative that they claim works just as
well – it's foam made from wood.
To produce the foam, wood particles are first ground
so small that they form into a slimy solution. A gas is then added to
that slime, causing it to take on a frothy consistency. Once that froth
hardens – a process that is "aided by natural substances contained in
the wood" – a dry, porous foam is the result. The finished product can
take the form of either rigid foam boards, or flexible mats.
The slime can also be converted into foam via induced chemical reactions.
http://www.gizmag.com/wood-foam-insulation/31133/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Even
rice can be used for many fibers and paper. We also need to stop the use of
pesticide buildup in rice paddies that can harm the ecosystems of the planet.
____________________________________
Rice husks may find use in cheaper, greener, longer-lasting particleboard
May 27, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/rice-husk-particleboard/37730/
____________________________________
We
could make a better form of carbon fiber. Instead of making carbon
fiber from fossil fuel, we could make carbon fiber out of plant based
materials, diamonds, charcoal or ash. Samurai
swords were once forged with the method of taking carbon from charcoal,
and making a carbon steel blade.
____________________________________
Secrets of the Samurai Sword - Documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoqVhlFe_EU
____________________________________
STUPID things people say about medieval SWORDS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--qfjf8SSuU
____________________________________
MYSTERIOUS Discoveries Science STILL Can't Explain!
{The Ulfberht Swords}
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8fiXaBm0_k
____________________________________
The Secrets of Wootz Damascus Steel
2017
A 50-minute documentary about the legendary Al Pendray, together with two swordsmiths from Jordan, and their quest to produce authentic wootz Damascus steel with ores mined from a historical mine in Jordan - a mine that is known to have produced weapons for Saladin himself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP8PCkcBZU4
____________________________________
Traditional Crafts of Finland - Episode 1 - Puukko Knife Making
2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLnqr6IGVgs
____________________________________
The Mystery Of Tutankhamun's Dagger | What On Earth?
{A blade made of iron that has not rusted for over 3,000 years}
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98n-DTIwW18
____________________________________
Impossible Ancient OOPArts Academia Can't Explain
Oct 15, 2019
{The Sword of Goujian}
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzQRjn7Z7fQ
____________________________________
How Japanese Masters Turn Sand Into Swords
Mar 21, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt6WQYtefXA
____________________________________
39 Sword Steel Types: A Guide into Metallurgical Characteristics
January 19, 2024
https://swordis.com/blog/steel-types-for-swords/
____________________________________
17 Katanas Destructed to Find the Best Steel
November 13, 2024
https://swordis.com/blog/what-is-the-best-steel-for-a-katana/
____________________________________
Tetragrammaton - The Most Sacred Knowledge On Our Planet - Nassim Haremin
Aug 29, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peYrSP8cke8
28:30 - Copper scrolls found near the Dead Sea contained
the purest copper ever found on Earth.
____________________________________
90+ Different Types of Metal: A Comprehensive Guide
https://www.machinemfg.com/different-types-of-metals/
____________________________________
List of Metals
January 18, 2025
https://sciencenotes.org/list-metals/
____________________________________
Category: Metals
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Metals
____________________________________
List of Elements in the Lanthanide Series
December 12, 2019
Key Takeaways
Lanthanides are rare earth metals found in the first row below the periodic table's main body.
These elements are bright, metallic, and form colorful compounds due to varying oxidation states.
Lanthanides are used in electronics like TV displays, lasers, and even to color glass.
The lanthanides or lanthanoid series is a group of transition metals located on the periodic table in the first row (period) below the main body of the table. The lanthanides are commonly referred to as the rare earth elements (REE), although many people group scandium and yttrium together under this label as well. Therefore, it's less confusing to call the lanthanides a subset of the rare earth metals.
The Lanthanides
Here's a list of the 15 elements that are lanthanides, which run from atomic number 57 (lanthanum, or Ln) and 71 (lutetium, or Lu):
Lanthanum: symbol Ln, atomic number 57
Cerium: symbol Ce, atomic number 58
Praseodymium: symbol Pr, atomic number 59
Neodymium: symbol Nd, atomic number 60
Promethium: symbol Pm, atomic number 61
Samarium: symbol Sm, atomic number 62
Europium: symbol Eu, atomic number 63
Gadolinium: symbol Gd, atomic number 64
Terbium: symbol Tb, atomic number 65
Dysprosium: symbol Dy, atomic number 66
Holmium: symbol Ho, atomic number 67
Erbium: symbol Er, atomic number 68
Thulium: symbol Tm, atomic number 69
Ytterbium: symbol Yb, atomic number 70
Lutetium: symbol Lu, atomic number 71
Note that sometimes lanthanides are considered to be the elements following lanthanum on the periodic table, making it a group of 14 elements. Some references also exclude lutetium from the group because it has a single valence electron in the 5d shell.
https://www.thoughtco.com/lanthanides-606652
____________________________________
Rare Earth Elements List
May 02, 2019
The CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics and IUPAC list the rare earths as consisting of the lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium. This includes atomic number 57 through 71, as well as 39 (yttrium) and 21 (scandium):
Lanthanum (sometimes considered a transition metal)
Cerium
Praseodymium
Neodymium
Promethium
Samarium
Europium
Gadolinium
Terbium
Dysprosium
Holmium
Erbium
Thulium
Ytterbium
Lutetium
Scandium
Yttrium
Other sources consider the rare earths to be the lanthanides and actinides:
Lanthanum (sometimes considered a transition metal)
Cerium
Praseodymium
Neodymium
Promethium
Samarium
Europium
Gadolinium
Terbium
Dysprosium
Holmium
Erbium
Thulium
Ytterbium
Lutetium
Actinium (sometimes considered a transition metal)
Thorium
Protactinium
Uranium
Neptunium
Plutonium
Americium
Curium
Berkelium
Californium
Einsteinium
Fermium
Mendelevium
Nobelium
Lawrencium
Rare Earth Uses
In general, the rare earths are used in alloys, for their special optical properties, and in electronics. Some specific uses of elements include:
Scandium: Use to make light alloys for the aerospace industry, as a radioactive tracer, and in lamps
Yttrium: Used in yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) lasers, as a red phosphor, in superconductors, in fluorescent tubes, in LEDs, and as a cancer treatment
Lanthanum: Use to make high refractive index glass, camera lenses, and catalysts
Cerium: Use to impart a yellow color to glass, as a catalyst, as a polishing powder, and to make flints
Praseodymium: Used in lasers, arc lighting, magnets, flint steel, and as a glass colorant
Neodymium: Used to impart violet color to glass and ceramics, in lasers, magnets, capacitors, and electric motors
Promethium: Used in luminous paint and nuclear batteries
Samarium: Used in lasers, rare earth magnets, masers, nuclear reactor control rods
Europium: Used to prepare red and blue phosphors, in lasers, in fluorescent lamps, and as an NMR relaxant
Gadolinium: Used in lasers, x-ray tubes, computer memory, high refractive index glass, NMR relaxation, neutron capture, MRI contrast
Terbium: Use in green phosphors, magnets, lasers, fluorescent lamps, magnetostrictive alloys, and sonar systems
Dysprosium: Used in hard drive disks, magnetostrictive alloys, lasers, and magnets
Holmium: Use in lasers, magnets, and calibration of spectrophotometers
Erbium: Used in vanadium steel, infrared lasers, and fiber optics
Thulium: Used in lasers, metal halide lamps, and portable x-ray machines
Ytterbium: Used in infrared lasers, stainless steel, and nuclear medicine
Lutetium: Used in positron emission tomography (PET) scans, high refractive index glass, catalysts, and LEDs
https://www.thoughtco.com/rare-earth-elements-list-606660
____________________________________
Metalloids or Semimetals: Definition, List of Elements, and Properties
September 14, 2019
Location on the Periodic Table
The metalloids or semimetals are located along the line between the metals and nonmetals in the periodic table. Because these elements have intermediate properties, it's sort of a judgment call as to whether a particular element is a metalloid or should be assigned to one of the other groups. You'll find metalloids are classified differently in different classification systems, depending on the scientist or author. There is no single "right" way to divide the elements.
List of Elements That Are Metalloids
The metalloids are generally considered to be:
Boron
Silicon
Germanium
Arsenic
Antimony
Tellurium
Polonium (usually recognized, sometimes considered a metal)
Astatine (sometimes recognized, otherwise seen as a halogen)
Element 117, tennessine, has not been produced in sufficient amounts to verify its properties but is predicted to be a metalloid.
Some scientists consider neighboring elements on the periodic table to either be metalloids or to have metalloid characteristics. An example is carbon, which may be considered either a nonmetal or a metalloid, depending on its allotrope. The diamond form of carbon looks and behaves as a nonmetal, while the graphite allotrope has a metallic luster and acts as an electrical semiconductor and so is a metalloid.
Phosphorus and oxygen are other elements that have both nonmetallic and metalloid allotropes. Selenium is considered to be a metalloid in environmental chemistry. Other elements that may behave as metalloids under certain conditions are hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, tin, bismuth, zinc, gallium, iodine, lead, and radon.
https://www.thoughtco.com/metalloids-or-semimetals-606653
____________________________________
Metals: List of Elements
July 23, 2024
https://www.thoughtco.com/metals-list-606655
Most elements are metals. This group includes alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, basic metals, lanthanides (rare earth elements), and actinides. Although separate on the periodic table, lanthanides and actinides are really specific types of transition metals.
Here's a list of all the elements on the periodic table that are metals.
Alkali Metals
Alkali metals are in group IA on the far left side of the periodic table. They are highly reactive elements, distinctive because of their +1 oxidation state and generally low density compared to other metals. Because they are so reactive, these elements are found in compounds. Only hydrogen is found free in nature as a pure element, and that is as diatomic hydrogen gas.
Hydrogen in its metallic state (usually considered a nonmetal)
Lithium
Sodium
Potassium
Rubidium
Cesium
Francium
Alkaline Earth Metals
The alkaline earth metals are found in group IIA of the periodic table, which is the second column of elements. All of the alkaline earth metal atoms have a +2 oxidation state. Like the alkali metals, these elements are found in compounds rather than pure form. Alkaline earths are reactive but less so than alkali metals. Group IIA metals are hard and shiny and usually malleable and ductile.
Beryllium
Magnesium
Calcium
Strontium
Barium
Radium
Basic Metals
The basic metals display the characteristics people generally associate with the term "metal." They conduct heat and electricity, have a metallic luster, and tend to be dense, malleable, and ductile. However, some of these elements display nonmetallic characteristics. For example, one allotrope of tin behaves more as a nonmetal. While most metals are hard, lead and gallium are examples of elements that are soft. These elements tend to have lower melting and boiling points than the transition metals (with some exceptions).
Aluminum
Gallium
Indium
Tin
Thallium
Lead
Bismuth
Nihonium: probably a basic metal
Flerovium: probably a basic metal
Moscovium: probably a basic metal
Livermorium: probably a basic metal
Tennessine: in the halogen group but may behave more like a metalloid or metal
Transition Metals
The transition metals are characterized by having partially filled d or f electron subshells. Since the shell is incompletely filled, these elements display multiple oxidation states and often produce colored complexes. Some transition metals occur in pure or native form, including gold, copper, and silver. The lanthanides and actinides are found only in compounds in nature.
Scandium
Titanium
Vanadium
Chromium
Manganese
Iron
Cobalt
Nickel
Copper
Zinc
Yttrium
Zirconium
Niobium
Molybdenum
Technetium
Ruthenium
Rhodium
Palladium
Silver
Cadmium
Lanthanum
Hafnium
Tantalum
Tungsten
Rhenium
Osmium
Iridium
Platinum
Gold
Mercury
Actinium
Rutherfordium
Dubnium
Seaborgium
Bohrium
Hassium
Meitnerium
Darmstadtium
Roentgenium
Copernicium
Cerium
Praseodymium
Neodymium
Promethium
Samarium
Europium
Gadolinium
Terbium
Dysprosium
Holmium
Erbium
Thulium
Ytterbium
Lutetium
Thorium
Protactinium
Uranium
Neptunium
Plutonium
Americium
Curium
Berkelium
Californium
Einsteinium
Fermium
Mendelevium
Nobelium
Lawrencium
____________________________________
Transition Metals: List and Properties
September 05, 2024
The largest group of elements on the periodic table is that of the transition metals, found in the middle of the table. Also, the two rows of elements below the main body of the periodic table (the lanthanides and actinides) are special subsets of these metals. These elements are called transition metals because electrons in their atoms transition to fill the d subshell or d sublevel orbital. Thus, the transition metals are also known as d-block elements.
Here is a list of elements considered transition metals or transition elements. This list does not include the lanthanides or actinides, only the elements in the main part of the periodic table.
List of Elements That Are Transition Metals
Scandium
Titanium
Vanadium
Chromium
Manganese
Iron
Cobalt
Nickel
Copper
Zinc
Yttrium
Zirconium
Niobium
Molybdenum
Technetium
Ruthenium
Rhodium
Palladium
Silver
Cadmium
Lanthanum, sometimes (often considered a rare earth, lanthanide)
Hafnium
Tantalum
Tungsten
Rhenium
Osmium
Iridium
Platinum
Gold
Mercury
Actinium, sometimes (often considered a rare earth, actinide)
Rutherfordium
Dubnium
Seaborgium
Bohrium
Hassium
Meitnerium
Darmstadtium
Roentgenium
Copernicium presumably is a transition metal.
https://www.thoughtco.com/transition-metals-list-and-properties-606663
____________________________________
Researchers find new phase of carbon, make diamond at room temperature
November 30, 2015
Researchers from North
Carolina State University have discovered a new phase of solid carbon,
called Q-carbon, which is distinct from the known phases of graphite and
diamond. They have also developed a technique for using Q-carbon to
make diamond-related structures at room temperature and at ambient
atmospheric pressure in air.
http://phys.org/news/2015-11-phase-carbon-diamond-room-temperature.html
____________________________________
Diamonds may be the key to future NMR/MRI technologies
December 16, 2015
Researchers
with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and the University of California (UC) Berkeley
have demonstrated that diamonds may hold the key to the future for
nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
technologies.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-diamonds-key-future-nmrmri-technologies.html
____________________________________
Flexible X-ray detector constructed without harmful heavy metals
29 Aug 2021
https://physicsworld.com/a/flexible-x-ray-detector-constructed-without-harmful-heavy-metals/
____________________________________
Wood pulp extract stronger than carbon fiber or Kevlar
September 3, 2012
http://www.gizmag.com/cellulose-nanocrystals-stronger-carbon-fiber-kevlar/23959/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
The Forest Products Laboratory of the US Forest Service has opened a US$1.7 million pilot plant for the production of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from wood by-products materials such as wood chips and sawdust. Prepared properly, CNCs are stronger and stiffer than Kevlar or carbon fibers, so that putting CNC into composite materials results in high strength, low weight products. In addition, the cost of CNCs is less than ten percent of the cost of Kevlar fiber or carbon fiber. These qualities have attracted the interest of the military for use in lightweight armor and ballistic glass (CNCs are transparent), as well as companies in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, consumer products, and medical industries.
____________________________________
Biodegradable fibers as strong as steel made from wood cellulose
June 9, 2014
A team of researchers working at Stockholm's KTH Royal Institute of
Technology claim to have developed a way to make cellulose fibers
stronger than steel on a strength-to-weight basis. In what is touted as a
world first, the team from the institute's Wallenberg Wood Science
Center claim that the new fiber could be used as a biodegradable
replacement for many filament materials made today from imperishable
substances such as fiberglass, plastic, and metal. And all this from a
substance that requires only water, wood cellulose, and common table
salt to create it.
http://www.gizmag.com/steel-strong-fibers-wood-cellulose/32432/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
Building a high rise out of wood? Cross-laminated timber could make it possible
July 28, 2025
A
new study finds that adopting cross-laminated timber as a primary
construction material could have significant environmental benefits,
from carbon storage to global reforestation and increased forest cover.
Cross-laminated
timber (CLT) is created by stacking multiple layers of timber and then
adhering the layers together. This results in strong, light wooden
panels up to 60 feet long, big enough to form an entire wall or other
structures. These panels are also fire-resistant. When exposed to fire,
the outer layer of a CLT panel turns to char, which seals the rest of
the wood away and prevents it from igniting.
Because CLT is such a
promising construction material, researchers wanted to determine the
effects of adopting it more broadly. To do this, they combined an
environmental assessment tool known as a life cycle assessment (LCA),
which tracks the environmental effects of a product throughout its life
cycle, with the Global Timber Model (GTM), an economic model which
examines the effects of land use and policy on the global timber market.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-07-high-wood-laminated-timber.html
____________________________________
Nanotubes with two walls have singular qualities
April 15, 2015
Rice University researchers have determined that two walls are better than one when turning carbon nanotubes into materials like strong, conductive fibers or transistors.
Rice materials scientist Enrique Barrera and his colleagues used atomic-level models of double-walled nanotubes to see how they might be tuned for applications that require particular properties. They knew from others' work that double-walled nanotubes are stronger and stiffer than their single-walled cousins. But they found it may someday be possible to tune double-walled tubes for specific electronic properties by controlling their configuration, chiral angles and the distance between the walls.
http://phys.org/news/2015-04-nanotubes-walls-singular-qualities.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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Two-dimensional materials 'as revolutionary as graphene'
July 29, 2016
http://phys.org/news/2016-07-two-dimensional-materials-revolutionary-graphene.html
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Move aside carbon: Boron nitride-reinforced materials are even stronger
December 22, 2015
A single infusion of a powerful antibody called VRC01 can
suppress the level of HIV in the blood of infected people who are not
taking antiretroviral therapy (ART), scientists at the National
Institutes of Health report in a paper published today. The researchers
also found that giving HIV-infected people VRC01 antibodies by infusing
them into a vein or under the skin is safe and well tolerated, and the
antibodies remain in the blood for an extended period.
While
such carbon nanotube-polymer nanocomposites have attracted enormous
interest from the materials research community, a group of scientists
now has evidence that a different nanotube—made from boron nitride—could
offer even more strength per unit of weight. They publish their results
in the journal Applied Physics Letters.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-carbon-boron-nitride-reinforced-materials-stronger.html#jCp
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Not Graphene: New Type of Atomically Thin Carbon Material Discovered
26th, May 2021
Carbon exists in various forms. In addition to diamond and graphite, there are recently discovered forms with astonishing properties. For example graphene, with a thickness... The post Not Graphene: New Type of Atomically Thin Carbon Material Discovered appeared first on SciTechDaily.
Structure of the new carbon network. The upper part shows schematically the linking of the carbon atoms, forming squares, hexagons, and octagons. The lower part is an image of the network, obtained with high-resolution microscopy. Credit: University of Marburg, Aalto University.
Carbon exists in various forms. In addition to diamond and graphite, there are recently discovered forms with astonishing properties. For example graphene, with a thickness of just one atomic layer, is the thinnest known material, and its unusual properties make it an extremely exciting candidate for applications like future electronics and high-tech engineering. In graphene, each carbon atom is linked to three neighbors, forming hexagons arranged in a honeycomb network. Theoretical studies have shown that carbon atoms can also arrange in other flat network patterns, while still binding to three neighbors, but none of these predicted networks had been realized until now.
Researchers at the University of Marburg in Germany and Aalto University in Finland have now discovered a new carbon network, which is atomically thin like graphene, but is made up of squares, hexagons, and octagons forming an ordered lattice. They confirmed the unique structure of the network using high-resolution scanning probe microscopy and interestingly found that its electronic properties are very different from those of graphene.
In contrast to graphene and other forms of carbon, the new Biphenylene network — as the new material is named — has metallic properties. Narrow stripes of the network, only 21 atoms wide, already behave like a metal, while graphene is a semiconductor at this size. “These stripes could be used as conducting wires in future carbon-based electronic devices.” said professor Michael Gottfried, at University of Marburg, who leads the team who developed the idea. The lead author of the study, Qitang Fan from Marburg continues, “This novel carbon network may also serve as a superior anode material in lithium-ion batteries, with a larger lithium storage capacity compared to that of the current graphene-based materials.”
The team at Aalto University helped image the material and decipher its properties. The group of Professor Peter Liljeroth carried out the high-resolution microscopy that showed the structure of the material, while researchers led by Professor Adam Foster used computer simulations and analysis to understand the exciting electrical properties of the material.
The new material is made by assembling carbon-containing molecules on an extremely smooth gold surface. These molecules first form chains, which consist of linked hexagons, and a subsequent reaction connects these chains together to form the squares and octagons. An important feature of the chains is that they are chiral, which means that they exist in two mirroring types, like left and right hands. Only chains of the same type aggregate on the gold surface, forming well-ordered assemblies, before they connect. This is critical for the formation of the new carbon material, because the reaction between two different types of chains leads only to graphene. “The new idea is to use molecular precursors that are tweaked to yield biphenylene instead of graphene” explains Linghao Yan, who carried out the high-resolution microscopy experiments at Aalto University.
For now, the teams work to produce larger sheets of the material, so that its application potential can be further explored. However, “We are confident that this new synthesis method will lead to the discovery of other novel carbon networks.” said Professor Liljeroth.
https://statnano.com/world-news/86499/Not-Graphene-New-Type-of-Atomically-Thin-Carbon-Material-Discovered
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Forget Graphene - Borophene may take over the world
Apr 11, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0ts_Fi4zC4
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Cutting-Edge Borophene Coatings: A Quick Overview
2023
In the ever-evolving field of automotive coatings, borophene has emerged as a groundbreaking material with the potential to revolutionize the industry. This highly technical blog post delves into the intricacies of borophene coatings, exploring their composition, discovery, manufacturing process, and their potential application in automotive paints. We will also address the pressing question: Is it truly worth the hype in real-world applications?
https://blog.reflecton.in/pro-blog-the-cutting-edge-world-of-boraphene-coatings/
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Progress and future directions in borophene research
07 April 2025
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41557-025-01773-4
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The rise of borophene: Inside the design and application of this emerging material system
January 23, 2025
https://ceramics.org/ceramic-tech-today/the-rise-of-borophene/
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Engineers Create Double Layer of Borophene for First Time
Aug 26, 2021
New material maintains borophene’s electronic properties, offers new advantages
For the first time, Northwestern University engineers have created a double layer of atomically flat borophene, a feat that defies the natural tendency of boron to form non-planar clusters beyond the single-atomic-layer limit.
Although known for its promising electronic properties, borophene — a single-atom-layer-thick sheet of boron — is challenging to synthesize. Unlike its analog two-dimensional material graphene, which can be peeled away from innately layered graphite using something as simple as scotch tape, borophene cannot merely be peeled away from bulk boron. Instead, borophene must be grown directly onto a substrate.
And if growing one layer was difficult, growing multiple layers of atomically flat borophene seemed impossible. Because bulk boron is not layered like graphite, growing boron beyond single atomic layers leads to clustering rather than planar films.
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Inorganic borophene liquid crystals may provide a superior new material for optoelectronic devices
February 24, 2022
https://phys.org/news/2022-02-inorganic-borophene-liquid-crystals-superior.html
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Disorder in surface materials key to better hydrogen storage
November 4, 2021
https://phys.org/news/2021-11-disorder-surface-materials-key-hydrogen.html
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Borophene on silver grows freely into an atomic 'skin'
September 30, 2019
https://phys.org/news/2019-09-borophene-silver-freely-atomic-skin.html
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News on borophene
https://phys.org/tags/borophene/
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Boron can form a purely honeycomb, graphene-like 2-D structure
March 14, 2018
https://phys.org/news/2018-03-boron-purely-honeycomb-graphene-like-d.html
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Delicately opening a band gap in graphene enables high-performance transistors
September 21, 2015
Electrons can move
through graphene with almost no resistance, a property that gives
graphene great potential for replacing silicon in next-generation,
highly efficient electronic devices. But currently it's very difficult
to control the electrons moving through graphene because graphene has no
band gap, which means the electrons don't need to cross any energy
barrier in order to conduct electricity. As a result, the electrons are
always conducting, all the time, which means that this form of graphene
can't be used to build transistors because it has no "off" state. In
order to control the electron movement in graphene and enable "off"
states in future graphene transistors, graphene needs a non-zero band
gap—an energy barrier that can prevent electrons from conducting
electricity when desired, making graphene a semiconductor instead of a
full conductor.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-delicately-band-gap-graphene-enables.html#jCp
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The waste coffee grounds (The remainder of regular coffee powder after being
boiled,
UCC) was dried at 100 degrees Celsius for 6 hours without other
treatments. Graphene-sheet fibers (GSFs) were fabricated from dried
coffee
grounds loaded in a nickel case using 2.45 GHz microwave plasma system at
the power of 900 W, which was equipped with a rectangular waveguide to couple
the microwave through quartz tube for generating the plasma. In the system, no
additional
heater was installed for substrate heating. The substrate temperature
was controlled by microwave power and plasma exposure time, and was
measured by a thermocouple placed in direct contact with the substrate
holder.
After the deposition chamber was pumped down to a base pressure of 1 Torr
by
a rotary pump with the pumping gas rate of 300L/s, the hydrogen and
argon gases were introduced into the chamber and produced the plasma to
irradiate the coffee grounds for 15 min. The maximal temperature was 650
degrees Celsius during the process of microwave plasma irradiation.
After deposition, the plasma was shut down and the equipment was
naturally cooled to room temperature. The yield of GSFs was found to be
10-20% in all produced nanocarbons.
http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/c5/ta/c5ta03833b/c5ta03833b1.pdf
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Scientists grow high-quality graphene from tea tree extract
August 21, 2015
Graphene
has been grown from materials as diverse as plastic, cockroaches, Girl
Scout cookies, and dog feces, and can theoretically be grown from any
carbon source. However, scientists are still looking for a graphene
precursor and growth method that is sustainable, scalable, and
economically feasible, since these are all requirements for realizing
widespread commercialization of graphene-based devices.
http://phys.org/news/2015-08-scientists-high-quality-graphene-tea-tree.html
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There
will always be different combinations of natural and inorganic
materials for the discovery of new materials and nanostructures.
These discoveries can be used for the creation of new inventions.
____________________________________
Synthesis and characterization of organic-inorganic hybrid materials and nanostructures
Posted: June 24, 2015
http://www.scientificamerican.com/naturejobs/?method=job&id=533011
The project supported by the Swedish Research Council is aimed at the
development of new approaches to building up complex structures of metal
oxide nanoparticles to be used as nano reactors and as drug delivery
vehicles. The produced particles will be decorated with functional
biomolecules, proteins and enzymes, to provide them with ability to act
as biocatalysts. It will involve the synthesis of new organic-inorganic
hybrid materials, their characterization by a variety of techniques such
as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and NMR, Atomic Force
Microscopy etc., and verification of their functional characteristics.
The project will be carried out in an inspiring international
environment and will involve active participation in international
project meetings.
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15 Most Dense Materials on Earth | Volumetric Mass Density
May 15, 2019
15. Molybdenum
14. Silver
13. Lead
12. Thorium
11. Rhodium
10. Mercury
9. Tantalum
8. Uranium
7. Tungsten
6. Gold
5. Plutonium
4. Rhenium
3. Platinum
2. Iridium
1. Osmium
https://www.rankred.com/densest-materials-on-earth/
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National Lab Teams Create Densest Object on Earth
Jan 10, 2020
Applying 30 million atmospheres of pressure lets researchers compress copper into the densest material on the planet, for a brief moment.
Scientists used the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Lab to squeeze a microscopic sample of copper samples under 30 million atmospheres in less than a billionth of a second. This tripled the sample’s density, creating the densest object on the planet for a brief moment in time.
https://www.machinedesign.com/materials/article/21120262/national-lab-teams-create-densest-object-on-earth
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____________________________________
Chapter 8: Glass technology
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
We
can see problems with many of the different types of dyes, paints and
chemicals used to make certain types of glass and plastics these days.
We often wonder how many chemicals in glass and
plastics will interact and biodegrade in the wild. We need an
ecologically friendly way of making glass while replacing many
chemicals harmful chemicals in glass such as lead.
Many
ancient cultures such as the ancient Romans would use lead in glass. Even
drinking out of certain glass bottles with harmful chemicals in these
ancient cultures could make people ill.
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Carnival Glass 101
http://carnivalglass101.carnivalheaven.com/id136.ht
If
you look at the recipe that remains from E. A. Dugan's notebook (page
26 of the Dugan/Diamond book by Heacock, Measell & Wiggins), for a
turquoise blue opal glass, you have 300 parts sand (silica), 81 parts
soda (calcium carbonate), 50 parts lead (most likely lead oxide), 24
parts pearls (potassium phosphate), 54 parts feldspar (most likely
potassium aluminum silicate), 50 parts fluorspar (calcium fluoride), 5
parts kryolite (sodium fluoraluminate),-actually used as a stomach
insecticide as the crystals punch holes in insect gut cells!), 5 parts
arsenic, and 7 oz. of copper scales (for the blue color). As you can
tell from this formula, there's a lot more lead and fluoride than
arsenic in the batch and the dust during the mixing of the batch would
be quite dangerous. However, once fused in the melting process, none of
these chemicals would be chemically active. If they were, all of our
lead crystal glass would be highly dangerous to use! (That rumor goes
around occasionally).
I hear all the time that cobalt
(blue), selenium (pink to red) and uranium (yellow) compounds that are
used as colorants in glass are highly toxic or are no longer available.
____________________________________
Many
people sometimes are not aware that some plastics exist in nature. This
process is a buildup of natural oil in the ground. When
the right type of chemicals combine, it can leave small types of a type
of residue of an oily or plastic type of film. Especially in underground pockets or streams of natural oil. This natural
type of plastic film may not quite be like the plastic that we use for
individual products, this is still a good example of the materials that
nature can produce naturally.
Glass
can be made from sand that has gone through hot temperatures. Different types of smart glass can contain
certain polymer resins as well. Many types of synthetic glass can even be considered
a fiberglass, or plastic. Many people want a sustainable way to make extra strong glass that could biodegrade properly.
We could even possibly use atomic fractals in metallic glasses instead of certain types of fiberglass currently out on the market.
____________________________________
Natural Plastics: Do They Exist?
May 01, 2025
Plastic is a man-made material that has become a symbol of the world's litter and solid waste disposal problems. However, molecules of plastic have been found outside of Earth, and some trees on our planet release propylene, a chemical used to make plastic, naturally. Natural plastics are not a complete solution to solid waste problems but may have important applications where biodegradability is needed, such as disposable diapers or fast-food containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural Plastics | Animal horns, tortoiseshell, cellulose, rubber, amber, shellac |
| Natural Polymers | Condensation polymers |
| Synthetic Polymers | Radical ad addition polymers |
| Natural Sources of Propylene | Some trees |
| Natural Plastic Creation | Boil potatoes and use the leftover water |
https://shunpoly.com/article/are-there-any-natural-occurring-plastics
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Atomic fractals in metallic glasses
September 21, 2015
Metallic glasses are very strong and elastic materials that appear with the naked eye to be identical to stainless steel. But metallic glasses differ from ordinary metals in that they are amorphous, lacking an orderly, crystalline atomic arrangement. This random distribution of atoms, which is the primary characteristic of all glass materials (such as windowpanes and tableware), gives metallic glasses unique mechanical properties but unpredictable internal structure. Researchers in the Caltech lab of Julia Greer, professor of materials science and mechanics in the Division of Engineering and Applied Science, have shown that metallic glasses do have an atomic-level structure—if you zoom in closely enough—although it differs from the periodic lattices that characterize crystalline metals.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-atomic-fractals-metallic-glasses.html#jCp
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Improving bulk metallic glass by maximizing surface
December 22, 2015
Yale University researchers have figured out a way to refine bulk metallic glasses to improve their electrochemical performance.
Results of the research, based in the lab of chemical and environmental engineering professor André D. Taylor, are published in the Dec. 21 issue of Advanced Materials.
Bulk metallic glass (BMG), also known as amorphous metal alloy, exhibits superior mechanical properties and great formability under low temperature compared with general alloys. Numerous efforts have been applied to develop these materials for biomedical devices, high efficiency transformers, and for products that require high-strength materials, such as golf clubs.
Working with the lab of Yale professor Jan Schroers, Taylor pioneered the use of BMGs as catalysts in fuel cells. BMGs have the strength of metal, but can be shaped like a plastic, so they can be used to form nanowires and achieve high-surface areas. Increasing surface area leads to an increased performance in current density, because all of the electrochemical reactions are on the surface.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-bulk-metallic-glass-maximizing-surface.html#jCp
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Microscopic animals inspire innovative glass research
September 3, 2015
Prof. Juan de Pablo's 20-year exploration of the unusual properties of glass began, oddly enough, with the microscopic animals known as water bears.
The creatures, which go by the more formal name of tardigrades, have a remarkable ability to withstand extreme environments of hot and cold, and even the vacuum of space. When de Pablo read about what happens when scientists dry out tardigrades, then revive them with water years later, his interest was piqued.
"When you remove the water, they very quickly coat themselves in large amounts of glassy molecules," says de Pablo, the Liew Family Professor in Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago. "That's how they stay in this state of suspended animation."
His passion to understand how glass forms in such exotic settings helped lead de Pablo and his fellow researchers to the unexpected discovery of a new type of glass.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-microscopic-animals-glass.html#jCp
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Super-tough glass based on mollusk shells
January 29, 2014
In the future, if you drop a glass on the floor and it doesn't break, thank a mollusk. Inspired by shellfish, scientists at Montreal's McGill University have devised a new process that drastically increases the toughness of glass. When dropped, items made using the technology would be more likely to deform than to shatter.
http://www.gizmag.com/mollusk-nacre-tougher-glass/30654/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Tough-as-nails ceramic inspired by mother-of-pearl
March 25, 2014
http://www.gizmag.com/mother-of-pearl-nacre-ceramic/31367/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
Although you may know it simply as the shiny iridescent stuff on the inside of mollusk shells, mother-of-pearl (or nacre)
is a remarkable material. It allows those shells, which otherwise
consist almost entirely of brittle calcium carbonate, to stand up to the
abuses of life in the sea. Now, a team led by the Laboratoire de
Synthèse et Fonctionnalisation des Céramiques (CNRS) in Paris, has
copied the structure of nacre to create a ceramic material that's almost
10 times stronger than conventional ceramics.
Natural nacre consists of layers of microscopic
tablet-like blocks, that have wavy edges not unlike jig-saw puzzle
pieces. This means that when the material is subjected to mechanical
stress, any cracks that start to form in the boundary lines between the
tablets have to follow a very circuitous route. As a result, all but the
largest cracks simply just peter out.
Scientists at Montreal's McGill University recently created super-strong glass,
by etching nacre boundary line-like cracks in glass microscope slides.
The CNRS team, however, took a different approach with the ceramic.
They started with a ceramic powder, made up of
microscopic alumina platelets. That powder was suspended in water, and
the resulting solution was then frozen. The ice crystallization process
caused the platelets to self-assemble into stacks, the boundaries
between which were similar to the wavy boundaries between nacre tablets.
A high-temperature process was then used to increase the density of the
material, thus removing the water.
In lab tests of the resulting ceramic, it was found
that cracks had great difficulty spreading through it – as is the case
with real nacre.
Additionally, the scientists state that the process
should work with any type of ceramic powder (not just alumina), and it
should be easy to scale up to industrial production levels. Besides
simply making existing types of ceramic items stronger, the technology
could also allow them to stay at the same strength, but be made much
smaller.
____________________________________
New kind of smart-glass changes color and produces electricity
April 9, 2015
Many types of smart-glass
have been created, some that display a tint when it gets sunny out,
others that change to prevent heat from coming in, etc. In this new
effort, the researchers sought to add something new—production of
electricity. Realizing that many types of glass are subjected to rain
and wind, they sought to find a way to coat a window that would take
advantage of triboelectrics—capturing the energy in static electricity
that occurs when two materials meet.
http://phys.org/news/2015-04-kind-smart-glass-electricity.html
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Vanadium dioxide 'smart glass' can be activated to block infrared light while remaining transparent to visible light
Nov 29, 2013
'Smart
glass' can switch from transparent to opaque at the flick of a switch
and is increasingly used in cars, aircraft and homes to reduce the Sun's
glare and filter out infrared light and heat. Masaki Nakano and
colleagues from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science have now
used vanadium dioxide to make a transparent material that can be
activated to block infrared light without affecting its transparency for
visible light.
Vanadium dioxide is a
well-known thermochromic material that is transparent below about 30 °C
and reflects infrared light above 60 °C. This transition is related to a
change in crystal structure that also results in a shift from
electrically insulating properties at lower temperatures to conductive
properties at higher temperatures.
http://phys.org/news/2013-11-vanadium-dioxide-smart-glass-block.html#jCp
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Mid-infrared irradiation keeps nanocrystals bright
03 December 2021
Mid-infrared pulses stimulate fast neutralization of photocharged colloidal nanocrystals, which suppresses blinking of a single nanocrystal’s photoluminescence.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-021-01029-5
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Ultrathin metasurface lenses do things conventional optics can't
September 8, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/ultrathin-metamaterial-lens-jpl-caltech/39298/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
Once, the only way to manipulate light was with the use of a transparent
glass or plastic lens whose shape and makeup determined such things as
focus,
magnification, and polarity. However, to incorporate all of these properties in
the one optical system required a large and complex collection of multiple
lenses to achieve. Now researchers working at NASA's Jet
Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the California Institute of Technology
(Caltech) have created a flat silicon metamaterial lens
that manages all of these thing in a microminiaure device that
electromagnetically controls the properties of any light passing it.
Using an arrangement of silicon nanopillars organized into a honeycomb pattern to form a
"metasurface" able to control the direction and attributes of light
waves, the new device may one day be mass-produced using much the same methods employed to create computer chips today.
As such, the researchers believe that applications
for their creation may include cutting-edge microscopes, displays,
sensors, and cameras that could all take advantage of the superior
characteristics of high-quality lenses at a fraction of the price.
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Processing technology to improve the electrical properties of glass ceramic circuit boards
July 8, 2015
As
you ease your foot off the accelerator, a radar sensor detects how far
away you are from the other cars and intelligently adjusts your speed
appropriately. Technology like this is already helping to improve road
safety and is set to become even more commonplace. From an electrical
engineering perspective, manufacturing sensors of this kind is an
extremely tricky process: the sensors have to be able to operate at very
high frequencies but still need to be precise and efficient. TU Wien
has now managed to develop a new processing technology for the
high-precision nanostructuring of glass ceramic circuit boards. This
means that the material properties can be adjusted, thereby
significantly improving the electromagnetic behaviour of the sensor.
http://phys.org/news/2015-07-technology-electrical-properties-glass-ceramic.html#nRlv
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Scientists make crucial breakthrough that could revolutionize solar energy: '[This] might open up new avenues'
Sunlight is a reliable energy source to supplement our energy needs, and this recent discovery will multiply the benefits of solar power.
Solar panels are one of many clean energy solutions that provide much-needed electrical energy to electrical grids worldwide. Solar panels function by allowing sunlight to shine on specialized receptors known as photovoltaic cells, or PV cells, which in turn transform the energy within the sunlight into an electrical current run through wires into the grid.
A research team from Shanghai University of Engineering Science in China has developed a new glass-ceramic material to increase the energy absorption of solar panels, according to The Independent.
But how does this all work? Sunlight contains multiple types of light, or wavelengths, from infrared (heat), to visible (colors), and to ultraviolet (aka UV, which causes sunburns on skin).
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/glass-ceramic-solar-panels-energy-conversion/
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Stretchable, transparent heater made from metallic glass
January 7, 2016
Researchers
have fabricated a stretchable and transparent electrode that can be
used for applications such as heating parts of the body and defrosting
the side view mirrors on cars. It is the first stretchable electronics
device made from metallic glass, which is a metal that has an amorphous
(disordered) structure like that of a glass, instead of the highly
ordered crystalline structure that metals normally have.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-stretchable-transparent-heater-metallic-glass.html
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SCHOTT Debuts New Ceramic Cooktop Glass That Can Double as Full Color Video Display
September 16, 2024
https://thespoon.tech/schott-debuts-new-ceramic-cooktop-glass-that-can-double-as-full-color-video-display/
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The Glass Age, Part 1: Flexible, Bendable Glass
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12OSBJwogFc
____________________________________
Some question the toxicity in some of the glass mentioned in the following video titled "The Glass Age."
____________________________________
The Glass Age, Part 2: Strong, Durable Glass
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13B5K_lAabw
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World's Strongest Materials - New Full History HD Documentary
Nov 12, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwVlOLnqNaQ
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Yale Engineers Create a New Kind of Metallic Glass
Engineers from Yale University have discovered a method for creating a new kind of metallic glass, a class of materials made from complex alloys.
https://scitechdaily.com/yale-engineers-create-a-new-kind-of-metallic-glass/
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Micro Fuel Cell of Bulk Metallic Glass
November 28, 2012
Micro fuel cells (MFC) have been identified as promising alternative power sources for portable electronics. Current MFC fabrication technologies rely on complex micromachining of materials such as silicon, stainless steel, and ceramics. The challenge remains to identify effective low-cost materials and fabrication methods.
André D. Taylor, Yale University, USA, and colleagues have demonstrated the feasibility of economic fabrication of MFCs using bulk metallic glass (BMG). BMGs are metal alloys with disordered atomic structure, like that of glass, rather than the highly ordered, crystalline structure common to metals. The plastic-like processing ability of BMG allowed it to be molded or embossed into a vast range of complex shapes by thermoplastic forming (TPF). For example, the team used TPF to fabricate the hierarchical architecture of the porous supported Pt-BMG nanowire catalytic layer (pictured). TPF-based embossing of Zr-BMG was used to create flow field channels with high precision and well-defined corners and walls.
This plastic-like property of BMG is unique amongst metals due to BMGs’ viscous softening above the glass transition.
Such TPF-based techniques can be carried out in parallel in short time frames, which permits a fast and inexpensive manufacturing process that could also find applications in the fields of micro fluidics, heterogeneous catalysis, sensors, and other electrochemical systems.
https://www.chemistryviews.org/details/news/3758651/Micro_Fuel_Cell_of_Bulk_Metallic_Glass_/
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Space-Age Materials, One Atomic Layer at a Time
08.10.12
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/technology/features/atomic-layer_prt.htm
A
technologist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.,
however, is experimenting with an emerging technology that might provide
another, perhaps more effective, technique for defending sensitive
spacecraft components from the high-velocity bombardments.
Vivek
Dwivedi and his collaborator, chemical engineering professor Raymond
Adomaitis from the University of Maryland, College Park, are using
atomic layer deposition (ALD) — a rapidly evolving technology for
coating plastics, semiconductors, glass, Teflon, and a plethora of other
materials — to create a new super-strong, ultra-thin coating made of
tiny tubes of boron nitride, similar in appearance to the bristles on a
toothbrush.
''Crystalline boron nitride is one of the
hardest materials in the world,'' Dwivedi said, making it ideal as a
coating to make sensitive spacecraft component less susceptible to
damage when struck by space dust, tiny rocks, and high-energy solar
particles.
Atomic Layer Deposition
The
ALD technique, which the semiconductor industry has adopted in its
manufacturing of computer chips, involves placing a substrate material
inside a reactor chamber and sequentially pulsing different types of
precursor gases to create an ultrathin film whose layers are literally
no thicker than a single atom.
ALD differs from other
techniques for applying thin films because the process is split into two
half reactions, is run in sequence, and is repeated for each layer. As a
result, technicians can accurately control the thickness and
composition of the deposited films, even deep inside pores and cavities.
This gives ALD a unique ability to coat in and around 3-D objects. This
advantage — coupled with the fact that technologists can create films
at much lower temperatures than with the other techniques — has led many
in the optics, electronics, energy, textile, and biomedical-device
fields to replace older deposition techniques with ALD.
According
to Dwivedi, if technicians use ALD to coat glass with aluminum oxide,
for example, they can strengthen glass by more than 80 percent. The
resulting thin films act like ''nano putty,'' filling the
nanometer-scale defects found in glass — the very same tiny cracks that
cause glass to break when struck by an object. ''This ALD application
has profound possibilities for the next-generation crew modules,''
Dwivedi said. ''We could decrease the thickness of the glass windows
without sacrificing strength.''
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9-Ton Slab of Glass Found in the Cave of Beit Shearim
Sep 17, 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_eDWi46h7o
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MYSTERY OF THE GREEN GLASS
Dec 26, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLINtOTAoWI
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Is Gold Used in Red Stained Glass?
Dec 2, 2023
The secret behind the red stained glass in ancient cathedrals’ enchantment lies in its precious metal: gold. Red stained glass is captivating, and this article will introduce you to the timeless union of gold and color, from alchemy to modern art. You will discover the magic that shines through these magnificent creations as we embark on this journey together.
The Alchemy of Color: Gold and Red
Gold’s interaction with other elements is a dance of vibrant hues, and in the context of stained glass, this dance is particularly captivating. When combined with certain metal oxides during the molten glass process, gold imparts a range of red shades, each boasting its own unique character. The addition of gold chloride, for instance, infuses the glass with a warm and inviting ruby hue, evoking a sense of passion and romance. On the other hand, when gold and tin oxides are combined, the glass takes on a brilliant scarlet hue, reminiscent of a blazing fire. The alchemy of color is a delicate balance, where minute variations in the composition can yield stunningly different results.
Gilding and Silver Staining: Gold accents are achieved through gilding, where thin leaves of gold are applied to the glass surface. Silver staining is also employed to impart yellow or gold hues to specific glass pieces.
https://learnglassblowing.com/is-gold-used-in-red-stained-glass/
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Innovations in glass technology are driving progress in energy, sustainability, and consumer products. Here's what that looks like.
Oct 25, 2024
In laboratories and factories across the globe, developers are creating cutting-edge technologies that could reshape how we live. Behind many of these breakthroughs lies an unexpected hero: a material that has been with us for centuries and is powering the next era of high-tech industries.
Since Otto Schott invented specialty glass in 1884, the simple material has become a cornerstone of modern technology, and driving innovation. Its unique properties make it indispensable across a wide range of industries that shape our daily lives. From semiconductors to clean energy, home tech, and electric vehicles, glass is the silent enabler of progress.
Powering next-generation semiconductors
With AI on the rise, industries need more powerful microchips with increased performance to handle large amounts of data, which must be processed at high speed while consuming energy efficiently.
Glass carriers and substrates are promising materials at the heart of this revolution, enabling remarkable performance gains in chip packaging. Industry analysts predict high-end performance packaging will reach $28.4 billion by 2029, fueled by the growing adoption of AI, 5G and 6G networks, and other data-intensive technologies that will require powerful, efficient chips.
Chips packaged with glass substrates can achieve up to 40% better performance while using only half the power of their plastic-packaged counterparts.
Glass' versatility — such as customizable thermal expansion, high stiffness, ultra-smooth surfaces, electrical properties, and optical transparency — meets the demanding needs of advanced manufacturing and packaging solutions.
Bringing smart glasses and AR to the masses
Augmented reality (AR) is set to transform industries by merging digital and physical worlds, creating interactive experiences in entertainment and gaming, and enhancing remote collaboration with interactive 3D models. As this technology evolves, its applications will broaden, fostering innovation and efficiency across various sectors, particularly when combined with emerging technologies like 5G, AI, and IoT.
As the US leads in software and hardware innovation, the photonics industry is poised to become a key enabler of AR optics. Glass, in the form of optical waveguides, channels digital information to the eye when wearing smart glasses. Thanks to its advanced properties and characteristics, glass processing is projected to scale and lower costs in the coming years, paving the way for mass-market smart glasses.
Unlocking fusion energy
The quest for fusion energy — the holy grail of clean, limitless power — has taken a giant leap forward, and glass is at the heart of this breakthrough. Specially engineered laser glass helped researchers achieve what was once thought impossible: creating more energy from a reaction than was put into it.
In a groundbreaking experiment at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, scientists used 192 powerful laser beams to replicate conditions like those at the center of the sun. The light, amplified by active laser glass and focused through precisely crafted optical glass, delivered significant energy to a tiny fuel pellet, triggering a fusion reaction that produced a net energy gain.
The fusion reaction generated 3.15 megajoules of energy, exceeding the 2.05 megajoules of laser energy delivered to the target. This net energy gain, albeit small, demonstrates that with the right technology — including advanced glass — we can replicate the sun's power on Earth. Subsequent experiments have produced even larger yields. As scientists refine fusion energy, glass will be vital in scaling up reactors, helping to focus laser light and withstanding extreme conditions, positioning it at the core of this transformative technology that could revolutionize global energy.
Advancing electric vehicles
Today's electric cars mostly rely on lithium-ion batteries, a technology that was introduced commercially in the 1990s. In the future, solid-state battery technology aims to advance electric vehicles even further.
At the heart of this innovation is a surprising material: glass-ceramic powder. It boasts high conductivity, exceptional chemical and temperature stability, and improved performance. Most importantly, it enables the use of lithium metal anodes, which have ten times the storage capacity of current graphite anodes. This translates to electric vehicles that can travel up to 30% further on a single charge.
Using this technology, charging an EV to 80% in just 10 minutes is on the horizon. The road to commercialization is still long, with mass production of solid-state battery-equipped vehicles forecasted to start around 2030. Glass-ceramic will play an outsized role as adoption continues to grow.
Modernizing everyday kitchens
Specialty glass is also redefining smart kitchens, allowing advanced technology to blend into sleek, modern designs. Recent breakthroughs in glass ceramics like SCHOTT CERAN Luminoir® TFT have allowed cooktops to display vibrant, high-resolution visuals, beyond traditional white and blue light. These materials can integrate smart displays that remain hidden when not in use, providing a clean, elegant appearance that makes cooktops smarter and more interactive without compromising design for an intelligent user experience.
The true value lies in how these surfaces enhance cooking experiences by featuring fully functional screens with perfect resolution. Information such as cooking temperatures, timers, and step-by-step recipe instructions is clearly displayed on the surface. The glass efficiently transmits light, even at low brightness, ensuring optimal visibility without excess energy consumption. This innovation promises to revolutionize kitchen design by merging cutting-edge technology with the joy of cooking.
The story of glass in high-tech industries is a testament to human ingenuity and the power of materials science. As we continue to face global energy, sustainability, and healthcare challenges, the innovations emerging from glass-research labs worldwide offer hope and exciting possibilities. The future is as clear as a well-polished window pane — glass will play a crucial role in building a more efficient, sustainable, and innovative world.
https://www.businessinsider.com/sc/glass-technology-innovations-driving-progress-across-energy-sustainability-consumer-products?op=1
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The Future of Glass Technology: Innovations Shaping Our World
March 28, 2025
Glass has evolved far beyond its traditional roles in windows and bottles. Today, it’s at the heart of cutting-edge innovations—from smart devices to sustainable architecture. At Glassology, we’re passionate about the transformative potential of glass technology. Here’s a glimpse into the future:
1. Smart Glass: Windows That Think
Gone are the days when glass was just a passive barrier. Today, smart glass (or switchable glass) is redefining functionality, merging transparency with intelligence. By responding to environmental cues or user commands, this dynamic material is transforming industries—from architecture to automotive.
How It Works
Smart glass uses cutting-edge technologies to alter its properties on demand:
Electrochromic Glass: Changes tint when a low-voltage current is applied (e.g., dimming windows to block glare).
PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal): Switches from frosted to clear instantly, ideal for privacy partitions.
Thermochromic & Photochromic: Reacts to heat or UV light (think transition lenses for buildings).
Applications Changing the Game
Architecture: Energy-efficient skyscrapers with self-tinting windows reduce cooling costs by up to 40%.
Automotive: Mercedes’ "Magic Sky Control" sunroofs adjust opacity at the touch of a button.
Healthcare: Privacy glass in hospitals protects patient confidentiality without curtains.
Retail: Interactive storefronts display ads or turn into touchscreens.
Glassology’s Innovations
We’re pushing boundaries with:
AI-Integrated Glass: Predictive tinting based on weather forecasts or user habits.
Self-Powering Smart Glass: Harvests ambient energy to operate without external power.
2. Ultra-Durable Glass
The Science Behind Unbreakable Glass
Traditional glass is fragile, but next-gen innovations are changing the game:
Gorilla Glass (Corning®): Chemically strengthened for smartphones, tablets, and automotive displays—resistant to drops and scratches.
Liquid Glass Nanocoatings: Invisible, flexible layers that make glass self-cleaning, anti-microbial, and highly scratch-resistant.
Laminated & Tempered Safety Glass: Used in skyscrapers and hurricane-proof windows, designed to withstand extreme impacts without shattering.
Where Ultra-Durable Glass is Making an Impact
Consumer Electronics
Crack-resistant smartphone screens (e.g., Gorilla Glass Victus®).
Foldable display glass for next-gen devices.
Architecture & Urban Design
Bomb-resistant windows for high-security buildings.
Hurricane- and earthquake-proof glazing for disaster-prone areas.
Automotive & Aerospace
Windshields that resist rock chips and extreme temperatures.
Lightweight, ultra-strong cockpit canopies for aircraft.
Medical & Scientific Applications
Shatterproof lab equipment and surgical tools.
Sterile, antimicrobial glass for hospitals.
Glassology’s Role in the Durability Revolution
We’re pioneering the next wave of ultra-strong glass with:
✔ Self-Healing Glass – Microcapsules that repair minor scratches automatically.
✔ Hybrid Glass-Ceramics – Combines the toughness of ceramics with the transparency of glass.
✔ Eco-Durable Glass – Made from recycled materials without sacrificing strength.
3. Energy-Generating Glass
How Energy-Generating Glass Works
This revolutionary technology integrates transparent solar cells into glass surfaces, allowing them to:
✔ Convert sunlight into electricity while maintaining visibility
✔ Store energy for later use through built-in transparent batteries
✔ Reduce building energy costs by up to 30%
Key technologies powering this innovation:
Transparent Photovoltaics (TPV): Ultra-thin solar films that let light through while capturing energy
Quantum Dot Glass: Nanocrystals that absorb UV/IR light (invisible to the eye) and convert it to power
Perovskite Solar Cells: Next-gen materials offering higher efficiency at lower costs
Real-World Applications Changing the Game
1. Solar Skyscrapers
The Edge in Amsterdam uses energy-generating glass to produce more power than it consumes
Dubai’s Solar Tower features a facade that powers its entire cooling system
2. Smart Homes & Windows
Residential windows that power household appliances
Self-charging smart glass that adjusts tint based on sunlight
3. Transportation Innovations
Solar glass sunroofs that extend EV range by 15-20%
Bus stops and train stations with power-generating canopies
4. Consumer Electronics
Smartphones and tablets with self-charging screens
Laptop displays that harvest ambient light
Glassology’s Breakthroughs in Energy Glass
We’re pushing boundaries with:
🔋 ClearView PowerGlass™ – Our flagship product with 12% efficiency (industry-leading for transparent PV)
🌱 Eco-Generate Series – Made from 80% recycled materials without performance loss
💡 Adaptive Energy Glass – Automatically optimizes between light transmission and power generation
4. Biodegradable & Eco-Friendly Glass
The Problem with Conventional Glass
Energy Intensive: Producing 1 ton of glass emits ~500kg of CO₂
Recycling Limits: Only ~30% of glass gets recycled globally
Microplastic Alternative: Many "eco" materials (like acrylic) create worse long-term pollution
Next-Gen Sustainable Glass Solutions
1. Bioactive Glass
How it works: Made from silica and natural compounds (like calcium oxide)
Applications:
Medical implants that dissolve as bones heal
Water-soluble drug capsules
Marine-safe packaging that breaks down in seawater
2. Plant-Based Glass
Innovators: Glassology’s PhytoGlass™ uses:
Bamboo silica
Algae-derived polymers
Benefits:
60% lower carbon footprint
Compostable in 6-12 months
3. Self-Destructing Smart Glass
Technology: Light-triggered molecular breakdown
Uses:
Temporary building facades
Disposable medical devices
Military applications (leave-no-trace optics)
4. Recycled Glass 2.0
Our EcoCycle Process achieves:
♻️ 95% recycled content (vs. industry standard 30%)
🔋 40% less energy than virgin glass production
Where Sustainable Glass is Making Waves
Industry
Application
Environmental Benefit
Packaging
100% biodegradable bottles
Eliminates microplastics
Construction
Insulation foam glass
Uses waste glass as raw material
Consumer Tech
Compostable smartphone screens
Reduces e-waste
Marine
Dissolvable fishing floats
Prevents ocean plastic
Glassology’s Green Mission
We’re pioneering:
🌱 Zero-Waste Production: All byproducts repurposed
🌍 Carbon-Negative Glass: Our algae-based variants absorb CO₂
🔬 Nano-Reinforced Bioglass: Strong as steel, gentle as sand
5. Holographic & AR Glass
How Holographic & AR Glass Works
This cutting-edge technology merges advanced optics with digital interfaces:
Core Technologies
Waveguide Displays: Ultra-thin glass layers that project images directly into the user’s field of view
Nanostructured Metasurfaces: Microscopic patterns that bend light to create 3D holograms
AI-Powered Tracking: Real-time environment mapping for seamless AR integration
Key Features
✔ Transparent Displays – Digital overlays without obstructing visibility
✔ Touch & Gesture Control – Interact with holograms mid-air
✔ Adaptive Lighting – Adjusts brightness based on surroundings
Industry Applications
1. Retail & Advertising
Virtual Try-Ons: See yourself in glasses or makeup via smart mirrors
Interactive Storefronts: Walk by a display and see products come to life
2. Automotive & Transportation
AR Windshields: Navigation arrows, hazard alerts, and speed data projected onto the road
Holographic Dashboards: Floating controls and diagnostics
3. Healthcare & Surgery
3D Anatomy Projections: Surgeons see real-time holograms of patient scans during operations
AR-Assisted Diagnostics: Glass wearables that highlight medical anomalies
4. Architecture & Design
Holographic Blueprints: Architects manipulate 3D building models in mid-air
Virtual Renovation: See furniture and finishes in your home before buying
5. Entertainment & Gaming
Immersive AR Concerts: Holographic performers on your coffee table
Interactive Gaming Tables: Play chess with animated 3D pieces
Glassology’s Innovations in AR Glass
We’re leading the industry with:
🔮 Holovision™ – The world’s first mass-producible holographic glass panel
🖐️ Touchless UI – Control AR elements with hand gestures (no wearables needed)
🌐 Cloud-Connected Glass – Stream real-time data into AR environments
→ Experience our AR glass demos here
Why This Changes Everything
Revolutionizes Human-Computer Interaction: No more screens—just augmented reality
Enhances Safety: Critical information appears where you need it (e.g., driving, surgery)
Reduces Physical Waste: Digital displays replace printed signs and labels
The Future of AR Glass
Coming soon from Glassology R&D:
👓 Social AR Lenses – See friends’ avatars in real-world settings
🛍️ AI Shopping Assistants – Virtual clerks appear in store windows
🏙️ Smart City Glass – Bus stops that show routes, ads, and emergency alerts
Why Glassology?
At Glassology, we blend science, design, and sustainability to push the boundaries of glass technology. Explore our solutions at https://www.glassologytech.com/ and join us in redefining the future—one pane at a time.
What glass innovation excites you most? Comment below!
https://www.glassologytech.com/blogs/news/the-future-of-glass-technology-innovations-shaping-our-world
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Self-cleaning glass uses electric field to remove dust particles within seconds
August 7, 2025
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-08-glass-electric-field-particles-seconds.html
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Scratch-resistant sapphire nanostructures with anti-glare, anti-fogging, and anti-dust properties
2025
Abstract
Although there has been significant interest in the novel material properties of bio-inspired nanostructures, engineering them to become mechanically durable remains a significant challenge. This work demonstrates the fabrication of sapphire nanostructures with anti-glare, anti-fogging, anti-dust and scratch-resistant properties. The fabricated nanostructures demonstrated a period of 330 nm and an aspect ratio of 2.1, the highest reported for sapphire thus far. The nanostructured sapphire sample exhibited broadband and omnidirectional antireflection properties, with an enhanced transmission of up to 95.8% at a wavelength of 1360 nm. The sapphire nanostructures also exhibited enhanced wetting performance and could mitigate fogging from water condensation or repel water droplets. Furthermore, owing to their sharp features, the fabricated structures could prevent particulate adhesion and maintain a 98.7% dust-free surface area solely using gravity. Furthermore, nanoindentation and scratch tests indicated that the sapphire nanostructures have an indentation modulus and hardness of 182 GPa and 3.7 GPa, respectively, which are similar to those of bulk glass and scratch-resistant metals such as tungsten. These sapphire nanostructures can be fabricated using high-throughput nanomanufacturing techniques and can find applications in scratch-resistant optics for photonics, electronic displays, and protective windows.
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/mh/d4mh01844c
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Scientists Replicate Self-Cleaning Coating of Insects' Eyes
Oct 19, 2020
The protective coating might find applications in diverse areas of economics including medicine, nanoelectronics, and the automotive and textile industries
https://www.labmanager.com/scientists-replicate-self-cleaning-coating-of-insects-eyes-24108
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World of Glass 2025 Report
The Decarbonization Equation
January 6, 2025
https://www.glassmagazine.com/article/world-glass-2025-report
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Glass Global News
https://www.glassglobal.com/news/0-0-0-1.html
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Chapter 9: Light Energy
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We can use light and energy for an abundance of new technology applications.
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Physicists make first observation of the pushing pressure of light
Jun 02, 2015
For more than 100 years, scientists have debated the question:
when light travels through a medium such as oil or water, does it pull
or push on the medium? While most experiments have found that light
exerts a pulling pressure, in a new paper physicists have, for the first
time, found evidence that light exerts a pushing pressure.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-physicists-pressure.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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New route for switching magnets using light
September 16, 2015
An
international team led by Radboud University physicists has discovered
that reversing the poles of magnets must be possible without a heating
or a magnetic field.. A strong pulse of light can have a direct effect
on the strong quantum mechanical 'exchange interaction', therefore
changing the magnetism (Nature Communications, 16 September 2015).
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-route-magnets.html#jCp
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Twisting neutrons: Orbital angular momentum of neutron waves can be controlled
September 23, 2015
It's
easy to contemplate the wave nature of light in common experience.
White light passing through a prism spreads out into constituent colors;
it diffracts from atmospheric moisture into a rainbow; light passing
across a sharp edge or a diffraction grating creates an interference
pattern. It's harder to fathom the wave behavior of things usually
thought of as particles, such as electrons and atoms. And yet these
matter waves play a role in physics and in technology. For example,
electron beams, manifested as waves, provide an important form of
microscopy.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-09-neutrons-orbital-angular-momentum-neutron.html#jCp
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Slow light speeds up the microscopic world
September 17, 2015
A
team of researchers from the University of St Andrews and the
University of York has slowed down the speed of light in a process which
could have major applications in fundamental science and medical
diagnosis.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-microscopic-world.html#jCp
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Physicists stop and store light traveling in an optical fiber
May 11, 2015
Researchers at the Kastler Brossel Laboratory in Paris have managed to store light that propagates in an optical fiber and to release it later on demand. By causing interaction between the traveling light and a few thousand atoms in the vicinity, they demonstrated an all-fibered memory.
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-physicists-optical-fiber.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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Physicists Prove Teleportation of Energy Is Possible
Over five years ago, scientists succeeded in teleporting information. Unfortunately, the advance failed to bring us any closer to the Star Trek future we all dream of. Now, researchers in Japan have used the same principles to prove that energy can be teleported in the same fashion as information. Rather than just hastening the dawn of quantum computing, this development could lead to practical, significant changes in energy distribution.
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-02/physicists-prove-teleportation-energy-theoretically-possible
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Physicists break distance record for quantum teleportation
September 22, 2015
Researchers
at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have
"teleported" or transferred quantum information carried in light
particles over 100 kilometers (km) of optical fiber, four times farther
than the previous record.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-physicists-distance-quantum-teleportation.html#jCp
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MIT Pioneers Quantum Light Source for Optical Quantum Computers and Teleportation Devices for Communication
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Image captures light as both wave and particle for very first time
March 2, 2015
In 1905, Albert Einstein provided an explanation of the photoelectric
effect – that various metals emit electrons when light is shined on
them – by suggesting that a beam of light is not simply a wave of
electromagnetic radiation, but is also made up of discrete packets of
energy called photons. Though a long accepted tenet in physics, no
experiment has ever directly observed this wave/particle duality. Now,
however, researchers at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
(EPFL) in Switzerland claim to have captured an image of this phenomenon
for the first time ever.
To achieve this, a team of researchers led by Assistant
Professor Fabrizio Carbone at EPFL has performed an experiment using
electrons to image light.
In essence, the team used extremely short (femtosecond)
pulses of laser light directed at a miniscule nanowire made of silver
and suspended on graphene film that acted as an electrical isolator (or
metal-graphene dielectric). The laser light pumped energy into the
system that then directly affected the charged particles in the
nanowire, causing them to vibrate and effectively making the nanowire
behave as what is known as a quasi-1D plasmonic nanoantenna.
In other words, the nanowire acted as a tiny antenna that
generated radiation patterns in sympathy with the received laser
excitation. This laser light then oscillated back-and-forth between the
two ends of the nanoantenna and, in so doing, set up a standing wave of
surface plasmon polaritons (electromagnetic waves that travel along the
surface of a metal-dielectric or metal-air interface) in the wire.
Put simply, the light traveled along the wire in two
opposite directions and, when these waves bounced back to the middle,
they intersected with each other to form a new wave that appeared to be
standing in place. This standing wave, radiating around the nanowire,
then became the source of light used in the experiment.
Next, the researchers aimed a stream of electrons into
the field generated around the nanowire, and used them to image the
standing wave of light. When the electrons intermingled with the
restrained light contained on the nanowire – that is, where they crashed
into individual photons – they either sped up (gained energy) or slowed
down (lost energy).
The team then used an imaging filter to select out only
those electrons that had gained energy, and focused a UTEM (ultrafast
transmission electron microscopy) instrument on these to image where
each of the changes in energy state occurred, thereby allowing them to
visualize the standing wave and make visible the physical makeup of the
wave-nature of the light.
Simultaneously, this also demonstrated the particle
nature of the imaged light by demonstrating that the change in speed of
the interacting electrons and photons shows as an exchange of energy
"packets" (quanta) between the electrons and the photons. This
demonstrated that the light on the nanowire was also behaving as
particles.
"This experiment demonstrates that, for the first time
ever, we can film quantum mechanics – and its paradoxical nature –
directly," said Professor Carbone.
http://www.gizmag.com/first-photograph-light-particle-wave/36361/
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Video camera could record indefinitely, powered only by light from the image it captures
April 16, 2015
By using the light reflected from the object being recorded, researchers
claim to have created a prototype video camera that could potentially
record indefinitely under its own power. By incorporating
energy-harvesting photodiodes within the pixels of its image-capture
array, the new camera produces self-sustaining electrical power while
simultaneously capturing video footage.
http://www.gizmag.com/self-powered-video-camera-photodiode-pixels/37025/
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Optical metacage blocks light from entering or escaping
December 2, 2015
Physicists have built a nanowire cage that blocks one or more wavelengths of light from either entering or escaping, yet allows liquids and gases to pass through the small gaps between the nanowires. The "optical metacage" takes advantage of the optical properties of nanowire structures, and could have applications including protecting microorganisms from radiation, optically shielding nanophotonics components, and laser-driven drug delivery.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-optical-metacage-blocks.html
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Topological spin textures: Scientists use micro-structured materials to control light propagation
August 16, 2025
Topological spin textures, spatially organized patterns linked to the intrinsic angular momentum of particles, have proved to be highly advantageous for the development of spintronics and quantum technologies. One of the most studied among these textures are skyrmionic textures, which are two-dimensional and stable patterns of spin orientation. Recently, the study of skyrmionic textures has gained significant attention in the field of optics and photonics, revealing novel physical properties and promising potential applications.
https://phys.org/news/2025-08-topological-textures-scientists-micro-materials.html
Ringing in a new way to measure and modulate trapped light
December 22, 2015
Researchers working at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a novel way to noninvasively measure and map how and where trapped light vibrates within microscale optical resonators.
The new technique not only makes for more accurate
measurements but also allows scientists to fine-tune the trapped light's
frequency by subtly altering the shape of the resonator itself.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-modulate.html
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Stopped-light nanolasing in optical magic-angle graphene
16 August 2021
An optical analogue of magic-angle twisted graphene bilayer gives rise
to rigorously stopped light, which coupled with gain allows for a new
type of a nanolaser with remarkable figures of merit.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-021-00960-x
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Researchers discover new way to turn electricity into light, using graphene
When an airplane begins to move faster than the speed of sound, it creates a shockwave that produces a well-known “boom” of sound. Now, researchers at MIT and elsewhere have discovered a similar process in a sheet of graphene, in which a flow of electric current can, under certain circumstances, exceed the speed of slowed-down light and produce a kind of optical “boom”: an intense, focused beam of light.
https://energy.mit.edu/news/researchers-discover-new-way-turn-electricity-light-using-graphene-2/
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Light-matter interaction: broken symmetry drives polaritons
January 12, 2024
An international team of scientists provide an overview of the latest
research on light-matter interactions. A team of scientists from the
Fritz Haber Institute, the City University of New York and the
Universidad de Oviedo has published a comprehensive review article in
the scientific journal, Nature Review Materials". In this article, they
provide an overview of the latest research on polaritons, tiny
particles that arise when light and material interact in a special way.
in recent years, researchers worldwide have discovered that there are different types of polaritons. Some of them can trap light in a very small space, about the size of a nanometer. That's about 80,000 times thinner than a human hair!
The scientists report in their article that these special polaritons can arise in certain crystals. When the light in these crystals generates special vibrations - the researchers call this "phonons" - these special polaritons are created. Interestingly, they also found that the less symmetric the crystal is, the better the whole thing works. This leads to new and exciting possibilities for controlling light in the smallest space.
In their article, the scientists provide an overview of the latest research findings and discuss how these new insights could be used in the future. They believe that this work could help develop new materials that can use light in innovative ways.
This fundamental research could therefore have a major impact on many areas, from the development of new technologies to the improvement of existing devices. It's an exciting step forward in the world of nanotechnology!
https://www.fhi.mpg.de/1440498/2024-01-12-Light-matter-interaction
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Tiny gears increase light-to-work conversion efficiency by five orders of magnitude (w/ video)
August 17, 2015
Scientists have demonstrated that pinwheel-shaped microgears floating on a liquid surface can rotate at speeds of up to 300 r.p.m. when illuminated by an ordinary LED. This light-driven motion, which arises because the light creates a tiny temperature difference and, subsequently, a surface tension difference in the surrounding fluid, is about five orders of magnitude more efficient than other mechanisms that convert light into work. As the effect is not size-dependent, the scientists expect that the system could be scaled to both the macroscale and the nanoscale.
http://phys.org/news/2015-08-tiny-gears-light-to-work-conversion-efficiency.html#jCp
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Microdrones With Light-Driven Nanomotors
April 29, 2022
Physicists at the University of Würzburg have propelled micrometer-sized drones significantly smaller than red blood cells, exerting precise control, using only light.
A hand-held laser pointer produces no noticeable recoil forces when it is "fired" — even though it emits a directed stream of light particles. The reason for this is its very large mass compared to the very small recoil impulses that the light particles cause when leaving the laser pointer.
However, it has long been clear that optical recoil forces can have a very large effect on correspondingly small particles. For example, the tails of comets point away from the Sun partly due to light pressure. The propulsion of light spacecrafts via light sails has also been discussed, most recently in connection with the "Star Shot" project, in which a fleet of miniature spacecrafts is to be sent to Alpha Centauri.
In the journal Nature Nanotechnology, Würzburg physicists led by Professor Bert Hecht (Chair of Experimental Physics 5, Nano-Optics Group) have now shown for the first time that it is possible to not only efficiently propel micrometer-sized objects in an aqueous environment with light, but also to control them precisely on a surface with three degrees of freedom (two translational plus one rotational).
In doing so, they were inspired by ordinary quadcopter drones, where four independent rotors allow complete control of the movements. Such control possibilities offer completely new options for the usually extremely difficult handling of nano- and micro-objects, for example, for the assembly of nanostructures, for the analysis of surfaces with nanometer precision, or in the field of reproductive medicine.
https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/45712-microdrones-with-light-driven-nanomotors
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A molecular light switch?... Just add water
December 16, 2015
A bit of stray moisture during an experiment tipped off scientists about the strange behavior of a complex oxide material they were studying—shedding light on its potential for improving chemical sensors, computing and information storage. In the presence of a water molecule on its surface, the layered material emits ultraviolet light from its interior. A team of researchers from Drexel University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of California at Berkeley, and Temple University recently published its discovery that it is possible to control UV light production via a chemical reaction that functions like flipping a light switch.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-molecular.html
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Science shocker: Light can vaporize water without heat, says MIT study
Apr 24, 2024
The photomolecular effect could explain a long-standing discrepancy in climate science – the observed higher absorption of sunlight by clouds than conventional models predict.
Light-triggered evaporation
This research, published in the journal PNAS, sheds light on a previously unknown mechanism – the photomolecular effect. The MIT team, led by Professor Gang Chen, demonstrated that light striking the water’s surface can directly liberate water molecules, causing them to evaporate into the air. This effect occurs independently of heat, upending our long-held belief that thermal energy is the sole driver of evaporation.
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Scientists Just Made Molecules Do the Impossible With Light
By combining photochemical reactions with molecular self-assembly, scientists have achieved the impossible: using light to create molecular fits that defy thermodynamic equilibrium.
This groundbreaking approach could revolutionize technology and medicine by leveraging sunlight to develop innovative materials, smart drugs, and dynamic systems mimicking the non-equilibrium processes in living organisms.
Harnessing Light for Molecular Manipulation
Using a creative combination of light-driven (photochemical) reactions and molecular self-assembly, a research team led by Prof. Alberto Credi at the University of Bologna has achieved a groundbreaking feat. They successfully inserted a thread-like molecule into the cavity of a ring-shaped molecule, forming a high-energy structure that would normally be impossible under thermodynamic equilibrium. In essence, light enables the creation of molecular configurations that nature cannot achieve on its own.
“We have shown that by administering light energy to an aqueous solution, a molecular self-assembly reaction can be prevented from reaching a thermodynamic minimum, resulting in a product distribution that does not correspond to that observed at equilibrium,” says Alberto Credi. “Such a behavior, which is at the root of many functions in living organisms, is poorly explored in artificial molecules because it is very difficult to plan and observe. The simplicity and versatility of our approach, together with the fact that visible light – i.e., sunlight – is a clean and sustainable energy source, allow us to foresee developments in various areas of technology and medicine.”
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-just-made-molecules-do-the-impossible-with-light/
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Scientists Control Atoms With Light and It Could Change Chemistry and Physics Forever
Scientists have successfully manipulated quantum systems with extreme ultraviolet light pulses, achieving precise control of atomic structures and quantum states.
This method, demonstrated at Italy’s Elettra Synchrotron, could revolutionize chemical processes and pharmaceutical manufacturing by allowing light to direct chemical reactions.
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Nanostructured device stops light in its tracks
Understanding how light waves oscillate in time as they interact with materials is essential to understanding light-driven energy transfer in materials, such as solar cells or plants. Due to the fantastically high speeds at which light waves oscillate, however, scientists have yet to develop a compact device with enough time resolution to directly capture them.
Now, a team led by MIT researchers has demonstrated chip-scale devices that can directly trace the weak electric field of light waves as they change in time. Their device, which incorporates a microchip that uses short laser pulses and nanoscale antennas, is easy to use, requiring no special environment for operation, minimal laser parameters, and conventional laboratory electronics.
The team’s work, published earlier this month in Nature Photonics, may enable the development of new tools for optical measurements with applications in areas such as biology, medicine, food safety, gas sensing, and drug discovery.
“The potential applications of this technology are many,” says co-author Phillip Donnie Keathley, group leader and Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE) research scientist. “For instance, using these optical sampling devices, researchers will be able to better understand optical absorption pathways in plants and photovoltaics, or to better identify molecular signatures in complex biological systems.”
https://news.mit.edu/2021/nanostructured-device-stops-light-its-tracks-0429
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Chip-Based Optical Tweezers Levitate Nanoparticles in a Vacuum
21 October 2021
WASHINGTON — Researchers have created tiny chip-based optical tweezers that can be used to optically levitate nanoparticles in a vacuum. Optical tweezers — which employ a tightly focused laser beam to hold living cells, nanoparticles and other objects — can be used for a variety of precision measurements and sensing applications. However, these optical traps are usually produced with bulky optical components.
“By using an ultrathin metalens, we reduced the diameter of the focusing lens from about 25 mm to about 0.4 mm,” said research team leader Tongcang Li from Purdue University. “The chip-based design can be used to create an integrated and flexible optical system for studying near-surface forces by trapping an object less than 1 micrometer away from a surface. It might also be useful for trapping cold atoms in a vacuum to study quantum processes.”
In Optica, Optica Publishing Group’s journal for high-impact research, researchers at Purdue University and Pennsylvania State University report the first realization of on-chip optical levitation in a vacuum with an ultrathin metalens. Accomplishing this feat in a vacuum helps improve the sensitivity of the system.
“Optically levitated particles can be used to create accelerometers and gyroscopes that could potentially be used in navigation,” said Li. “Scientists are also using optically levitated particles to search for dark matter and dark energy and to study gravity at short distances, which will deepen our understanding of nature.”
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Researchers discover new limit of trapping light at the nanoscale
31 August 2021
Physicists from the University of Southampton and ETH Zürich have reached a new threshold of light-matter coupling at the nanoscale.
The international research, published this week in Nature Photonics, combined theoretical and experimental findings to establish a fundamental limitation of our ability to confine and exploit light.
The collaboration focussed on photonic nano-antennas fabricated in ever reducing sizes on the top of a two-dimensional electron gas. The setup is commonly used in laboratories all over the world to explore the effect of intense electromagnetic coupling, taking advantage of the antennas? ability to trap and focus light close to electrons.
Professor Simone De Liberato, Director of the Quantum Theory and Technology group at the University of Southampton, says: "The fabrication of photonic resonators able to focus light in extremely small volumes is proving a key technology which is presently enabling advances in fields as different as material science, optoelectronics, chemistry, quantum technologies, and many others.
"In particular, the focussed light can be made to interact extremely strongly with matter, making electromagnetism non-perturbative. Light can then be used to modify the properties of the materials it interacts with, thus becoming a powerful tool for material science. Light can be effectively woven into novel materials."
Scientists discovered that light could no longer be confined in the system below a critical dimension, of the order of 250nm in the sample under study, when the experiment started exciting propagating plasmons. This caused waves of electrons to move away from the resonator and spill the energy of the photon.
Experiments performed in the group of Professors Jéréme Faist and Giacomo Scalari at ETH Zürich had obtained results that could not be interpreted with state-of-the-art understanding of light-matter coupling. The physicists approached Southampton?s School of Physics and Astronomy, where researchers led theoretical analysis and built a novel theory able to quantitatively reproduce the results.
Professor De Liberato believes the newfound limits could yet be exceeded by future experiments, unlocking dramatic technological advances that hinge on ultra-confined electromagnetic fields.
"It has been said that proofs of impossibility are only proofs of a lack of imagination," he explains. "This is not the first time that a 'fundamental limit' on how tightly we can focus light has been discovered. The most famous is the Abbe diffraction limit, from 19th century German physicist Ernst Abbe, which says light can't be confined in a volume smaller than a cubic wavelength.
"Nanophotonics is a very active and successful field of research that is studying different ways to break out of Abbe limit. I think the next step will be to use some ingenuity and look for novel ways to confine light, bypassing both Abbe limit and the one we have just discovered."
https://www.phys.soton.ac.uk/news/6984
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Scientists Use Light To Trigger Magnetism in Nonmagnetic Material
Lasers Trigger Magnetism in Atomically Thin Quantum Materials
Researchers have discovered that light — in the form of a laser — can trigger a form of magnetism in a normally nonmagnetic material. This magnetism centers on the behavior of electrons. These subatomic particles have an electronic property called “spin,” which has a potential application in quantum computing. The researchers found that electrons within the material became oriented in the same direction when illuminated by photons from a laser.
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-use-light-to-trigger-magnetism-in-nonmagnetic-material/
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Metasurfaces: Bilayer device can control many forms of polarized light
April 1, 2025
Researchers have created a bilayer metasurface made of two stacked
layers of titanium dioxide nanostructures, opening new possibilities for
structuring light.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250401151633.htm
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“Photonic Sunflower” – Controlled by Light Alone, New Smart Materials Twist, Bend and Move
Photonic material in the shape of a flower can move in response to light, closely tracking the angle of maximum exposure.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Engineering have created light-activated composite devices able to execute precise, visible movements and form complex three-dimensional shapes without the need for wires or other actuating materials or energy sources. The design combines programmable photonic crystals with an elastomeric composite that can be engineered at the macro and nano scale to respond to illumination.
The research provides new avenues for the development of smart light-driven systems such as high-efficiency, self-aligning solar cells that automatically follow the sun’s direction and angle of light, light-actuated microfluidic valves or soft robots that move with light on demand. A “photonic sunflower,” whose petals curl towards and away from illumination and which tracks the path and angle of the light, demonstrates the technology in a paper that appears today (March 12th, 2021) in Nature Communications.
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Controlling Light with a Material Three Atoms Thick
October 22, 2021
Most of us control light all the time without even thinking about it, usually in mundane ways: we don a pair of sunglasses and put on sunscreen, and close—or open—our window blinds.
But the control of light can also come in high-tech forms. The screen of the computer, tablet, or phone on which you are reading this is one example. Another is telecommunications, which controls light to create signals that carry data along fiber-optic cables.
Scientists also use high-tech methods to control light in the laboratory, and now, thanks to a new breakthrough that uses a specialized material only three atoms thick, they can control light more precisely than ever before.
https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/controlling-light-with-a-material-three-atoms-thick
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One-way light beam can be steered in different directions
January 11, 2016
Over the past few years, scientists have demonstrated the phenomenon of "one-way light," in which a light beam propagates in one direction only. The materials used to achieve this effect can be thought of as optical diodes, in analogy to the diodes used in electric circuits that allow an electric current to travel in one direction while prohibiting it from traveling in the opposite direction. One-way light could play an important role in integrated photonic circuits, which perform operations using beams of light instead of an electric current.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-one-way.html
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Microdrones soar by recoiling light
Nano-antennas generate optical recoil forces that can be used to
independently control the direction and rotation of small objects.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-022-01094-4
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Measuring how effectively light drives a molecular pump
27 June 2022
Information thermodynamics offers a route to measure how effectively a light-driven molecular machine converts energy from absorbed photons into pumped motion.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-022-01152-x
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Light propagates through the surface of new photonic crystal without being scattered
September 18, 2015
NIMS MANA researchers elucidated a new principle whereby electromagnetic waves including light propagate on the surface of a photonic crystal without being scattered.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-propagates-surface-photonic-crystal.html#nRlv
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Chiral plasmonic nanostructures push the limits of light manipulation on the nanoscale
April 10, 2025
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of an array formed by 45 nm
colloidal Au nanoparticles self-assembled into chiral motifs, in this
case triskelions, fabricated using a template-assisted self-assembly
method.
https://phys.org/news/2025-04-chiral-plasmonic-nanostructures-limits-nanoscale.html
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Quantum Vacuum Breakthrough: Oxford Physicists Make Light Emerge From “Nothing”
- Oxford scientists have simulated light interacting with “empty” space—a strange quantum effect that sounds like science fiction but is rooted in real physics.
- Incredibly, the simulation shows light being created from darkness, confirming predictions from quantum theory about the vacuum being filled with invisible, flickering particles.
- This breakthrough brings us one step closer to proving these wild effects in real-world labs, using ultra-powerful laser systems now coming online around the world.
- The research was published in Communications Physics, marking a major step in turning once-theoretical physics into testable reality.
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Nano-architected Material Refracts Light Backward – an Important Step toward One Day Creating Photonic Circuits
2022-01-31
A newly created nano-architected material exhibits a property that
previously was just theoretically possible: it can refract light backward,
regardless of the angle at which the light strikes the material.
This property is known as negative refraction and it means that the refractive index—the
speed that light can travel through a given material—is negative across a portion of the
electromagnetic spectrum at all angles.
Refraction is a common property in materials; think of the way a straw in a glass of water
appears shifted to the side, or the way lenses in eyeglasses focus light. But negative
refraction does not just involve shifting light a few degrees to one side. Rather, the light is
sent in an angle completely opposite from the one at which it entered the material. This has
not been observed in nature but, beginning in the 1960s, was theorized to occur in so-called
artificially periodic materials—that is, materials constructed to have a specific structural
pattern. Only now have fabrication processes have caught up to theory to make negative
refraction a reality.
"Negative refraction is crucial to the future of nanophotonics, which seeks to understand and
manipulate the behavior of light when it interacts with materials or solid structures at the
smallest possible scales," says Julia R. Greer, Caltech's Ruben F. and Donna Mettler Professor
of Materials Science, Mechanics and Medical Engineering...
https://statnano.com/index.php?ctrl=news&action=news_pdf&id=70343&lang=2
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Synthetic circuits can harvest light energy
November 13, 2017
Novel structures made with DNA scaffolds could be used to create solar-powered materials.
By organizing pigments on a DNA scaffold, an MIT-led team of researchers has designed a light-harvesting material that closely mimics the structure of naturally occurring photosynthetic structures.
The researchers showed that their synthetic material can absorb light and efficiently transfer its energy along precisely controlled pathways. This type of structure could be incorporated into materials such as glass or textiles, enabling them to harvest or otherwise control incoming energy from sunlight, says Mark Bathe, an associate professor of biological engineering at MIT.
“This is the first demonstration of a purely synthetic mimic of a natural light-harvesting circuit that consists of densely packed clusters of dyes that are precisely organized spatially at the nanometer scale, as found in bacterial systems,” Bathe says. One nanometer is one billionth of a meter, or 1/10,000 the thickness of a human hair.
https://chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-news/synthetic-circuits-can-harvest-light-energy/
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New Nanoantenna Technology Designed to Harvest Light
University of Illinois Researchers Develop New Framework for Nanoantenna Light Absorption
Harnessing light’s energy into nanoscale volumes requires novel engineering approaches to overcome a fundamental barrier known as the “diffraction limit.” However, University of Illinois researchers have breached this barrier by developing nanoantennas that pack the energy captured from light sources, such as LEDs, into particles with nanometer-scale diameters, making it possible to detect individual biomolecules, catalyze chemical reactions, and generate photons with desirable properties for quantum computing.
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Nature’s Chaos That Powers Life: MIT Chemists Discover Why Photosynthetic Light-Harvesting Is So Efficient
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"Solid" light reveals new insights about quantum mechanics
September 18, 2014
Researchers at Princeton University have devised a method for giving light the properties of liquids and solids, with huge potential ramifications in the study of quantum mechanics and other areas of physics.
http://www.gizmag.com/solid-light-quantum-mechanics/33865/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Physicists propose method for braiding light
August 22, 2016
http://phys.org/news/2016-08-physicists-method-braiding.html
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Ultrastrong coupling between light and matter
08 January 2019
Abstract
Ultrastrong coupling between light and matter has, in the past decade, transitioned from a theoretical idea to an experimental reality. It is a new regime of quantum light–matter interaction, which goes beyond weak and strong coupling to make the coupling strength comparable to the transition frequencies in the system. The achievement of weak and strong coupling has led to increased control of quantum systems and to applications such as lasers, quantum sensing, and quantum information processing. Here we review the theory of quantum systems with ultrastrong coupling, discussing entangled ground states with virtual excitations, new avenues for nonlinear optics, and connections to several important physical models. We also overview the multitude of experimental setups, including superconducting circuits, organic molecules, semiconductor polaritons, and optomechanical systems, that have now achieved ultrastrong coupling. We conclude by discussing the many potential applications that these achievements enable in physics and chemistry.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s42254-018-0006-2
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Groundbreaking experiment aims to create matter from light
May 18, 2014
Researchers at Imperial College London have devised a method of achieving light to matter transformation at power levels orders of magnitude lower than previously thought possible...
http://www.gizmag.com/experiment-to-turn-light-into-matter/32107/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Photons collide in the void: Quantum simulation creates light out of nothing
June 8, 2025
Physicists have managed to simulate a strange quantum phenomenon where light appears to arise from empty space a concept that until now has only existed in theory. Using cutting-edge simulations, researchers modeled how powerful lasers interact with the so-called quantum vacuum, revealing how photons could bounce off each other and even generate new beams of light. These breakthroughs come just as new ultra-powerful laser facilities are preparing to test these mind-bending effects in reality, potentially opening a gateway to uncovering new physics and even dark matter particles.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250608072527.htm
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Light and matter merge in quantum coupling
August 22, 2016
Where light and matter intersect, the world illuminates. Where light and matter interact so strongly that they become one, they illuminate a world of new physics, according to Rice University scientists.
Rice physicists are closing in on a way to create a new condensed matter state in which all the electrons in a material act as one by manipulating them with light and a magnetic field. The effect made possible by a custom-built, finely tuned cavity for terahertz radiation shows one of the strongest light-matter coupling phenomena ever observed.
The work by Rice physicist Junichiro Kono and his colleagues is described in Nature Physics. It could help advance technologies like quantum computers and communications by revealing new phenomena to those who study cavity quantum electrodynamics and condensed matter physics, Kono said.
http://phys.org/news/2016-08-merge-quantum-coupling.html#jCp
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For faster battery charging, try a quantum battery?
August 3, 2015
Physicists have shown that a quantum battery—basically, a quantum
system such as a qubit that stores energy in its quantum states—can
theoretically be charged at a faster rate than conventional batteries.
This "quantum speedup" arises from quantum entanglement among multiple
qubits, which essentially provides a shortcut between the qubits'
uncharged and charged states, allowing for faster charging.
http://phys.org/news/2015-08-faster-battery-quantum.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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Stanford breakthrough heralds super-efficient light-based computers
May 28, 2015
Light can transmit more data while consuming far less power than electricity, and an engineering feat brings optical data transport closer to replacing wires.
Infrared light enters this silicon structure from the left. The cut-out patterns, determined by an algorithm, route two different frequencies of this light into the pathways on the right. This is a greatly magnified image of a working device that is about the size of a speck of dust.
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Wireless Biosensor Uses Light To Monitor Cellular Communication
December 23, 2024
MIT researchers developed wireless antennas that use light to detect cell electrical signals.
Monitoring electrical signals in biological systems helps scientists understand how cells communicate, which can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like arrhythmia and Alzheimer’s.
But devices that record electrical signals in cell cultures and other liquid environments often use wires to connect each electrode on the device to its respective amplifier. Because only so many wires can be connected to the device, this restricts the number of recording sites, limiting the information that can be collected from cells.
MIT researchers have now developed a biosensing technique that eliminates the need for wires. Instead, tiny, wireless antennas use light to detect minute electrical signals.
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New MIT chip technology uses light to make computers faster and greener
July 30, 2025
Researchers at MIT have found a cheaper, faster, and more efficient way to connect computer chips that use light—called photonics—with traditional chips that use electricity.
This could be a big step toward building the next generation of computers and communication systems, where light and electricity work together to handle massive amounts of data more efficiently.
As our digital world grows, so does the need for faster and more energy-efficient technology. Every year, we use more devices—from phones and GPS units to smart gadgets—all of which connect to the cloud and generate data.
According to MIT Professor Lionel Kimerling, this data traffic is growing a thousand times every ten years. But we can’t just keep using more and more energy to keep up.
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Quantum computer that 'computes without running' sets efficiency record
August 31, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-08-quantum-efficiency.html
Due
to quantum effects, it's possible to build a quantum computer that
computes without running—or as the scientists explain, "the result of a
computation may be learned without actually running the computer." So
far, however, the efficiency of this process, which is called
counterfactual computation (CFC), has had an upper limit of 50%,
limiting its practical applications.
Now in a
new paper, scientists have experimentally demonstrated a slightly
different version called a "generalized CFC" that has an efficiency of
85% with the potential to reach 100%. This improvement opens the doors
to realizing a much greater variety of applications, such as low-light
medical X-rays and the imaging of delicate biological cells and
proteins—in certain cases, using only a single photon.
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LANL: New Quantum Device Generates Single Photons, Encodes Information
August 26, 2023
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Breakthrough rectenna converts light into DC current
September 30, 2015
Rectifying antennas – "rectennas" – are used as parasitic power capture
devices that absorb radio frequency (RF) energy and convert it into
usable electrical power. Constructing such devices to absorb and rectify
at optical wavelengths has proved impractical in the past, but the
advent of carbon nanotubes
and advances in microscopic manufacturing technology have allowed
engineers at the Georgia Institute of Technology to create rectennas
that capture and convert light to direct electrical current. The
researchers believe that their creation may eventually help double the
efficiency of solar energy harvesting.
http://www.gizmag.com/carbon-nanotube-rectenna-light-electricity-georgia-tech/39631/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Engineers demo first processor that uses light for ultrafast communications
December 23, 2015
Engineers have successfully married electrons and photons within a single-chip microprocessor, a landmark development that opens the door to ultrafast, low-power data crunching.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-demo-processor-ultrafast.html#jCp
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Experiment with electrons paves the way to new power standard
24 January 2022
https://innovationorigins.com/en/selected/experiment-with-electrons-paves-the-way-to-new-power-standard/
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Internet by light promises to leave Wi-Fi eating dust
February 23, 2016
Connecting your
smartphone to the web with just a lamp—that is the promise of Li-Fi,
featuring Internet access 100 times faster than Wi-Fi with revolutionary
wireless technology.
http://phys.org/news/2016-02-internet-wi-fi.html#nRlv
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Are sound waves a better way to move data?
November 6, 2015
Researchers from the University of Leeds and Sheffield University
have created a way to move data through magnetic nanowires by using
surface acoustic waves as the motivating force. Being developed for use
in so-called racetrack solid-state memory,
the researchers claim that using sound waves for data transfer should
markedly increase computer processing speeds while vastly reducing power
consumption.
Developed by IBM, racetrack memory (where data runs
up and down a track of wires like race cars, hence the name) uses the
transition between different magnetic moments (directions) in the domain
walls separating each of the magnetic areas found in the nanowires that
make up the memory. As each transition between these areas results in
an angular displacement (a change of magnetic "direction") of 90 or 180
degrees, the racetrack memory allocates a one or zero to each of these
changes to represent binary data along the length of the wire.
http://www.gizmag.com/sound-waves-racetrack-data-memory/40231/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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What element is attracted the most to a magnet?
Jan 31, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COWNJghBs3Y
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Making ferrofluid from scratch
Jul 5, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6L8yUY-doNc
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Material that could revolutionize memory storage is magnetic, but not as we know it
November 2, 2015
Using a type of magnetic insulator material that normally doesn’t conduct
electricity, scientists working at Stanford University and the Department of
Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have shown that electric currents
can still be made to flow along the borders of the grains within the material. This latest research
not only validates a long-held belief that magnetic insulators could be used to
conduct electricity, but offers a more tantalizing possibility of creating
highly-efficient magnetic memory devices.
http://www.gizmag.com/magnetic-insulator-memory-storage-slac/40166/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Magnetic substructure leads way to superfast and precise data storage
January 12, 2015
With a surprising discovery, an international team of
scientists from Radboud University, Switzerland and Japan demonstrates
the feasibility of selective magnetization switching inside a
microstructure by using laser light. Their findings open opportunities
for very-high-density information storage media.
http://phys.org/news/2015-01-magnetic-substructure-superfast-precise-storage.html#nRlv
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Making a new generation of memristors for digital memory and computation
February 3, 2016
Memristors
are a new class of electrical circuits—and they could end the silicon
era and change electronics forever. Since HP first developed a working
prototype with a titanium dioxide film in 2008, engineers have sought to
perfect the model.
Now, researchers at Michigan
Technological University have made an ideal memristor based on
molybdenum disulfide nanosheets. Yun Hang Hu, the Charles and Carroll
McArthur Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, led the
research, which was published in Nano Letters this January.
Beyond Binary Code
Transistors
based on silicon, which is the main component of computer chips, work
using a flow of electrons. If the flow of electrons is interrupted in a
transistor, all information is lost. However, memristors are electrical
devices with memory; their resistance is dependent on the dynamic
evolution of internal state variables. In other words, memristors can
remember the amount of charge that was flowing through the material and
retain the data even when the power is turned off.
"Memristors can be used to create super-fast memory chips with more data at less energy consumption" Hu says.
Additionally,
a transistor is confined by binary codes—all the ones and zeros that
run the internet, Candy Crush games, Fitbits and home computers. In
contrast, memristors function in a similar way to a human brain using
multiple levels, actually every number between zero and one. Memristors
will lead to a revolution for computers and provide a chance to create
human-like artificial intelligence.
http://phys.org/news/2016-02-memristors-digital-memory.html#nRlv
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AI 'lights up' nanoparticles, revealing hidden atomic dynamics
March 6, 2025
A
team of scientists have developed a method to illuminate the dynamic
behavior of nanoparticles, which are foundational components in the
creation of pharmaceuticals, electronics, and industrial and
energy-conversion materials. The advance, reported in the journal
Science, combines artificial intelligence with electron microscopy to
render visuals of how these tiny bits of matter respond to stimuli.
https://elnano.com/ai-lights-up-nanoparticles-revealing-hidden-atomic-dynamics/
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Precise molecular fingerprinting on the fly
December 22, 2015
Electro-optic modulators, which can switch light on and off within just picoseconds, are enabling ever faster telecommunication over optical glass fibres, so that large movies can be streamed more smoothly across oceans into our homes. The same tools have now been harnessed for high-speed and accurate molecular sensing, as reported by an international collaboration around Dr. Nathalie Picqué, Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, in a letter published in Nature Photonics, 21 December 2015. The collaboration partners are with the Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire Carnot de Bourgogne (France) and the Institut des Sciences Moléculaires d'Orsay (France).
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-precise-molecular-fingerprinting.html
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World's smallest beamsplitter paves way toward computing at the speed of light
May 18, 2015
Silicon photonics is an emerging technology that incorporates electronic
circuits using photons of laser light rather
than electrons to transmit, receive, and manipulate information. As
such, a silicon photonic CPU could potentially
process information at the speed of light – millions of times faster
than computers available today. In a step towards this goal, engineers
working at the University of Utah have developed an ultra-compact
photonic beam-splitter
so small that millions of these devices could fit on a single silicon
chip.
http://www.gizmag.com/computing-lightspeed-photonics-beamsplitter/37562/
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When an electron splits in two
May 12, 2015
As an elementary particle, the electron cannot be broken down into smaller particles, at least as far as is currently known. However, in a phenomenon called electron fractionalization, in certain materials an electron can be broken down into smaller "charge pulses," each of which carries a fraction of the electron's charge. Although electron fractionalization has many interesting implications, its origins are not well understood. -
- Gaining a better understanding of electron fractionalization could have a variety of implications for research in condensed matter physics, such as controlling single-electron currents in one-dimensional wires.
The experiment reveals that, when a single electron fractionalizes into two pulses, the final state cannot be described as a single-particle state, but rather as a collective state composed of several excitations. For this reason, the fractionalization process destroys the original electron particle. Electron destruction can be measured by the decoherence of the electron's wave packet.
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-electron.html#jCp
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Researchers first to create a single-molecule diode
May 25, 2015
Under the direction of Latha Venkataraman, associate professor
of applied physics at Columbia Engineering, researchers have designed a
new technique to create a single-molecule diode, and, in doing so, they
have developed molecular diodes that perform 50 times better than all
prior designs. Venkataraman's group is the first to develop a
single-molecule diode that may have real-world technological
applications for nanoscale devices. Their paper, "Single-Molecule Diodes
with High On-Off Ratios through Environmental Control," is published
May 25 in Nature Nanotechnology. "Our
new approach created a single-molecule diode that has a high (>250)
rectification and a high "on" current (~ 0.1 micro Amps)," says
Venkataraman. "Constructing a device where the active elements are only a
single molecule has long been a tantalizing dream in nanoscience. This
goal, which has been the 'holy grail' of molecular electronics ever
since its inception with Aviram and Ratner's 1974 seminal paper,
represents the ultimate in functional miniaturization that can be
achieved for an electronic device."
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-single-molecule-diode.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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Scientists Have Turned Light Into a Supersolid—Here's Why That's a Big Deal
Mar 07, 2025
Scientists have succeeded in making light behave like a "supersolid" for the first time—a breakthrough that could improve our understanding of this exotic phase of matter.
A supersolid has an ordered structure like a solid but can also flow without friction like a superfluid, and previously they have only been produced in so-called "Bose–Einstein condensates"—which are formed when a gas of atoms is cooled to near absolute zero.
"This is only the beginning of understanding supersolidity," said Italy-based physicists Antonio Gianfate of CNR Nanotec and Davide Nigro of the University of Pavia in a research summary.
https://www.newsweek.com/supersolid-light-physics-quantum-mechanics-2041338
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Webinar: One-dimensional quantum wire: physics and applications at ultra low temperatures
http://connect.physicsworld.com/nanotechnology/one-dimensional-quantum-wire-physics-and-applications/2002285.article#webinar
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Electronic contacts with a single molecule
23 October 2013
http://connect.physicsworld.com/nanotechnology/electronic-contacts-with-a-single-molecule/2001245.article
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New Method to Control Nanoparticles with Light and Magnets
Elemental mapping of the location of iron atoms (blue) in the magnetic nanoparticles and cadmium (red) in the fluorescent quantum dots provide a clear visualization of the way the two kinds of particles naturally separate themselves into a core-and-shell structure.
A team of researchers has developed particles that can glow with color-coded light and be manipulated with magnets, improving the likelihood of tracking the position of the nanoparticles as they move within the body or inside a cell.
A long-sought goal of creating particles that can emit a colorful
fluorescent glow in a biological environment, and that could be
precisely manipulated into position within living cells, has been
achieved by a team of researchers at MIT and several other institutions. The finding is reported this week in the journal Nature Communications.
https://scitechdaily.com/new-method-control-nanoparticles-light-magnets/
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Supercomputer study shows Lambda baryon a type of quark molecule
Apr 06, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-04-supercomputer-lambda-baryon-quark-molecule.html
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If a flashlight was on and free floating in space would it accelerate?
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2p6fku/if_a_flashlight_was_on_and_free_floating_in_space/
Q: Would the emission of photos push the flashlight at all?
Short answer: Yes. Photons carry momentum, which would cause the flashlight to experience a force against the direction it was shining.
____________________________________
In quantum physics, some scientists claim that if you were able to pinpoint physical particles in a beam of light or a lazer, then connect or stretch those particles back to the source where the light originated. That it could be possible to send physical particles from one location, to another location through a portal.
____________________________________
Scientists At NASA Announce That Space Portals Actually Do Exist
5th May 2015
http://www.neonnettle.com/news/1432-scientists-at-nasa-announce-that-space-portals-actually-do-exist
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Experiment confirms quantum theory weirdness
May 27, 2015
The
bizarre nature of reality as laid out by quantum theory has survived
another test, with scientists performing a famous experiment and proving
that reality does not exist until it is measured.
Physicists
at The Australian National University (ANU) have conducted John
Wheeler's delayed-choice thought experiment, which involves a moving
object that is given the choice to act like a particle or a wave.
Wheeler's experiment then asks - at which point does the object decide?
Common
sense says the object is either wave-like or particle-like, independent
of how we measure it. But quantum physics predicts that whether you
observe wave like behavior (interference) or particle behavior (no
interference) depends only on how it is actually measured at the end of
its journey. This is exactly what the ANU team found.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-05-quantum-theory-weirdness.html#jCp
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Best of Last Week – A way to measure variations in the speed of light, a slower universe and plucking hair
Apr 13, 2015
(Phys.org)—It
was a big week for physics. First, a trio of researchers proposed a
method to measure variations in the speed of light—in alternative
theories of cosmology where it has been theorized that time and space
can vary. Also, another team showed that the "quantum freezing
phenomenon" is universal—this describes conditions in which quantum
correlations can be "frozen" in a constant state and remain that way in
the presence of noise. Meanwhile another team suggested that
"unparticles" may provide a new path to superconductivity—the
hypothetical form of matter, the researchers suggest, could play a key
role in mediating superconductivity.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-04-week-variations-slower-universe-plucking.html#jCp
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Traveling without moving: Quantum communication scheme transfers quantum states without transmitting physical particles
Mar 10, 2015
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-03-quantum-scheme-states-transmitting-physical.html#jCp
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Light-based memory chip is the first ever to store data permanently
September 22, 2015
The
world's first entirely light-based memory chip to store data
permanently has been developed by material scientists at Oxford
University and University of Münster in collaboration with scientists at
Karlsruhe and Exeter. The device, which makes use of materials used in
CDs and DVDs, could help dramatically improve the speed of modern
computing
Today's computers are held back by the relatively slow
transmission of electronic data between the processor and the memory.
"There's no point using faster processors if the limiting factor is the
shuttling of information to-and-from the memory—the so-called
von-Neumann bottleneck," explains Professor Harish Bhaskaran, the Oxford
engineer who led the research along with Professor Wolfram Pernice from
the University of Münster. "But we think using light can significantly
speed this up."
Simply bridging the processor-memory
gap with photons isn't efficient, though, because of the need to convert
them back into electronic signals at each end. Instead, memory and
processing capabilities would need be light-based too. Researchers have
tried to create this kind of photonic memory before, but the results
have always been volatile, requiring power in order to store data. For
many applications—such as computer disk drives—it's essential to be able
to store data indefinitely, with or without power.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-light-based-memory-chip-permanently.html#jCp
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Unparticles may provide a new path to superconductivity
Apr 07, 2015
(Phys.org)—Physicists have proposed that a hypothetical form of matter
called "unparticles" may play a key role in mediating
superconductivity—the ability of certain materials to conduct
electricity with zero resistance.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-04-unparticles-path-superconductivity.html#jCp
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We
can use energy from the sun, including materials that can bend and
fluctuate, to create and store energy. This type of energy is mentioned
in the chapter titled "Piezoelectric energy."
____________________________________
Energy-Harvesting "Piezo-tree" to Produce Renewable Energy
December 29, 2009
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/energy-harvesting-piezo-tree-to-produce-renewable-energy-20091229/#.VSYHGZO-2zk
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Chemistry student makes sun harvest breakthrough
May 06, 2015
- The group is working with molecules known as the dihydroazulene-vinylheptafulvene system. Put very simply, this stores energy by changing shape, but every time the Brøndsted group managed to design improved molecules, the molecules lost some of their ability to hold their energy storage configuration, says professor Brøndsted."Regardless of what we did to prevent it, the molecules would change their shape back and release the stored energy after just an hour or two. Anders' achievement was that he managed to double the energy density in a molecule that can hold its shape for a hundred years. Our only problem now is how we get it to release the energy again. The molecule does not seem to want to change its shape back again," says Mogens Brøndsted...
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-chemistry-student-sun-harvest-breakthrough.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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Magnetic Effect of Light Could Lead to New Solar Panels Technology
April 19, 2011
The great side about physics is that it discovers things where you would
least expect them to be found. For example, just when you thought you
knew everything about light, here comes an exciting new discovery that
could become an alternative source of power, involving the magnetic
properties of light!
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/magnetic-effect-light-solar-energy-20110419/
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Chemists find new way to do light-driven reactions in solar energy quest
August 6, 2015
Chemists
have found a new, more efficient method to perform light-driven
reactions, opening up another possible pathway to harness sunlight for
energy. The journal Science is publishing the new method, which is based
on plasmon - a special motion of electrons involved in the optical
properties of metals.
http://phys.org/news/2015-08-chemists-light-driven-reactions-solar-energy.html#jCp
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Most precise test of Lorentz symmetry for the photon finds that the speed of light is indeed constant
September 15, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-precise-lorentz-symmetry-photon-constant.html#jCp
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Advancing light-to-electricity energy conversion: New method extends lifespan of plasmonic hot holes
Mar 18 2025
When
light interacts with metallic nanostructures, it instantaneously
generates plasmonic hot carriers, which serve as key intermediates for
converting optical energy into high-value energy sources such as
electricity and chemical energy. Among these, hot holes play a crucial
role in enhancing photoelectrochemical reactions. However, they
thermally dissipate within picoseconds (trillionths of a second), making
practical applications challenging.
Now, a Korean research team
has successfully developed a method for sustaining hot holes longer and
amplifying their flow, accelerating the commercialization of
next-generation, high-efficiency, light-to-energy conversion
technologies.
The research team, led by Distinguished Professor
Jeong Young Park from the Department of Chemistry at KAIST, in
collaboration with Professor Moonsang Lee from the Department of
Materials Science and Engineering at Inha University, has successfully
amplified the flow of hot holes and mapped local current distribution in
real time, thereby elucidating the mechanism of photocurrent
enhancement. The work is published in Science Advances.
https://lifeboat.com/blog/2025/03/advancing-light-to-electricity-energy-conversion-new-method-extends-lifespan-of-plasmonic-hot-holes
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Integrated lightwave electronics
https://news.mit.edu/2020/integrated-lightwave-electronics-0723
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Light-powered computer chip can train AI much faster than components powered by electricity
March 25, 2024
New chip design uses photons rather than electrons to perform
calculations, and scientists hope to integrate the technology into
future graphics cards to train AI.
https://www.livescience.com/technology/electronics/light-powered-computer-chips-can-train-ai-much-faster-than-components-powered-by-electricity
____________________________________
Light-powered enzymes create valuable chiral molecules from plant-based building blocks
June 24, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-powered-enzymes-valuable-chiral-molecules.html
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Chapter 10: Tesla Coils
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
We
need a clean source of energy. Many claim we already can generate energy
out of hydrogen, air, water, magnetism, including cold fusion and friction.
Many people think that the inventions of Nikola Tesla could harness an abundance of clean energy for the people of this planet.
____________________________________
U.S. Army develops Tesla-style lightning bolt to destroy enemy vehicles
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2165966/U-S-Army-develops-Tesla-style-lightning-bolt-destroy-enemy-vehicles-adds-Sci-fi-fans-youre-welcome.html
____________________________________
Tesla coil
A Tesla coil is an electrical resonant transformer circuit invented by Nikola Tesla around 1891. It is used to produce high-voltage, low-current, high frequency alternating-current electricity. Tesla experimented with a number of different configurations consisting of two, or sometimes three, coupled resonant electric circuits.
Tesla used these coils to conduct innovative experiments in electrical lighting, phosphorescence, X-ray generation, high frequency alternating current phenomena, electrotherapy, and the transmission of electrical energy without wires. Tesla coil circuits were used commercially in sparkgap radio transmitters for wireless telegraphy until the 1920s, and in medical equipment such as electrotherapy and violet ray
devices. Today their main use is for entertainment and educational
displays, although small coils are still used today as leak detectors
for high vacuum systems.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_coil
____________________________________
Teleforce
Teleforce is a charged particle beam projector that Nikola Tesla claimed to have conceived of after studying the Van de Graaff generator. Tesla described the weapon as being able to be used against ground-based infantry or for anti-aircraft purposes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teleforce
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NIKOLA TESLA - THE MASTER OF LIGHTNING - Discovery History Science (documentary)
May 4, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb5LMWpL3io
____________________________________
Scalar Waves: Nicola Tesla's Forgotten Discovery Of A Source Of Clean, Cost Free Energy
Scalar wavelengths are finer than gamma rays or X rays and only one hundred millionth of a square centimeter in width. They belong to the subtle gravitational field and are also known as gravitic waves. Uniquely, they flow in multiple directions at right angles off electromagnetic waves, as an untapped energy source called 'potentials'. Potentials are particles which are unorganized in hyperspace - pure etheric energy not manifest in the physical world. In comparison, electromagnetic waves (measured by so many hertz or pulses per second, with which we are familiar with as radio other waves in the electro-magnetic spectrum) exist normally in the physical world, but can only be measured up to levels determined by the sensitivity of the equipment being used as to how many cycles per second they operate.
http://www.greenteethmm.com/science-scalar-waves.shtml
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How the Physics of Electromagnetism can Generate Electricity
http://syzygyastro.hubpages.com/hub/How-the-Physics-of-Electromagnetism-can-Generate-Electricity
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Getting a charge from changes in humidity
Jan 27, 2014
New type of generator built with bacterial spores could one day provide a steady source of green electricity
BOSTON — A new type of electrical generator uses bacterial spores to
harness the untapped power of evaporating water, according to research
conducted at the Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering at
Harvard University. Its developers foresee electrical generators driven
by changes in humidity from sun-warmed ponds and harbors.
The prototype generators work by harnessing the movement of a sheet
of rubber coated on one side with spores. The sheet bends when it dries
out, much as a pine cone opens as it dries or a freshly fallen leaf
curls, and then straightens when humidity rises. Such bending back and
forth means that spore-coated sheets or tiny planks can act as actuators
that drive movement, and that movement can be harvested to generate
electricity.
http://wyss.harvard.edu/viewpressrelease/137/getting-a-charge-from-changes-in-humidity
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A new clean nuclear fusion reactor has been designed
January 14, 2013
http://phys.org/news/2013-01-nuclear-fusion-reactor.html#nRlv
A
researcher at the Universidad politécnica de Madrid (UPM, Spain) has
patented a nuclear fusion reactor by inertial confinement that, apart
from be used to generate electric power in plants, can be applied to
propel ships.
This invention is the result of a work
carried out by the Professor José Luis González Díez from the Higher
Technical School of Naval Engineering of the UPM, who has contributed to
solve the problem of contamination risk associated with the generation
of nuclear fission power. It is a design of a fusion nuclear reactor by
laser ignition of 1000 MWe that uses as fuel hydrogen isotopes that can
be extracted from water allowing us a significant saving in fuel.
The
nuclear fission is generally considered as a dangerous energy due to
its contaminant risks of radioactive waste resulting from the
electricity generation process. The past events occurred in Japan after
the tsunami of 2011 increased the risk perception of this type of energy
generation what has provoked that research on alternative ways to
obtain energy have gained more importance than ever.
For
years, nuclear fusion was studied as an alternative to nuclear fission
because of its remarkable advantages for security and financial issues.
However, today, there is not working any fusion reactor to produce
continuous electrical energy of high voltage.
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Electrostatic nuclear accelerator
An electrostatic nuclear accelerator is one of the two main types of particle accelerators, where charged particles can be accelerated by subjection to a static high voltage potential. The static high voltage method is contrasted with the dynamic fields used in oscillating field particle accelerators. Owing to their simpler design, historically these accelerators were developed earlier. These machines are operated at lower energy than some larger oscillating field accelerators, and to the extent that the energy regime scales with the cost of these machines, in broad terms these machines are less expensive than higher energy machines, and as such they are much more common. Many universities world wide have electrostatic accelerators for research purposes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrostatic_nuclear_accelerator
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TESLA project goes public
http://cerncourier.com/cws/article/cern/28450
At a major event held at the DESY laboratory in March (see News May 2000), the international TESLA
collaboration, together with the members of various study groups, released the TESLA Technical
Design Report. This five-volume opus presented the final facts and figures concerning a grand plan
for the future: the "TeV-Energy Superconducting Linear Accelerator", a 33 km electron-positron
linear collider with an integrated X-ray laser laboratory.
To be built near the DESY
laboratory in Hamburg, the facility would not only provide particle collision energies of 500 GeV -
which could be increased to 800 GeV - but also include powerful X-ray lasers that would open up
new research opportunities in a variety of fields, ranging from condensed matter physics through
chemistry and material science to structural biology.
It is widely acknowledged among
particle physicists that a linear accelerator colliding electrons and positrons is the ideal machine to
complement CERN's Large Hadron Collider, which is due to start operation in 2006. As well as
the TESLA collaboration, plans for similar next-generation linear electron-positron colliders are
being worked on by other teams.
SLAC in the US and KEK in Japan are jointly developing
two similar designs - known respectively as the Next Linear Collider and the Japan Linear Collider
- which could be ready for construction at around the same time as TESLA. CERN is also
working on a next-generation collider, CLIC. However, the TESLA proposal is the first to be fully
costed and made public. It is also the only project to include an X-ray laser laboratory and thus to
address a large interdisciplinary research community.
____________________________________
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Chapter 11: CERN
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Doing experiments with the
interaction of antimatter, including chemicals such as uranium, have
many people and scientists concerned. As we know, smashing certain
chemicals, such as uranium at very high speeds, could create a giant
catastrophic explosion on the planet.
----------------------------
Gravitational interaction of antimatter
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravitational_interaction_of_antimatter
The
gravitational interaction of antimatter with matter or antimatter has
not been conclusively observed by physicists. While the overwhelming
consensus among physicists is that antimatter will attract both matter
and antimatter at the same rate that matter attracts matter, there is a
strong desire to confirm this experimentally.
Antimatter's
rarity and tendency to annihilate when brought into contact with matter
makes its study a technically demanding task. Most methods for the
creation of antimatter (specifically antihydrogen) result in high-energy
particles and atoms of high kinetic energy, which are unsuitable for
gravity-related study. In recent years, first ALPHA [1][2] and then
ATRAP [3] have trapped antihydrogen atoms at CERN; in 2013 ALPHA used
such atoms to set the first free-fall loose bounds on the gravitational
interaction of antimatter with matter, with a relative precision of the
measurement of ±100%, not enough for a clear scientific statement about
the sign of gravity acting on antimatter. Future experiments need to be
performed with higher precision, either with beams of antihydrogen
(AEGIS or GBAR) or with trapped antihydrogen (ALPHA).
____________________________________
CERN researchers confirm existence of the Force
April, 2015
Researchers at the
Large Hadron Collider just recently started testing the accelerator for
running at the higher energy of 13 TeV, and already they have found new
insights into the fundamental structure of the universe. Though four
fundamental forces – the strong force, the weak force, the
electromagnetic force and gravity – have been well documented and
confirmed in experiments over the years, CERN announced today the first
unequivocal evidence for the Force. "Very impressive, this result is,"
said a diminutive green spokesperson for the laboratory.
http://phys.org/news/2015-04-cern.html#jCp
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Meson f0(1710) could be so-called “glueball” particle made purely of nuclear force
Terms to describe the strange world of quantum physics have come to
be quite common in our lexicon. Who, for instance, hasn't at least heard
of a quark, or a gluon or even Schrodinger's cat? Now there's a new
name to remember: "Glueball." A long sought-after exotic particle, and
recently claimed to have been detected by researchers at TU Wien, the
glueball's strangest characteristic is that it is composed entirely of
gluons. In other words, it is a particle created from pure force.
First mooted as a particle in 1972 when physicists
Murray Gell-Mann and Harald Fritsch wondered about possible bound states
of recently-discovered gluons, scientists have sought the particle in
the intervening decades. Originally dubbed "gluonium," but now called
glueballs, these strange particles of pure force are exceptionally
unstable and can only be indirectly detected by monitoring their decay
as they disassemble into lesser particles.
More recently, physics Professor Anton
Rebhan and his PhD student Frederic Brünner from TU Wien have theorized
that a strong nuclear decay resonance, called f0(1710), observed in the
data from a number of particle accelerator experiments is strong
evidence for the elusive glueball particle...
http://www.gizmag.com/meson-f01710-glueball-particle/39866/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Stephen Hawking Says 'God Particle' Could Wipe Out the Universe
September 08, 2014
(Simulated data from the Large Hadron Collider particle detector shows the Higgs boson produced after two protons collide. )
Stephen
Hawking bet Gordon Kane $100 that physicists would not discover
the Higgs boson. After losing that bet when physicists detected the
particle in 2012, Hawking lamented the discovery, saying it made physics
less interesting. Now, in the preface to a new collection of essays and
lectures called "Starmus," the famous theoretical physicist is
warning that the particle could one day be responsible for the
destruction of the known universe.
http://www.livescience.com/47737-stephen-hawking-higgs-boson-universe-doomsday.html
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CERN Document Server - Micro energy harvesting
2015
https://cds.cern.ch/record/2019306
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CERN Document Server - Piezoelectric energy harvesting
2015
http://cds.cern.ch/record/1613190?ln=en
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CAST explores the dark side of the universe
September 21, 2015
Over
the next 10 days, CERN's Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) will receive the
Sun's rays. The Sun's course is visible from the window in the CAST
experimental hall just twice a year, in March and September. The
scientists will take advantage of these few days to improve the
alignment of the detector with respect to the position of the Sun to
within a thousandth of a radian.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-09-explores-dark-side-universe.html#jCp
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Big Chill Sets in as RHIC Physics Heats Up
Run 14 promises highest collision rates enabling exploration of detailed properties of early-universe matter
UPTON, NY—If you think it's been cold outside this winter, that's nothing compared to the deep freeze setting in at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), the early-universe-recreating "atom smasher" at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory. Brookhaven's accelerator physicists have begun pumping liquid helium into RHIC's 1,740 superconducting magnets to chill them to near absolute zero (-273 degrees Celsius—the coldest anything can get) in preparation for the collider's next physics run.
Once that extreme subzero temperature is reached, enabling the magnets to operate with zero energy loss, the physicists will begin injecting beams of gold ions and steering them into head-on collisions at nearly the speed of light. Those collisions create temperatures at the opposite extreme of the temperature scale—4 trillion degrees Celsius, or 250,000 times hotter than the center of the sun—to produce RHIC's signature "perfect" liquid quark-gluon plasma, a stand in for what the universe was like an instant after the Big Bang. During this experimental run, the 14th at this nuclear physics scientific user facility, scientists will conduct detailed studies of the primordial plasma's properties and fill in some missing data points to plot its transition to the matter we see in the universe today
https://www.bnl.gov/newsroom/news.php?a=111606
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The puzzle of the origin of elements in the universe
December 17, 2015
A rare nuclear reaction that occurs in red giants has been
observed for the first time at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory in
Italy. This result was achieved by the LUNA experiment, the world's only
accelerator facility running deep underground.
The
LUNA experiment at the INFN Gran Sasso National Laboratory in Italy has
observed a rare nuclear reaction that occurs in giant red stars, a type
of star in which our sun will also evolve. This is the first direct
observation of sodium production in these stars, one of the nuclear
reactions that is fundamental for the formation of the elements that
make up the universe. The study has been published in Physical Review
Letters.
LUNA (Laboratory for Underground Nuclear
Astrophysics) is a compact linear accelerator. It is the only one in the
world installed in an underground facility, shielded against cosmic
rays. The experiment aims to study the nuclear reactions that take place
inside stars where, like in an intriguing and amazing cosmic kitchen,
the elements that make up matter are formed and then driven out by
gigantic explosions and scattered as cosmic dust.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-puzzle-elements-universe.html
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RHIC particle smashups find that shape matters
December 7, 2015
Peering into the seething soup of
primordial matter created in particle collisions at the Relativistic
Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC)-an "atom smasher" dedicated to nuclear physics
research at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National
Laboratory-scientists have come to a new understanding of how particles
are produced in these collisions. This understanding represents a
paradigm shift consistent with the presence of a saturated state of
gluons, super-dense fields of the glue-like particles that bind the
building blocks of ordinary matter.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-rhic-particle-smashups.html
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Physicists search for signs of supersymmetry
December 17, 2015
The
first results from direct searches for new physics were announced today
from CERN's energy-upgraded Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Among these
results was a search for signs of a new theory called supersymmetry in
which members of the University of Bristol particle physics group have
played a leading role.
The LHC is the
world's highest energy particle accelerator. After an almost two year
shutdown and several months' re-commissioning, the LHC delivered physics
data to its experiments from June to November this year at the
unprecedented energy of 13 TeV, almost double the collision energy of
its first run. The energy of the colliding protons is such that new
particles much heavier than the proton can be created including the
famous Higgs boson, and possibly even heavier and more exotic particles
hypothesised in new physics theories. One such theory is called
supersymmetry, which predicts an exotic partner for each currently known
particle type.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-physicists-supersymmetry.html
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Four new elements confirmed
January 4, 2016
http://www.gizmag.com/new-periodic-table-elements-confirmed/41139/
Chemistry textbooks are in need of a rewrite with the addition of
four new elements to the Periodic Table. The International Union of Pure
and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) has confirmed the existence of four new
elements with the atomic numbers 113, 115, 117, and 118, which were
discovered by laboratories in Japan, the United States, and Russia. This
bumper group of new elements completes the 7th row of the Periodic
Table and clears the way for the discoverers to start thinking up names
for them.
Until now, elements 113, 115, 117, and 118 have only
been known from their gaps in the table and the temporary names
ununtrium (Uut), ununpentium (Uup), ununseptium (Uus), and ununoctium
(Uuo). Now, thanks to RIKEN in Japan; the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia; Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
(LLNL), California; and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, (ORNL),
Tennessee, these elements that do not exist in nature have been
confirmed to have been created for the first time.
The fourth IUPAC and the International Union of Pure
and Applied Physics (IUPAP) Joint Working Party (JWP) reviewed the
findings of the discoverers and, based on a criteria set out in 1991,
have confirmed them. Elements 115 and 117 were found by the Joint
Institute for Nuclear Research, LLNL, and ORNL. Element 118 was found by
the Joint Institute and LLNL, and 113 was found by RIKEN.
The periodic table in its modern form was invented by Russian
chemistry professor Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869 and lists elements
according to their atomic numbers based on the number of protons in
their nuclei. Its odd shape, which is familiar to anyone trying to stay
awake in chemistry class, is due to the discovery that by arranging the
elements to group them by their chemical properties and electron
configurations, it becomes a graphic representation of objective
reality.
In other words, chemists could not only use the table
to describe known elements, but also predict the existence and
properties of unknown elements that were yet to be discovered. This
makes the IUPAC announcement particularly important because it means
that an entire row or period of the table has now been filled in thanks,
in part, to this predictability.
Though many of the new elements were discovered as
far back as 2004, the tricky bit has been proving that they exist. In
the 19th century, any competent chemist could determine if a substance
was a pure element, but the new elements reside in a part of the table
where the atoms are super heavy and so unstable that they exist for less
than a thousandth of a second.
Element 113, for example, was created by using a
linear accelerator to bombard a thin layer of bismuth with zinc ions
travelling at about ten percent of the speed of light in hope that, in
rare instances, the bismuth and zinc atoms would fuse to form a element.
The resulting super-heavy atom of 113 would then decay and turn into
other unstable radioactive isotopes, which would decay nearly as fast.
The result was that the scientists who created the
new element had to spend years tracing back the event through a
labyrinth of isotopic breakdowns to prove that they descended from the
new element. Then, the JWP of the IUPAC had to review the literature to
make sure no mistakes were made.
Now that the elements are confirmed, the discoverers
can officially apply permanent names and symbols to them. The proposed
names and two-letter symbols will be checked by the Inorganic Chemistry
Division of IUPAC and then be subjected to a public review for five
months to make sure they conform to the standards of consistency,
translatability into other languages, and historic use. Typically, names
have been derived from mythology, minerals, geography, or the name of a
scientist.
One other interesting point about the new elements is
that it opens the way to the search for an "island of stability." That
is, a region beyond the current Periodic Table where new superheavy
elements will become stable and exist long enough to allow for
conventional chemistry experiments.
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The perfect liquid -- now even more perfect
January 17, 2012
Ultra
hot quark-gluon-plasma, generated by heavy-ion collisions in particle
accelerators, is supposed to be the "most perfect fluid" in the world.
Previous theories imposed a limit on how "liquid" fluids can be. Recent
results at the Vienna University of Technology suggest that this limit
can be broken -- making the world's "most perfect fluid" even more
perfect.
How liquid can a fluid be? This is a question
particle physicists at the Vienna University of Technology have been
working on. The "most perfect liquid" is nothing like water, but the
extremely hot quark-gluon-plasma which is produced in heavy-ion
collisions at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. New theoretical results
at Vienna UT show that this quark-gluon plasma could be even less
viscous than was deemed possible by previous theories. The results were
published in Physical Review Letters and highlighted as an "editors'
selection".
Highly viscous liquids (such as honey) are
thick and have strong internal friction, quantum liquids, such as super
fluid helium can exhibit extremely low viscosity. In 2004, theorists
claimed that quantum theory provided a lower bound for viscosity of
fluids. Applying methods from string theory, the lowest possible ratio
of viscosity to the entropy density was predicted to be ħ/4π (with the
Planck-constant ħ). Even super fluid helium is far above this threshold.
In 2005, measurements showed that quark-gluon-plasma exhibits a
viscosity just barely above this limit. However, this record for low
viscosity can still be broken, claims Dominik Steineder from the
Institute for Theoretical Physics at Vienna UT. He obtained this
remarkable result working as a PhD-student with Professor Anton Rebhan.
http://phys.org/news/2012-01-liquid-.html#nRlv
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Linear particle accelerator
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_particle_accelerator
A linear particle accelerator (often shortened to linac) is a type of particle accelerator that greatly increases the kinetic energy of charged subatomic particles or ions by subjecting the charged particles to a series of oscillating electric potentials along a linear beamline; this method of particle acceleration was invented by Leó Szilárd. It was patented in 1928 by Rolf Widerøe, who also built the first operational device at the RWTH Aachen University in 1928, influenced by a publication of Gustav Ising.
Linacs have many applications: they generate X-rays and high energy electrons for medicinal purposes in radiation therapy,
serve as particle injectors for higher-energy accelerators, and are
used directly to achieve the highest kinetic energy for light particles
(electrons and positrons) for particle physics.
The design of a linac depends on the type of particle that is being accelerated: electrons, protons or ions. Linacs range in size from a cathode ray tube (which is a type of linac) to the 3.2-kilometre-long (2.0 mi) linac at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, California.
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China to build a particle collider twice the size of the Large Hadron Collider
November 27, 2015
China is planning to enter the Europe- and US-dominated world of
experimental physics with (wait for it …) a bang. It has formally
announced that it will begin the first phase of construction of an
enormous particle accelerator around 2020, which will be twice the size
and seven times more powerful than CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
http://www.gizmag.com/china-worlds-biggest-particle-collider/40526/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Antimatter Propulsion Engine Redesigned Using CERN's Particle Physics Simulation Toolkit
Latest
simulation shows that the magnetic nozzles required for antimatter
propulsion could be vastly more efficient than previously thought–and
built with today’s technologies
http://www.technologyreview.com/view/427923/antimatter-propulsion-engine-redesigned-using-cerns-particle-physics-simulation-toolkit/
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For more information on nuclear experiments with plasma accelerator technology, view the chapter titled "Plasma technology."
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Chapter 12: Antimatter
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Antimatter
In particle physics, antimatter is material composed of antiparticles, which have the same mass as particles of ordinary matter but opposite charges, as well as other particle properties such as lepton and baryon numbers and quantum spin. Collisions between particles and antiparticles lead to the annihilation of both, giving rise to variable proportions of intense photons (gamma rays), neutrinos,
and less massive particle–antiparticle pairs. The mass of any produced
neutrinos is negligible, while they contain energy that generally
continues to be unavailable after the release of particle–antiparticle
annihilation. The total consequence of annihilation is a release of
energy available for work, proportional to the total matter and
antimatter mass, in accord with the mass–energy equivalence equation, E = mc2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimatter
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Air Force pursuing antimatter weapons / Program was touted publicly, then came official gag order
October 4, 2004
http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/Air-Force-pursuing-antimatter-weapons-Program-2689674.php
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Antimatter weapon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimatter_weapon
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The antimatter factory: inside the project that could power fusion and annihilation lasers
August 28, 2013
http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/28/4659834/unlocking-the-positron-fusion-annihilation-laser
Physicists
have been chasing antimatter technology for more than 80 years now —
driven by the promise of oppositely oriented particles that explode in a
burst of energy whenever they make contact with their more common
counterpart. If we could tame antimatter, those explosions could be used
to power a new generation of technology, from molecular scanners to
rocket engines to the so-called "annihilation laser," a tightly
concentrated energy beam fueled by annihilating positrons. But while
scientists have seen recent breakthroughs in creating the particles,
they still have trouble capturing and containing them.
That
progress has left us closer to workable antimatter than ever before,
and parallel projects are already working on novel devices to cool and
trap the particles, along with new magnetic arrays to keep them stable.
With the right funding, experts estimate we could see the dawn of the
positron age in as few as five years. Positron Dynamics is one key
player in the new wave of technology, working on an innovative method
for cooling down and capturing positrons, the antimatter equivalent of
the common electron. Whenever a positron and an electron meet, they
annihilate each other, which presents a serious challenge for anyone
working with them. It’s particularly difficult because electrons are
literally everywhere, floating in clouds around essentially every atom
in the universe. Right now, the best solution for cooling the positrons
is running them through a block of frozen neon (called a "moderator"),
which offers a minimum of stray electrons. But the system only catches
roughly one in 100 positrons, and in the 30 years it’s been in use, no
one’s been able to improve on it.
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After 85-year search, massless particle with promise for next-generation electronics found
July 16, 2015
An
international team led by Princeton University scientists has
discovered Weyl fermions, an elusive massless particle theorized 85
years ago. The particle could give rise to faster and more efficient
electronics because of its unusual ability to behave as matter and
antimatter inside a crystal, according to new research.
The
researchers report in the journal Science July 16 the first observation
of Weyl fermions, which, if applied to next-generation electronics,
could allow for a nearly free and efficient flow of electricity in
electronics, and thus greater power, especially for computers, the
researchers suggest.
Proposed by the mathematician and
physicist Hermann Weyl in 1929, Weyl fermions have been long sought by
scientists because they have been regarded as possible building blocks
of other subatomic particles, and are even more basic than the
ubiquitous, negative-charge carrying electron (when electrons are moving
inside a crystal). Their basic nature means that Weyl fermions could
provide a much more stable and efficient transport of particles than
electrons, which are the principle particle behind modern electronics.
http://phys.org/news/2015-07-year-massless-particle-next-generation-electronics.html#jCp
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Antiproton Decelerator
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiproton_Decelerator#ATRAP
The
Antiproton Decelerator (AD) is a storage ring at the CERN laboratory in
Geneva. It was built as a successor to the Low Energy Antiproton Ring
(LEAR) and started operation in the year 2000. The decelerated
antiprotons are ejected to one of several connected experiments.
ATRAP
The
ATRAP collaboration at CERN developed out of TRAP, a collaboration
whose members pioneered cold antiprotons, cold positrons, and first made
the ingredients of cold antihydrogen to interact. ATRAP members also
pioneered accurate hydrogen spectroscopy and first observed hot
antihydrogen atoms.
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'Anti-atomic fingerprint': Physicists manipulate anti-hydrogen atoms for the first time (Update)
Mar 07, 2012
http://phys.org/news/2012-03-anti-atomic-fingerprint-physicists-anti-hydrogen-atoms.html#jCp
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Space Station's Giant Antimatter Magnet Finds Abundance Of Mysterious Particles
April 3, 2013
The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer's first results could be evidence of dark matter.
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2013-04/antimatter-magnet-flying-space-station-finds-new-clues-pointing-dark-matter
____________________________________
Warp Drive, When? Status of Antimatter
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/technology/warp/antistat.html
Antimatter
is real stuff, not just science fiction. Antimatter is firmly in the
realm of science with some aspects even entering the technology realm.
There is also a lot of speculation about what one might do with
antimatter.
What is Antimatter?
Antimatter
is matter with its electrical charge reversed. Anti-electrons, called
"positrons," are like an electron but with a positive charge.
Antiprotons are like protons with a negative charge. Positron,
antiprotons and other antiparticles can be routinely created at particle
accelerator labs, such as CERN in Europe, and can even be trapped and
stored for days or weeks at a time. And just last year, they made
antihydrogen for the first time. It didn’t last long, but they did it.
Also, Antimatter is NOT antigravity. Although it has not been
experimentally confirmed, existing theory predicts that antimatter
behaves the same to gravity as does normal matter.
Technology
is now being explored to make antimatter carrying cases, to consider
using antimatter for medical purposes, and to consider how to make
antimatter rockets.
The catch?
Right
now it would cost about One-Hundred-Billion dollars to create one
milligram of antimatter. One milligram is way beyond what is needed for
research purposes, but that amount would be needed for large scale
applications. To be commercially viable, this price would have to drop
by about a factor of Ten-Thousand.
And what about using antimatter for power generation? - not promising.
It
costs far more energy to create antimatter than the energy one could
get back from an antimatter reaction. Right now standard nuclear
reactors, which take advantage of the decay of radioactive substances,
are far more promising as power generating technology than antimatter.
Something to keep in mind, too, is that antimatter reactions - where
antimatter and normal matter collide and release energy, require the
same safety precautions as needed with nuclear reactions.
____________________________________
Left-handed cosmic magnetic field could explain missing antimatter
May 14, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-left-handed-cosmic-magnetic-field-antimatter.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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Chapter 13: Plasma energy
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Plasma breakthrough: Scientists unlock magnetic secrets for stable nuclear fusion
Aug 09, 2025
Turbulence that starts at the particle level can directly change the large-scale equilibrium of a plasma system.
Researchers from South Korea have provided experimental proof of ‘multi-scale coupling’ in plasma. The study demonstrates how microscopic events can cause large-scale changes in this state of matter.
A challenge in plasma physics has been to understand multi-scale coupling, a process where particle-level turbulence scales up to affect the entire plasma system.
“Cross-scale coupling from magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) to non-MHD scales is important in interpreting observations of explosive events in nature,” said the researchers in a new study.
https://interestingengineering.com/energy/plasmas-secrets-unlocked-for-fusion-reactor
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New methods to make longer streams of plasma with greater longevity could lead to laser-powered lightning rods
September 24, 2015
(
A picture of a femtosecond laser. The laser beam itself is invisible
(800nm), but due to the formation of a plasma channel, the beam emits
(visible) white light. )
Benjamin
Franklin invented the lightning rod 250 years ago to protect people and
buildings from lightning strikes. Someday, those metal poles may be
replaced with lasers.
A team of researchers
from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, have demonstrated new
techniques that bring lasers as lighting rods closer to reality.
When
a powerful laser beam shoots through the air, it ionizes the molecules,
leaving a thin trail of hot, ionized particles in its wake. Because
this stream of plasma conducts electricity, it could be used to channel
away a potentially damaging lightning bolt.
The
researchers found ways to make the length of such a plasma channel reach
more than 10 times longer—a necessary advance for using the channel to
redirect a lightning strike.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-methods-longer-streams-plasma-greater.html#jCp
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Researchers build real-time tunable plasmon laser
4/24/2015
Traditionally,
light can only ever be focused down to a point half the size of its
frequency—aka the diffraction limit. Scientists have found a way around
that limit, however, by building what are known as plasmon lasers, which
are lasers that couple their beam with plasmons (oscillating surface
electrons) on the surface of metals—gold for example, arranged in an
array. But that approach has had its limitations as well, because it has
had to rely on a solid bit of material called the gain—such lasers
could not be tuned very easily, and not in real-time at all. In this new
effort, the researchers report that they have found a way to use a
liquid material as the gain, and because of that, are able to tune their
laser in real time.
http://phys.org/news/2015-04-real-time-tunable-plasmon-laser.html#jCp
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Michio Kaku - Can you build a real Lightsaber ?
Mar 5, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lr5OUjFDkg
____________________________________
The Science of Lightsabers
4 May 2022
No Earthly material can withstand plasma at these temperatures, and it must be held away from the walls of the reactor by extraordinarily powerful magnetic fields.
The resulting ‘magnetic bottle’ used to confine the plasma in ITER, and many other fusion reactors is called a tokamak, a doughnut-shaped vacuum chamber surrounded by magnetic coils.
Magnetic fields are the key to containing the plasma in a lightsaber too, speculates Felici, though he adds that a plasma capable of cutting through steel would not have to be anything like as hot as that required for nuclear fusion, merely a few thousand degrees...
https://blog.sciencemuseum.org.uk/the-science-of-lightsabers/
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4000° PLASMA PROTO-LIGHTSABER BUILD (RETRACTABLE BLADE!)
Oct 8, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC6J4T_hUKg&t=33s
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World's First Lightsaber! - Guinness World Records
Dec 3, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AymYhmayWz4
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How I made a REAL LIGHTSABER - Guinness World Records
Jan 21, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSSAhmmiZjM
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Making a Real Lightsaber Using Rydberg Atoms and Photonic Molecules
Apr 4, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yjjm49WeE8
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Entanglement of Two Atoms Using Rydberg Blockade
2012
https://pages.physics.wisc.edu/~tgwalker/105.Rydberg.pdf
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Observation of Rydberg blockade between two atoms
11 January 2009
https://www.nature.com/articles/nphys1178
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Electronically programmable photonic molecule
14 December 2018
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41566-018-0317-y
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Confinement of ignition and yield on the National Ignition Facility
2015
https://www.academia.edu/18874810/Confinement_of_ignition_and_yield_on_the_National_Ignition_Facility
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The National Ignition Facility: A New Era in High Energy Density Science
June 12, 2009
https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/966900
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X marks the spot: Researchers confirm novel method for controlling plasma rotation
June 23rd, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-method-plasma-rotation.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
Rotation
is key to the performance of salad spinners, toy tops, and centrifuges,
but recent research suggests a way to harness rotation for the future
of mankind's energy supply. In papers published in Physics of Plasmas in
May and Physical Review Letters this month, Timothy Stoltzfus-Dueck, a
physicist at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Princeton Plasma
Physics Laboratory (PPPL), demonstrated a novel method that scientists
can use to manipulate the intrinsic - or self-generated - rotation of
hot, charged plasma gas within fusion facilities called tokamaks.
Such
a method could prove important for future facilities like ITER, the
huge international tokamak under construction in France that will
demonstrate the feasibility of fusion as a source of energy for
generating electricity. ITER's massive size will make it difficult for
the facility to provide sufficient rotation through external means.
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Extending life of plasma channels could allow lasers to be used as lightning rods
September 25, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/plasma-channels-laser-lightning-rods/39588/
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The Air Force Exploration of Pulse-Train Plasmoid Guns
http://www.topsecretwriters.com/2012/07/the-air-force-exploration-of-pulse-train-plasmoid-guns/
In 1956, Winston Bostick discovered an entity consisting of plasma and magnetic field, which he named the Plasmoid(1).
Plasmoids
have a series of cosmic implications and is used to explain various
phenomenon, such as the magnetic plasma structures found in comet tails,
solar wind, and solar atmosphere.
However, barely four years
after the discovery of the Plasmoid, the U.S. government conducted
research into the possibility of using Plasmoids as a weapon.
TheBlackVault.com acquired a Defense Technical Information Center report
through an FOIA request on the matter.
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Kilotesla Magnetic Field due to a Capacitor-Coil Target Driven by High Power Laser
- Published
Laboratory generation of strong magnetic fields opens new frontiers in
plasma and beam physics, astro- and solar-physics, materials science,
and atomic and molecular physics. Although kilotesla magnetic fields
have already been produced by magnetic flux compression using an
imploding metal tube or plasma shell, accessibility at multiple points
and better controlled shapes of the field are desirable. Here we have
generated kilotesla magnetic fields using a capacitor-coil target, in
which two nickel disks are connected by a U-turn coil. A magnetic flux
density of 1.5 kT was measured using the Faraday effect 650 μm away from the coil, when the capacitor was driven by two beams from the GEKKO-XII laser (at 1 kJ (total), 1.3 ns, 0.53 or 1 μm, and 5 × 1016 W/cm2).
http://www.nature.com/srep/2013/130130/srep01170/full/srep01170.html
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Boeing Has Patented a Plasma 'Force Field' to Protect Against Shock Waves
30 March 2015
https://www.sciencealert.com/boeing-has-patented-a-plasma-force-field-to-protect-against-shock-waves
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Students prove real-life Star Wars deflector shield is possible
May 3, 2014
Star
Wars is science fiction, but deflector shields like the ones in the
films might be possible with today's technology. There are still a few
kinks to work out, but a group of physics students have figured out the
basics.
https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/181773-physics-students-figure-out-how-to-make-star-wars-deflector-shields-in-real-life
____________________________________
The Genius Behind The First Force Field
Apr 7, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApYGMzPgzuo
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Scientists announce breakthrough in hypersonic heat shield
January 24, 2024
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-01-scientists-breakthrough-hypersonic-shield.html
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Squid-inspired soft material is a switchable shield for light, heat, microwaves
June 28, 2023
https://scienceblog.com/538480/squid-inspired-soft-material-is-a-switchable-shield-for-light-heat-microwaves/
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Laser-focused look at spinning electrons shatters world record for precision
February 26, 2024
Jefferson Lab's Compton polarimeter laser system, used to measure the
parallel spin of electrons, is aligned during the Calcium Radius
Experiment at Jefferson Lab.
https://phys.org/news/2024-02-laser-focused-electrons-shatters-world.html
____________________________________
Turning Sound Into a Laser
Aug 20, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBdVfUnS-pM
____________________________________
The experiment that revealed the atomic world: Brownian Motion
Feb 29, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNzoTGv_XiQ
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Future opportunities in solar system plasma science through ESA’s exploration programme
14 March 2024
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41526-024-00373-9
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Interstellar Travel: Magnetic Fusion Plasma Engines Could Carry Us Across the Solar System and Beyond
October 22, 2023
https://scitechdaily.com/interstellar-travel-magnetic-fusion-plasma-engines-could-carry-us-across-the-solar-system-and-beyond/
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Wild new NASA plasma tech reduces drag during hypersonic flight
December 8, 2023
NASA's
Technology Transfer Program is licensing its rights to a radical new
form of propulsion that uses electromagnets to control the flow of
plasma over aircraft and spacecraft flying at hypersonic speeds.
https://www.space.com/nasa-hypersonic-magnetohydrodynamic-control
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Firing the Lorentz Plasma Cannon
Mar 12, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lix-vr_AF38
____________________________________
Incredible display of a glowing plasma toroid!
2024 Jul 24
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/trGsFRV8HLM
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Plasma toroid by Alexander Glazkov
2024 Feb 24
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/65v0MGhyPCk
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Seeding magnetic fields for laser-driven flux compression in high-energy-density plasmas.
2009 Apr
A compact, self-contained magnetic-seed-field generator (5 to 16 T) is
the enabling technology for a novel laser-driven flux-compression scheme
in laser-driven targets. A magnetized target is directly irradiated by a
kilojoule or megajoule laser to compress the preseeded magnetic field
to thousands of teslas. A fast (300 ns), 80 kA current pulse delivered
by a portable pulsed-power system is discharged into a low-mass coil
that surrounds the laser target. A >15 T target field has been
demonstrated using a <100 J capacitor bank, a laser-triggered switch,
and a low-impedance (<1 Omega) strip line. The device has been
integrated into a series of magnetic-flux-compression experiments on the
60 beam, 30 kJ OMEGA laser [T. R. Boehly et al., Opt. Commun. 133, 495
(1997)]. The initial application is a novel magneto-inertial fusion
approach [O. V. Gotchev et al., J. Fusion Energy 27, 25 (2008)] to
inertial confinement fusion (ICF), where the amplified magnetic field
can inhibit thermal conduction losses from the hot spot of a compressed
target. This can lead to the ignition of massive shells imploded with
low velocity-a way of reaching higher gains than is possible with
conventional ICF.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19405657
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Amplifying Magnetic Fields in High Energy Density Plasmas
Ultra high intensity magnetic fields open new opportunities in high energy density plasma science.
October 2012
(A double coil is assembled on the transmission line of the magnetic
field generator (MIFEDS) by Mr. PY Chang, PhD student at the University
of Rochester. The MIFEDS device discharges 50 kA of current through the
coil generating a ~10 Tesla magnetic field used to magnetize
laser-driven targets.)
http://science.energy.gov/fes/highlights/2012/fes-2012-10-c/
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Skunk Works Reveals Compact Fusion Reactor Details
Lockheed Martin aims to develop compact reactor prototype in five years, production unit in 10
Hidden away in the secret depths of the Skunk Works, a Lockheed Martin
research team has been working quietly on a nuclear energy concept they
believe has the potential to meet, if not eventually decrease, the
world’s insatiable demand for power.
Dubbed
the compact fusion reactor (CFR), the device is conceptually safer,
cleaner and more powerful than much larger, current nuclear systems that
rely on fission, the process of splitting atoms to release energy.
Crucially, by being “compact,” Lockheed believes its scalable concept
will also be small and practical enough for applications ranging from
interplanetary spacecraft and commercial ships to city power stations.
It may even revive the concept of large, nuclear-powered aircraft that
virtually never require refueling—ideas of which were largely abandoned
more than 50 years ago because of the dangers and complexities involved
with nuclear fission reactors. -
-To understand the breakthroughs of the Lockheed concept, it is useful
to know how fusion works and how methods for controlling the reaction
have a fundamental impact on both the amount of energy produced and the
scale of the reactor. Fusion fuel, made up of hydrogen isotopes
deuterium and tritium, starts as a gas injected into an evacuated
containment vessel. Energy is added, usually by radio-frequency heating,
and the gas breaks into ions and electrons, forming plasma.
The
super hot plasma is controlled by strong magnetic fields that prevent it
from touching the sides of the vessel and, if the confinement is
sufficiently constrained, the ions overcome their mutual repulsion,
collide and fuse. The process creates helium-4, freeing neutrons that
carry the released energy kinetically through the confining magnetic
fields. These neutrons heat the reactor wall which, through conventional
heat exchangers, can then be used to drive turbine generators.
Until
now, the majority of fusion reactor systems have used a plasma control
device called a tokamak, invented in the 1950s by physicists in the
Soviet Union. The tokamak uses a magnetic field to hold the plasma in
the shape of a torus, or ring, and maintains the reaction by inducing a
current inside the plasma itself with a second set of electromagnets.
The challenge with this approach is that the resulting energy generated
is almost the same as the amount required to maintain the
self-sustaining fusion reaction.
An advanced fusion reactor version, the International Thermonuclear
Experimental Reactor (ITER), being built in Cadarache, France, is
expected to generate 500 MW. However, plasma is not due to be generated
until the late 2020s, and derivatives are not likely to be producing
significant power until at least the 2040s.
The
problem with tokamaks is that “they can only hold so much plasma, and
we call that the beta limit,” McGuire says. Measured as the ratio of
plasma pressure to the magnetic pressure, the beta limit of the average
tokamak is low, or about “5% or so of the confining pressure,” he says.
Comparing the torus to a bicycle tire, McGuire adds, “if they put too
much in, eventually their confining tire will fail and burst—so to
operate safely, they don’t go too close to that.” Aside from this
inefficiency, the physics of the tokamak dictate huge dimensions and
massive cost. The ITER, for example, will cost an estimated $50 billion
and when complete will measure around 100 ft. high and weigh 23,000
tons.
____________________________________
Scientists in Germany switch on nuclear fusion experiment (Update)
February 3, 2016
http://phys.org/news/2016-02-scientists-germany-nuclear-fusion.html
Scientists
in Germany flipped the switch Wednesday on an experiment they hope will
advance the quest for nuclear fusion, considered a clean and safe form
of nuclear power.
Following nine years of construction
and testing, researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics
in Greifswald injected a tiny amount of hydrogen into a doughnut-shaped
device—then zapped it with the equivalent of 6,000 microwave ovens.
The
resulting super-hot gas, known as plasma, lasted just a fraction of a
second before cooling down again, long enough for scientists to
confidently declare the start of their experiment a success.
"Everything
went well today," said Robert Wolf, a senior scientist involved with
the project. "With a system as complex as this you have to make sure
everything works perfectly and there's always a risk."
Among
the difficulties is how to cool the complex arrangement of magnets
required to keep the plasma floating inside the device, Wolf said.
Scientists looked closely at the hiccups experienced during the start-up
of the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland more than five years ago to
avoid similar mistakes, he said.
The experiment in
Greifswald is part of a world-wide effort to harness nuclear fusion, a
process in which atoms join at extremely high temperatures and release
large amounts of energy that's similar to what occurs inside the sun.
Advocates
acknowledge that the technology is probably many decades away, but
argue that—once achieved—it could replace fossil fuels and conventional
nuclear fission reactors.
Construction has already
begun in southern France on ITER, a huge international research reactor
that uses a strong electric current to trap plasma inside a
doughnut-shaped device long enough for fusion to take place. The device,
known as a tokamak, was conceived by Soviet physicists in the 1950s and
is considered fairly easy to build, but extremely difficult to operate.
The
team in Greifswald, a port city on Germany's Baltic coast, is focused
on a rival technology invented by the American physicist Lyman Spitzer
in 1950. Called a stellarator, the device has the same doughnut shape as
a tokamak but uses a complicated system of magnetic coils instead of a
current to achieve the same result.
____________________________________
New facility to accelerate materials solutions for fusion energy
June 9, 2025
MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center to establish the Schmidt Laboratory for Materials in Nuclear Technologies.
Fusion
energy has the potential to enable the energy transition from fossil
fuels, enhance domestic energy security, and power artificial
intelligence. Private companies have already invested more than $8
billion to develop commercial fusion and seize the opportunities it
offers. An urgent challenge, however, is the discovery and evaluation of
cost-effective materials that can withstand extreme conditions for
extended periods, including 150-million-degree plasmas and intense
particle bombardment.
To meet this challenge, MIT’s Plasma
Science and Fusion Center (PSFC) has launched the Schmidt Laboratory for
Materials in Nuclear Technologies, or LMNT (pronounced “element”).
Backed by a philanthropic consortium led by Eric and Wendy Schmidt, LMNT
is designed to speed up the discovery and selection of materials for a
variety of fusion power plant components.
https://news.mit.edu/2025/new-facility-accelerate-materials-solutions-fusion-energy-0609
____________________________________
New Fusion Technology Promises Cleaner, Cheaper Energy Future
April 27, 2025
In
the persistent quest to harness the power of the stars, a new spark of
hope has emerged from a laboratory in California. A team of fusion
researchers at TAE Technologies, Inc., working alongside physicists from
the University of California, has unveiled a bold new approach to
fusion energy—one that could radically alter the trajectory of
humanity’s energy future. Their groundbreaking work, detailed in the
journal Nature Communications, boasts astonishing claims: a reactor
capable of producing 100 times more power than conventional designs,
operating at half the cost.
For decades, fusion energy has been
the holy grail of clean power—an elusive dream that, if realized, could
solve the world’s growing energy needs without the environmental baggage
of fossil fuels. Yet, despite immense efforts and monumental
investments, fusion has remained a dream perpetually “thirty years
away.” Could this new technology finally bring that dream within reach?
The Eternal Challenge of Fusion
Fusion,
at its core, is simple to understand yet fiendishly difficult to
achieve. The process powers the sun, merging hydrogen atoms under
immense heat and pressure to release massive amounts of energy.
Recreating such conditions on Earth, however, has been a monumental
scientific and engineering challenge.
Traditional fusion efforts
have largely centered around massive devices like tokamaks—donut-shaped
reactors that corral ultra-hot plasma using powerful magnetic fields.
These machines, like the famous ITER project in France, are engineering
marvels, but they are also staggeringly expensive, energy-hungry, and
complex.
Even when functioning as designed, tokamaks consume
enormous amounts of electricity just to sustain the magnetic fields that
contain the plasma. This immense input has made achieving “net
energy”—producing more energy than is consumed—a seemingly Sisyphean
task.
https://www.sciencenewstoday.org/new-fusion-technology-promises-cleaner-cheaper-energy-future
____________________________________
Researchers stunned by results of energy experiment using ultrahot plasma: 'We were totally shocked'
June 14, 2025
A
team of U.S. scientists has made a surprising discovery that could help
bring fusion energy, a long-hoped-for clean energy source, closer to
reality.
In a recent experiment at the University of Rochester,
researchers were stunned to find that heat in an ultrahot plasma didn't
flow between materials the way they thought it would. At a scorching
180,000 degrees, heat seemed to get stuck between tungsten metal and a
plastic coating, leaving that material surprisingly cool, as reported by
Interesting Engineering.
"When we looked at the data, we were
totally shocked because the heat was not flowing between these
materials," said physicist Thomas White, who led the project alongside
his former student, Cameron Allen.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/researchers-stunned-results-energy-experiment-111548267.html
____________________________________
Swedish firm aims for 100x plasma confinement boost in new fusion reactor
Dec 14, 2024
The success of fusion power plants hinges on the quality of energy confinement.
A Sweden-based firm has launched a plasma confinement project to achieve commercially viable fusion energy.
The TauEB project by Novatron Fusion Group aims to revolutionize plasma confinement and energy containment in fusion reactors.
Novatron’s
project will introduce a first-of-its-kind integration of three
physical confinement techniques, which will include Magnetic
Confinement, Ambipolar Plugging, and Ponderomotive Confinement.
https://interestingengineering.com/energy/sweden-new-plasma-confinement-project
____________________________________
Engineers make key breakthrough in quest for limitless energy device: 'We are more than thrilled'
August 11, 2025
Scientists
and researchers worldwide are looking for technological breakthroughs
that improve clean energy efficiency. One exciting area that continues
to draw a lot of focus is the field of fusion energy.
According
to the Department of Energy, fusion energy is produced when two nuclei
produce a new nucleus. This releases a lot of energy. In fact, it is the
process that powers the sun.
To replicate that here on Earth,
scientists are trying to figure out how to heat plasma up to a hundred
million degrees Celsius so electrons in atomic nuclei can be freed.
A
company called General Atomics has announced it completed a shipment of
materials to the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to be used in
its Mega Ampere Spherical Tokamak Upgrade machine, which is a
next-generation fusion experiment.
This involves a new method for
heating plasma called Electron Bernstein Wave heating. This process
uses electromagnetic waves to boost and direct charged particles inside
plasma.
Figuring out fusion technology would be a massive
game-changer, as it would mean nearly unlimited amounts of clean energy.
This would lower energy costs for everyone and lead to a cleaner,
cooler future, as the process does not require the burning of dirty
fuels such as coal, oil, and gas.
This is extremely important, as NASA observed that extreme heat events have doubled over the past 40 years.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/engineers-key-breakthrough-quest-limitless-211500770.html
____________________________________
China takes bold step forward in global race for limitless energy device: 'We have fully mastered the core technologies'
August 4, 2025
China is rapidly closing in on an achievement that could transform the way we power homes, cities, and industries forever.
The
country has entered the final assembly phase of a next-generation
fusion reactor called the Burning Plasma Experiment Superconducting
Tokamak, which is expected to be operational by 2027, per Popular
Mechanics.
If it's successful, BEST would mark a major milestone
in the race toward achieving fusion energy, a process that mimics the
same physics that power the sun.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/china-takes-bold-step-forward-114531311.html
____________________________________
Fusion Breakthrough: 6 Minutes of Plasma Sets New Reactor Record
07 May 2024
https://www.sciencealert.com/fusion-breakthrough-6-minutes-of-plasma-sets-new-reactor-record
____________________________________
San Diego Based Company Showcasing Terahertz Wands and "Med Bed" Plasma Technology to the Public
CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, USA, October 20, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Med beds and
"med bed" type technology has started to catch the public eye as a
science fiction type of technology that apparently exists but yet very
few if any are familiar with. These so-called "med beds" offer a wide
range of benefits using a variety of technologies to assist with a
myriad of health and wellness-related issues.
A San Diego-based
company is now providing many of these new technologies to med spas,
wellness centers, and the general public. These devices and technology
are using frequencies and energy to assist cells and the body in
recovery and rejuvenation. Some of the new products and technologies
being brought out to the public include terahertz wands, plasma wave
generators, and anti-aging bed covers.
Anti-aging bed covers may
be one of the more simple yet powerful technology products being offered
with earthing, grounding, and FAR infrared. These bed covers assist the
body with removing EMF radiation, providing electrons, and neutralizing
free radicals along with improved circulation and increased energy with
ATP production. The anti-aging bed covers work by just laying down on
the cover and the effects with better sleep and recovery are some of the
most reported benefits people are experiencing.
Another very
fast and popular technology includes terahertz wands which are
frequency-based devices that look and work much like a hair dryer but
also provide terahertz, quantum scaler, and quartz crystal frequencies
and technology. This frequency coming from the wand assists the body
with cellular function, detoxification, cellular regeneration, and
circulation. The technologies assist the body with all types of health
and wellness issues including stiffness, soreness, arthritis, joint
pain, kidney functions, gums and mouth, and all types of skin-related
issues including wrinkles, Psoriasis, acne, rashes, and more.
"The
terahertz wands are quickly becoming a top seller and are assisting
people with Osteoperosis, tumors, activating dormant stem cells, hair
growth, and more. These small devices are not just beneficial for the
body but are also used to "charge water", where the energy from the wand
is pointed into the water and the structure of the water is altered to
enhance hydration.
When it comes to more powerful med bed-type
technologies plasma-based technology is one of the most popular. Plasma
is created when gas is charged with enough energy to convert it from gas
to plasma. Plasma is what the sun is made of along with lightning and
many people including Nikola Tesla have worked with plasma energy for
over one hundred years ago. Plasma energy can also be turned into
specific frequencies to address very specific cells and health
conditions. Many other pioneers including Royal Rife spent years finding
the frequencies that cells would resonate at and how plasma could
affect the removal of bad cells and promote the health of good cells.
The San Diego-based company has a wide variety of plasma-based
technology products including "plasma energy spheres" which create a
plasma energy field that people can sit into to absorb the plasma
energy. Products like the plasma energy spheres are actually creating a
live and intelligent energy field that goes back into more science
fiction with fact-based physics.
"As more of these plasma and med
bed type technologies make their way public GMG Medical will keep
finding them and showcasing them as options for improved health and
wellness", said GMG Medical CEO Gloria Flores. "We are finding a wide
level of interest with the terahertz wands and other plasma technology
products which people are using for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Lyme
disease, and many other ailments". she said. "These products are ideal
for assisting with many health issues but also maintaining good health,
which is just as important".
https://www.appliedtechnologynews.com/article/596585795-san-diego-based-company-showcasing-terahertz-wands-and-med-bed-plasma-technology-to-the-public
____________________________________
PyroGenesis Signs Additional Contract with Constellium to Advance Aluminum Furnace Electrification Using Plasma Torch Technology
Aug 5, 2025
Marks next phase of industrial-scale deployment for aluminum sector energy transition.
https://www.thestar.com/globenewswire/pyrogenesis-signs-additional-contract-with-constellium-to-advance-aluminum-furnace-electrification-using-plasma-torch-technology/article_2c1c9be5-d527-5beb-bdb4-968eab2723d8.html
____________________________________
This Explosive Plasma Discovery by a US Lab Is About to Redefine Nuclear Energy and Microchip Performance Forever
May 26, 2025
In
a groundbreaking development poised to revolutionize both energy and
electronics, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton
Plasma Physics Laboratory have unveiled a new simulation method that
enhances fusion research and chip manufacturing by providing
unprecedented insights into the complex behaviors of plasma systems.
https://www.sustainability-times.com/research/this-explosive-plasma-discovery-by-a-us-lab-is-about-to-redefine-nuclear-energy-and-microchip-performance-forever/
____________________________________
GPS Moonshots: Creating a star on earth
December 22, 2014
http://www.cnn.com/videos/bestoftv/2014/12/22/exp-gps-moonshots-iter-sot.cnn
____________________________________
ITER
ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor and Latin for "the way") is an international nuclear fusion research and engineering megaproject, which is currently building the world's largest experimental tokamak nuclear fusion reactor adjacent to the Cadarache facility in the south of France. The ITER project aims to make the long-awaited transition from experimental studies of plasma physics to full-scale electricity-producing fusion power plants.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITER
____________________________________
Hydrogen-Boron vs. Deuterium-Tritium
Nuclear fusion has the potential to generate power without the
radioactive waste of nuclear fission, but that depends on which atoms
you decide to fuse. Conventional fusion approaches work with deuterium
and tritium (DT), while focus fusion works with hydrogen and boron
eleven (pB11).
http://focusfusion.org/index.php/site/article/deuterium_tritium_vs_hydrogen_boron/
____________________________________
We can even harness energy
from different chemicals and gases, these chemicals can be made for self-sustaining
sources of renewable energy. Scientists still question the footprint that may be left, when using of combination of different chemicals for a
source of clean energy.
____________________________________
HOW IT WORKS: Fusion Power
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJZvFlo0iNs
____________________________________
Small-scale nuclear fusion may be a new energy source
- September 25, 2015
Fusion energy may soon be used in small-scale power stations. This means
producing environmentally friendly heating and electricity at a low
cost from fuel found in water. Both heating generators and generators
for electricity could be developed within a few years, according to new
research.
Nuclear fusion is a process whereby atomic nuclei melt together and
release energy. Because of the low binding energy of the tiny atomic
nuclei, energy can be released by combining two small nuclei with a
heavier one. A collaboration between researchers at the University of
Gothenburg and the University of Iceland has been to study a new type of
nuclear fusion process. This produces almost no neutrons but instead
fast, heavy electrons (muons), since it is based on nuclear reactions in
ultra-dense heavy hydrogen (deuterium).
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150925085550.htm
____________________________________
Nuclear fusion, the ultimate clean energy
20th March, 2015
http://theforeigner.no/pages/columns/nuclear-fusion-the-ultimate-clean-energy/
____________________________________
Magnetic fields and lasers elicit graphene secret
Nov 24, 2014
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2014-11-magnetic-fields-lasers-elicit-graphene.html#jCp
http://phys.org/news/2014-11-magnetic-fields-lasers-elicit-graphene.html
Graphene
is considered a "wonder material": its breaking strength is higher than
steel and it conducts electricity and heat more effectively than
copper. As a two-dimensional structure consisting of only a single layer
of carbon atoms, it is also flexible, nearly transparent and
approximately one million times thinner than a sheet of paper.
Furthermore, shortly after its discovery ten years ago, scientists
recognized that the energy states of graphene in a magnetic field -
known as Landau levels - behave differently than those of
semiconductors. "Many fascinating effects have been discovered with
graphene in magnetic fields, but the dynamics of electrons have never
been studied in such a system until now," explains physicist Dr. Stephan
Winnerl from HZDR.
The HZDR researchers exposed the
graphene to a four-Tesla magnetic field - forty times stronger than a
horseshoe magnet. As a result, the electrons in graphene occupy only
certain energy states. The negatively charged particles were virtually
forced on tracks. These energy levels were then examined with
free-electron laser light pulses at the HZDR. "The laser pulse excites
the electrons into a certain Landau level. A temporally delayed pulse
then probes how the system evolves," explains Martin Mittendorff,
doctoral candidate at the HZDR and first author of the paper.
Electron redistribution surprises scientists
The
result of the experiments has astonished the researchers. This
particular energy level, into which new electrons were pumped using the
laser, gradually emptied. Winnerl illustrates this paradoxical effect
using an everyday example: "Imagine a librarian sorting books on a
bookshelf with three shelves. She places one book at a time from the
lower shelf onto the middle shelf. Her son is simultaneously 'helping'
by taking two books from the middle shelf, placing one of them on the
top shelf, the other on the bottom. The son is very eager and now the
number of books on the middle shelf decreases even though this is
precisely the shelf his mother wishes to fill."
Because
there were neither experiments nor theories regarding such dynamics
before, the Dresden physicists initially had difficulty interpreting the
signals correctly. After a number of attempts, however, they found an
explanation: collisions between electrons cause this unusual
rearrangement. "This effect has long been known as Auger scattering, but
no one expected it would be so strong and would cause an energy level
to become depleted," explains Winnerl.
This new
discovery could be used in the future for developing a laser that can
produce light with arbitrarily adjustable wavelengths in the infrared
and terahertz ranges. "Such a Landau-level laser was long considered
impossible, but now with graphene this semiconductor physicists' dream
could become a reality," says Winnerl enthusiastically.
____________________________________
Magnetized target fusion
Magnetized target fusion (MTF) is a relatively new approach to producing fusion power that combines features of magnetic confinement fusion (MCF) and inertial confinement fusion (ICF) approaches. Like the magnetic approach, the fusion fuel is confined at lower density by magnetic fields while it is heated into a plasma.
Like the inertial approach, fusion is initiated by rapidly squeezing
the target to greatly increase fuel density and temperature. Although
the resulting density is far lower than in traditional ICF, it is
thought that the combination of longer confinement times and better heat
retention will let MTF yield the same efficiencies, yet be far easier
to build. The term magneto-inertial fusion (MIF) is similar, but
encompasses a wider variety of arrangements. The two terms are often
applied interchangeably to experiments.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetized_target_fusion
____________________________________
Levitated dipole
A levitated dipole is a nuclear fusion experiment using a solid superconducting torus which is magnetically levitated inside the reactor chamber. It is believed that such an apparatus could contain plasma more efficiently than other fusion reactor designs. The superconductor forms an axisymmetric magnetic field of a nature similar to Earth's or Jupiter's magnetospheres. The machine was run in a collaboration between MIT and Columbia University.
The Levitated Dipole Experiment was funded by the US Department of Energy's Office of Fusion Energy, but funding for the LDX was ended in November 2011 to concentrate resources on Tokamak designs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levitated_dipole
____________________________________
With lazers, magnetism, vacuums and sustainable energy, it is possible to make many new inventions.
____________________________________
Plasma propulsion engine
A plasma propulsion engine is a type of electric propulsion that generates thrust from a quasi-neutral plasma. This is in contrast to ion thruster engines, which generates thrust through extracting an ion current from plasma source, which is then accelerated to high velocities using grids/anodes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_propulsion_engine
--------------------
For more information on magnets for harvesting energy, view the chapter titled "Magnetic energy."
------------------------------------------------
Plasma research shows promise for future compact accelerators
December 22, 2015
A transformative breakthrough in controlling ion beams allows
small-scale laser-plasma accelerators to deliver unprecedented power
densities. That development offers benefits in a wide range of
applications, including nuclear fusion experiments, cancer treatments,
and security scans to detect smuggled nuclear materials.
"In
our research, plasma uses the energy stored in its electromagnetic
fields to self-organize itself in such a way to reduce the energy-spread
of the laser-plasma ion accelerator," said Sasikumar Palaniyappan of
Los Alamos National Laboratory's Plasma Physics group. "In the past,
most of the attempts to solve this problem required active plasma
control, which is difficult."
Laser-plasma
accelerators shoot a high-energy laser into a cloud of plasma, releasing
a beam of ions, or electrically charged particles, in a fraction of the
distance required by conventional accelerators. The laser generates
electromagnetic fields in the plasma.
Using a computer
simulation called Vector-Particle-In-Cell (VPIC), the Laboratory's team
of physicists and computational scientists developed a scheme that
enlists the electromagnetic fields so the beam essentially contains
itself, reducing the energy spread, making the beam more efficient, and
concentrating more energy on its target.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-plasma-future-compact.html
____________________________________
Researchers identify zebra-like stripes of plasma in a patch of space
July 14, 2015
Since the early 1970s,
orbiting satellites have picked up on noise-like plasma waves very close
to the Earth's magnetic field equator. This "equatorial noise," as it
was then named, seemed to be an unruly mess of electric and magnetic
fields oscillating at different frequencies in the form of plasma waves.
Now
a team from MIT, the University of California at Los Angeles, the
University of Sheffield, and elsewhere has detected a remarkably orderly
pattern amid the noise.
http://phys.org/news/2015-07-zebra-like-stripes-plasma-patch-space.html
____________________________________
In plasmonics, 'optical losses' could bring practical gain
January 26, 2016
What
researchers had thought of as a barrier to developing advanced
technologies based on the emerging field of plasmonics is now seen as a
potential pathway to practical applications in areas from cancer therapy
to nanomanufacturing.
Plasmonic materials contain
features, patterns or elements that enable unprecedented control of
light by harnessing clouds of electrons called surface plasmons. It
could allow the miniaturization of optical technologies, bringing
advances such as nano-resolution imaging and computer chips that process
and transmit data using light instead of electrons, representing a
potential leap in performance.
However, the development
of advanced optical technologies using plasmonics has been hampered
because components under development cause too much light to be lost and
converted into heat. But now researchers are finding that this
"loss-induced plasmonic heating" could be key to development of various
advanced technologies, said Vladimir M. Shalaev, co-director of the new
Purdue Quantum Center, scientific director of nanophotonics at the Birck
Nanotechnology Center in the university's Discovery Park and a
distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-plasmonics-optical-losses-gain.html
____________________________________
Making Quantum ‘Waves’ in Ultrathin Materials – Plasmons Could Power a New Class of Technologies
Study co-led by Berkeley Lab reveals how wavelike plasmons could power up a new class of sensing and photochemical technologies at the nanoscale.
Wavelike, collective oscillations of electrons known as “plasmons” are very important for determining the optical and electronic properties of metals.
In atomically thin 2D materials, plasmons have an energy that is more
useful for applications, including sensors and communication devices,
than plasmons found in bulk metals. But determining how long plasmons
live and whether their energy and other properties can be controlled at
the nanoscale (billionths of a meter) has eluded many.
https://scitechdaily.com/making-quantum-waves-in-ultrathin-materials-plasmons-could-power-a-new-class-of-technologies/
____________________________________
Plasma Gasification: Revolutionizing Waste Management
August 12, 2024
Plasma
(“the fourth state of matter”) is an extremely high-temperature, highly
ionized gas that is able to carry an electric current. Natural plasma
includes lightning and gas at the surface of the sun, while man-made
plasma is formed using a plasma torch to pass an electric current
through a gas like oxygen. The reaction dissociates the gas into
electrons and ions and increases its temperature to nearly as hot as the
sun’s surface. This plasma can then be used for plasma gasification, a
process that breaks waste down into basic chemicals.
Plasma
gasification can turn “any kind of trash” into chemical products and
clean fuels. Industry leader InEnTec was founded in 1995 to focus on
governments and companies with large amounts of toxic waste. Their
patented Plasma Enhanced Melter (PEM) system is deployed in 13
facilities worldwide. “Back in the early ’90s, global warming was more
of an academic pursuit,” InEnTech co-founder, president, and CEO Jeffrey
E. Surma told MIT News in 2021. With climate change a leading global
challenge, his co-founder, Daniel R. Cohn, believes it is time for
InEnTech to expand its impact.
“About 130 million tons of waste
per year go into landfills in the U.S., and that produces at least 130
million tons of CO2-equivalent emissions,” Cohn argues. Most of these
emissions are methane, a greenhouse gas that is 28 times more potent
than carbon dioxide (CO2) and a global concern. The Global Methane
Initiative (GMI) is an international public-private partnership focused
on advancing methane mitigation in oil and gas, biogas, and coal mines.
By utilizing plasma gasification and reducing or even eliminating
landfills and other waste, the GMI could make significant advancements.
https://www.aii.org/plasma-gasification-revolutionizing-waste-management/
____________________________________
NEWS: High field magnets
https://www.psfc.mit.edu/news/topic/high-field-magnets
____________________________________
NEWS: Magnetic fusion energy
https://www.psfc.mit.edu/news/topic/magnetic-fusion-energy
____________________________________
Researchers create stable superconductor enhanced by magnetism
April 4, 2024
An
international team including researchers from the University of
Würzburg has succeeded in creating a special state of superconductivity.
This discovery could advance the development of quantum computers. The
results are published in Nature Physics...
https://phys.org/news/2024-04-stable-superconductor-magnetism.html
____________________________________
Plasma for Fusion: How magnets are paving the way for clean energy
January 25, 2022
https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2022/plasma-for-fusion-how-magnets-are-paving-the-way-for-clean-energy/
____________________________________
Magnetically confined plasmas articles from across Nature Portfolio
Magnetically
confined plasmas are those plasmas that are trapped using magnetic
fields. Magnetic fields can prevent high-temperature plasma coming into
contact with solid materials that it could damage or destroy.
Magnetically confined plasmas offer one possible route to sustained
nuclear fusion.
https://www.nature.com/subjects/magnetically-confined-plasmas
____________________________________
New superconducting magnet breaks magnetic field strength records, paving the way for fusion energy
September 8, 2021
https://phys.org/news/2021-09-superconducting-magnet-magnetic-field-strength.html
____________________________________
Tests show high-temperature superconducting magnets are ready for fusion
Date: March 4, 2024
Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Summary:
A comprehensive study of high-temperature superconducting magnets
confirms they meet requirements for an economic, compact fusion power
plant.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240304135732.htm
____________________________________
New method for creating transparent magnetic materials using laser heating
Dec 14, 2023
https://phys.org/news/2023-12-method-transparent-magnetic-materials-laser.html
In
a significant advancement in optical technology, researchers from
Tohoku University and Toyohashi University of Technology have developed a
new method for creating transparent magnetic materials using laser
heating. This breakthrough, recently published in the journal Optical
Materials, presents a novel approach to integrating magneto-optical
materials with optical devices, a long-standing challenge in the field.
"The
key to this achievement lies in creating Cerium-substituted Yttrium
Iron Garnet (Ce:YIG), a transparent magnetic material, employing a
specialized laser heating technique," says Taichi Goto, associate
professor at Tohoku University's Electrical Communication Research
Institute (RIEC) and co-author of the study. "This method addresses the
key challenge of integrating magneto-optical materials with optical
circuits without damaging them—a problem that has hindered advancements
in miniaturizing optical communication devices."
Magneto-optical
isolators are vital for ensuring stable optical communication. They act
like traffic directors for light signals, allowing them to move in one
direction but not the other. Integrating these isolators into
silicon-based photonic circuits is challenging due to the
high-temperature processes typically involved.
As a result of
this conundrum, Goto and his colleagues focused their attention on laser
annealing—a technique that selectively heats specific areas of a
material by laser. This allows for precise control, influencing only the
targeted regions without affecting surrounding areas.
Previous
studies had used this to selectively heat bismuth-substituted yttrium
iron garnet (Bi: YIG) films deposited on a dielectric mirror. This
allows the Bi:YIG to crystalize without affecting the dielectric mirror.
However,
when working with Ce:YIG, an ideal material for optical devices due to
its magnetic and optical properties, problems arise because exposure to
the air results in unwanted chemical reactions.
To avoid this,
the researchers engineered a new device that heats materials in a
vacuum, i.e., without air, using a laser. This allowed for precise
heating of small areas (about 60 micrometers) without altering the
surrounding material.
"The transparent magnetic material created
through this method is expected to significantly enhance the development
of compact magneto-optical isolators, crucial for stable optical
communication," says Goto. "Additionally, it opens avenues for creating
powerful miniaturized lasers, high-resolution displays, and small
optical devices."
____________________________________
Strong magnetic fields change how friction works in plasma
August 16, 2021
Rather
than just slowing down a charged particle moving through a plasma,
friction can also push from the side in a strong magnetic field.
https://news.engin.umich.edu/2021/08/strong-magnetic-fields-change-how-friction-works-in-plasma/
____________________________________
Electron scale magnetic reconnections in laser produced plasmas
29 June 2023
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41614-023-00125-4
____________________________________
Push and pull magnetic reconnection driven by intense laser interaction with double-coil capacitor target
24 February 2023
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6587/acbb24
____________________________________
Innovative new magnet could facilitate development of fusion and medical devices
March 4, 2022
https://phys.org/news/2022-03-magnet-fusion-medical-devices.html
____________________________________
New Magnetic Device Makes Microelectronic Chips More Sustainable
Mar 19, 2024
An invention will allow chips to fit more data in a smaller space and operate with better energy efficiency
https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/news/articles/2024/03/new-magnetic-device-makes-microelectronic-chips-more-sustainable/
____________________________________
Laser-produced plasmas articles within Nature Physics
https://www.nature.com/subjects/laser-produced-plasmas/nphys
____________________________________
Laser produced electromagnetic pulses: generation, detection and mitigation
09 June 2020
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/high-power-laser-science-and-engineering/article/laser-produced-electromagnetic-pulses-generation-detection-and-mitigation/746D683F7B7CA0C05D0756EE1C62102F
____________________________________
Research team presents a new type of particle accelerator
May 20, 2021
https://phys.org/news/2021-05-team-particle.html
____________________________________
Laser–plasma-accelerators—A novel, versatile tool for space radiation studies
2011
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168900211001768
____________________________________
Demonstration of a compact plasma accelerator powered by laser-accelerated electron beams
17 May 2021
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-23000-7
____________________________________
A trio of paths toward the discovery machine of the future
03/19/24
Proton-proton collider
Muon collider
Plasma-wakefield collider
https://www.symmetrymagazine.org/article/a-trio-of-paths-toward-the-discovery-machine-of-the-future?language_content_entity=und
____________________________________
Laser-plasma technology: the future of particle acceleration
14 Jan 2021
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide-market-specific-solutions-lasers/science-applications/news/laser-plasma-technology-future
____________________________________
Plasmas could be used to make the world's most powerful laser
22 August 2022
Because
plasma can shape very intense light without being damaged, it could be
used to make components for lasers thousands of times more powerful than
the strongest ones that exist
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2334804-plasmas-could-be-used-to-make-the-worlds-most-powerful-laser/
____________________________________
Generation of intense magnetic wakes by relativistic laser pulses in plasma
30 January 2023
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-28753-3
____________________________________
Manipulation of polarizations for broadband terahertz waves emitted from laser plasma filaments
27 August 2018
Abstract
Polarization
control of broadband terahertz waves is essential for applications in
many areas, such as materials science, medical and biological
diagnostics, near-field communications and public securities.
Conventional methods for polarization control are limited to narrow
bandwidth and often with low efficiency. Here, based on theoretical and
experimental studies, we demonstrate that the two-colour laser scheme in
gas plasma can provide effective control of elliptically polarized
terahertz waves, including their ellipticity, azimuthal angle and
chirality. This is achieved with a circularly polarized laser at the
fundamental frequency and its linearly polarized second harmonic, a
controlled phase difference between these two laser components, as well
as a suitable length of the laser plasma filament. Flexible control of
ellipticity and azimuthal angle is demonstrated with our theoretical
model and systematic experiments. This offers a unique and flexible
technique on the polarization control of broadband terahertz radiation
suitable for a wide range of applications.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41566-018-0238-9
____________________________________
Scientists produce densest artificial ionospheric plasma clouds using HAARP
Date: February 25, 2013
Source: Naval Research Laboratory
Summary:
Glow discharges in the upper atmosphere were generated to explore
ionospheric phenomena and its impact on communications and space
weather.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225112504.htm
____________________________________
NEWS: High field magnets
https://www.psfc.mit.edu/news/topic/high-field-magnets
____________________________________
NEWS: Magnetic fusion energy
https://www.psfc.mit.edu/news/topic/magnetic-fusion-energy
____________________________________
Researchers create stable superconductor enhanced by magnetism
April 4, 2024
An
international team including researchers from the University of
Würzburg has succeeded in creating a special state of superconductivity.
This discovery could advance the development of quantum computers. The
results are published in Nature Physics...
https://phys.org/news/2024-04-stable-superconductor-magnetism.html
____________________________________
Magnetic pumping pushes plasma particles to high energies
November 5, 2018
https://phys.org/news/2018-11-magnetic-plasma-particles-high-energies.html
____________________________________
Effect of permanent magnets on plasma confinement and ion beam properties in a double layer helicon plasma source
26 June 2019
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-plasma-physics/article/effect-of-permanent-magnets-on-plasma-confinement-and-ion-beam-properties-in-a-double-layer-helicon-plasma-source/5C277CBE933FB32404A2156EC526EF9D
____________________________________
Science Made Simple: What Is Plasma Confinement?
August 10, 2021
Image
of the inside of a magnetic confinement experiment during plasma
discharge. In a tokamak, plasma particles are confined and shaped by
magnetic field lines that combine to act like an invisible bottle.
Pictured, the spherical tokamak MAST at the Culham Centre for Fusion
Energy (UK), where over 30,000 man-made ”stars” have been created.
What Is Plasma Confinement?
Plasma
confinement refers to the containment of a plasma by various forces at
the extreme conditions necessary for thermonuclear fusion reactions.
These conditions exist naturally in stars, where they are sustained by
the force of gravity. In the laboratory, researchers use strong magnetic
fields to confine plasma. This magnetic confinement strategy may allow
them to confine fusion grade plasmas over the long term. Another
confinement strategy relies on the inertia of imploding matter. This
inertial confinement strategy has been demonstrated on Earth in hydrogen
bomb detonations and specialized facilities. Inertial confinement is an
active research area. Laboratories use high power lasers or electrical
discharges, to compress hydrogen fuel to very high densities for
billionths of a second.
Plasma Confinement Facts
Magnetically confined plasmas have achieved temperatures 10 times hotter than the core of our sun.
ITER will be the first burning plasma in the world. It aims to generate
500 megawatts of fusion power–10 times more power than will be
injected. NIF is the most energetic laser in the world with 2 megajoules
of light energy (the energy consumed by 20,000 100-watt light bulbs in
one second) delivered in 16 nanoseconds.
https://scitechdaily.com/science-made-simple-what-is-plasma-confinement/
____________________________________
Magnetic confinement fusion
Magnetic
confinement fusion (MCF) is an approach to generate thermonuclear
fusion power that uses magnetic fields to confine fusion fuel in the
form of a plasma. Magnetic confinement is one of two major branches of
controlled fusion research, along with inertial confinement fusion.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_confinement_fusion
____________________________________
Liquid lithium on the walls of a fusion device helps the plasma within maintain a hot edge
January 23, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-liquid-lithium-walls-fusion-device.html
____________________________________
Laboratory investigation of particle acceleration and magnetic field compression in collisionless colliding fast plasma flows
20 June 2019
https://www.nature.com/articles/s42005-019-0160-6
____________________________________
World's strongest fusion magnet brings new power to nuclear pursuit
September 08, 2021
https://newatlas.com/energy/worlds-strongest-fusion-magnet-power-nuclear-pursuit/
____________________________________
Newly discovered quantum magnet unleashes electronics potential
July 12, 2023
Three
MIT scientists and their collaborators publish groundbreaking paper in
Nature Communications detailing their discovery of a paradigm-shifting
magnet.
https://www.psfc.mit.edu/news/2023/newly-discovered-quantum-magnet-unleashes-electronics-potential
____________________________________
Superconductors for fusion: a roadmap
13 September 2021
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6668/ac0992
____________________________________
Physics of magnetized dusty plasmas
28 November 2021
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41614-021-00060-2
____________________________________
Behavior of compressed plasmas in magnetic fields
26 November 2020
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41614-020-00048-4
____________________________________
Is this the Force device researchers are looking for?
6 Sep 2023
Military scientists are experimenting with a prototype that uses
magnetic plasma rings to manipulate distant objects in space
The new approach could be used for satellite recovery, delivery missions and deflecting space debris
In
the science fiction universe of Hollywood’s Star Wars, the Jedi are
able to use the Force to move objects around without physical contact, a
manoeuvre referred to as “Force push” or “Force pull”.
The
ability allows the Jedi to levitate themselves or others, and to
manipulate objects in more complex ways, such as constructing structures
or repairing machinery...
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3233110/force-device-chinese-researchers-are-looking
____________________________________
Electromagnetic Waves in Plasmas
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/22-611j-introduction-to-plasma-physics-i-fall-2003/75c75c5df51f8fba1b2a903fde937ddc_chap5.pdf
____________________________________
Superior Ionic Plasma Thruster Inspired By Nature
Apr 27, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC92SStn7vY
____________________________________
Powerful Magnetic Accelerator, the Brick Breaker | Magnetic Games
Sep 30, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rn5Y4keMJU
____________________________________
The Plasma Magnet for Sailing the Solar Wind
February 06 2005
https://pubs.aip.org/aip/acp/article-abstract/746/1/1171/605806/The-Plasma-Magnet-for-Sailing-the-Solar-Wind?redirectedFrom=fulltext
____________________________________
Conductive Metal–Organic Frameworks with Tunable Dielectric Properties for Boosting Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
June 23, 2023
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.3c02170
____________________________________
Researchers measure and control interactions between magnetic ripples using lasers
February 7, 2024
Fundamental step toward ultrafast magnetism-based computers comes from multi-institution team involving UCLA
https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/magnetic-ripple-interaction-step-toward-ultrafast-computers
____________________________________
Plasma magnet
A
plasma magnet is a proposed spacecraft propulsion device that uses a
dipole magnetic field to capture energy from the solar wind. The field
acts as a sail, using the captured energy to propel the spacecraft
analogously to how the wind propels a sailing vessel. It could
accelerate a vessel moving away from the sun and decelerate it when
approaching a distant star at the end of an interstellar journey. Thrust
vectoring and steering could be achieved by manipulating the dipole
tilt for any type of magnetic sail.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_magnet
____________________________________
Magnetic Fusion Plasma Engines Could Carry us Across the Solar System and Into Interstellar Space
https://www.universetoday.com/163348/magnetic-fusion-plasma-engines-could-carry-us-across-the-solar-system-and-into-interstellar-space/
____________________________________
Magnetohydrodynamic drive
A
magnetohydrodynamic drive or MHD accelerator is a method for propelling
vehicles using only electric and magnetic fields with no moving parts,
accelerating an electrically conductive propellant (liquid or gas) with
magnetohydrodynamics. The fluid is directed to the rear and as a
reaction, the vehicle accelerates forward.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetohydrodynamic_drive
____________________________________
Magnets at the LIMITS of Scientific Knowledge
Jan 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPfcpHVlYZA
____________________________________
Designing a Futuristic Magnetic Turbine (MHD drive)
Nov 30, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgAIPOSc4TA
____________________________________
Researchers make a quantum computing leap with a magnetic twist
June 28, 2023
https://phys.washington.edu/news/2023/06/28/researchers-make-quantum-computing-leap-magnetic-twist
____________________________________
Making Anti-gravity tubes - Copper & Silver! - Lenz's law - Metal casting Experiment
Dec 22, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIV3NqSDjAg
____________________________________
Defying Gravity - HUGE Neodymium Magnet vs Copper Tube Experiment - The Power of Lenz's Law!
Feb 4, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRihrPnLt78
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Chapter 14: fusion
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Cold fusion reactor verified by third-party researchers, seems to have 1 million times the energy density of gasoline
October 9, 2014
Andrea Rossi’s E-Cat — the
device that purports to use cold fusion to generate massive amounts of
cheap, green energy — has been verified by third-party researchers,
according to a new 54-page report. The researchers observed a small
E-Cat over 32 days, where it produced net energy of 1.5 megawatt-hours,
or “far more than can be obtained from any known chemical sources in the
small reactor volume.” The researchers were also allowed to analyze the
fuel before and after the 32-day run, noting that the isotopes in the
spent fuel could only have been obtained by “nuclear reactions” — a
conclusion that boggles the researchers: “… It is of course very hard to
comprehend how these fusion processes can take place in the fuel
compound at low energies.”
http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/191754-cold-fusion-reactor-verified-by-third-party-researchers-seems-to-have-1-million-times-the-energy-density-of-gasoline
____________________________________
Focus Fusion: The Fastest Route to Cheap, Clean Energy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhKB-VxJWpg
8:00 - Goldman Sachs funding
____________________________________
Nuclear Fission vs. Nuclear Fusion
http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/Physical_Chemistry/Nuclear_Chemistry/Fission_and_Fusion/Nuclear_Fission_vs_Nuclear_Fusion
____________________________________
MIT Physicists Create Ultracold Molecules of 23Na40K
A team of physicists from MIT has successfully cooled molecules
in a gas of sodium potassium (NaK) to a temperature of 500 nanokelvins,
creating ultracold molecules.
The air around us is a chaotic superhighway of molecules whizzing
through space and constantly colliding with each other at speeds of
hundreds of miles per hour. Such erratic molecular behavior is normal at
ambient temperatures.
But scientists have long suspected that if temperatures were to
plunge to near absolute zero, molecules would come to a screeching halt,
ceasing their individual chaotic motion and behaving as one collective
body. This more orderly molecular behavior would begin to form very
strange, exotic states of matter — states that have never been observed
in the physical world.
Now experimental physicists at MIT have successfully cooled molecules
in a gas of sodium potassium (NaK) to a temperature of 500 nanokelvins —
just a hair above absolute zero, and over a million times colder than
interstellar space. The researchers found that the ultracold molecules
were relatively long-lived and stable, resisting reactive collisions
with other molecules. The molecules also exhibited very strong dipole
moments — strong imbalances in electric charge within molecules that
mediate magnet-like forces between molecules over large distances.
____________________________________
Cold Atom Laboratory Chills Atoms to New Lows
September 26, 2014
(Artist's concept of an atom chip for use by NASA's Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL) aboard the International Space Station. CAL will use lasers to cool atoms to ultracold temperatures.Image Credit: NASA)
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=4312
Cold Atom Laboratory
researchers used lasers to optically cool rubidium atoms to temperatures
almost a million times colder than that of the depths of space. The
atoms were then magnetically trapped, and radio waves were used to cool
the atoms 100 times lower. The radiofrequency radiation acts like a
knife, slicing away the hottest atoms from the trap so that only the
coldest remain.
The research is at the point where this process can reliably create a Bose-Einstein condensate in just seconds.
"This
was a tremendous accomplishment for the CAL team. It confirms the
fidelity of the instrument system design and provides us a facility to
perform science and hardware verifications before we get to the space
station," said CAL Project Manager Anita Sengupta of JPL.
While
so far, the Cold Atom Laboratory researchers have created Bose-Einstein
condensates with rubidium atoms, eventually they will also add in
potassium. The behavior of two condensates mixing together will be
fascinating for physicists to observe, especially in space.
Besides
merely creating Bose-Einstein condensates, CAL provides a suite of
tools to manipulate and probe these quantum gases in a variety of ways.
It has a unique role as a facility for the atomic, molecular and optical
physics community to study cold atomic physics in microgravity, said
David Aveline of JPL, CAL ground testbed lead.
____________________________________
Molecules in the Spotlight
August 8, 2025
Molecules in the Spotlight: Snapshots Reveal the Eternal Dance of Particles
Frankfurt physicists observe coupled quantum zero-point motion of a molecule’s atoms
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have, for the first time, directly visualized the so-called quantum zero-point motion in a larger molecule. This motion is exhibited by particles even at absolute zero temperature. In a collaborative experiment with the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, the University of Hamburg, the European XFEL, and other partners, they managed to make this “eternal dance” of the atoms visible. The discovery was made possible by the COLTRIMS reaction microscope developed in Frankfurt, which is capable of reconstructing molecular structures. The findings have now been published in the journal Science.
Most of us find it difficult to grasp the quantum world: According to Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, it’s like observing a dance without being able to see simultaneously exactly where someone is dancing and how fast they’re moving – you always must choose to focus on one. And yet, this quantum dance is far from chaotic; the dancers follow a strict choreography. In molecules, this strange behavior has another consequence: Even if a molecule should be completely frozen at absolute zero, it never truly comes to rest. The atoms it is made of perform a constant, never-ending quiet dance driven by so-called zero-point energy.
https://nanodigest.in/molecules-in-the-spotlight/
____________________________________
Wendelstein 7-X sets new performance records in fusion research
June 3, 2025
International efforts included a diagnostic and control system from the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
A new fusion
record
was set thanks to researchers in Germany and the U.S. The international
effort moves the world one step closer to a commercial fusion power
plant, which will need to run continuously at temperatures hotter than
the sun.
The record-breaking machine, known as the Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X), is a stellarator. This twisty fusion system confines plasma
using
external magnets so the nuclei of atoms fuse together and release
energy. W7-X is operated by the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics
(IPP) in Germany and has systems designed and built by the U.S.
Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL)
and Oak Ridge National Laboratory
(ORNL) with support from the Fusion Energy Sciences program in the DOE’s Office of Science.
“This
world record marks the highest performing sustained fusion experiment
that ran longer than 30 seconds, with record performance lasting for a
full 43 seconds,” said Novimir Pablant, the division head for
stellarator experiments at PPPL. Pablant said if they can reach this
record for 30 seconds, there’s every reason to believe these plasma
conditions could be sustained for weeks, months or even years because 30
seconds is long enough for the scientists to see the relevant physics
at work. “This experiment ran long enough that nothing is changing any
longer in terms of the plasma or experiment conditions.” However, there
are technical challenges still to extending this discharge to, say, 30
minutes or more, related to the reliability of technology.
https://www.pppl.gov/news/2025/wendelstein-7-x-sets-new-performance-records-fusion-research
____________________________________
Energy Source of the Future: Generating Fusion Power | FD Engineering
Jul 28, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjvXX9EfgUg
____________________________________
Fusion Energy Breakthrough: 1938 Physics Revived | US Experiment
https://www.archyde.com/fusion-energy-breakthrough-1938-physics-revived-us-experiment/
____________________________________
A New 5D Model Cracks the Mystery of Mercury’s Bizarre Nuclear Fission
June 20, 2025
____________________________________
Plasma breakthrough: Scientists unlock magnetic secrets for stable nuclear fusion
Aug 09, 2025
Turbulence that starts at the particle level can directly change the large-scale equilibrium of a plasma system.
Researchers from South Korea have provided experimental proof of ‘multi-scale coupling’ in plasma. The study demonstrates how microscopic events can cause large-scale changes in this state of matter.
A challenge in plasma physics has been to understand multi-scale coupling, a process where particle-level turbulence scales up to affect the entire plasma system.
“Cross-scale coupling from magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) to non-MHD scales is important in interpreting observations of explosive events in nature,” said the researchers in a new study.
https://interestingengineering.com/energy/plasmas-secrets-unlocked-for-fusion-reactor
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Chapter 15: Batteries & energy storage
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
The
following chapter will detail some of the new technology that has been
introduced in battery technology, including energy storage.
____________________________________
Wood nanobattery could be green option for large-scale energy storage
July 6, 2013
(A closeup of the wood fibers used by the researchers in their sodium-ion battery (Image: University of Maryland)
Li-ion batteries may be ok for your smartphone, but when it comes to large-scale energy storage, the priorities suddenly shift from compactness and cycling performance (at which Li-ion batteries excel) to low cost and environmental feasibility (in which Li-ion batteries still have much room for improvement). A new "wood battery" could allow the emerging sodium-ion battery technology to fit the bill as a long-lasting, efficient and environmentally friendly battery for large-scale energy storage.
http://www.gizmag.com/wood-battery-energy-storage/28032/
____________________________________
Researchers uncover how magnesium boosts solid-state battery safety and longevity
June 5, 2025
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/researchers-uncover-how-magnesium-boosts-solid-state-battery-safety-and-longevity
____________________________________
Trees are source for high-capacity, soft batteries
Jun 01, 2015
( A closeup of the soft battery, created with wood pulp nanocellulose.)
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-trees-source-high-capacity-soft-batteries.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
A
method for making elastic high-capacity batteries from wood pulp was
unveiled by researchers in Sweden and the US. Using nanocellulose broken
down from tree fibres, a team from KTH Royal Institute of Technology
and Stanford University produced an elastic, foam-like battery material
that can withstand shock and stress.
"It is possible to
make incredible materials from trees and cellulose," says Max Hamedi,
who is a researcher at KTH and Harvard University. One benefit of the
new wood-based aerogel material is that it can be used for
three-dimensional structures.
"There are limits to how
thin a battery can be, but that becomes less relevant in 3D, " Hamedi
says. "We are no longer restricted to two dimensions. We can build in
three dimensions, enabling us to fit more electronics in a smaller
space."
____________________________________
Biodegradable computer chips made almost entirely from wood
May 28, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/biodegradable-wooden-computer-chips/37755/
____________________________________
You'll never be-leaf what makes up this battery
January 28, 2016
Scientists at the University of Maryland have a new recipe for batteries: Bake a leaf, and add sodium. They used a carbonized oak leaf, pumped full of sodium, as a demonstration battery's negative terminal, or anode, according to a paper published yesterday in the journal ACS Applied Materials Interfaces.http://phys.org/news/2016-01-youll-be-leaf-battery.html
____________________________________
Making batteries with portabella mushrooms
2015
Porous structure of portabella mushrooms is key to making efficient batteries that could power cell phones, electric vehicles
Can portabella mushrooms stop cell phone batteries from degrading over
time? Researchers think so. They have created a new type of lithium-ion
battery anode using portabella mushrooms, which are inexpensive,
environmentally friendly and easy to produce.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150929142522.htm
____________________________________
MIT’s photonic crystals lead towards nuclear batteries everywhere
February 3, 2012
Researchers at MIT have
developed photonic crystals that, in as little as two years, could
enable the use of hydrocarbon reactors in portable electronic devices,
and nuclear power sources everywhere else.
Photonic crystals are
optical nanostructures that are tuned to specific wavelengths of light.
If you understand how semiconductors affect the motion of electrons
(i.e. the bandgap only allows electrons with a certain energy level to
pass through), photonic crystals are the optical equivalent. In this
case, MIT has created infrared-absorbing photonic crystals using metals
such as tungsten and titanium. Because of their metallic roots, these
photonic crystals can operate at temperatures up to 1200C (2192F).
http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/116853-mits-photonic-crystals-lead-towards-a-nuclear-reactor-in-every-gadget
____________________________________
Tin nanocrystals for the battery of the future
(Monodisperse tin nanodroplets in an electron microscopic image.)
More powerful batteries could help electric cars achieve a considerably larger range and thus a breakthrough on the market. A new nanomaterial for lithium ion batteries developed in the labs of chemists at ETH Zurich and Empa could come into play here.
http://www.ethlife.ethz.ch/archive_articles/130408_li_ionen_fb/index_EN
____________________________________
New "Spin Battery" Storing Energy into Nano-Magnets
2009
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/2009/03/12/spin-battery-magnetic-energy-storage/#.UmNYqRDNkmw
____________________________________
Graphene Charges Atmosphere with Battery Running on Thin Air
December 20, 2014
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/graphene-charges-atmosphere-battery-running-thin-air-20141220/#.VSFkGeG-2zk
____________________________________
‘Power Paper’ – Story Of A Paper That Can Store Electricity
December 12, 2015
Power Paper, created by the researchers of Sweden’s Linköping University, is showing an outstanding ability in storing energy, which can later be used to recharge devices.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/power-paper-store-electricity/
____________________________________
From allergens to anodes: Pollen derived battery electrodes
February 5, 2016
Pollens, the bane of
allergy sufferers, could represent a boon for battery makers: Recent
research has suggested their potential use as anodes in lithium-ion
batteries.
"Our findings have demonstrated that
renewable pollens could produce carbon architectures for anode
applications in energy storage devices," said Vilas Pol, an associate
professor in the School of Chemical Engineering and the School of
Materials Engineering at Purdue University.
Batteries
have two electrodes, called an anode and a cathode. The anodes in most
of today's lithium-ion batteries are made of graphite. Lithium ions are
contained in a liquid called an electrolyte, and these ions are stored
in the anode during recharging.
The researchers tested bee pollen- and cattail pollen-derived carbons as anodes.
"Both
are abundantly available," said Pol, who worked with doctoral student
Jialiang Tang. "The bottom line here is we want to learn something from
nature that could be useful in creating better batteries with renewable
feedstock."
Research findings are detailed in a paper that appeared on Feb. 5 in Nature's Scientific Reports.
Whereas bee pollen is a mixture of different pollen types collected by honey bees, the cattail pollens all have the same shape.
"I
started looking into pollens when my mom told me she had developed
pollen allergy symptoms about two years ago," Tang said. "I was
fascinated by the beauty and diversity of pollen microstructures. But
the idea of using them as battery anodes did not really kick in until I
started working on battery research and learned more about carbonization
of biomass."
The researchers processed the pollen
under high temperatures in a chamber containing argon gas using a
procedure called pyrolysis, yielding pure carbon in the original shape
of the pollen particles. They were further processed, or "activated," by
heating at lower temperature - about 300 degrees Celsius - in the
presence of oxygen, forming pores in the carbon structures to increase
their energy-storage capacity.
http://phys.org/news/2016-02-allergens-anodes-pollen-derived-battery.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
____________________________________
New alloy claimed to have higher strength-to-weight ratio than any other metal
December 11, 2014
When it comes to metal that's being used in the automotive or
aerospace industries, the higher its strength-to-weight ratio, the
better. With that in mind, researchers from North Carolina State
University and Qatar University have developed a new alloy that
reportedly has a low density similar to that of aluminum, but that's
stronger than titanium.
The material is a type of high-entropy alloy, meaning
that it's made up of at least five metals in more or less equal
amounts. In this case, those metals are lithium, magnesium, titanium,
aluminum and scandium.
"It has a combination of high strength and low
density that is, as far as we can tell, unmatched by any other metallic
material," said NCSU's Dr. Carl Koch, senior author of a paper on the
research. "The strength-to-weight ratio is comparable to some ceramics,
but we think it’s tougher – less brittle – than ceramics."
He additionally informed us that while carbon fiber
very likely has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than the alloy, it
also wouldn't be as tough – in other words, the alloy would be more
likely to bend under an amount of stress that would cause the carbon to
fracture.
More work still has to be done in the testing of the
alloy, along with establishing a practical production method. Koch and
his colleagues are also looking into replacing or eliminating the
scandium that makes up 20 percent of the material, as it's very
expensive.
http://www.gizmag.com/high-entropy-alloy-strength-to-weight/35170/
____________________________________
Graphene-Boron Compound Could Revolutionize Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity
May 28, 2013
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/graphene-boron-compound-could-revolutionize-lithium-ion-battery-capacity-20130528/#.VSFr-eG-2zk
While pure graphene didn’t seem to be a good option, researchers turned to imperfect graphene, that is, carbon mixed with other elements. Testing with boron, researchers at Rice University found the material to be about twice that of the standard graphite currently used in lithium-ion batteries. The new material is also more stable and doesn’t expand and contract as much as graphite alone.
____________________________________
CALMAC Stores Surplus Wind Energy in Ice Banks
November 25, 2009
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/calmac-stores-surplus-wind-energy-in-ice-banks-20091125/#.VSF_W-G-2zk
____________________________________
Utah-Based Company Digging Underground Compressed Air Batteries
February 9, 2010
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/utah-underground-energy-storage-20100209/#.VSHcl-G-2zk
____________________________________
An All-Liquid Battery For Storing Solar And Wind Energy
(This room-temperature liquid battery was made with mercury, salt water, and steel foam. High temperature liquid batteries could one day efficiently store solar and wind energy.)
____________________________________
Liquified Air Could Be Cheaper Energy Storage Than Batteries
May 20, 2013
The idea is a couple of hundred years old, but liquified air technology was just too inefficient to store energy.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/liquified-air-could-be-cheaper-energy-storage-than-batteries-20130520/
____________________________________
Scientists convert harmful algal blooms into high-performance battery electrodes
October 9, 2015
Last August, the seasonal harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Lake Erie grew
so extreme that they poisoned the water system in Toledo, Ohio, leaving
nearly half a million residents without drinking water. But a few
researchers at the time collected some of the toxic HABs, and have now
shown that, by heating them at temperatures of 700-1000 °C in argon gas,
the HABs can be converted into a material called "hard carbon" that can
be used as high-capacity, low-cost electrodes for sodium-ion (Na-ion)
batteries.
http://techxplore.com/news/2015-10-scientists-algal-blooms-high-performance-battery.html
____________________________________
Semiliquid battery competitive with both Li-ion batteries and supercapacitors
May 22, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-semiliquid-battery-competitive-li-ion-batteries.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
(Phys.org)—A
new semiliquid battery developed by researchers at The University of
Texas at Austin has exhibited encouraging early results, encompassing
many of the features desired in a state-of-the-art energy-storage
device. In particular, the new battery has a working voltage similar to
that of a lithium-ion battery, a power density comparable to that of a
supercapacitor, and it can maintain its good performance even when being
charged and discharged at very high rates.
The
researchers, led by Assistant Professor Guihua Yu, along with Yu Ding
and Yu Zhao, at UT Austin, have published their paper on the new
membrane-free, semiliquid battery in a recent issue of Nano Letters. The
researchers explain that the battery is considered "semiliquid" because
it uses a liquid ferrocene electrolyte, a liquid cathode, and a solid
lithium anode.
____________________________________
Flexible and Safe Aluminum-Graphite Battery Charges in One Minute
April 8, 2015
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/aluminum-graphite-battery/#.VSX0dZO-2zk
____________________________________
"Origami battery" made from paper and dirty water for just a few cents
June 13, 2015
A foldable, inexpensive paper battery that can generate a small amount
of electricity brings a new sense of power to origami, the Japanese art
of paper folding. An engineer at Binghamton University in New York has
developed a battery that creates power through the process of microbial
respiration in a drop of dirty water on paper.
http://www.gizmag.com/origami-battery-bacteria/37970/
____________________________________
Nano-mechanical study offers new assessment of silicon for next-gen batteries
September 24, 2015
A
detailed nano-mechanical study of mechanical degradation processes in
silicon structures containing varying levels of lithium ions offers good
news for researchers attempting to develop reliable next-generation
rechargeable batteries using silicon-based electrodes.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-nano-mechanical-silicon-next-gen-batteries.html#jCp
____________________________________
Clay sheets stack to form proton conductors
July 13, 2015
(This is a scanning electron microscopy image of stacked clay sheets. When two-dimensional sheets of the clay, called vermiculite, are exfoliated in water, they carry negative charges, attracting positively charged protons. After the sheets dry, they self-assemble into paper-like films. The near 1-nanometer spacing between the layers serves as the nanochannels that can concentrate protons for conduction. Credit: Jiaxing Huang )
____________________________________
Stronger together: Interlocked electrodes push silicon battery lifespan beyond limits
28-May-2025
In
practical terms, this means electric vehicles can travel farther and
smartphones can operate longer using the same-sized battery
https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/1186362/stronger-together-interlocked-electrodes-push-silicon-battery-lifespan-beyond-limits.html
____________________________________
New Dry Electrode Tech Doubles Battery Performance For Renewable Energy Storage
June 23, 2025
https://impactful.ninja/new-dry-electrode-tech-doubles-battery-performance-for-renewable-energy-storage/
____________________________________
Williams demonstrates sodium-ion-powered proof-of-concept e-bike
May 15, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/williams-demonstrates-sodium-ion-powered-proof-of-concept-e-bike/37537/
____________________________________
Silicon anode structure generates new potential for lithium-ion batteries
Scientists reveal a new nanostructure that could revolutionize technology in batteries and beyond.
____________________________________
Enhancing Sodium-Ion Batteries with New Electrolyte Formulation
Mar 17, 2025
____________________________________
Dry-Powder Breakthrough Boosts Stability and Sustainability of Sodium-Ion Batteries
August 5, 2025
____________________________________
Chemists discover key reaction mechanism behind the highly touted sodium-oxygen battery
May 27, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-chemists-key-reaction-mechanism-highly.html#jCp
____________________________________
Candle soot could reduce lithium ion battery production costs
October 15, 2015
A new study suggests that the carbon-based waste material given off by
burning candles could be suitable for use in larger, more powerful
lithium ion batteries such as those used in electric cars. Two
researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology found that as an
anode material, candle soot compares favorably to existing commercial
options because of its low cost of production and fractal-like
nanoparticle structure.
http://www.gizmag.com/candle-soot-lithium-ion-battery/39881/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
High-voltage lithium-ion battery realized with superconcentrated electrolyte
July 26, 2016
https://techxplore.com/news/2016-07-high-voltage-lithium-ion-battery-superconcentrated-electrolyte.html
____________________________________
New lithium-oxygen battery greatly improves energy efficiency, longevity
July 25, 2016
http://phys.org/news/2016-07-lithium-oxygen-battery-greatly-energy-efficiency.html
____________________________________
Advances in lithium-ion battery recycling: Strategies, pathways, and technologies
2025
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772571524000317
____________________________________
New Cathode Design Significantly Improves Performance of Next-Generation Battery
____________________________________
Chinese ‘switch’ extends lithium battery life by 20,000 cycles with new design
Aug 01, 2024
Innovation unlocks commercialization potential of solid-state lithium batteries to overcome energy storage hurdles.
Researchers at the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT) in China have innovated a modification to the cathode for all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASLB), significantly improving their energy density and life cycle.
According to an organizational press release, the research paves the way for the next generation of high-performance batteries.
In our attempts to move away from fossil fuels and electrify modes of transport, batteries are an important component. Although batteries have been around for centuries, it is only with lithium-ion batteries that we have managed the highest energy densities so far.
https://interestingengineering.com/energy/solid-state-lithium-batteries-cathode-china
____________________________________
Improving Lithium-Ion Battery Performance, Cell Lifetime for Renewable Energy Applications
____________________________________
The True Cost of Lithium Mining | True Cost | Business Insider
Jul 13, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl0E-UhKB5E
____________________________________
Production of rare metals used in green energies causes environmental disasters
Dec 21, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs0ZHj76Arc
____________________________________
Improved Advanced Energy Storage Using New Nano-Engineering Strategy
New types of cathodes, suitable for advanced energy storage, can be developed using beyond-lithium ion batteries.
The rapid development of renewable energy resources has triggered tremendous demands in large-scale, cost-efficient, and high-energy-density stationary energy storage systems.
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have many advantages but there are much more abundant metallic elements available such as sodium, potassium, zinc, and aluminum.
These elements have similar chemistries to lithium and have recently been extensively investigated, including sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), potassium-ion batteries (PIBs), zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), and aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs). Despite promising aspects relating to redox potential and energy density, the development of these beyond-LIBs has been impeded by the lack of suitable electrode materials.
New research led by Professor Guoxiu Wang from the University of Technology Sydney, and published in Nature Communications, describes a strategy using interface strain engineering in a 2D graphene nanomaterial to produce a new type of cathode. Strain engineering is the process of tuning a material’s properties by altering its mechanical or structural attributes.
https://scitechdaily.com/improved-advanced-energy-storage-using-new-nano-engineering-strategy/
____________________________________
New Technique Reveals 3D Nanoscale Chemical Reactions Inside Batteries
Researchers in the College of Illinois at Chicago and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory allow us a brand new technique that allows them to target the location of chemical reactions happening inside lithium-ion batteries in 3d in the nanoscale level. Their answers are printed within the journal Nature Communications...
____________________________________
From beam to battery: Single-step laser printing supercharges high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries
April 23, 2025
A
research team has developed an innovative single-step laser printing
technique to accelerate the manufacturing of lithium-sulfur batteries.
Integrating the commonly time-consuming active materials synthesis and
cathode preparation in a nanosecond-scale laser-induced conversion
process, this technique is set to revolutionize the future industrial
production of printable electrochemical energy storage devices.
Lithium-sulfur
batteries are expected to supersede existing lithium-ion batteries due
to sulfur cathodes' high theoretical energy density. To ensure the rapid
conversion of sulfur species, these cathodes are typically composed of
active materials, host materials (or catalysts), and conductive
materials. However, the fabrication of host materials and preparation of
sulfur cathodes often involve complicated, multistep, and
labor-intensive processes that require varying temperatures and
conditions, raising concerns about efficiency and cost in industrial
production.
To overcome these challenges, Prof. Li's team
developed a novel single-step laser printing technique for the rapid
manufacturing of integrated sulfur cathodes. During this high-throughput
laser-pulse irradiation process, the precursor donor is activated,
producing jetting particles that include in-situ synthesized
halloysite-based hybrid nanotubes (host material), sulfur species
(active material), and glucose-derived porous carbon (conductive
component). The mixture is printed onto a carbon fabric acceptor,
forming an integrated sulfur cathode. Notably, the laser-printed sulfur
cathodes demonstrate outstanding performance in both coin and pouch
lithium-sulfur cells.
"Traditional manufacturing processes of a
cathode/anode in ion battery usually contain the synthesis of active
materials (sometimes combined with host material/ catalyst), the
preparation of mixture slurry, and the assembly of cathode/anode. Prof.
Li explained, "These steps are usually carried out separately under
different temperatures and conditions because the materials behave
differently. As a result, the whole process can take tens of hours or
even several days."
Prof. Li said, "Our newly developed
laser-induced conversion technology offers a way to combine these
processes into a single step at nanosecond speeds. The printing speed
can achieve about 2 cm2/minute using only a single beam laser. A 75 × 45
mm2 sulfur cathode can be printed within 20 minutes and supply power
for a small screen for several hours when assembled into a
lithium-sulfur pouch cell."
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423112140.htm
____________________________________
Sulfur-based polymers open door to a new class of battery
April 19, 2013
http://www.gizmag.com/sulfur-polymer-batteries/27117/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
Whether sulfur is a by-product or a waste product of oil refinement and
coal combustion depends on how you slice it. Certainly, much of that
sulfur can be put to use producing sulfuric acid, fertilizer and other
chemicals, but some is left to accumulate on stockpiles which are
expensive to maintain (due to the need to neutralize acidic run-off).
Researchers at the University of Arizona think more of that sulfur could
one day be put to use thanks to a new chemical process that uses sulfur
to make polymers. The new material could lead to a new generation of
lighter, more efficient lithium-sulfur batteries, the researchers claim.
____________________________________
CaO makes the graphene hierarchy for high-power lithium-sulfur batteries
January 26, 2016
Structural hierarchy is the cornerstone of the biological world, as well as the most important lesson that we have learned from nature to develop ingenious hierarchical porous materials for various applications in energy conversion and storage. Recently, a research group from China, led by Prof. Qiang Zhang in Tsinghua University, has developed a novel kind of hierarchical porous graphene (HPG) via a versatile chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on CaO templates for high-power lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. This work is published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-cao-graphene-hierarchy-high-power-lithium-sulfur.html
____________________________________
New LithiumSulfur Battery Promises 5 Times More Capacity
October 23, 2023
https://www.electronicsforu.com/news/new-lithiumsulfur-battery-promises-5-times-more-capacity
____________________________________
Rapid lithium extraction eliminates use of acid and high heat, scientists report
30-Apr-2025
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1082372
____________________________________
Metal fatigue in anodes identified as key cause of solid-state lithium battery degradation
May 2, 2025
https://batteriesnews.com/metal-fatigue-in-anodes-identified-as-key-cause-of-solid-state-lithium-battery-degradation/
____________________________________
Carbon Nanotubes Store Triple the Energy of Lithium Batteries
December 20, 2024
Carbon Nanotubes Store Triple the Energy of Lithium Batteries
https://batteriesnews.com/carbon-nanotubes-store-triple-the-energy-of-lithium-batteries/
____________________________________
New fuel cell could enable electric aviation
May 27, 2025
Engineers developed a fuel cell that offers more than three times as much energy per pound compared to lithium-ion batteries. Powered by a reaction between sodium metal and air, the device could be lightweight enough to enable the electrification of airplanes, trucks, or ships.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124115.htm
____________________________________
How can we optimize solid-state batteries? Try asking AI
May 4 2025
https://lifeboat.com/blog/2025/05/how-can-we-optimize-solid-state-batteries-try-asking-ai
____________________________________
Operando setup enables visualization of battery aging processes during charging cycles
April 29, 2025
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-04-operando-setup-enables-visualization-battery.html
____________________________________
Redox flow battery achieves energy efficiency of 87.9% and longer cycling life with new catalytic electrode
April 2, 2025
A
team of materials scientists, chemical engineers, and environmental
scientists affiliated with a host of institutions in China has developed
a redox flow battery (RFB) with 87.9% energy efficiency, which can also
last for 850 cycles. In their project, published in the journal Nature
Communications, the group developed a new kind of catalytic electrode to
improve the efficiency of the battery.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-04-redox-battery-energy-efficiency-longer.html
____________________________________
Charging electric vehicles 5x faster in subfreezing temps
April 4, 2025
https://news.engin.umich.edu/2025/04/charging-electric-vehicles-5x-faster-in-subfreezing-temps/
____________________________________
Electric vehicles could travel farther on a single charge thanks to new discovery
March 4, 2025
https://news.fiu.edu/2025/electric-vehicles-could-travel-farther-on-a-single-charge-thanks-to-new-discovery
____________________________________
Two new families of PFAS-free solvents for next-generation batteries
March 28, 2025
https://batteriesnews.com/two-new-families-of-pfas-free-solvents-for-next-generation-batteries/
____________________________________
Taking the 'forever' out of 'forever chemicals': Scientists work out how to destroy the PFAS in batteries
February 7, 2025
Lithium-ion
batteries are part of everyday life. They power small rechargeable
devices such as mobile phones and laptops. They enable electric
vehicles. And larger versions store excess renewable energy for later
use, supporting the clean energy transition.
Australia produces
more than 3,000 metric tons of lithium-ion battery waste a year.
Managing this waste is a technical, economic and social challenge.
Opportunities exist for recycling and creating a circular economy for
batteries. But they come with risk.
That's because lithium-ion
batteries contain manufactured chemicals such as PFAS, or per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances. The chemicals carry the lithium—along with
electricity—through the battery. If released into the environment, they
can linger for decades and likely longer. This is why they've been
dubbed "forever chemicals".
Recently, scientists identified a new
type of PFAS known as bis-FASIs (short for bis-perfluoroalkyl
sulfonimides) in lithium-ion batteries and in the environment. Bis-FASIs
have since been detected in soils and waters worldwide. They are
toxic—just one drop in an Olympic-size swimming pool can harm the
nervous system of animals. Scientists don't know much about possible
effects on humans yet.
Bis-FASIs in lithium-ion batteries present
a major obstacle to recycling or disposing of batteries safely.
Fortunately, we may have come up with a way to fix this.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-02-chemicals-scientists-destroy-pfas-batteries.html
____________________________________
New battery made of molten metals may offer low-cost, long-lasting storage for the grid
January 13, 2016
As
their first combination, Sadoway and Bradwell chose magnesium for the
top electrode, antimony for the bottom electrode, and a salt mixture
containing magnesium chloride for the electrolyte. They then built
prototypes of their cell—and they worked. The three liquid components
self-segregated, and the battery performed as they had predicted.
Spurred by their success, in 2010 they, along with Luis Ortiz SB '96,
PhD '00, also a former member of Sadoway's research group, founded a
company—called initially the Liquid Metal Battery Corporation and later
Ambri—to continue developing and scaling up the novel technology.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-battery-molten-metals-low-cost-long-lasting.html
____________________________________
AI Just Found the Future of Batteries, And It’s Not Lithium
These discoveries could enable cheaper, safer, and more powerful energy storage by using elements like magnesium and zinc.
____________________________________
An anode-free zinc battery that could someday store renewable energy
https://sciencebulletin.org/an-anode-free-zinc-battery-that-could-someday-store-renewable-energy/
____________________________________
A reversible Zn-metal battery
10 May 2021
Thanks to a stable fluorinated interphase formed on top of a Zn metal
anode, a Zn metal battery shows 99.9% Coulombic efficiency and
record-high Zn utilization.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-021-00908-1
____________________________________
Fluorinated interphase enables reversible aqueous zinc battery chemistries
10 May 2021
Abstract
Metallic zinc is an ideal anode due to its high theoretical capacity (820 mAh g−1), low redox potential (−0.762 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode), high abundance and low toxicity. When used in aqueous electrolyte, it also brings intrinsic safety, but suffers from severe irreversibility. This is best exemplified by low coulombic efficiency, dendrite growth and water consumption. This is thought to be due to severe hydrogen evolution during zinc plating and stripping, hitherto making the in-situ formation of a solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) impossible. Here, we report an aqueous zinc battery in which a dilute and acidic aqueous electrolyte with an alkylammonium salt additive assists the formation of a robust, Zn2+-conducting and waterproof SEI. The presence of this SEI enables excellent performance: dendrite-free zinc plating/stripping at 99.9% coulombic efficiency in a Ti||Zn asymmetric cell for 1,000 cycles; steady charge–discharge in a Zn||Zn symmetric cell for 6,000 cycles (6,000 h); and high energy densities (136 Wh kg−1 in a Zn||VOPO4 full battery with 88.7% retention for >6,000 cycles, 325 Wh kg−1 in a Zn||O2 full battery for >300 cycles and 218 Wh kg−1 in a Zn||MnO2 full battery with 88.5% retention for 1,000 cycles) using limited zinc. The SEI-forming electrolyte also allows the reversible operation of an anode-free pouch cell of Ti||ZnxVOPO4 at 100% depth of discharge for 100 cycles, thus establishing aqueous zinc batteries as viable cell systems for practical applications.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-021-00905-4
____________________________________
High-Energy Batteries Coming to Market
http://www.technologyreview.com/news/416020/high-energy-batteries-coming-to-market/
____________________________________
Zinc–air battery
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc%E2%80%93air_battery
____________________________________
New Battery Boasts 7 Times More Energy Density
July 30th, 2014
http://cleantechnica.com/2014/07/30/new-battery-boasts-7-times-energy-density/
____________________________________
Ein-Eli's New Battery Could Power a Laptop for Hundreds of Hours
December 1, 2009
An Israeli research team conducted by Prof. Yair Ein-Eli at the Technion – Israel Institute of Science, has recently developed a new battery that is able to produce thousands of hours of charge from an abundant and non-polluting fuel source.
This new portable battery could replace the batteries used in hearing aids, due to its reduced dimensions (measuring about less than a third of an inch). According to the researchers, in the near future it can replace laptop batteries as we known them, allowing them to run for hundreds of hours on a single charge. The small devices could benefit of this technology within a couple of years. “This would take about 10 years more and be revolutionary,” said Ein-Eli.
The current prototypes of the battery have a silicon power source that reverts back to their original form as sand. “In the paper, we showed that at 600 hours it had used only 10 percent of the energy. So we are talking about 6,000 hours,” says the professor.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/ein-elis-new-battery-could-power-a-laptop-for-hundreds-of-hours-20091201/#.VSF4ceG-2zk
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Commercially-available NanoTritium battery can power microelectronics for 20+ years
August 15, 2012
When installing micro-electronic devices in locations that are expensive
or hard to reach, or just downright dangerous, you don't want to have
to keep returning to swap out a battery cell. City Labs has announced
the commercial launch of its NanoTritium betavoltaic power source, a
thumb-sized battery that draws on the energy released from its
radioactive element to provide continuous nanoWatt power for over 20
years.
http://www.gizmag.com/city-labs-nanotritium-betavoltaic-battery/23720/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
Quantum Materials Cut Closer Than Ever Before for Faster, More Energy-Efficient Electronics
“Quantum materials cut closer than ever”. Posts about “Quantum materials cut closer than ever” written by richardmitnick.
DTU and Graphene Flagship (EU) researchers have taken the art of patterning nanomaterials to the next level. Precise patterning of 2D materials is a route to computation and storage using 2D materials, which can deliver better performance and much lower power consumption than today’s technology.
The electron beam lithography system in DTU Nanolab can write details down to 10 nanometers. Computer calculations can predict exactly the shape and size of patterns in the graphene to create new types of electronics. They can exploit the charge of the electron and quantum properties such as spin or valley degrees of freedom, leading to high-speed calculations with far less power consumption. These calculations, however, ask for higher resolution than even the best lithography systems can deliver: atomic resolution.
https://science-atlas.com/technology/quantum-materials-cut-closer-than-ever-before-for-faster-more-energy/
____________________________________
Researchers Infuse Bacteria with Silver to Improve Power Efficiency in Fuel Cells
Sep 16, 2021
A UCLA-led team of engineers and chemists has taken a major step forward in the development of microbial fuel cells — a technology that utilizes natural bacteria to extract electrons from organic matter in wastewater to generate electrical currents. A study detailing the breakthrough was recently published in Science.
“Living energy-recovery systems utilizing bacteria found in wastewater offer a one-two punch for environmental sustainability efforts,” said co-corresponding author Yu Huang, a professor and chair of the Materials Science and Engineering Department at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering. “The natural populations of bacteria can help decontaminate groundwater by breaking down harmful chemical compounds. Now, our research also shows a practical way to harness renewable energy from this process.”
The team focused on the bacteria genus Shewanella, which have been widely studied for their energy-generation capabilities. They can grow and thrive in all types of environments — including soil, wastewater and seawater — regardless of oxygen levels.
Shewanella species naturally break down organic waste matter into smaller molecules, with electrons being a byproduct of the metabolic process. When the bacteria grow as films on electrodes, some of the electrons can be captured, forming a microbial fuel cell that produces electricity.
____________________________________
Unplanned Discovery: An Excellent Material for Batteries along with other Energy Conversion Devices
Unplanned Discovery: A Super Material for Batteries and Other Energy Conversion Devices. Unplanned discoveries may lead to fundamental discoveries in batteries, fuel cells, and equipment that converts heat into electricity in the future.
“Our analysis showed that before this transformation, silver ions were fixed in a confined space within the two-dimensional space of our material,” Kanatzidis said. “But after this transition, they moved. ” Although people know a lot about how ions move in three-dimensional space, little is known about how they move in two-dimensional space.
When Mercouri Kanatzidis, a professor at Northwestern University in a joint position at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, was looking for a new superconductor with unconventional behavior, he made an unexpected discovery. It is a material that is only four atoms thick and only allows the movement of charged particles to be studied in two dimensions. These studies can promote the invention of new materials for various energy conversion devices.
https://science-atlas.com/technology/unplanned-discovery-an-excellent-material-for-batteries-along-with/
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Researchers Discover a New Family of 2D Semiconductors for Energy-Efficient Electronic Devices
Oct 17, 2021
Due to the increasing demand for high computational power in compact smart devices, circuits are shrinking while becoming more powerful. Therefore, the need for high device densities arises.
However, making circuit elements smaller is a challenge with various trade-offs. As the trend of miniaturization continues, engineers are trying to overcome the limitations of silicon-based technology.
As devices such as transistors are miniaturized or scaled-down beyond a certain size, quantum tunneling effects become prominent, which leads to highly uncontrollable device behaviors. As the transistors become too small, some electrons can tunnel past the barriers even if they don't have enough energy to cross. Due to these effects, ultrasmall computer chips do not behave in a controllable way.
To continue scaling further, sophisticated device technologies, such as FinFET and Gallium Arsenide FETs, can be employed. In addition, 2D semiconductors are considered as a potential candidate for future computing electronics. These materials, being atomically thin semiconductor layers, can efficiently handle electrical switching operations.
However, for implementing 2D transistors, a 2D semiconductor needs to electrically connect by two pieces of metals that form source and drain. The contacts between metals and semiconductors form an interfacial potential barrier, known as the Schottky barrier, which can severely affect the charge injection efficiency. As a result, a stronger voltage is needed to force the flow of electricity through the Schottky barrier, wasting energy and generating heat.
A research team from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) is working on ohmic contacts with no Schottky barrier. They discovered a new family of 2D semiconductors, namely MoSi2N4 and WSi2N4 that form ohmic contacts with metals titanium, scandium, and nickels. Their work is described in the npj 2D Materials and Applications journal.
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New X-Ray microscopy technique reveals nanoscale secrets of rechargeable batteries
August 4, 2016
http://phys.org/news/2016-08-team-reveals-nanoscale-secrets-rechargeable.html
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Researchers Watch Solid-State Batteries Charge and Discharge Using X-ray Tomography
Real-time 3D imaging shows voids at solid-state battery interfaces cause failure, offering clues for improving their lifespan and performance.
Using X-ray tomography, a research team has observed the internal evolution of the materials inside solid-state lithium batteries as they were charged and discharged. Detailed three-dimensional information from the research could help improve the reliability and performance of the batteries, which use solid materials to replace the flammable liquid electrolytes in existing lithium-ion batteries.
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Scientists analyze a single atom with X-rays for the first time
New X-ray capability could find wide application in environmental and medical research, as well as the development of batteries and microelectronic devices
https://www.anl.gov/article/scientists-analyze-a-single-atom-with-xrays-for-the-first-time
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New design points a path to the 'ultimate' battery
October 29, 2015
Scientists have developed a working laboratory demonstrator of a lithium-oxygen battery which has very high energy density, is more than 90% efficient, and, to date, can be recharged more than 2000 times, showing how several of the problems holding back the development of these devices could be solved.
http://phys.org/news/2015-10-path-ultimate-battery.html
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Silicon Nanowire Battery Has Three Times More Capacity, Charges Faster
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/silicon-nanowire-battery-capacity-20130216/#.VSFr9OG-2zk
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Newly Discovered TiO2-Coated Nanotubes Could Build Better Li-Ion Battery Electrodes
February 2, 2010
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/titanium-dioxide-coated-nanotube-electrode-20100202/#.VSFcYuG-2zk
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Breakthrough nano-spring technology boosts battery durability and energy density
March 15, 2025
Scientists improved battery durability and energy density with a nano-spring coating.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250313130813.htm
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Lithium-ion batteries inspired by snail shells could prove longer-lasting
February 11, 2015
In an ongoing effort to improve the performance of lithium-ion
batteries, scientists have looked to the techniques that snails use to
control the growth of their shells. This biological inspiration,
combined with a peptide found to bind very effectively with materials
used to make cathodes, has potential for making lighter and
longer-lasting batteries.
http://www.gizmag.com/lithium-ion-batteries-snail-shells/36045/
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Batteries Mimic Multilayer Geometry of Mammal Bones for Structural Stability
Mimicking mammal bone structure improves sodium-ion battery cathodes’ stability and performance.
By copying the multilayer geometry of mammal bones, cathodes for sodium-ion batteries can be made more structurally stable, while maintaining high capacities and fast charge rates.
Sodium-ion batteries are poised to replace lithium-ion batteries for large-scale electrical energy storage. They offer several advantages over lithium-ion batteries, particularly due to the widespread abundance of sodium.
However, it is difficult to develop sodium cathodes, materials through which electrons can enter a battery. Many candidate materials are unstable or cannot withstand high voltages.
To find a solution, researchers from Sungkyunkwan University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Brookhaven National Laboratory turned to nature. They describe their mammal bone-inspired sodium cathode in the journal Applied Physics Reviews, from AIP Publishing.
“We believe that nature provides a very promising solution to resolve technical problems,” said Ho Seok Park, one of the authors. “Accordingly, we tried to find the ideal architecture that can resolve these kinetic and stability limitations.”
Mammal bone structures consist of an inner porous, spongy bone that allows the storage and transport of bone marrow, surrounded by a hard, compact bone, which offers mechanical and structural integrity under severe stress.
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An Affordable, Sustainable New Battery Technology
June 26, 2025
Traditional Li-ion batteries rely on graphite as an anode material. However, the same graphite structure fails when it comes to sodium or potassium. But, by rethinking the shape of the carbon at the microscopic level, researchers found a workaround.
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This battery self-destructs: Biodegradable power inspired by 'Mission: Impossible'
June 7, 2025
New paper shows the potential of using probiotics -- live microorganisms that offer health benefits when ingested but are otherwise harmless
Scientists at Binghamton University are bringing a sci-fi fantasy to life by developing tiny batteries that vanish after use inspired by Mission: Impossible. Led by Professor Seokheun Choi, the team is tackling one of the trickiest parts of biodegradable electronics: the power source. Instead of using toxic materials, they re exploring probiotics friendly bacteria often found in yogurt to generate electricity. With engineered paper-based batteries that dissolve in acidic environments, this breakthrough could revolutionize safe, disposable tech for medical and environmental use.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250607231828.htm
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The Quantum Battery That Flipped Entanglement: A Stunning Reversal of the Rules
Scientists have discovered a way to make quantum entanglement reversible, something long thought to be impossible, by using a conceptual device called an entanglement battery.
Much like a regular battery stores energy, this theoretical tool can store and release entanglement, allowing quantum states to be transformed and reversed without loss. This breakthrough reveals a new “second law” for quantum mechanics, echoing the principles of thermodynamics and opening the door to more efficient quantum technologies and a unified framework for manipulating quantum resources.
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Newly Discovered Property of Graphene to Boost Fuel Cells Efficiency
November 28, 2014
The founder of graphene discovered one more
incredible property of the material that can give the ever-so-needed to
boost fuel cells and hydrogen-based technologies. The strongest,
thinnest, and initially known as impermeable material, in fact allows
hydrogen protons to pass through.
No wonder graphene is labelled as the “miracle material”.
Every property or use of it that is discovered, opens up a great deal
of new and super exciting opportunities and applications. Of course,
there is no one, who better understands graphene than its discoverer- the Nobel prize winner Andre Geim of University of Manchester,
and therefore it is no surprise that exactly his team has found yet
another super exciting property of the thin super-strong material.
In the study published this week in the journal Nature, the team describes how at high temperatures, above 250 degrees Celsius, graphene allows hydrogen protons to pass through. In addition, this process of proton transport
can be enhanced by adding an extra layer of catalytic metal
nanoparticles, such as platinum. This great discovery has a potential in
improving the performance of fuel cells. Here, it
could act as a proton-conducting membrane, which could potentially
eliminate the pressing problem of fuel leaks, associated with reduction
of cell efficiency. This property also opens up new horizons for
development of exciting hydrogen-based technologies.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/newly-discovered-property-graphene-boost-fuel-cells-efficiency-20141128/#.VSFr4OG-2zk
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New electrolyte promises to rid lithium batteries of short-circuiting dendrites
March 2, 2015
(Scanning electron microscope images that show how normal electrolyte
promotes dendrite growth (a, left), while PNNL’s new electrolyte
produces smooth nodules that don’t short-circuit cells (b, right).
Dendrites – thin conductive filaments that form inside lithium batteries
– reduce the life of these cells and are often responsible for them
catching fire. Scientists working at the Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory (PNNL) of the US Department of Energy claim to have produced a
new electrolyte for lithium batteries that not only completely
eliminates dendrites, but also promises to increase battery efficiency
and vastly improve current carrying capacity.
http://www.gizmag.com/dendrite-electrolyte-lithium-batteries/36274/
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Scientists cook up a green recipe for recycling lithium-ion batteries using vegetable oil
24 February 2025
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-02-scientists-cook-green-recipe-recycling.html
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Erupting electrodes: How recharging leaves behind microscopic debris inside batteries (w/ Video)
Apr 10, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-04-erupting-electrodes-recharging-microscopic-debris.html#jCp
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Using batteries to produce hydrogen peroxide from air for industrial applications
12-Mar-2025
Hydrogen
peroxide (H2O2) is widely used as a bleach, disinfectant, and oxidising
agent, among other things. However, industrial production of H2O2 is
expensive and uses a lot of energy owing to the rare and precious metal
catalysts used in its production. Researchers at the Indian Institute of
Science (IISc) have developed an alternative, onsite production
strategy for H2O2 that can also degrade industrial pollutants like toxic
dyes.
https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/1185767/using-batteries-to-produce-hydrogen-peroxide-from-air-for-industrial-applications.html
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Lithium extraction: the end of polluting methods?
February 05, 2025
Lithium,
essential for electric vehicle batteries, is currently extracted using
costly and polluting methods. A team of researchers proposes an
electrochemical alternative, cleaner and more efficient, which could
reduce costs by 35% and CO₂ emissions by 75%.
https://www.techno-science.net/en/news/lithium-extraction-the-end-of-polluting-methods-N26456.html
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Iron-Air Batteries Promise Higher Energy Density Than Lithium-Ion Batteries
____________________________________
Will Iron Forge the Future of Metal-Air Batteries in Grid Scale Energy Storage?
17 March 2025
Graphical Abstract
This Perspective paper highlights different aspects of iron-air batteries, as an appealing sustainable alternative energy storage technology for grid-scale applications. The utilization of iron as an anode is attractive, since it is abundant and safe to handle, recyclable and affordable, has multielectron reversible redox activity, holds historically rich experience in terms of production and processing.
https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cssc.202402412
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Researchers develop safer electrolytes and use novel technique to assess them
Apr 03, 2015
Most of us have seen dramatic photographs of laptops and even cars
that have burst into flames due to failures in lithium-ion batteries. On
a much larger scale, battery fires grounded Boeing's 787 Dreamliner
jets for several months in 2013 while the company implemented new
features to reduce the risk of overheating and combustion.
http://phys.org/news/2015-04-safer-electrolytes-technique.html#nRlv
Newly Invented Energy-Storing Organic Membrane Better and Cheaper Than Batteries and Capacitors
October 27, 2011
An organic membrane may be the world’s next best battery and may
revolutionize energy storage as we know it – it can bear far more energy
than capacitors can, and can charge quicker than ever. Not to mention
that it’s also dead-cheap.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/xie-energy-storing-organic-membrane-20111027/
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Advanced stability and energy storage capacity in hierarchically engineered Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-based multilayer capacitors
16 July 2025
Abstract
Multilayer ceramic capacitors are cornerstone components of modern electronic systems. Yet ensuring reliability under demanding operational conditions, such as elevated temperatures and prolonged cycling, while achieving holistic optimization of recoverable energy density and efficiency remains a significant challenge. Herein, we implement a polar glass state strategy that catalyzes a profound enhancement in energy storage performance by modulating dynamic and thermodynamic processes. This approach minimizes hysteresis loss and improves breakdown strength through hierarchical structural engineering, disrupting nano-domains and refining grains. An ultra-high recoverable energy density of 22.92 J cm−3 and exceptional efficiency of 97.1%, accompanied with state-of-the-art high-temperature stability are achieved in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-based multilayer ceramic capacitors. This strategy promises to be a transformative blueprint for developing cutting-edge dielectric capacitors for high-temperature applications.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61936-2
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Technique matters: A different way to make cathodes may mean better batteries
January 11, 2016
Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, or NMC, is one of the most promising chemistries for better lithium batteries, especially for electric vehicle applications, but scientists have been struggling to get higher capacity out of them. Now researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have found that using a different method to make the material can offer substantial improvements.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-technique-cathodes-batteries.html
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A Married Couple’s Sweet Music – A Graphene Battery Printing
October 25, 2014
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/married-couples-sweet-music-graphene-battery-printing-20141025/#.VSFr_eG-2zk
This couple is making beautiful music together – they’ve printed a battery made of graphene.
Dr. Elena Polyakova and Dr. Daniel Stolyarov, originally from Russia,
founded Graphene 3D Lab and have since moved the company to Calverton,
New York. They spent more than five years researching raw materials
that can be used to make a graphene battery using a 3D printer.
Graphene is a special form of carbon in which the atoms are arranged
in a hexagonal lattice along a single layer. In this configuration, the
carbon is 200 times stronger than steel and it conducts electricity 30
times faster than silicon. It is the latter feature that makes it ideal
for making tough composites, computer chips and well, batteries. Already batteries with lives 25 percent longer than lithium-ion batteries have already been made by other researchers.
Graphene 3D Lab’s design has one up on the competition, however,
because it can be made anywhere and practically in any shape.
Although
the prototype is able to produce the same amount of power as a common
AA battery, it has already produced considerable interest from the
military, as well as from the aerospace and car industries, according to
Dr. Polyakova, Graphene 3D Lab’s CoO. The company’s technology allows
one to print batteries to fit crooks and nannies where space is tight.
It can be used to print other graphene parts. As such, this technology
is very useful for space missions. Dr. Polyakova says, “That is an
exotic example, but a good one. A mission of that kind requires
thousands of spare parts and dozens of different battery types. Our
technology could remove the need to carry replacement batteries.”
____________________________________
Looking at graphene and other 2d crystals in energy conversion and storage
3 February 2015
http://graphene-flagship.eu/?news=looking-at-graphene-and-other-2d-crystals-in-energy-conversion-and-storage
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Scientists see the light on microsupercapacitors: Laser-induced graphene makes simple, powerful energy storage possible
December 3, 2015
Rice
University researchers who pioneered the development of laser-induced
graphene have configured their discovery into flexible, solid-state
microsupercapacitors that rival the best available for energy storage
and delivery.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-scientists-microsupercapacitors.html
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KIST Pioneers Next-Gen Energy Storage with Breakthrough Supercapacitor Technology
May 9, 2025
In a remarkable stride towards the future of energy storage, researchers from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and Seoul National University have unveiled a game-changing supercapacitor technology that promises to revolutionize existing energy storage systems. Spearheaded by Dr. Bon-Cheol Ku and Dr. Seo Gyun Kim from KIST and Professor Yuanzhe Piao of SNU, this pioneering advancement centers on a unique fiber composition integrating single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polyaniline (PANI), a conductive polymer. The implications of this research not only demonstrate enhanced performance in supercapacitors but could also redefine their role in various practical applications.
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Long-sought chiral anomaly detected in crystalline material
September 3, 2015
A study by Princeton researchers presents evidence
for a long-sought phenomenon—first theorized in the 1960s and predicted
to be found in crystals in 1983—called the "chiral anomaly" in a
metallic compound of sodium and bismuth. The additional finding of an
increase in conductivity in the material may suggest ways to improve
electrical conductance and minimize energy consumption in future
electronic devices.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-long-sought-chiral-anomaly-crystalline-material.html#jCp
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Scientists copy structure of cork to produce 3D blocks of graphene
December 6, 2012
(A scanning electron microscope image of the cork-like 3D graphene (Image: Ling Qiu, Monash University).
Imagine how limiting it would be if steel, wood or plastic only existed
in the form of thin sheets. Well, that’s been the case so far when it
comes to graphene. While its incredible strength and high conductivity
make it very useful in things like semiconductors, batteries and solar cells,
there’s no doubt that it would be even more useful if it could be
produced in three-dimensional blocks. Scientists at Australia’s Monash
University have now managed to do just that – by copying the structure
of cork.
http://www.gizmag.com/3d-graphene-cork-blocks/25342/
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A new wrinkle for cell culture
Apr 23, 2015
Researchers from Brown University have developed
new graphene surfaces, engineered with tiny wrinkles, as environments
for cell culture. The surfaces could provide a way to culture cells in
the lab that better approximates the complex environments in which cells
grow in the body.
http://phys.org/news/2015-04-wrinkle-cell-culture.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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From Disorder to Order: Scientists Rejuvenate Aging Batteries
2025-04-17
A
team of scientists led by Prof. LIU Zhaoping at the Ningbo Institute of
Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) of the Chinese Academy of
Sciences, in collaboration with researchers from the University of
Chicago and other institutions, has developed zero thermal expansion
(ZTE) materials. This innovation has achieved nearly 100% voltage
recovery in aging lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), as detailed in a study
published in Nature.
https://en.ncsti.gov.cn/Latest/news/202504/t20250418_202143.html
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Scientists Invent Self-healing Battery Electrode
November 18, 2013
https://scienceblog.com/scientists-invent-self-healing-battery-electrode/
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Renewable energy from evaporating water (w/ Video)
June 16, 2015
(The "moisture mill" is a new kind of turbine engine that turns
continuously as water evaporates from the wet paper lining the walls of
the engine.)
In the June 16 online issue of Nature Communications, Columbia University scientists report the development of two novel devices that derive power directly from evaporation - a floating, piston-driven engine that generates electricity causing a light to flash, and a rotary engine that drives a miniature car.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-renewable-energy-evaporating-video.html
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World's first "aqueous solar flow battery" outperforms traditional lithium-iodine batteries
August 3, 2015
The scientists that revealed the "world's first solar battery"
last year are now, following some modifications, reporting its first
significant performance milestone. The device essentially fits a battery
and solar cell into the one package, and has now been tested against
traditional lithium-iodine batteries, over which the researchers are
claiming energy savings of 20 percent.
It was last October that researchers at Ohio State University (OSU)
first detailed their patent-pending design for a dye-sensitized solar
cell also capable of storing its own power. With three electrodes rather
than the typical four, it featured a lithium plate base, two layers of
electrode separated by a thin sheet of porous carbon, and a titanium
gauze mesh that played host to a dye-sensitive titanium dioxide
photoelectrode.
The reasoning behind the porous nature of the
materials was to allow the battery's ions to oxidize into lithium
peroxide, which was in turn chemically decomposed into lithium ions and
stored as lithium metal. But the team has redesigned the battery so that
air no longer needs to pass through it in order to function.
http://www.gizmag.com/aqueous-solar-flow-battery-osu/38748/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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First Quantum Phase “Supercurrent” Battery Ever Developed
https://science-atlas.com/technology/first-quantum-phase-supercurrent-battery-ever-developed/
____________________________________
Identifying material properties for more efficient solid-state batteries
Jan. 30, 2025
https://www.llnl.gov/article/52366/identifying-material-properties-more-efficient-solid-state-batteries
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Unlocking safer batteries: New study uncovers key insights into electrolyte materials for all-solid-state batteries
February 10, 2025
https://www.anl.gov/article/unlocking-safer-batteries-new-study-uncovers-key-insights-into-electrolyte-materials-for
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‘Cold’ manufacturing approach to make next-gen batteries
April 24, 2025
Fabrication challenge for solid-state batteries solved through advanced technique, researchers report
UNIVERSITY
PARK, Pa. — Lithium-ion batteries have been a staple in device
manufacturing for years, but the liquid electrolytes they rely on to
function are quite unstable, leading to fire hazards and safety
concerns. Now, researchers at Penn State are pursuing a reliable
alternative energy storage solution for use in laptops, phones and
electric vehicles: solid-state electrolytes (SSEs).
According to
Hongtao Sun, assistant professor of industrial and manufacturing
engineering, solid-state batteries — which use SSEs instead of liquid
electrolytes — are a leading alternative to traditional lithium-ion
batteries. He explained that although there are key differences, the
batteries operate similarly at a fundamental level.
“Rechargeable
batteries contain two internal electrodes: an anode on one side and a
cathode on the other,”" Sun said. “Electrolytes serve as a bridge
between these two electrodes, providing fast transport for conductivity.
Lithium-ion batteries use liquid electrolytes, while solid-state
batteries use SSEs.”
Solid-state batteries offer improved
stability and safety when compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries
but face several manufacturing and conductivity challenges, Sun
explained. For example, the high temperatures introduced in the
fabrication process, especially with ceramic-based SSE
https://www.psu.edu/news/engineering/story/cold-manufacturing-approach-make-next-gen-batteries
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Scientists Turn Nuclear Waste into Electricity with New Micro-Battery Design
February 25, 2025
Ohio
State researchers have developed a novel battery that harnesses gamma
radiation—typically considered a harmful waste product—to generate
usable electricity. The prototype device, roughly the size of a sugar
cube, might eventually help power sensors in nuclear facilities or deep
space missions.
https://scienceblog.com/scientists-turn-nuclear-waste-into-electricity-with-new-micro-battery-design/
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Electricity-producing slime could power floors, shoes and more
February 6, 2025
University of Guelph (U of G) researchers have developed a slime-like material that produces electricity when compressed. When the team studied their prototype using the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan, they discovered the material has an array of potential applications.
If installed in floors, it could produce clean energy when people walk on it. If incorporated into a shoe insole, it could be used to analyze your gait. In theory, says lead researcher Erica Pensini, their material could even be used as the basis for a synthetic skin to train robots to know how much pressure to use when checking the pulse of a patient.
"The synchrotron is like a super-microscope," says Pensini. "It allowed us to see that if you apply an electric field, you can change the crystalline structure of this material."
Pensini, an associate professor at U of G, and colleagues, found that the "slime" could form different structures at the microscopic level so that it either arranged itself like a sponge, formed layers like a lasagna, or took on a hexagonal form. Pensini conducted the work in collaboration with U of G professors Alejandro G. Marangoni, Aicheng Chen, and Stefano Gregori. Their findings are published in the Journal of Molecular Liquids.
This property, explains Pensini, could offer an opportunity for the targeted delivery of medicine within the body. "Imagine you have the material take an initial structure that contains a pharmaceutical substance and then, when an electric field is applied to it, the structure changes to release the medicine."
The team's prototype is composed of natural materials that are highly compatible with the body. It is 90% water plus oleic acid (found in olive oil) and amino acids (the building blocks of protein in the body). "I wanted to make something that is 100% benign and that I would put on my skin without any concerns," she says.
The material could also be used to make bandages that actively promote healing. "Our bodies produce small electric fields to attract healing cells to an open wound," says Pensini. "By creating a bandage that increases this electric field, healing could theoretically happen faster. In this case, the bandage would be activated by our natural movements and breathing."
Pensini is excited about the potential uses for their "slime." In the meantime, she plans to use it as a salve for her hands after rock climbing. "I need an initial guinea pig, so it might as well be me, right?"
Polarized light microscopy of mixtures containing equimolar ratios of oleic acid and DEA without water (A) and in the presence of 57 wt% water (B and C, which show different features). The scale bar is 200 μm. Credit: Journal of Molecular Liquids (2024).
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-02-electricity-slime-power-floors.html
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Waste to wealth: Pomelo peel can be used for electricity generation and sensing devices
February 21, 2025
Pomelo
is a large citrus fruit commonly grown in Southeast and East Asia. It
has a very thick peel, which is typically discarded, resulting in a
considerable amount of food waste. In a new study, University of
Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers explore ways to utilize waste
pomelo-peel biomass to develop tools that can power small electric
devices and monitor biomechanical motions.
https://fshn.illinois.edu/news/waste-wealth-pomelo-peel-can-be-used-electricity-generation-and-sensing-devices
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Scientists turn dead battery waste, CO2 into fuel, killing 2 birds with 1 stone
Mar 05, 2025
Researchers
extracted nickel from Ni-MH batteries and alumina from aluminum foil,
converting them into a high-performance nanocatalyst using green
chemistry.
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/battery-waste-into-clean-fuel
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Battery waste and kitchen foil create nanocatalyst for CO₂ to methane fuel conversion
March 4, 2025
Battery
waste is a serious environmental problem: It contains substances that
pose a threat to both human health and ecosystems. At the same time,
however, batteries also contain valuable materials such as nickel, which
we need—for example, for the production of new batteries. Better
recycling methods for batteries are therefore urgently required.
https://phys.org/news/2025-03-battery-kitchen-foil-nanocatalyst-methane.html
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Scientific breakthrough brings CO2 'breathing' batteries closer to reality
May 20, 2025
Scientists
at the University of Surrey have made a breakthrough in eco-friendly
batteries that not only store more energy but could also help tackle
greenhouse gas emissions. Lithium-CO₂ 'breathing' batteries release
power while capturing carbon dioxide, offering a greener alternative
that may one day outperform today's lithium-ion batteries.
Until
now, Lithium-CO₂ batteries have faced setbacks in efficiency -- wearing
out quickly, failing to recharge and relying on expensive rare materials
such as platinum. However, researchers from Surrey have found a way to
overcome these issues by using a low-cost catalyst called caesium
phosphomolybdate (CPM). Using computer modelling and lab experiments,
tests showed this simple change allowed the battery to store
significantly more energy, charge with far less power and run for over
100 cycles.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520122027.htm
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New nanomaterial offers breakthrough in energy storage and environmental sustainability
21-May-2025
Researchers
from Shinshu University developed a low-cost nanocomposite by embedding
bimetallic and trimetallic molybdates into nitrogen-, boron-, and
fluorine-doped hollow carbon nanofibers. This material demonstrated
excellent electrochemical performance for supercapacitors, with high
capacitance and long-term stability, as well as strong catalytic
efficiency in degrading 4-nitrophenol, a common industrial pollutant.
The composite offers promising dual functionality for energy storage and
environmental remediation, providing a scalable and efficient solution
to address pressing global energy and pollution challenges.
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1084692
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Breakthrough could enable diamond transistors for high-power applications
30 January 2025
A
landmark development led by researchers from the University of Glasgow
could help create a new generation of diamond-based transistors for use
in high-power electronics.
Their new diamond transistor overcomes
the limitations of previous developments in the technology to create a
device much closer to being of practical use across a range of
industries which rely on high power systems.
The team have found a
new way to use diamond as the basis of a transistor that remains
switched off by default - a development crucial for ensuring safety in
devices which carry a large amount of electrical current when switched
on.
Diamond has an inherent property known as a wide band gap,
meaning it is capable of handling much higher voltages than silicon -
the material the majority of transistors are made from - before
electrically breaking down. In power electronic applications, that means
that transistors made from materials such as diamond can withstand
significantly higher voltages and deliver higher power than Si
transistors.
The team’s diamond transistor could find
applications in sectors where largely voltages are required and
efficiency is highly-valued, like power grids or electric vehicles.
https://www.myscience.org/en/news/2025/breakthrough_could_enable_diamond_transistors_for_high_power_applications-2025-glasgow
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Metal-free supercapacitor stack delivers 200 volts from just 3.8 cm³
22-Jul-2025
https://sciencesources.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1092126
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New metal design for solid-state batteries enables operation at lower pressures
June 9, 2025
Lithium-ion
batteries power everything from electric cars to laptops to leaf
blowers. Despite their widespread adoption, lithium-ion batteries carry
limited amounts of energy, and rare overheating can lead to safety
concerns. Consequently, for decades, researchers have sought a more
reliable battery.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-metal-solid-state-batteries-enables.html
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Stanford and MIT engineers find new way to harness waste heat
May 21, 2014
Researchers have developed a new battery technology that captures waste heat and converts it into electricity.
https://engineering.stanford.edu/news/stanford-and-mit-engineers-find-new-way-harness-waste-heat
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A new solid-state battery surprises the researchers who created it
Sep 24, 2021
Engineers created a new type of battery that weaves two promising battery sub-fields into a single battery. The battery uses both a solid state electrolyte and an all-silicon anode, making it a silicon all-solid-state battery. The initial rounds of tests show that the new battery is safe, long lasting, and energy dense. It holds promise for a wide range of applications from grid storage to electric vehicles.
The battery technology is described in the 24 September, 2021 issue of the journal Science. University of California San Diego nanoengineers led the research, in collaboration with researchers at LG Energy Solution.
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Solid state battery design charges in minutes, lasts for thousands of cycles
Research paves the way for better lithium metal batteries
January 8, 2024
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University of Texas Scientists Develop Anode-Free Solid-State Battery with Increased Energy Density
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Self-adaptive electrolytes expand stability for fast charging and high-energy batteries
August 9, 2025
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-08-electrolytes-stability-fast-high-energy.html
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17 Tech Experts Discuss What’s New And Next In Nanotech
Apr 26, 2023
1. Advances In Addressing Neurodiversity And Disabilities
2. Graphene As An Accurate And Efficient Sensor Material
3. Nanorobot Applications In Multiple Industries
4. Upgrades To Computers And Other Digital Devices
5. Personalized, Smart Living Spaces
6. More Durable And Energy-Efficient Buildings
7. Water Testing And Treatment
8. ‘Green’ Growth In Agricultural Productivity
9. Medical Condition Monitoring And Targeted Treatment
10. Enhanced Access To Big Data
11. Nanocellulose As An Eco-Friendly Alternative To Plastics
12. DNA Origami
13. New Teaching Aids And Learning Tools
14. Nanocomposites For Lighter, Stronger Aircraft And Automobiles
15. Nanobots That Carry Out Critical Natural Functions
16. Higher-Energy, Faster-Charging Batteries
17. Safer, More Efficient Space Exploration
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Chapter 16: Magnetic energy
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Magnetic energy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_energy
Magnetic energy and electric energy are related by Maxwell's equations. The potential energy of a magnet of magnetic moment m in a magnetic field B is defined as the mechanical work of magnetic force (actually of magnetic torque) on re-alignment of the vector of the magnetic dipole moment.
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New class of "non-Joulian magnets" have potential to revolutionize electronics
May 21, 2015
Magnets are at the heart of much of our technology, and their properties
are exploited in a myriad ways across a vast range of devices, from
simple relays to enormously complex particle accelerators. A new class
of magnets discovered by scientists at the University of
Maryland (UMD) and Temple University may lead to other types of magnets
that expand in different ways, with multiple, cellular magnetic fields,
and possibly give rise to a host of new devices. The team also believes
that these new magnets could replace expensive, rare-earth magnets with
ones made of abundant metal alloys.
http://www.gizmag.com/expanding-alloy-magnets/37621/
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Electromagnetic fields as cutting tools
Dec 01, 2009
http://phys.org/news178914974.html
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Melt metal with magnets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i2OVqWo9s0
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Molecular trick alters rules of attraction for non-magnetic metals
August 5, 2015
Scientists
have demonstrated for the first time how to generate magnetism in
metals that aren't naturally magnetic, which could end our reliance on
some rare and toxic elements currently used...
-
Magnets are used in many industrial and technological applications,
including power generation in wind turbines, memory storage in hard
disks and in medical imaging.
"Future technologies,
such as quantum computers, will require a new breed of magnets with
additional properties to increase storage and processing capabilities.
Our research is a step towards creating such 'magnetic metamaterials'
that can fulfil this need," said Al Ma'Mari.
http://phys.org/news/2015-08-molecular-non-magnetic-metals.html#jCp
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MERS Device Harnesses Residual Magnetic Power Produced by Electrical Current
September 27, 2010
Researchers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology in collaboration with
the Office of Naval Research Global plan to develop a new device for
capturing residual magnetic energy from electrical current.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/mers-device-magnetic-power-recovery-20100927/
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Magnetic Pendulum: A Free Energy Device Running for Three Years Now
January 19, 2010
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/magnetic-pendulum-a-free-energy-device-running-for-three-years-now-20100119/#.VSFjmuG-2zk
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World's first magnetic "wormhole" produces magnetic monopole
September 4, 2015
It may not instantly whisk you to far-flung
reaches of the universe like the gravitational wormholes of Stargate, Star Trek
and Interstellar, but researchers at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
(UAB) claim to have created the first experimental wormhole that links two
regions of space magnetically.
http://www.gizmag.com/magnetic-wormhole/39257/
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Scientists At NASA Announce That Space Portals Actually Do Exist
Is science finally catching up with spirituality?
A few years ago now it was announced that NASA funded plasma physicist Jack Scudder at the University of Iowa had discovered what science fiction
lovers have dreamt about since day one: a wormhole, the portal that
links the Earth to far away galaxies that would otherwise be impossible
to reach.
Well, that’s what we hoped they meant. It turns out these so
called “X-points”, or electronic diffusion regions, is a connection
linking the Earth’s magnetic field to the sun’s magnetic field.
Alas it is not the galaxy hopping wormhole we were hoping
for, but it could be potentially be a start into finding something along
those lines.
http://www.neonnettle.com/news/1432-scientists-at-nasa-announce-that-space-portals-actually-do-exist
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Converting Magnetic Energy Into Electric Voltage Using Power Spintronics
January 4, 2013
The American Institute of Physics’ (AIP) journal Applied Physics Letters, published a report, which shows a new application of spintronics. According to the study, it is now possible to convert magnetic energy into electric voltage by changing the dynamics of magnetization using magnetic nanostructures.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/converting-magnetic-energy-into-electric-voltage-using-power-spintronics-20130104/
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New Technology 2014 Floating Magnetic Cars
Dec 15, 2013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmMbyAGlnI4
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Tiny magnets mimic steam, water and ice
September 21, 2015
Researchers
at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) created a synthetic material out
of 1 billion tiny magnets. Astonishingly, it now appears that the
magnetic properties of this so-called metamaterial change with the
temperature, so that it can take on different states; just like water
has a gaseous, liquid and a solid state. This material made of
nanomagnets might well be refined for electronic applications of the
future – such as for more efficient information transfer.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-tiny-magnets-mimic-steam-ice.html#jCp
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New tool for studying magnetic, self-propelled bacteria that resemble compass needles
September 15, 2015
In
the Marvel Comics universe, Professor Xavier and the X-Men are only
able to fend off their archrival Magneto, the magnetic mutant with the
ability to control metals, once they truly understand the scope of the
villain's powers. To better understand the behavior of the microbial
world's Magnetos—the magnetically influenced water-dwellers known as
magnetotactic bacteria—three researchers from Europe and Russia have
developed a new tool that allows these unique microscopic species to be
studied more easily, especially in their natural environment.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-tool-magnetic-self-propelled-bacteria-resemble.html#jCp
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Giant enhancement of magnetic effect will benefit spintronics
December 21, 2015
Researchers
have demonstrated that coating a cobalt film in graphene doubles the
film's perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), so that it reaches a
value 20 times higher than that of traditional metallic cobalt/platinum
multilayers that are being researched for this property. In a material
with a high PMA, the magnetization is oriented perpendicular to the
interface of the material's layers. High-PMA materials are being
researched for their applications in next-generation spintronic devices,
such as high-density memories and heat-tolerant logic gates.
The researchers, Hongxin Yang, et al., have published a paper on the giant PMA enhancement in a recent issue of Nano Letters.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-giant-magnetic-effect-benefit-spintronics.html#jCp
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Cooled down and charged up, a giant magnet is ready for its new mission
September 24, 2015
The
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory—or Fermilab—announced that a
680-ton superconducting magnet is secure in its new home and nearly
ready for a new era of discovery in particle physics. This achievement
follows the delicate, 3,200-mile transport of the magnet's 17-ton,
50-foot-wide housing ring to the U.S. Department of Energy facility
outside Chicago two years ago. The fully assembled magnet will drive
high-energy particle experiments as part of an international partnership
among 34 institutions, of which the University of Washington is a
leading contributor.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-cooled-giant-magnet-ready-mission.html#jCp
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Massive Research Magnets Are on the Move for Groundbreaking Experiments
https://stc-mditr.org/massive-research-magnets-are-on-the-move-for-groundbreaking-experiments/
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Decades-long experiment finds muon still behaving unexpectedly
June 3, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-decades-muon-unexpectedly.html
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Control of spin qubits at near absolute zero provides path forward for scalable quantum computing
June 25, 2025
Developing
technology that allows quantum information to be both stable and
accessible is a critical challenge in the development of useful quantum
computers that operate at scale. Research published in the journal
Nature provides a pathway for scaling the number of quantum transistors
(known as qubits) on a chip from current numbers under 100 to the
millions needed to make quantum computation a practical reality. The
result is enabled by new cryogenic control electronics that operate at
close to absolute zero, developed at the University of Sydney.
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-qubits-absolute-path-scalable-quantum.html#google_vignette
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Researcher develop an electrical switch for magnetic current
Mar 01,2012
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics in Halle developed a new switching mechanism for magnetic current. The idea is to use a short electric pulse to change the magnetic transport properties of a material sandwich consisting of a ferroelectric layer between two ferromagnetic materials. The new mechanism could be used to store information in four states of a storage point, not just two - which doubles storage density or lowers the size of MRAM devices.
In ferroelectric materials, voltage switches between the two directions of an electric polarisation – depending on its polarity – not unlike when a magnetic field permanently reverses the polarity of a ferromagnet. As ions shift within the material structure during this process, the polarisation remains intact, even after the voltage has been reduced. It is possible, however, to reverse the switch again with a similarly large voltage with reversed polarity.
https://www.spintronics-info.com/researcher-develop-electrical-switch-magnetic-current
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Superconducting Magnets Could Unlock a Hidden Universe of Gravitational Waves
June 28, 2025
https://www.sciencenewstoday.org/superconducting-magnets-could-unlock-a-hidden-universe-of-gravitational-waves
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A newly discovered type of superconductor is also a magnet
May 22, 2025
Magnets
and superconductors go together like oil and water—or so scientists
have thought. But a new finding by MIT physicists is challenging this
century-old assumption.
In a paper appearing in the journal
Nature, the physicists report that they have discovered a "chiral
superconductor"—a material that conducts electricity without resistance,
and also, paradoxically, is intrinsically magnetic. What's more, they
observed this exotic superconductivity in a surprisingly ordinary
material: graphite, the primary material in pencil lead.
Graphite
is made from many layers of graphene—atomically thin, lattice-like
sheets of carbon atoms—that are stacked together and can easily flake
off when pressure is applied, as when pressing down to write on a piece
of paper. A single flake of graphite can contain several million sheets
of graphene, which are normally stacked such that every other layer
aligns. But every so often, graphite contains tiny pockets where
graphene is stacked in a different pattern, resembling a staircase of
offset.
The MIT team has found that when four or five sheets of
graphene are stacked in this "rhombohedral" configuration, the resulting
structure can exhibit exceptional electronic properties that are not
seen in graphite as a whole.
In their new study, the physicists
isolated microscopic flakes of rhombohedral graphene from graphite, and
subjected the flakes to a battery of electrical tests. They found that
when the flakes are cooled to 300 millikelvins (about -273 degrees
Celsius), the material turns into a superconductor, meaning that any
electrical current passing through the material can flow through without
resistance.
They also found that when they swept an external
magnetic field up and down, the flakes could be switched between two
different superconducting states, just like a magnet. This suggests that
the superconductor has some internal, intrinsic magnetism. Such
switching behavior is absent in other superconductors.
https://phys.org/news/2025-05-newly-superconductor-magnet.html
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The secrets of world’s thinnest superconductor uncovered
June 22, 2021
The world’s thinnest superconductor exhibits unusual electronic behavior. The superconductor, which is just an atomic layer thick, has several applications as it conducts electricity exceptionally efficiently.
The work could transform the fields of medical diagnostics, quantum computing, and energy transport.
It can superconducting at 65 K. In contrast, bulk samples of the same material superconduct at a much lower temperature (8 K).
n new work, MIT scientists offered the first experimental evidence of spin excitations in this superconductor.
Until now, physicists assume that it is impossible to quantify spin excitations in material only an atomic layer thick. In this new work, scientists did not only detect spin excitations but, among other things, also showed that the spin dynamics in the ultra-thin sample were dramatically different from those in the bulk sample. They found that the energy of fluctuating spins in the ultra-thin sample was much higher than the energy of the spins in the bulk sample.
Jonathan Pelliciari, a former MIT postdoc, said, “This is the first experimental evidence of the presence of spin excitations in an atomically thin material.”
Usually, neutron scattering is used to study magnetism. Since spin is the principal property of magnetism, neutron scattering would give off an impression of being a decent test. However, the technique doesn’t work on a material that is only one atomic layer thick.
Hence, scientists used a new experimental technique called resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS).
https://www.techexplorist.com/secrets-world-thinnest-superconductor-uncovered/39720/
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'Thermoelectric permanent magnet' achieves record power density for energy harvesting
June 23, 2025
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-thermoelectric-permanent-magnet-power-density.html
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Topological magnetic field textures
20 December 2021
Curvilinear DNA-shaped magnetic double helices enable tunable magnetic field nanotextures.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-021-00984-3
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Decoding nanomaterial phase transitions with tiny drums
March 16, 2025
When water freezes into ice or boils into vapor, its properties change
dramatically at specific temperatures. These so-called phase transitions
are fundamental to understanding materials. But how do such transitions
behave in nanomaterials? A team of scientists now presents new insights
into the complex nature of phase transitions in magnetic nanomaterials.
Their findings reveal the coupling between magnetic and mechanical
properties, paving the way for ultra-sensitive sensors.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250312124608.htm
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Nikola Tesla’s Hidden Invention Just Got Rebuilt – And It Works!
May 8, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogbAAKoKc7U
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Physicists Reveal Non-Reciprocal Flow Round the Quantum World Utilizing an Artificial Magnetic Field
Physicists reveal non-reciprocal flow around the quantum world. Physicists have created a theory describing how non-reciprocity can be induced at the quantum level, paving the way for non-reciprocal transport in the next generation of nanotechnology.
Theory of non-reciprocal flow could lead to new quantum devices – Synthetic magnetic fields control flow around quantum trimers.
Their results pave the way for new experimental studies of nanoscale directional currents, which could lead to the development of new ways of controlling the flow of energy and information. The research could also lead to new studies of exotic states of matter that feature strongly interacting quantum systems.
- Synthetic magnetic fields
- Exotic states of matter
Physicists from Exeter and Zaragoza have created a theory describing how non-reciprocity can be induced at the quantum level, paving the way for non-reciprocal transport in the next generation of nanotechnology...
https://science-atlas.com/physics/physicists-reveal-non-reciprocal-flow-round-the-quantum-world/
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Generating Megatesla Magnetic Fields on Earth Using Intense-Laser-Driven Microtube Implosions
A team of researchers led by Osaka University discovers “microtube implosion,” a novel mechanism that demonstrates the generation of megatesla-order magnetic fields.
Magnetic fields are used in various areas of modern physics and engineering, with practical applications ranging from doorbells to maglev trains. Since Nikola Tesla’s discoveries in the 19th century, researchers have strived to realize strong magnetic fields in laboratories for fundamental studies and diverse applications, but the magnetic strength of familiar examples are relatively weak. Geomagnetism is 0.3−0.5 gauss (G) and magnetic tomography (MRI) used in hospitals is about 1 tesla (T = 104 G). By contrast, future magnetic fusion and maglev trains will require magnetic fields on the kilotesla (kT = 107 G) order. To date, the highest magnetic fields experimentally observed are on the kT order.
Recently, scientists at Osaka University discovered a novel mechanism called a “microtube implosion,” and demonstrated the generation of megatesla (MT = 1010G) order magnetic fields via particle simulations using a supercomputer. Astonishingly, this is three orders of magnitude higher than what has ever been achieved in a laboratory. Such high magnetic fields are expected only in celestial bodies like neutron stars and black holes.
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Nanomagnets power micromachine bird
November 8th, 2019
Researchers assembled the micromachine from materials that contain small nanomagnets. They can program these nanomagnets to assume a particular magnetic orientation. When the programmed nanomagnets are then exposed to a magnetic field, specific forces act on them. If these magnets are located in flexible components, the forces acting on them cause the components to move.
For the construction of the microrobot, the researchers fabricated arrays of cobalt magnets on thin sheets of silicon nitride. The bird constructed from this material could then perform various movements, such as flapping, hovering, turning, or side-slipping. The researchers report the work in the journal Nature.
https://www.futurity.org/micromachine-bird-nanomagnets-2205972-2/
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‘Microflower’ structure amplifies magnetic fields 5x, can boost devices’ efficiency
Mar 29, 2025
Precise
control over the elemental blocks of magnetic metamaterials enables the
concentration, focusing, and guiding of magnetic fields.
https://interestingengineering.com/science/magnetic-microflowers-enhance-magnetic-fields
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New Way of Using Spin Waves in Magnetic Materials Can lead to Smaller sized, Faster Electronics
Magnets and electricity – The basic principles of electricity and electrical magnets.
Have you ever held two magnets close to each other? They don’t act like most objects. If you try to push the two north poles or two south poles together, they repel each other. But if you put a north pole and a south pole together, the magnets will stick together because the north and south poles attract each other. Just like protons and electrons—opposites attract in magnets.
Video advice: Spin Waves & Magnons
This video is about spin waves and magnons. It has been explained with the help of ferromagnetic chain of spins. The next video will cover dispersion relation of ferromagnetic magnons...
Physics – Electroengineering – 06. 12. 2019 In surprise breakthrough, scientists create quantum states in everyday electronicsAfter decades of miniaturization, the electronic components we’ve relied on for computers and modern technologies are now starting to reach fundamental limits. Faced with this challenge, engineers and scientists around the world are turning toward a radically new paradigm: quantum information technologies. Quantum technology, which harnesses the strange rules that govern particles at the atomic level, is normally thought of as much too delicate to coexist with the electronics we use every day in phones, laptops and cars.
Physicists find a way to eliminate unwanted damping. Smaller, faster, more energy-efficient – this is the goal that developers of electronic devices have been working towards for years. In order to be able to miniaturize individual components of mobile phones or computers, for example, magnetic wav.
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Innovative Approach to Controlling Magnetism Opens Route to Ultra-Low-Power Microchips
All machines convert one form of energy into another form - for example a car engine turns the energy stored in fuel into motion energy. Those processes of energy conversion, described by the theory called thermodynamics, don't only take place on the macro-level of big machines, but also at the micro-level of molecular machines that drive muscles or metabolic processes and even on the atomic level. The research team of Prof. Massimiliano Esposito of the University of Luxembourg studies the thermodynamics of small nanomachines only consisting of a few atoms. In a paper published in the prestigious scientific journal Physical Review X, they outline how these small machines behave in concert. Their insights could be used to improve the energy efficiency of all kinds of machines, big or small.
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New
single-molecule magnet tech could unlock hard drives with 100x more
capacity — drives could store half a million TikTok views on a hard
drive the size of a postage stamp, or three terabytes per square
centimeter
June 26, 2025
https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/storage/new-single-molecule-magnet-tech-could-unlock-hard-drives-with-100x-more-capacity-drives-could-store-three-terabytes-per-square-centimeter
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Spintronics Advances: Efficient Magnetization Direction Control of Magnetite for High-Density Spintronic Memory Devices
Scientists develop an energy-efficient strategy to reversibly change ‘spin orientation’ or magnetization direction in magnetite at room temperature.
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Magnetic Memory Breakthrough: Physicists Observe an Exotic “Multiferroic” State in an Atomically Thin Material
Discovery shows for the first time that multiferroic properties
can exist in a two-dimensional material; could lead to more efficient
magnetic memory devices.
https://scitechdaily.com/magnetic-memory-breakthrough-physicists-observe-an-exotic-multiferroic-state-in-an-atomically-thin-material/
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How Magnetite Nanoparticles Are Transforming Digital Communications
August 15, 2023
We
could be on the brink of an unprecedented change in digital
communications, similar in importance to when the internet was first
introduced.
This change, a blend of the natural world with
advanced nanotechnology, suggests a new age of high-speed internet
connectivity, primarily utilising magnetite nanoparticles...
https://elnano.com/how-magnetite-nanoparticles-are-transforming-digital-communications/
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Could hBN Become Quantum Technology’s Go-To Material?
October 19, 2023
Nanotechnology
is a rapidly evolving field that continually pushes the boundaries of
what is possible at the nanoscale. In recent years, diamond has been the
go-to material for quantum sensing, thanks to its nitrogen-vacancy
centers, controllable spin, and sensitivity to magnetic fields. Diamond,
a default choice for quantum sensing, has met its match in hexagonal
boron nitride (hBN), an often-overlooked material that is gaining
attention as a potential quantum technology future material.
https://elnano.com/could-hbn-become-quantum-technologys-go-to-material/
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Room temperature coherent control of spin defects in hexagonal boron nitride
2 Apr 2021
Abstract
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abf3630
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Researchers Have Found A New Way To Control Magnets – Here Is How
September 24, 2021
Researchers at MIT have developed a way of quickly changing the magnetic polarity of a ferrimagnet 180 degrees, using just a small applied voltage. According to the researchers, the discovery could herald a new era of ferrimagnetic logic and data storage systems.
The findings were published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology in a paper co-authored by postdoctoral researcher Mantao Huang, MIT professor of materials science and technology Geoffrey Beach, and professor of nuclear science and technology Bilge Yildiz, as well as 15 other researchers from MIT and other institutions in Minnesota, Germany, Spain, and Korea.
The majority of magnets we come across are of “ferromagnetic” materials. The atoms in these materials are oriented in the same direction with their north-south magnet axes; thus, their combined strength is strong enough to create attraction. As a result, these materials are often used in the modern high-tech environment.
https://wonderfulengineering.com/researchers-have-found-a-new-way-to-control-magnets-here-is-how/
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New Method to Control Nanoparticles with Light and Magnets
A team of researchers has developed particles that can glow with color-coded light and be manipulated with magnets, improving the likelihood of tracking the position of the nanoparticles as they move within the body or inside a cell.
A long-sought goal of creating particles that can emit a colorful
fluorescent glow in a biological environment, and that could be
precisely manipulated into position within living cells, has been
achieved by a team of researchers at MIT and several other institutions. The finding is reported this week in the journal Nature Communications.
https://scitechdaily.com/new-method-control-nanoparticles-light-magnets/
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Quantum twist: In a first, magnet-free spin transport achieved in graphene
Jul 06, 2025
Scientists
have found that they can trigger and control quantum spin currents
without magnets by placing graphene on a chosen magnetic material,
paving way for ultrathin, next-gen quantum devices.
https://interestingengineering.com/science/graphene-shows-spin-currents-without-magnets
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Findings to Help Achieve Holy Grail of 2D Materials – Superfast Electronic Devices
Researchers discover new family of quasiparticles in graphene-based materials.
A group of researchers led by Sir Andre Geim and Dr. Alexey Berdyugin at The University of Manchester have discovered and characterized a new family of quasiparticles named ‘Brown-Zak fermions’ in graphene-based superlattices.
The team achieved this breakthrough by aligning the atomic lattice of a graphene layer to that of an insulating boron nitride sheet, dramatically changing the properties of the graphene sheet.
The study follows years of successive advances in graphene-boron nitride superlattices which allowed the observation of a fractal pattern known as the Hofstadter’s butterfly — and today (Friday, November 13, 2020) the researchers report another highly surprising behavior of particles in such structures under applied magnetic field.
https://scitechdaily.com/findings-to-help-achieve-holy-grail-of-2d-materials-superfast-electronic-devices/
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Quantum materials quest could benefit from graphene that buckles
Aug 14, 2020
Cooled graphene mimics effect of enormous magnetic fields that would benefit electronics.
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Revolutionizing Spintronics: Electric Field Control Eliminates Need for Magnets
April 3, 2025
Spintronics is a promising and rapidly evolving field that could transform the world of electronics. Unlike traditional electronics, which rely on the charge of electrons to carry information, spintronics takes advantage of an additional property of electrons known as spin. This spin, a quantum mechanical property of electrons, can be manipulated to process and store data, leading to potentially faster, more efficient devices that consume significantly less power. However, one major challenge has persisted: controlling spin without the need for bulky magnetic fields. A breakthrough published in Materials Horizons provides a game-changing solution to this issue, bringing us one step closer to ultra-compact and energy-efficient spintronic devices.
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DNA Origami Enables Fabricating Superconducting Nanowires
Fabricating nanoelectronic circuits of the future just got a lot more interesting, thanks to DNA origami
January 19, 2021
The following news release, issued by the American Institute of Physics (AIP) on Jan. 19, describes research published in AIP Advances on exploiting DNA origami as a platform to build wire-like nanostructures that can conduct electricity without resistance. Scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and collaborating institutions first reported this platform in Nature Communications last November. Oleg Gang, leader of the Soft and Bio Nanomaterials Group at Brookhaven Lab’s Center for Functional Nanomaterials—a DOE Office of Science User Facility—has been developing novel strategies using DNA to guide the self-assembly of nanoparticles in desired ways for particular applications. The new AIP study shows the potential of this platform for applications including interconnects for nanoelectronics and novel devices such as 3-D magnetometers for measuring magnetic fields.
WASHINGTON, January 19, 2021 — The quest for ever-smaller electronic components led an international group of researchers to explore using molecular building blocks to create them. DNA is able to self-assemble into arbitrary structures, but the challenge with using these structures for nanoelectronic circuits is the DNA strands must be converted into highly conductive wires.
Inspired by previous works using the DNA molecule as a template for superconducting nanowires, the group took advantage of a recent bioengineering advance known as DNA origami to fold DNA into arbitrary shapes.
In AIP Advances, from AIP Publishing, researchers from Bar-Ilan University, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Columbia University, and Brookhaven National Laboratory describe how to exploit DNA origami as a platform to build superconducting nanoarchitectures. The structures they built are addressable with nanometric precision that can be used as a template for 3D architectures that are not possible today via conventional fabrication techniques.
The group’s fabrication process involves a multidisciplinary approach, namely the conversion of the DNA origami nanostructures into superconducting components. And the preparation process of DNA origami nanostructures involves two major components: a circular single-strand DNA as the scaffold, and a mix of complementary short strands acting as staples that determine the shape of the structure.
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image of DNA origami wires before the coating.
https://www.bnl.gov/newsroom/news.php?a=117656
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Performing artificial intelligence using tiny nanomagnets that interact like neurons in the brain
May 5, 2022
(Nanowerk News) Researchers have shown it is possible to perform artificial intelligence using tiny nanomagnets that interact like neurons in the brain.
The
new method, developed by a team led by Imperial College London
researchers, could slash the energy cost of artificial intelligence
(AI), which is currently doubling globally every 3.5 months.
In
a paper published in Nature Nanotechnology ("Reconfigurable training
and reservoir computing in an artificial spin-vortex ice via spin-wave
fingerprinting"), the international team have produced the first proof
that networks of nanomagnets can be used to perform AI-like processing.
The researchers showed nanomagnets can be used for ‘time-series
prediction’ tasks, such as predicting and regulating insulin levels in
diabetic patients.
https://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-news2/newsid=60560.php
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MIT Physicists Detect Strange Hybrid Particle Held Together by Uniquely Intense “Glue”
Researchers at MIT have identified a new hybrid particle in NiPS3, combining an electron and a phonon with exceptional bonding strength, paving the way for dual control over electronic and magnetic properties in materials.
In the particle world, sometimes two is better than one. Take, for instance, electron pairs. When two electrons are bound together, they can glide through a material without friction, giving the material special superconducting properties. Such paired electrons, or Cooper pairs, are a kind of hybrid particle — a composite of two particles that behave as one, with properties that are greater than the sum of its parts.
In a new, two-dimensional magnetic substance, MIT scientists have now discovered a different kind of hybrid particle. They discovered that the hybrid particle is a combination of an electron and a phonon (a quasiparticle created by the vibrating atoms of a substance). They discovered that the glue, or bond, between the electron and phonon was 10 times stronger than any previous electron-phonon hybrid up to that point.
Dual Control of Electronic and Magnetic Properties
The particle’s exceptional bond suggests that its electron and phonon might be tuned in tandem; for instance, any change to the electron should affect the phonon, and vice versa. In principle, an electronic excitation, such as voltage or light, applied to the hybrid particle could stimulate the electron as it normally would, and also affect the phonon, which influences a material’s structural or magnetic properties. Such dual control could enable scientists to apply voltage or light to a material to tune not just its electrical properties but also its magnetism.
Potential Applications in Magnetic Semiconductors
The results are especially relevant, as the team identified the hybrid particle in nickel phosphorus trisulfide (NiPS3), a two-dimensional material that has attracted recent interest for its magnetic properties. If these properties could be manipulated, for instance through the newly detected hybrid particles, scientists believe the material could one day be useful as a new kind of magnetic semiconductor, which could be made into smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient electronics.
“Imagine if we could stimulate an electron, and have magnetism respond,” says Nuh Gedik, professor of physics at MIT. “Then you could make devices very different from how they work today.”
Gedik and his colleagues have published their results on January 10, 2022, in the journal Nature Communications. His co-authors include Emre Ergeçen, Batyr Ilyas, Dan Mao, Hoi Chun Po, Mehmet Burak Yilmaz, and Senthil Todadri at MIT, along with Junghyun Kim and Je-Geun Park of Seoul National University in Korea.
Exploring Two-dimensional Magnetic Materials
The field of modern condensed matter physics is focused, in part, on the search for interactions in matter at the nanoscale. Such interactions, between a material’s atoms, electrons, and other subatomic particles, can lead to surprising outcomes, such as superconductivity and other exotic phenomena. Physicists look for these interactions by condensing chemicals onto surfaces to synthesize sheets of two-dimensional materials, which could be made as thin as one atomic layer.
NiPS3 is a two-dimensional material that becomes antiferromagnetic at temperatures as low as 150 kelvin, or -123 degrees Celsius. In 2018, a research team in Korea found some unexpected interactions in sheets of NiPS3 that had been produced. An antiferromagnet’s microstructure is composed of atoms whose spins are directly opposed to those of their neighbors, much like a honeycomb lattice. A ferromagnetic substance, on the other hand, consists of atoms with their spins aligned in the same direction.
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Don't make an ion trap at home
2023 Apr 15
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3HIWR0UfC8I
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On the Edge: New Magnetic Phenomenon Discovered With Industrial Potential
Working with the tiniest magnets, Hebrew University discovers a new magnetic phenomenon with industrial potential.
For physicists, exploring the realm of the very, very small is a wonderland. Totally new and unexpected phenomena are discovered in the nanoscale, where materials as thin as 100 atoms are explored. Here, nature ceases to behave in a way that is predictable by the macroscopic law of physics, unlike what goes on in the world around us or out in the cosmos.
Dr. Yonathan Anahory at Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU)’s Racah Institute of Physics led the team of researchers, which included HU doctoral student Avia Noah. He spoke of his astonishment when looking at images of the magnetism generated by nano-magnets, “it was the first time we saw a magnet behaving this way,” as he described the images that revealed the phenomenon of “edge magnetism.”
https://scitechdaily.com/on-the-edge-new-magnetic-phenomenon-discovered-with-industrial-potential/
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Scientists discover unusual ultrafast motion in layered magnetic materials
August 1, 2023
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MIT Discovers Magnetic Superconductor in Pencil Lead
MIT scientists have identified a bizarre new material: a superconductor that also acts like a magnet. Using a special stacking of graphene layers from graphite, they observed this dual behavior — something thought to be impossible until now.
https://scitechdaily.com/mit-discovers-magnetic-superconductor-in-pencil-lead/
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MIT Physicists Transform Pencil Lead Into Electronic “Gold”
Isolate thin flakes that can be tuned to exhibit three important properties.
MIT physicists have metaphorically turned graphite, or pencil lead, into gold by isolating five ultrathin flakes stacked in a specific order. The resulting material can then be tuned to exhibit three important properties never before seen in natural graphite.
“It is kind of like one-stop shopping,” says Long Ju, an assistant professor in the MIT Department of Physics and leader of the work, which is reported in the October 5 issue of Nature Nanotechnology. “Nature has plenty of surprises. In this case, we never realized that all of these interesting things are embedded in graphite.”
Further, he says, “It is very rare material to find materials that can host this many properties.”
The Rise of “Twistronics”
Graphite is composed of graphene, which is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in hexagons resembling a honeycomb structure. Graphene, in turn, has been the focus of intense research since it was first isolated about 20 years ago. Then about five years ago researchers including a team at MIT discovered that stacking individual sheets of graphene, and twisting them at a slight angle to each other, can impart new properties to the material, from superconductivity to magnetism. The field of “twistronics” was born.
In the current work, “we discovered interesting properties with no twisting at all,” says Ju, who is also affiliated with the Materials Research Laboratory.
https://scitechdaily.com/mit-physicists-transform-pencil-lead-into-electronic-gold/
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For more information on magnets, energy and light view the chapter titled "Light energy."
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Chapter 17: Piezoelectric & mechanical energy
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Energy harvesting
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_harvesting
Energy harvesting (also known as power harvesting or energy scavenging) is the process by which energy is derived from external sources (e.g. solar power,
thermal energy, wind energy, salinity gradients, and kinetic energy),
captured, and stored for small, wireless autonomous devices, like those
used in wearable electronics and wireless sensor networks.
Energy harvesters provide a very small amount of power for low-energy
electronics. While the input fuel to some large-scale generation costs
money (oil, coal, etc.), the energy source for energy harvesters is
present as ambient background and is free. For example, temperature
gradients exist from the operation of a combustion engine and in urban
areas, there is a large amount of electromagnetic energy in the
environment because of radio and television broadcasting.
Piezoelectric
The piezoelectric effect converts mechanical strain
into electric current or voltage. This strain can come from many
different sources. Human motion, low-frequency seismic vibrations, and
acoustic noise are everyday examples. Except in rare instances the
piezoelectric effect operates in AC requiring time-varying inputs at
mechanical resonance to be efficient.
Most piezoelectric electricity sources produce power on the order of
milliwatts, too small for system application, but enough for hand-held
devices such as some commercially available self-winding wristwatches.
One proposal is that they are used for micro-scale devices, such as in a
device harvesting micro-hydraulic energy. In this device, the flow of
pressurized hydraulic fluid drives a reciprocating piston supported by
three piezoelectric elements which convert the pressure fluctuations
into an alternating current.
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Preparation on transparent flexible piezoelectric energy harvester based on PZT films by laser lift-off process
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924424712006516
The piezoelectric energy generation properties of transparent flexible devices (TFD) based on PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT) films, which were fabricated by laser lift-off (LLO) process, were studied for a piezoelectric energy harvester. Through the introduction of indium-tin-oxide (ITO) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates, TFDs were implemented, respectively. The TFDs based on PZT films generated an AC-type output signal and output power of 8.4 nW/cm2, at periodically bending and releasing motion. In addition, inverted output signals were observed when the manufactured TFDs were connected to the measuring equipment in reverse and were bended to the reverse direction, demonstrating that the generating signals originated from the piezoelectric effect of TFDs. The experimental results clearly showed that the TFDs based PZT film have potential for use in next generation of electronic devices applications such as flexible devices, transparent electronics, and energy harvester.
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Scientists use shape-fixing nanoreactor to make a better fuel cell catalyst
May 11, 2015
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Laser-machined piezoelectric cantilevers for mechanical energy harvesting
In this study, we report results on a piezoelectric- material-based
mechanical energy-harvesting device that was fabricated by combining
laser machining with microelectronics packaging technology. It was found
that the laser-machining process did not have significant effect on the
electrical properties of piezoelectric material. The fabricated device
was tested in the low-frequency regime of 50 to 1000 Hz at constant
force of 8 g (where g = 9.8 m/s2). The device was found to
generate continuous power of 1.13 muW at 870 Hz across a 288.5 kOmega
load with a power density of 301.3 muW/cm3.
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4626918&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fiel5%2F58%2F4626908%2F04626918.pdf%3Farnumber%3D4626918
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Bismuth-Ferrite Piezoelectric Material Opens New Roads for Energy Generation
November 15, 2009
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/bismuth-ferrite-piezoelectric-material-opens-new-roads-for-energy-generation-20091115/#.VSIYCeG-2zk
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Chinese Scientists Find Alternative to Lead-Containing Mainstream Piezoelectric Material
April 2, 2012
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/zinc-oxide-vanadium-piezoelectric-20120402/#.VSIYEOG-2zk
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Energy-Saving Thermoelectric Material Made From Dirt
November 29, 2012
A team of researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new type of thermoelectric
material by using common materials found in dirt. The researchers
developed this material using what they know about tetrahedrites, one of
the most abundant minerals on Earth.
MSU Professor of Chemical
Engineering, Donald Morelli, and his team figured out how to synthesize
compounds that have the same chemical composition as natural minerals
and closely mimic tetrahedrites. By modifying the composition,
researchers have been able produce even more efficient thermoelectric
material.
Why is this important? Themoelectric energy needs to be
more efficient to be a viable energy source. For example, if
thermoelectric was more efficient, the heat generated by a car engine
that travels through the tail pipe could then be converted into actual
electricity. By tweaking the composition, researchers are coming closer
to making this a reality.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/thermoelectric-material-dirt-20121129/
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Fungus turns wood piezoelectric, allowing it to power LEDs
Infecting wood with wood-decay fungus can boost its piezoelectric output by 55 times, researchers in Switzerland have discovered. The material scientists found that after 10 weeks of infection, blocks of decayed wood could power LEDs. They say that floors built from fungus-treated wood could generate renewable electricity from people’s footsteps.
Decades ago, scientists discovered that wood generates an electrical charge under mechanical stress. This piezoelectric effect is caused by the displacement of crystalline cellulose when it is deformed, whereby shear stress in one plane produces an electrical polarization perpendicular to it. But the piezoelectric effect is not very strong – around twenty times smaller than that of a quartz crystal – and wood does not deform easily.
Despite this, some researchers are keen on exploiting this property by creating piezoelectric construction materials that could help make buildings more energy efficient. Globally buildings are responsible for around 40% of our energy consumption and nearly 25% of our greenhouse gas emissions. Current attempts to minimize emissions involve reducing energy consumption or fitting buildings with solar panels so they generate their own electricity. While this can be effective, it is weather dependent and does not work everywhere. Piezoelectric construction materials could offer another source of clean energy.
Dissolving lignin
The piezoelectrical performance of wood can be improved by changing its structure. Recently Ingo Burgert, at ETH Zurich, and his colleagues found that placing wood in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid increases its piezoelectric output. This process dissolves the lignin in the wood leaving behind a cellulose framework that is much more flexible and elastic. When squeezed, 1.5 cm cubes of this acid-treated wood generated an output of 0.69 V, which is 85 times higher than untreated wood. This performance was stable for 600 cycles and 30 connected blocks powered light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a simple liquid-crystal display.
Keen to create the same effect, but without the harsh chemicals, Burgert and colleagues turned to a natural process that alters the structure of wood: decay by fungi. In their latest work, described in Science Advances, they infected balsa wood with the white rot fungus Ganoderma applanatum for 4–12 weeks. After 10 weeks the wood had lost 45% of its weight and the researchers found that at this point it showed the best compressibility performance, while still returning to its original shape once the stress was released.
A single 1.5 cm cube of this decayed wood produced a maximum voltage of 0.87 V under 45 kPa of stress, while uninfected balsa wood generated 0.015 V. The treated wood maintained its performance for 500 cycles. Electrical output increased with mechanical stress, rising to 1.32 V at 100 kPa. Nine of the decayed-wood blocks connected in parallel were able to power an LED, when pressed strongly.
Cellulose remains intact
Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis of decayed and untreated wood showed how the fungus altered the wood. “The selected wood decay fungi secrete enzymes that enable degradation of lignin and hemicelluloses in the wood, whereas cellulose remains intact,” Burgert told Physics World. “This type of wood decay is also known as selective delignification. This process changes the structure and chemistry of the wood cell wall enhancing the natural piezoelectric properties of wood.”
The researchers say that their results indicate that the material could be used to produce large-scale wooden floors, such as those in ballrooms, that could generate electricity from human activity.
“We are currently working at the demonstrator scale with delignified wood that can be used for sensors integrated into wooden floors,” Burgert says. “For instance, these systems could be used as security systems in wooden floors for detection of any kind of applied stress. In terms of power generation, it is on the level of lighting up LED lights, and therefore, at present the application as a sensor is more suitable. However, it is a first step and we are currently optimizing towards wood-based systems better suited for energy harvesting.”
Due to its lignin composition delignification during fungal infection is much faster in balsa than other woods such as spruce, pine and fir. “The next step is to use this concept for native wood species and incorporate the generated materials in future smart buildings,” Burgert adds.
https://physicsworld.com/a/fungus-turns-wood-piezoelectric-allowing-it-to-power-leds/
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Proof-of-Concept Piezoelectric Generators Used to Recover Energy from Wind
November 24, 2009
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/andreopoulos-piezoelectric-wind-power-20091124/#.VSIbWOG-2zk
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Scientists harvest energy from beam's self-induced, self-sustaining vibrations in airflow
July 27, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-07-scientists-harvest-energy-self-induced-self-sustaining.html#jCp
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Nanogenerator “Scavenges” Power from atmosphere
August 7, 2021
Australian researchers led by Flinders University are picking up the challenge of ‘scavenging’ invisible power from low-frequency vibrations in the surrounding environment, including wind, air, or even contact-separation energy (static electricity).
“These so-called triboelectric nanogenerators (or ‘TENGs’) can be made at low cost in different configurations, making them suitable for driving small electronics such as personal electronics (mobile phones), biomechanics devices (pacemakers), sensors (temperature/pressure/chemical sensors), and more,” says Professor Youhong Tang, from Flinders University’s College of Science and Engineering.
https://nanodigest.in/nanogenerator-scavenges-power-from-atmosphere/
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How to squeeze electricity out of crystals - Ashwini Bharathula
It might sound like science fiction, but if you press on a crystal of sugar, it will actually generate its own electricity. This simple crystal can act like a tiny power source because sugar happens to be piezoelectric. Ashwini Bharathula explains how piezoelectric materials turn mechanical stress, like pressure, sound waves and other vibrations into electricity, and vice versa.
https://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-to-squeeze-electricity-out-of-crystals-ashwini-bharathula
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What Are Piezoelectric Crystals And How Do They Work?
September 23, 2024
We’ve found a lot of ways to make use of this strange property of certain crystals, but the most important effects were here long before us.
What Is Piezoelectricity?
Certain substances, when placed under physical stress, develop imbalances of charges. Electrons accumulate in certain parts, creating a negative electric potential; while other areas are depleted in electrons, and so form a positive potential.
Quartz, the most common material to display piezoelectricity, is so abundant that it’s likely many people have noticed that when squeezed it can become able to attract charged objects. Of course, quartz is not easy to squeeze, which may be why there is no record of these observations before Pierre Curie and his brother Jacques published research on it in 1880.
The Curies showed that certain crystals become electrically polarized when stressed, and the field strength is proportional to the force applied. The name comes from the ancient Greek word piézō, “to squeeze”. For Jacques, this was the highlight of his scientific career, whereas Pierre went on to be far more famous for many other things.
At a time when our understanding of electricity was in its infancy, and only a few practical applications had been developed, the discovery helped build excitement in the general phenomenon but was initially just a curiosity itself.
When an electric field is applied to a piezoelectric material, it will deform, a phenomenon known as the converse piezoelectric effect. The change is usually tiny – perhaps one part in a thousand – but that’s enough for some practical applications.
Why Are A Few Things Piezoelectric But Most Aren’t?
Piezoelectricity was initially observed in crystals. The Curies tried squeezing all sorts of crystalline materials to see which ones proved piezoelectric and to find the strongest effect. Along with Rochelle salt, a form of tartaric acid and quartz were their star examples.
Despite the limited knowledge available at the time about the way atoms lined up in crystals, the brothers were able to deduce that the common feature of the piezoelectric crystals related to their axes of symmetry. Piezoelectric behavior requires a crystal to have a polar bond, where some atoms hold onto their electrons more tightly than others. They also must lack inversion symmetry, that is they are not the same when components are placed on the opposites side of a center of symmetry,
Although more classes of crystal are piezoelectric than not, those that show strong piezoelectric effects are rare in nature, quartz is the only one that is common.
In piezoelectric crystals, the pressure causes electric dipoles to line up, rather than be arranged randomly, so that their cumulative effect produces a field.
We have since learned that piezoelectricity is not confined to crystals. Ferroelectric ceramics (those that electrically polarize in ways that resist reversal from external fields) with randomly orientated grains can be piezoelectric. That includes the class of materials known as perovskites that probably represent the future of solar energy.
Some polymers also show weak piezoelectric behavior because electric charges build up around voids within the material, and become concentrated when the voids are deformed. The big surprise in this area came by chance when piezoelectric liquids were discovered, shocking researchers both literally and intellectually.
Why Does Piezoelectricity Matter?
Piezoelectricity has found many applications. In most substances, the piezoelectric effect is so weak that it is too difficult to harness to bother. There are exceptions, however – suitable pressure on quartz crystals can produce electrical potential differences of thousands of volts, without the need to carry around an impractically large device.
The surge of electricity generated by sudden pressure on a quartz crystal can produce sparks that jump a gap, and is the basis of cigarette lighters and ignition devices for gas heaters and stoves.
On the other hand, by varying the electric fields around piezoelectric crystals, the converse effect can make metal plates glued to the crystals vibrate very rapidly. When performed thousands of times a second these vibrations were used to produce the first sonar, which mapped the ocean floor and detected submarines. A similar approach made it possible to produce lighter radio transmitters, allowing planes to communicate with each other while in flight during World War II.
A recent paper reveals that quartz’s piezoelectric properties may be why gold settles in quartz veins and forms concentrated nuggets. The economic effects of these nuggets – and the way their presence has made empires rise and fall – mean that, if this is true, natural piezoelectricity may have shaped our history more than any application humans designed.
There are probably even more important piezoelectric effects, but we don’t yet fully understand them. Many body parts, such as bones, are piezoelectric, and it is thought they use this to grow. It may be why bones atrophy in orbit, for example; the stresses created in Earth gravity keep them regenerating through piezoelectricity.
Piezoelectricity has fascinated enough scientists that some see potential for more world-changing applications. For example, ideas to underlay roads with piezoelectric materials and produce large amounts of power from cars driving over the top, or electricity-producing shoes draw publicity now and then. However, these reports usually fail to consider the inefficiency of the approach, even before one gets to the enormous cost. More modest versions serve as marketing devices, such as nightclubs that power the lights from people dancing on a piezoelectric floor.
https://www.iflscience.com/what-are-piezoelectric-crystals-and-how-do-they-work-76057
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Did You Know That Hitting Crystals Can Make Electricity? This Is How ‘Piezoelectricity’ Works
December 11, 2021
Cell phones, diesel fuel injectors, acoustic guitar pickups, grill igniters, ultrasonic transducers, vibration sensors, some printers, and musical greeting cards all have something in common. And that is: all of these applications, aside from being electronic devices, make use of piezoelectricity in some way.
If you are not aware of what Piezoelectricity actually is, then don’t worry, we have the answer. As per the definition on Wikipedia, Piezoelectricity is the electric charge that builds up in certain solid materials, such as crystals and ceramics, as well as biological matter like bone, DNA, and different proteins, in reaction to mechanical stress. The term piezoelectricity refers to the generation of electricity from pressure and latent heat. It comes from the Greek words piezein, which means squeeze or press, and lektron, which refers to amber, an early source of electric charge.
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New Piezo Crystals Harness Sound Waves to Generate Hydrogen Fuel
03/17/10
http://inhabitat.com/new-piezo-crystals-harness-sound-waves-to-generate-hydrogen-fuel/
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Nano-Rogues: From Mythic Ocean Waves to Micro-Manufacturing Marvels
Scientists have adapted the principles of large, unexpected oceanic rogue waves to a nanoscale, revealing potential applications in nano-manufacturing and medical insights, supported by mathematical models inspired by quantum physics.
Researchers have shown how the principles of rogue waves – huge 30-meter waves that arise unexpectedly in the ocean – can be applied on a nanoscale, with dozens of applications from medicine to manufacturing.
Long considered to be a myth, rogue waves strike from comparably calm surroundings, smashing oil rigs and ships in their path. Unlike tsunamis, rogue waves form by the chance combination of smaller waves in the ocean, creating an event that is very rare.
Nanoscale Application of Rogue Wave Principles
There has been a lot of research into rogue waves in recent years but now, for the first time, scientists are showing how this can be applied on a much smaller scale – nanometrically. A nanometer is a million times smaller than the thickness of the page of a book. This is a completely new approach to the behavior of liquids on a nanometric scale, published as a Letter in Physical Review Fluids.
The holes and bumps caused by rogue waves can be manipulated to spontaneously produce patterns and structures for use in nano-manufacturing (manufacturing on a scale one-billionth of a meter). For example, patterns formed that rupture liquid films can be used to build microelectronic circuits, which could be used in the production of low-cost components of solar cells. Furthermore, the behavior of thin liquid layers could help to explain why millions of people worldwide suffer from dry eye. This occurs when the tear film covering the eye ruptures.
Uncovering the Behavior of Nanoscopic Liquid Layers
Through direct simulations of molecules and new mathematical models, the study led by the University of Warwick’s Mathematics Institute discovered how nanoscopic layers of liquid behave in counterintuitive ways. While a layer of spilled coffee on a table may sit apparently motionless, at the nanoscale the chaotic motion of molecules creates random waves on a liquid’s surface. A rare event occurs when these waves conspire to create a large ‘rogue nanowave’ that bursts through the layer and creates a hole. The new theory explains both how and when this hole is formed, giving new insight into a previously unpredictable effect, by taking their large oceanic cousins as a mathematical blueprint.
The team of researchers is excited about the potential of this research in different industries; the applications are far-reaching.
https://scitechdaily.com/nano-rogues-from-mythic-ocean-waves-to-micro-manufacturing-marvels/
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Fuel-free nanomotor is powered by ultrasound and magnetic fields
Jun 26, 2015
Nanoscale motors, like their macroscale
counterparts, can be built to run on a variety of chemical fuels, such
as hydrogen peroxide and others. But unlike macroscale motors, some
nanomotors can also run without fuel, instead being powered by either
magnetic or acoustic fields. In a new paper, researchers for the first
time have demonstrated a nanomotor that can run on both magnetic and
acoustic fields, making it the first magneto-acoustic hybrid fuel-free
nanomotor.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-fuel-free-nanomotor-powered-ultrasound-magnetic.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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Sonic Breakthrough: MIT Unlocks Ultrasound Control With Advanced Metamaterials
Researchers at MIT have developed a design framework for controlling ultrasound wave propagation in microscale acoustic metamaterials, focusing on the precise positioning of microscale spheres within a lattice.
This approach enables tunable wave velocities and responses, and is applicable in fields like ultrasound imaging and mechanical computing.
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Tiny Motors Take a Big Step Forward: First-Ever Solid-State Optical Nanomotor
7/17/2022
Motors are ubiquitous in our everyday lives — from cars to washing machines, even if we rarely notice them. A futuristic scientific field is working on the development tiny motors that could power a network of nanomachines and replace some of the power sources we currently use in electronic devices.
Researchers from the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin created the first ever solid-state optical nanomotor. All previous iterations of these light-driven motors reside in a solution of some sort, which limited their potential for the majority of real-world applications.
One of the biggest hurdles holding back implementation of these devices is Brownian Motion, which is avoided by bringing these nanomotors on land and out of water, so to speak. Brownian Motion happens when water molecules push these little motors off their spin. The smaller the motor, the stronger effect this motion has. Removing the solution from the equation side steps this problem entirely.
The reason scientists are so enamored with creating these tiny motors is that they mimic some of the most important biological structures. In nature, these motors drive the division of cells and help them move. They combine to help organisms move.
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Ear-Piercing Sounds Harvested for Energy
Dec 6, 2013
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Engineering students use sound waves to put out fires
Mar 26, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-03-students.html
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Advancement in piezoelectric nanogenerators for acoustic energy harvesting
18 December 2024
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41378-024-00811-4
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German student creates electromagnetic harvester that gathers free electricity from thin air
February 12, 2013
A German student has built an
electromagnetic harvester that recharges an AA battery by soaking up
ambient, environmental radiation. These harvesters can gather free
electricity from just about anything, including overhead power lines,
coffee machines, refrigerators, or even the emissions from your WiFi
router or smartphone.
http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/148247-german-student-creates-electromagnetic-harvester-that-gathers-free-electricity-from-thin-air
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New technique for generating electricity from mechanical vibrations
Nov 12, 2014
http://www.gizmag.com/mechanical-vibration-generate-electricity/34701/
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New Cell Phone Charging System Harvests Energy from Vibrations
02/28/14
http://inhabitat.com/university-of-wisconsin-develops-cell-phone-charging-system-that-harvests-energy-from-vibrations/
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Pavegen looking to harness energy from pedestrian footsteps
May 28th, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-pavegen-harness-energy-pedestrian-footsteps.html#nRlv
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Portland to generate electricity within its own water pipes
February 17, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/portland-lucidpipe-power-system/36130/
____________________________________
Shape-shifting nanoprobes report on internal body conditions using magnetic fields
April 5, 2015
Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have developed a new type of
shape-shifting nanoprobe that can perform high-resolution remote
biological sensing not possible with current technology. Around
one-tenth the size of a single red blood cell, the nanoprobes are
designed to provide feedback on internal body conditions by altering
their magnetic fields in response to their environment. The researchers
predict wide-spread applications for the nanoprobes in the fields of
chemistry, biology, engineering and, one day, to aid physicians in
high-accuracy clinical diagnostics.
http://www.gizmag.com/nanoprobes-nist-gem-biosensing-magnetic-fields/36803/
____________________________________
Study Confirms Magnetic Properties of Silicon Nano-Ribbons
October 24, 2012
http://www.bangscience.org/2012/10/study-confirms-magnetic-properties-of-silicon-nano-ribbons/
____________________________________
Heat makes electrons spin in magnetic superconductors
4/24/2015
http://article.wn.com/view/2015/04/24/Heat_makes_electrons_spin_in_magnetic_superconductors_Univer/
____________________________________
Scientists fabricate hexagonal silicon, potentially leading to light-emitting semiconductors
August 18, 2015
Virtually
all semiconductors used in today's electronic devices are made of
silicon having a cubic crystal structure, as silicon naturally
crystallizes in the cubic form. In a new study, researchers have
fabricated silicon in a hexagonal crystal structure, which is expected
to exhibit novel optical, electrical, superconducting, and mechanical
properties compared with cubic silicon.
http://phys.org/news/2015-08-scientists-fabricate-hexagonal-silicon-potentially.html#jCp
____________________________________
Device harvests energy from low-frequency vibrations
August 29, 2018
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A wearable energy-harvesting device could generate energy from the swing of an arm while walking or jogging, according to a team of researchers from Penn State's Materials Research Institute and the University of Utah. The device, about the size of a wristwatch, produces enough power to run a personal health monitoring system.
https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/device-harvests-energy-low-frequency-vibrations
____________________________________
Researchers prove magnetism can control heat, sound
May 28th, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-magnetism.html
____________________________________
Ultrafast heat conduction can manipulate nanoscale magnets
June/8/2015
Researchers
at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have uncovered
physical mechanisms allowing the manipulation of magnetic information
with heat. These new phenomena rely on the transport of thermal energy,
in contrast to the conventional application of magnetic fields,
providing a new, and highly desirable way to manipulate magnetization at
the nanoscale.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-ultrafast-nanoscale-magnets.html#jCp
____________________________________
Magnetostrictive resonators as sensors and actuators
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924424712007509
Two types of magnetostrictive resonators – magnetostrictive
microcantilever (MSMC) and magnetostrictive particle (MSP) – have been
introduced as sensor platforms. Their principles and advantages as
sensor platforms are discussed along with the materials selection. A
detailed and complete comparison between the MSMC and MSP is given. It
is concluded that for the resonators with the same size, an MSP exhibits
a higher sensitivity and has a much higher resonant frequency. For the
resonators with the same resonant frequency, MSMCs exhibit a much higher
sensitivity and have a much smaller size than MSPs. Using antibody as
the sensing element, MSP biosensors for in situ detection of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes
are developed and characterized. These biosensors exhibit a high
performance. For example, the MSP-antibody biosensors of
1 mm × 0.3 mm × 15 μm exhibit a detection limit less than 100 cfu/ml for
in situ detection of bacterial cell in water. A new type actuator is
introduced using MSPs. The MSP actuator is operated using AC magnetic
field with a frequency close to, but different than, its resonant
frequency. The MSP actuator exhibits an unlimited displacement, and its
moving direction is controlled by the operating frequency used.
____________________________________
Levitating Magnet May Yield New Approach to Clean Energy
http://engineering.columbia.edu/levitating-magnet-may-yield-new-approach-clean-energy
Achieving nuclear fusion in the laboratory has been a cherished goal of physicists and energy researchers for more than 50 years. That’s because it offers the possibility of nearly endless supplies of energy with no carbon emissions and far less radioactive waste than that produced by today’s nuclear plants, which are based on fission, the splitting of atoms (the opposite of fusion, which involves fusing two atoms together). But developing a fusion reactor that produces a net output of energy has proved to be more challenging than initially thought.
____________________________________
Anti-Gravity Transport of Water Droplets: Material Channels Mechanical Energy in a Preferred Direction
A research group led by scientists from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science have developed a unique material, based on nanofillers embedded in a hydrogel, that can channel mechanical energy in one direction but not the other, acting in a “nonreciprocal” way. Using the composite material—which can be constructed at various sizes—the team was able to use vibrational, up-and-down movements, to make liquid droplets rise within a material. Using the material could thus make it possible to use random vibration usefully to move matter in a preferred direction.
____________________________________
Cleaner Fuel Cells on the Way from Moscow
January 1, 2016
A European research team has been working on
ion-exchange membranes that convert energy created by chemical
reactions. These membranes are based on amphiphilic compounds, and are
synthetic. This has great implications for the use of clean fuel cells.
The team, comprised of Russian, French and German scientists, have
been collaborating to create this process that can be possibly used in
fuel cells. The study was conducted at the Moscow Institute of Physics
and Technology, at the Laboratory of Functional Organic and Hybrid
materials.
Batteries produce energy by utilizing the reaction of oxidizing and
reducing agents. The batteries’ lifespan is complete when both the
agents are consumed. When an accumulator is used, electric energy can be
stored in packets.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/moscow-clean-fuel-cells/
____________________________________
Scientists Discover Smart Way to Generate Energy with Tiny Beads
11/03/2025
An international team of researchers from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Riga Technical University, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and the MESA+ Institute at the University of Twente has discovered a new method to generate electricity using small plastic beads. By placing these beads close together and bringing them into contact, they generate more electricity than usual. This process, known as triboelectrification, is similar to the static electricity produced when rubbing a balloon against hair.
https://chemicalengineering.research.vub.be/scientists-discover-smart-way-to-generate-energy-with-tiny-beads
____________________________________
Atomic Eavesdropping: How Carbyne Talks Through Quantum Vibrations
Researchers revealed a bizarre quantum link between carbyne and carbon nanotubes—two materials that shouldn’t “talk” but somehow do. The discovery could reshape how we design ultra-sensitive nano-devices.
https://scitechdaily.com/atomic-eavesdropping-how-carbyne-talks-through-quantum-vibrations/
____________________________________
Physicists Caught Two Atoms ‘Talking’ to Each Other
May 27, 2021
A team of physicists in the Netherlands and Germany recently placed a bunch of titanium atoms under a scanning tunneling microscope. Those atoms were in constant, quiet interaction with each other through the directions of their spins. In a clever feat, the researchers were able to home in on a single pair of atoms, zapping one with an electric current in order to flip its spin. They then measured the reaction of its partner.
https://gizmodo.com/physicists-caught-two-atoms-talking-to-each-other-1846967872
____________________________________
'Electron shower' technique unlocks advanced piezoelectric films for next-generation electronics
June 5, 2025
Argon plasma in the vacuum chamber during magnetron sputtering, with the substrate in the center of the photograph.
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-electron-shower-technique-advanced-piezoelectric.html
____________________________________
Biofuel Cell: Wearable Device Turns the Touch of Finger Into a Source of Power
July 26, 2021
A new wearable device turns the touch of a finger into a source of power
for small electronics and sensors. Engineers at the University of
California San Diego developed a thin, flexible strip that can be worn
on a fingertip and generate small amounts of electricity when a person’s
finger sweats or presses on it.
What’s special about this
sweat-fueled device is that it generates power even while the wearer is
asleep or sitting still. This is potentially a big deal for the field of
wearables because researchers have now figured out how to harness the
energy that can be extracted from human sweat even when a person is not
moving.
https://fuelcellsworks.com/news/biofuel-cell-wearable-device-turns-the-touch-of-a-finger-into-a-source-of-power
____________________________________
Energy harvesting goes organic, gets more flexible: Self-assembled peptides, when aligned, show great promise for electricity generation
15th, Sep 2020
The race is on to create natural biocompatible piezoelectric materials for energy harvesting, electronic sensing, and stimulating nerves. A group of researchers has explored peptide-based nanotubes and reports using a combination of ultraviolet and ozone exposure to generate a wettability difference and an applied field to create horizontally aligned polarization of nanotubes on flexible substrates with interlocking electrodes. The work will enable the use of organic materials more widely.
____________________________________
Flexible piezoelectrics: integration of sensing, actuating and energy harvesting
14 June 2025
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41528-025-00432-5
____________________________________
Designing transparent piezoelectric metasurfaces for adaptive optics
27 January 2024
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45088-3
____________________________________
Piezoelectric actuation for integrated photonics
14 May 2024
https://arxiv.org/html/2405.08836v1
____________________________________
Scientists Twist Chemistry’s Rules with New Mechanically Chiral Molecule
April 29, 2025
In the invisible world of molecules, some structures are less like rigid statues and more like acrobatic performers—twisting, turning, interlocking, and responding to subtle nudges from their environment. Among the most dazzling of these molecular contortionists are catenanes, a class of organic compounds whose key feature isn’t just how they’re built, but how they’re mechanically entwined. Like a pair of Olympic gymnasts permanently linked at the wrists, these molecules are composed of interlocked rings that can’t be pulled apart unless their covalent bonds are broken—a task requiring deliberate chemical intervention.
These ring-shaped structures don’t merely coexist; they are mechanically interlocked, meaning their very existence as a single entity depends on their entanglement. But now, researchers are delving deeper than ever before—not just into how these catenanes hold together, but how their dynamic structure can generate chirality—a mirror-image asymmetry that has profound implications across chemistry and biology.
____________________________________
A generalized approach on bending and stress analysis of beams with piezoelectric material bonded
2019
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924424719300019
____________________________________
Laminated piezoelectric beam element for dynamic analysis of piezolaminated smart beams and GA-based LQR active vibration control
2020
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0263822319348755
____________________________________
Performance of piezoelectric beam type energy harvester under flow-induced vibration
18 April 2025
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-98147-0
____________________________________
Design method for piezoelectric cantilever beam structure under low frequency condition
2017
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1996681416301912
____________________________________
Fast Steering Mirrors
For Laser Beam Steering - Tip/Tilt Platforms, Piezo & Voice Coil-Driven
PI's ultra-fast steering mirrors, mirror platforms and dither scanners are based on frictionless flexure guides and high-speed solid-state piezoelectric drives. These compact 2-axis scan mirrors integrate pitch and roll motion into one device with a single moving mirror or optic. They are faster than galvo-scanners and voice-coil beam steering systems (also available from PI) and can be used in both static and highly dynamic operation (e.g. scanning, tracking, image resolution enhancement, drift/vibration cancellation).
____________________________________
High-Speed Piezoelectric MEMS Laser Tracking System for Different Intensity Illuminations
16 June 2025
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11037358
____________________________________
Femtosecond-Laser-Enabled Geometric Microengineering of PZT Films for Boosted Piezoelectric Response and Rainfall Monitoring Demonstration
November 20, 2024
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.4c15162
____________________________________
Pulsed-Laser-Triggered Piezoelectric Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction over Tetragonal BaTiO3 Nanocubes
02 August 2023
Abstract
The recombination of photoinduced carriers in photocatalysts is considered one of the biggest barriers to the increase of photocatalytic efficiency. Piezoelectric photocatalysts open a new route to realize rapid carrier separation by mechanically distorting the lattice of piezoelectric nanocrystals to form a piezoelectric potential within the nanocrystals, generally requiring external force (e.g., ultrasonic radiation, mechanical stirring, and ball milling). In this study, a low-power UV pulsed laser (PL) (3 W, 355 nm) as a UV light source can trigger piezoelectric photocatalytic CO2 reduction of tetragonal BaTiO3 (BTO-T) in the absence of an applied force. The tremendous transient light pressure (5.7 × 107 Pa, 2.7 W) of 355 nm PL not only bends the energy band of BTO-T, thus allowing reactions that cannot theoretically occur to take place, but also induces a pulsed built-in electric field to determine an efficient photoinduced carrier separation. On that basis, the PL-triggered piezoelectric photocatalytic CO2 reduction realizes the highest reported performance, reaching a millimole level CO yield of 52.9 mmol g−1 h−1 and achieving efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction in the continuous catalytic system. The method in this study is promising to contribute to the design of efficient piezoelectric photocatalytic reactions.
https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202305257?af=R
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Chapter 18: Lazers
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
From Sci-Fi to Reality: Laser-Powered Sails Are Changing the Future of Space Travel
____________________________________
Laser propulsion
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_propulsion
____________________________________
Laser Travel by Photonic Thruster
October 21, 2013
http://www.centauri-dreams.org/?p=29341
____________________________________
Blue Light and Sunshine May be the Next Gen Weapons Against Antibiotic-Resistant Infections
March 14, 2014
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/03/14/blue-light-therapy.aspx
Skin and soft tissue infections are among the most common bacterial infections encountered in clinical practice.
Such infections can be caused by a number of bacteria that gain entrance into your body via cuts, scrapes, bites or open wounds. Even bacteria that normally live on your skin can cause an infection when introduced into your body this way.
Skin and soft tissue infections account for more than 14 million hospital visits each year, costing the health care system an estimated $24 billion.
Unfortunately, many infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. Antibiotic overuse has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA.
Finding effective countermeasures to this growing public health threat has turned out few options, but the remedy may be as simple as colored light.
According to a new proof-of-principle study,1 blue light can selectively eliminate infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to lead researcher Michael R. Hamblin of the Massachusetts General Hospital:2
"Microbes replicate very rapidly, and a mutation that helps a microbe survive in the presence of an antibiotic drug will quickly predominate throughout the microbial population. Recently, a dangerous new enzyme, NDM-1, that makes some bacteria resistant to almost all antibiotics available has been found in the United States. Many physicians are concerned that several infections soon may be untreatable.Blue light is a potential non-toxic, non-antibiotic approach for treating skin and soft tissue infections, especially those caused by antibiotic resistant pathogens."
Could Blue Light Replace Antibiotics?
In the study, lab animals were infected with P. aeruginosa. Incredibly, ALL of the animals treated with blue light survived, while 82 percent of the controls died. Could this possibly be the beginning of a whole new treatment paradigm for infections? Clearly, we’re nearing the end of the road of the antibiotic era, as antibiotic-resistance spreads.
Blue light therapy has also been shown to be effective against MRSA and other resistant bugs, offering new hope for effective treatments.
In a previous study published in 2009,3 over 90 percent of community acquired and hospital acquired strains of MRSA were successfully eradicated within mere minutes of exposure to blue light. According to the authors:
____________________________________
In plasmonics, 'optical losses' could bring practical gain
January 26, 2016
What
researchers had thought of as a barrier to developing advanced
technologies based on the emerging field of plasmonics is now seen as a
potential pathway to practical applications in areas from cancer therapy
to nanomanufacturing.
Plasmonic materials contain
features, patterns or elements that enable unprecedented control of
light by harnessing clouds of electrons called surface plasmons. It
could allow the miniaturization of optical technologies, bringing
advances such as nano-resolution imaging and computer chips that process
and transmit data using light instead of electrons, representing a
potential leap in performance.
However, the development
of advanced optical technologies using plasmonics has been hampered
because components under development cause too much light to be lost and
converted into heat. But now researchers are finding that this
"loss-induced plasmonic heating" could be key to development of various
advanced technologies, said Vladimir M. Shalaev, co-director of the new
Purdue Quantum Center, scientific director of nanophotonics at the Birck
Nanotechnology Center in the university's Discovery Park and a
distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-plasmonics-optical-losses-gain.html
____________________________________
ESA's Proba-V infrared sensor has a future in medicine and industry
March 12, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/esa-proba-v-infrared-sensor-terrestrial-uses/36518/
____________________________________
Low level laser therapy
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a form of laser medicine used in physical therapy and veterinary treatment that uses low-level (low-power) lasers or light-emitting diodes
to alter cellular function. Other names for the therapy include
low-power laser, soft laser, cold laser, biostimulation laser,
therapeutic laser, and laser acupuncture.[1] Whereas high-power lasers ablate tissue, low-power lasers are claimed to stimulate it and to encourage the cells to function.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_level_laser_therapy
____________________________________
Veterinary Use of Laser Therapy Expands
April 05, 2011
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/04/05/veterinary-use-of-laser-therapy-for-pets-expands.aspx
Laser therapy works in a number of ways to heal injuries and manage pain. Among them:
- It increases the release of endorphins (natural painkillers).
- Laser therapy decreases inflammation, which helps return tissue to a normal state.
- It restores metabolic function.
____________________________________
History of Cold Laser Therapy
http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/pain-management/history-cold-laser-therapy
Cold Laser Therapy has been used in clinical practice all around the
world for over four decades. In 1916, Albert Einstein conceived the
theory of Light Amplification through Stimulated Emission of Radiation
or LASER. In 1967, Professor Andre Mester began using low power lasers
in medicine. Dr. Mester is recognized by many as the grandfather of
laser therapy.
The first experimental FDA clearance of Class 3B Lasers occurred in February of 2002, after a successful study for carpal tunnel syndrome on workers at General Motors. The laser that was used had a power of 90mw at 830nm.
Certain low level laser devices are also FDA approved for relief of the following conditions3,4:
- Muscle and joint pain
- Stiffness associated with arthritis
- Pain associated with muscle spasms
- Hand pain and wrist pain associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Neck pain
- Lower back pain
- Wound healing
____________________________________
Cold Laser Therapy Advantages and Disadvantages
____________________________________
Laser Light Could Make Flu Vaccine 7 Times More Effective
http://www.popsci.com/article/science/laser-light-could-make-flu-vaccine-7-times-more-effective
____________________________________
____________________________________
Near-Infrared Laser Adjuvant for Influenza Vaccine
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0082899
____________________________________
Laser vaccine adjuvants
- Received: 14 Feb 2014
- Accepted: 9 Apr 2014
- Published online: 29 Apr 2014
Immunologic adjuvants are essential for current vaccines to maximize
their efficacy. Unfortunately, few have been found to be sufficiently
effective and safe for regulatory authorities to permit their use in
vaccines for humans and none have been approved for use with intradermal
vaccines. The development of new adjuvants with the potential to be
both efficacious and safe constitutes a significant need in modern
vaccine practice. The use of non-damaging laser light represents a
markedly different approach to enhancing immune responses to a vaccine
antigen, particularly with intradermal vaccination. This approach, which
was initially explored in Russia and further developed in the US,
appears to significantly improve responses to both prophylactic and
therapeutic vaccines administered to the laser-exposed tissue,
particularly the skin. Although different types of lasers have been used
for this purpose and the precise molecular mechanism(s) of action
remain unknown, several approaches appear to modulate dendritic cell
trafficking and/or activation at the irradiation site via the release of
specific signaling molecules from epithelial cells. The most recent
study, performed by the authors of this review, utilized a continuous
wave near-infrared laser that may open the path for the development of a
safe, effective, low-cost, simple-to-use laser vaccine adjuvant that
could be used in lieu of conventional adjuvants, particularly with
intradermal vaccines. In this review, we summarize the initial Russian
studies that have given rise to this approach and comment upon recent
advances in the use of non-tissue damaging lasers as novel physical
adjuvants for vaccines.
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.4161/hv.28840?journalCode=khvi20#preview
____________________________________
ESA's Proba-V infrared sensor has a future in medicine and industry
http://www.gizmag.com/esa-proba-v-infrared-sensor-terrestrial-uses/36518/
____________________________________
Discover the Benefits of K-Laser Class 4 Laser Therapy Treatments
July 28, 2013
What You Need to Know About Lasers
Lasers are classified according to their power output:
- Class 3a—maximum of 5 milliwatts of power (standard laser pointer)
- Class 3b—maximum of 500 milliwatts/0.5 watts
- Class 4—anything over 500 milliwatts/0.5 watts
The most significant issue with the clinical use of lasers is the depth of penetration. Some practitioners make the mistake of using low-power Class 3 lasers, which basically amounts to a standard laser pointer.
Most class 3a lasers only use a red wavelength – 635 nanometers in the visible red. When you look at the depth of penetration with laser, red laser light only penetrates about one to two millimeters (far less than 1/8 inch) into the human body.
Granted, red laser is highly useful for treating superficial wounds, cuts, abrasions, and perhaps even for the treatment of vitiligo, but they will not penetrate far enough for deep seated pain reduction. However, infrared lasers (around 800 nanometers) penetrate far deeper and able to go several centimeters, into your body which will reach most tissue injuries.
Power is also another crucial factor when it comes to laser therapy. Power is measured in watts, and you can think of it as the brightness of the light. A higher-powered laser is a brighter light, and it can produce more energy per unit of time. When it comes to doing laser therapy treatment, a higher-powered laser (Class 4) provides two benefits:
- A therapeutic dose of laser light can be applied to a much larger volume of tissue
- By shining that brighter light at the surface, photons of light are able to penetrate deeper into the tissues, which allows you to treat deep-seated pain conditions
____________________________________
The Effect of Low-Level Laser in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Aug, 2009
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19530911
____________________________________
Photonic device that could change physics and lasers forever
04 June 2024
SciTechDaily carries an article about Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers who have developed the first topological quantum simulator device in the strong light-matter interaction regime, Caliber.Az reprints the article.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers have developed the first topological quantum simulator device in the strong light-matter interaction regime that operates at room temperature, revolutionizing quantum studies and laser efficiency, and making advanced research more accessible.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) have fabricated a device no wider than a human hair that will help physicists investigate the fundamental nature of matter and light. Their findings, published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, could also support the development of more efficient lasers, which are used in fields ranging from medicine to manufacturing.
The device is made of a special kind of material called a photonic topological insulator. A photonic topological insulator can guide photons, the wave-like particles that make up light, to interfaces specifically designed within the material while also preventing these particles from scattering through the material itself.
https://caliber.az/en/post/photonic-device-that-could-change-physics-and-lasers-forever
____________________________________
Harmonizing single photons with a laser pulse
26 April 2022
A fast laser pulse stimulates the decay in a quantum dot and suppresses the timing uncertainty in the generation of single photons, which substantially improves the coherence of the source.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-022-01117-0
____________________________________
Researchers demonstrate the world's first white lasers
July 29, 2015
____________________________________
NASA Beams Mona Lisa to Moon with Laser
January 17, 2013
Call it the ultimate in high art: Using a well-timed laser, NASA
scientists have beamed a picture of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, the
Mona Lisa, to a powerful spacecraft orbiting the moon, marking a first
in laser communication.
http://www.space.com/19323-mona-lisa-moon-laser-photo.html
____________________________________
Paintballs to deflect killer-asteroids
Mar 07, 2013
Having reviewed these traditional asteroid deflection techniques, Sung
Wook Paek, a graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
suggests an unusual alternative: Mr Paek proposes using paintballs to
pull an asteroid off course.
The argument behind Mr Paek's idea is reasonably simple; after measuring the velocity and rotation of an incoming asteroid,
two unmanned spacecraft would approach the celestial body close enough
to be able to shoot large clouds of white paintballs at it! Two probes
would be needed because, as the asteroid rotates, a shot from only one
spacecraft would not cover the entire asteroid with white paint and so
the first probe strikes one side of the asteroid, the second probe
covers the other.
The white paint would reflect light and other electromagnetic radiation
from the asteroid's surface, and, over time, the cumulative effect of
billions of photons would result in the asteroid changing course. The
white paint would effectively act as a 'solar sail', increasing the
balance of solar radiation absorbed and emitted by the asteroid, gently
easing it away from its original destination.
Another deflection technique, also based on light reflectivity or laser
sublimation was proposed by a team of American researchers who suggested
launching a swarm of 'mirror bees' towards the potential killer.
Tiny probes, equipped with mirrors, would position themselves in such a
way as to reflect a concentration of sunlight on one specific point of
the asteroid. This 'beam of light' would then generate enough heat for
it to start to vaporise, creating propulsive gas jets. In essence,
vapour emitted from the asteroid would push it off-course.
Alternatively, the asteroid might 'simply' be wrapped in reflective
'foil'.
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Paintballs_to_deflect_killer_asteroids_999.html
____________________________________
Laser Bees
What do we do if an asteroid is found to be on a collision course with Earth? At this point, the answer is not clear, so The Planetary Society has partnered with researchers to discover ways to protect Earth when we one-day find a dangerous space rock.
We've been working with a team at the University of Strathclyde and
the University of Glasgow in Scotland to study a new technique which
uses concentrated light to gently move an asteroid -- a project we
called "Mirror Bees" -- using mirrors on several
spacecraft swarming around an asteroid to focus sunlight onto a spot on
the asteroid. As part of the initial Mirror Bees project, researchers
found that lasers are more effective than mirrors and can be used from
greater distances. So, now the project is called "Laser Bees."
http://www.planetary.org/explore/projects/laser-bees/
____________________________________
Physicist unveils plan for entangling massive objects
August 5, 2015
Schnabel's plan is to
place two of the mirrors in a Michelson-type interferometer in such a
way as to have both sides of both mirrors hit by light that is sent in.
The mirrors would also be placed in the interferometer in a way that
would allow them to oscillate when struck by the light. This would allow
for momentum to be transferred between the mirrors and the light. The
mirror oscillations would then have an impact on the phase of the
reflected light, causing the momentum and the light to become entangled.
At that point, the entanglement could be "swapped" to the mirrors,
causing them to be entangled, by measuring the light beams as they exit.
http://phys.org/news/2015-08-physicist-unveils-entangling-massive.html#jCp
____________________________________
July 2013
DE-STAR
is designed to vaporize or divert asteroids that threaten Earth. This
isn't science fiction—I build things that have to work in practice.
DE-STAR stands for Directed Energy Solar Targeting of Asteroids and
exploRation. It looks like an open matchbook with lasers on one flap and
a photovoltaic panel for power from sunlight on the other. By
synchronizing the laser beams, we can create a phased array, which
produces a steerable 70-gigawatt beam. An onboard system receives orders
on what to target. Our laser beam would then produce a spot about 100
feet in diameter on an asteroid that's as far away from the satellite as
we are from the sun. The laser would raise an asteroid's surface
temperature to thousands of degrees Celsius—hot enough that all known
substances evaporate. In less than an hour, DE-STAR could have
completely vaporized the asteroid that broke up over Russia this winter,
if we had seen it coming. Plus, as the material evaporates, it creates a
thrust in the opposite direction, comparable to the space shuttle's
rocket booster. That means you could divert the asteroid by changing its
orbit with a shorter laser blast.
DE-STAR could also power things on Earth or in space. You could send
the electrical power it produces—not via laser beam but via microwaves.
Or you could use the laser to directly propel spacecraft. But here's the
thing: For full-blown asteroid vaporization, each flap of the matchbook
would have to be six miles long. We've never built a structure this
size in space, but if there were the worldwide will, I could see
building this within 30 to 50 years. But since it's completely modular,
we propose starting smaller. We could begin with a version that's three
feet per side right now. With that, you could cook your dinner from 600
miles away.
—Philip Lubin is a physicist at UC Santa Barbara and
co-inventor of DE-STAR with statistician Gary Hughes, of California
Polytechnic State University.
This article originally appeared in the July 2013 issue of Popular Science.
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-06/death-star
____________________________________
Researchers use laser to levitate, glowing nanodiamonds in vacuum
September 7, 2015
Researchers
have, for the first time, levitated individual nanodiamonds in vacuum.
The research team is led by Nick Vamivakas at the University of
Rochester who thinks their work will make extremely sensitive
instruments for sensing tiny forces and torques possible, as well as a
way to physically create larger-scale quantum systems known as macroscopic Schrödinger Cat states.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-09-laser-levitate-nanodiamonds-vacuum.html#jCp
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Scientists Produce Unprecedented 1 Megajoule Laser Shot, Step Towards Fusion Ignition
January 28, 2010
US
scientists have produced a laser shot with an unprecedented energy
level that could be a key step towards nuclear fusion, the US National
Nuclear Security Administration said Wednesday.
http://phys.org/news/2010-01-scientists-unprecedented-megajoule-laser-shot.html#nRlv
____________________________________
Physicists demonstrate conditions for laser-driven fusion
March 15, 2011
Currently, commercial nuclear power plants
generate electricity using nuclear fission, in which an atom’s nucleus
is split into lighter nuclei. But scientists are also researching the
reverse reaction, nuclear fusion, in which two light atomic nuclei fuse
to form a single heavier nucleus. Compared with fission, fusion has the
potential to produce less radioactive waste while still generating large
amounts of energy.
http://phys.org/news/2011-03-physicists-conditions-laser-driven-fusion.html#nRlv
____________________________________
First atomic X-ray laser created
January 25, 2012
Scientists working at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have created the shortest, purest X-ray laser pulses ever achieved, fulfilling a 45-year-old prediction and opening the door to a new range of scientific discovery.
The
researchers, reporting today in Nature, aimed SLAC's Linac Coherent
Light Source (LCLS) at a capsule of neon gas, setting off an avalanche
of X-ray emissions to create the world's first "atomic X-ray laser."
http://phys.org/news/2012-01-atomic-x-ray-laser.html#nRlv
____________________________________
New laser power converters transmit power further and better
July 28, 2025
____________________________________
Generating Megatesla Magnetic Fields on Earth Using Intense-Laser-Driven Microtube Implosions
A team of researchers led by Osaka University discovers “microtube implosion,” a novel mechanism that demonstrates the generation of megatesla-order magnetic fields.
Magnetic fields are used in various areas of modern physics and engineering, with practical applications ranging from doorbells to maglev trains. Since Nikola Tesla’s discoveries in the 19th century, researchers have strived to realize strong magnetic fields in laboratories for fundamental studies and diverse applications, but the magnetic strength of familiar examples are relatively weak. Geomagnetism is 0.3−0.5 gauss (G) and magnetic tomography (MRI) used in hospitals is about 1 tesla (T = 104 G). By contrast, future magnetic fusion and maglev trains will require magnetic fields on the kilotesla (kT = 107 G) order. To date, the highest magnetic fields experimentally observed are on the kT order.
Recently, scientists at Osaka University discovered a novel mechanism called a “microtube implosion,” and demonstrated the generation of megatesla (MT = 1010G) order magnetic fields via particle simulations using a supercomputer. Astonishingly, this is three orders of magnitude higher than what has ever been achieved in a laboratory. Such high magnetic fields are expected only in celestial bodies like neutron stars and black holes.
____________________________________
New technique for capturing ultra-intense laser pulses in a single shot
26 June 2025
Physicists at the University of Oxford have unveiled a pioneering method for capturing the full structure of ultra-intense laser pulses in a single measurement. The breakthrough, published in close collaboration with Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich and the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics, could revolutionise the ability to control light-matter interactions. This would have transformative applications in many areas, including research into new forms of physics and realising the extreme intensities required for fusion energy research. The results have been published today in Nature Photonics.
https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/news/new-technique-capturing-ultra-intense-laser-pulses-single-shot
____________________________________
Nanostructures Enable Record High-Harmonic Generation From Ultra-Intense Laser Pulses
Nanostructures enable record high-harmonic generation. Researchers have developed nanostructures that enable record-breaking conversion of laser pulses into high-harmonic generation, paving the way for new scientific tools for high-resolution imaging.
“It opens up new opportunities to study matter at ultrahigh fields, a regime not readily accessible before,” Shcherbakov said. “With our method, we envision that people can study materials beyond metasurfaces, including but not limited to crystals, 2D materials, single atoms, artificial atomic lattices and other quantum systems. “
____________________________________
Chip-Based Optical Tweezers Levitate Nanoparticles in a Vacuum
21 October 2021
WASHINGTON — Researchers have created tiny chip-based optical tweezers that can be used to optically levitate nanoparticles in a vacuum. Optical tweezers — which employ a tightly focused laser beam to hold living cells, nanoparticles and other objects — can be used for a variety of precision measurements and sensing applications. However, these optical traps are usually produced with bulky optical components.
“By using an ultrathin metalens, we reduced the diameter of the focusing lens from about 25 mm to about 0.4 mm,” said research team leader Tongcang Li from Purdue University. “The chip-based design can be used to create an integrated and flexible optical system for studying near-surface forces by trapping an object less than 1 micrometer away from a surface. It might also be useful for trapping cold atoms in a vacuum to study quantum processes.”
In Optica, Optica Publishing Group’s journal for high-impact research, researchers at Purdue University and Pennsylvania State University report the first realization of on-chip optical levitation in a vacuum with an ultrathin metalens. Accomplishing this feat in a vacuum helps improve the sensitivity of the system.
“Optically levitated particles can be used to create accelerometers and gyroscopes that could potentially be used in navigation,” said Li. “Scientists are also using optically levitated particles to search for dark matter and dark energy and to study gravity at short distances, which will deepen our understanding of nature.”
____________________________________
The
following will discuss Lazers as weapons, including the use of lazers for weather modification.
____________________________________
Indium phosphide, Diode Lazers & Dupont
Lazers & Dupont
Diode lazer
DuPont originally began the
research into building a blue diode laser for CD read/write devices,
however they were unable to make the lasers suitable for commercial use.
AdvR licensed the patents from DuPont and received BMDO funding to
create a solid-state replacement for the Argon-ion laser.
http://www.mdatechnology.net/techprofile.aspx?id=555
____________________________________
DuPont - LASER WELDING
http://www2.dupont.com/Hyundai_Kia/en_US/assets/downloads/presentations/Laser%20Welding_Korea_Fujita.pdf
____________________________________
DuPont Introduces Water Resistant Somos(R) 7110 Epoxy Resin for Helium Cadmium Laser Systems
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/DuPont+Introduces+Water+Resistant+Somos%28R%29+7110+Epoxy+Resin+for...-a019781521
____________________________________
A. Felix du Pont, Jr.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._Felix_du_Pont,_Jr.
Known for being a philanthropist
For
five years, Felix du Pont worked for the family owned DuPont and for a
short time became involved in the investment business. With a lifelong
interest in aviation, he partnered with brother Richard to found All
American Aviation Company which became Allegheny Airlines and eventually
US Airways. He later was a vice president of the Piasecki Helicopter
Corp. of which he and Laurence Rockefeller were early investors on its
founding in 1946.
____________________________________
Piasecki Helicopter
Piasecki
Helicopter Corporation was a designer and manufacturer of helicopters
located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and nearby Morton, Pennsylvania in
the late 1940s and the 1950s. Its founder, Frank Piasecki, was ousted
from the company in 1956 and started a new company, Piasecki Aircraft. Piasecki Helicopter was renamed Vertol Corporation in early 1956.
Vertol was acquired by Boeing in 1960 and renamed Boeing Vertol.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piasecki_Helicopter
____________________________________
Electric Laser Race Heats Up
http://sites.psu.edu/thebigbangtheory/2012/10/29/the-holographic-excitation/
Not wanting to be left out of the race to field compact battlefield lasers, Boeing announced yesterday
that it’s tested its own solid-state laser technology. "In each laser
firing at Boeing’s facility in West Hills, Calif., the high-energy laser
achieved power levels of over 25 kilowatts for multi-second durations,
with a measured beam quality suitable for a tactical weapon system,"
says Boeing.
What’s interesting about this announcement is that Boeing is not part of the Defense Department’s Joint High-Powered Solid State Laser,
a program that has funded Northrop Grumman and Textron to build a
deployable laser weapon. Boeing at one point teamed with the Livermore
lab on a solid-state work, but that laser, which was powerful but large,
was not selected by the program for funding. Similarly, Raytheon also
has a solid state laser that was passed over for funding. Both Livermore
and Raytheon have continued their solid-state laser work on their own
dime, however. Boeing, until this point, did not appear to be that
active on solid-state lasers, and it appears this new effort is
self-funded.
ALSO:
- Russian ‘Expert’: Soviets Had Laser Cannons First
- Laser Gunship Blasts Beams, Preps for ’08 Flight Test
- Marines Request ‘Long-Range Blow Torch’ for Iraq
- Lasers-Only on "Gunless" Gunship
- Air Force Eyes Energy Shields, Microwave Bombs
- Navy Pushing Laser ‘Holy Grail’ to Weapons Grade
- Laser Jet Zaps Animated Missiles, Spouts Jargon
- Israel’s Military Shoots Down Laser Cannon
- Israelis Sue Government for Laser Cannon
- Laser Weapons Better Against Rockets?
- Second life for Laser Defense?
- Ray Gun "Holy Grail" Aims for Battlefield Strength
- Monster Truck Gets a Laser
- Laser Death Star
- Laser Weapons Closing in on Reality
- Real-Life Laser Rifle: Army Goal
- Flipper Fires Lasers in Air Force Brief
- Laser Relays Live!
- Vice vs. the Flying Lightsaber
- Laser Jet Over Oklahoma
- Congress Slashes Flying Lightsaber
- Pentagon Report: No More ‘Death Rays’
- Spooky Math for "Flying Lightsaber"
____________________________________
Boeing Laser Systems Destroy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Tests
Boeing's Matrix laser
http://news.cnet.com/2300-11386_3-10012168-17.html
____________________________________
Neither rain, nor fog, nor wind stops Boeing's laser weapon destroying targets
September 8, 2014
http://www.gizmag.com/boeing-laser-directed-energy-weapon-fog/33672/
____________________________________
Lockheed Martin begins manufacturing vehicle-mounted laser weapon
October 8, 2015
Lockheed Martin announced this week that production of a new laser
weapon system has begun at the company's Bothell, Washington facility.
The high-powered laser weapon modules will be used as the heart of a
60-kilowatt system designed to be fitted to a US Army vehicle.
The laser can be operated by a single person and is
made up of multiple fiber laser modules, which not only allows for
greater flexibility, but also lessens the chance of the weapon being
knocked out by a minor malfunction, so frequent repairs aren't required.
Lockheed Martin also says that the modular design means that the laser
power can be varied across an extremely wide range to suit specific
mission needs. Using off-the-shelf commercial fiber laser components to
keep down costs, the modules can be linked together to produce lasers of
up to 120 kW.
http://www.gizmag.com/lockheed-martin-athena-laser-weapon-manufacture/39753/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
MIRACL
MIRACL, or Mid-Infrared Advanced Chemical Laser, is a directed energy weapon developed by the US Navy. It is a deuterium fluoride laser, a type of chemical laser.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIRACL
____________________________________
Tactical High Energy Laser
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tactical_High_Energy_Laser
____________________________________
Electrolaser
An electrolaser is a type of electroshock weapon which is also a directed-energy weapon. It uses lasers to form an electrically conductive laser-induced plasma channel (LIPC). A fraction of a second later, a powerful electric current is sent down this plasma channel and delivered to the target, thus functioning overall as a large-scale, high energy, long-distance version of the Taser electroshock gun.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolaser
____________________________________
Laser Weapons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxcwlJ30uAw
____________________________________
Sonic weapon
Sonic and ultrasonic weapons (USW) are weapons of various types
that use sound to injure, incapacitate, or kill an opponent. Some sonic
weapons are currently in limited use or in research and development by military and police forces. Others exist only in the realm of science fiction. Some of these weapons have been described as sonic bullets, sonic grenades, sonic mines, or sonic cannons. Some make a focused beam of sound or ultrasound; some make an area field of sound.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_weapon
____________________________________
Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protocol_on_Blinding_Laser_Weapons
____________________________________
Solid-state laser
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_laser
A solid-state laser is a laser that uses a gain medium that is a solid, rather than a liquid such as in dye lasers or a gas as in gas lasers. Semiconductor-based lasers are also in the solid state, but are generally considered as a separate class from solid-state lasers (see Laser diode).
Solid-state lasers are being developed as optional weapons for the F-35 Lightning II, and are reaching near-operational status, as well as the introduction of Northrop Grumman's FIRESTRIKE laser weapon system. In April 2011 the United States Navy tested a high energy solid state laser. The exact range is classified, but they said it fired "miles not yards".
____________________________________
Lockheed Martin Weapon Prototype Immobilizes Truck Over A Mile Away 'In Matter Of Seconds': Here's How
March 7th, 2015
http://www.techtimes.com/articles/38044/20150307/lockheed-martin-weapon-prototype-immobilizes-truck-over-a-mile-away-in-matter-of-seconds-heres-how.htm
ATHENA was designed based on Lockheed Martin's Area Defense
Anti-Munitions (ADAM) laser weapon system used in demonstrations against
small airborne and sea-based targets. Lockheed Martin developed a
technique called spectral beam combining together three 10-kilowatt
fiber laser modules into a single, powerful, high-quality 30-kilowatt
beam that is more powerful than its 10-kilowatt components.
____________________________________
Shooting lightning out of the sky
New methods to make longer streams of plasma with greater longevity could lead to laser-powered lightning rods
- Date:
- September 24, 2015
A team of researchers has demonstrated new techniques that bring lasers
as lighting rods closer to reality. When a powerful laser beam shoots
through the air, it ionizes the molecules, leaving a thin trail of hot,
ionized particles in its wake. Because this stream of plasma conducts
electricity, it could be used to channel away a potentially damaging
lightning bolt. The researchers found ways to make the length of such a
plasma channel reach more than 10 times longer -- a necessary advance
for using the channel to redirect a lightning strike.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150924124045.htm
____________________________________
Boeing says laser weapon a success in Pentagon testing
2013
Boeing Co.'s Directed Energy Systems division says it has achieved a sufficient level of power and beam quality to allow a solid-state laser system to be deployed to battlefields. The system - which could eventually bring down rockets and drones and destroy IEDs with a blast of light- is part of a major effort towards the development of directed energy weapons.
Boeing announced last week its Thin Disk Laser System, which
uses a series of high-powered industrial lasers to generate a single concentrated,
high-energy beam, has achieved the required thresholds for power and beam
quality during demonstrations for the Department of Defense's Robust Electric
Laser Initiative, or RELI, effort.
http://blog.al.com/breaking/2013/08/one_step_closer_to_star_wars_b.html
____________________________________
Boeing to be awarded contract for Laser SDB
The US Air Force intends to award Boeing a contract to develop and test a new laser-guided version of its 250lb (113kg) small diameter bomb (SDB).
The company says that the weapons can carry out many of the functions of Raytheon’s SDB II, which has a tri-modal seeker with millimeter wave radar, infrared, and semi-active laser guidance capabilities, at far lower cost. The new weapon is based on Boeing’s laser joint direct attack munition (JDAM) technology.
http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2013/06/boeing-to-be-awarded-contract/#sthash.wOJQCrub.dpuf
____________________________________
Raytheon Government Agencies and Companies to Come to Consensus on Weather Modification
2012
Weather Modification Association Annual Meeting, 2005
PDF: Raytheon says more WEATHER MODIFICATION!
http://r3zn8d.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/raytheon-says-moar-weather-modification.pdf
____________________________________
Connecting the Raytheon, AMS, Lockheed, HAARP, NOAA, General Dynamics and DARPA dots….
Defense Advanced Research Program Association, or DARPA, has contracted co-operation command of the Highly Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP)
electromagnetic microwave ionospheric heater in Gakona, Alaska, for
military communication and weapon “defense” purposes. They also take
part in biological warfare “testing” over land, water, and city, whereby
defense contractor jets, such as those crafted especially for war or
weather programs by BAE Systems (owner of the HAARP facility) or Raytheon (owner of the HAARP
patent), for the Navy and Air Force and NATO, disperse hazardous toxins
into the air and then attempt to eradicate them with chemicals or
jet-mounted microwave radiation weapons (like AESA). In addition, the
Lockheed Martin and Boeing corporations joined up in a B2B contract with
BAE and Raytheon, hardware and software hosted by none other than
Microsoft, so that their defense contractor industry market could remain
consistently and wirelessly networked, and would never be halted by
distance, time, or situational awareness. The NOAA, a
member of the Weather Modification Operations and Research Board,
(partnered on that board with the American Meteorological Society and
the National Science Foundation) sold its weather reporting functionality to Raytheon,
who operates it now under the name Advanced Weather Information
Processing System. Raytheon happens to contract many of its services and
industrial airliners to the tune of global weather modification
programs, such as those ever popular “global warming mitigation” or
“global dimming” programs, (whereby jets utilizing liquid propane,
liquid nitrogen, silver iodide, potassium chlorate, barium oxide,
acrylamides, and trimethyl aluminum, spray these chemicals to replace
cloud cover over entire countries) and, they’ve even managed to create,
through their sub-company General Dynamics Robotics, Unmanned Autonomous
Vehicles such as the Global Hawk that can fly for 72 hours, with a
payload of 20,000 lbs or more, running entirely on programming and
artificial intelligence microwave signal networking, without landing or
refueling. It’s not just local chemical “cloud seeding” or “storm
prevention” anymore, as is still practiced by the state-and-regional
program member companies of the Weather Modification Association.
http://geoengineeringwatch.org/html/weatherreportedbyraytheon.html
____________________________________
Free Electron Laser (FEL)
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military/research/8-laser-weapon-systems-to-zap-planes-boats-and-people#slide-6
Power: 100-kw class
In 1989 Boeing was awarded a contract to build a unique laser weapon made from a Free Electron Laser—essentially a laser made out of a particle accelerator.
After all these years, though, Boeing
still has plenty of work to do to actually build serious FEL weapons.
At minimum, the laser would need to reach 100 kilowatts, and so far the
free electron laser power record is only 14. Pogue hopes to reach 100
kilowatts in the lab by 2015—and then figure out how the heck to get a
particle accelerator on a ship.
____________________________________
World's most powerful laser to tear apart the vacuum of space
____________________________________
How we recreated the early universe in the laboratory
May 12, 2015
- Instead of focusing our attention on
immense particle accelerators, we turned to the ultra-intense lasers
available at the Central Laser Facility at the Rutherford Appleton
Laboratory in Oxfordshire, UK. We used an ultra-high vacuum chamber with
an air pressure corresponding to a hundredth of a millionth of our
atmosphere to shoot an ultra-short and intense laser pulse (hundred
billions of billions more intense that sunlight on the Earth surface)
onto a nitrogen gas. This stripped off the gas' electrons and
accelerated them to a speed extremely close to that of light.
The
beam then collided with a block of lead, which slowed them down again.
As they slowed down they emitted particles of light, photons, which
created pairs of electrons and their anti-particle, the positron, when
they collided with nuclei of the lead sample. A chain-reaction of this
process gave rise to the plasma.
However, this
experimental achievement was not without effort. The laser beam had to
be guided and controlled with micrometer precision, and the detectors
had to be finely calibrated and shielded – resulting in frequent long
nights in the laboratory.
But it was well worth it as
the development means an exciting branch of physics is opening up. Apart
from investigating the important matter-antimatter asymmetry, by
looking at how these plasmas interact with ultra powerful laser beams,
we can also study how this plasma propagates in vacuum and in a
low-density medium. This would be effectively recreating conditions
similar to the generation of gamma-ray bursts, some of the most luminous
events ever recorded in our universe.
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-recreated-early-universe-laboratory.html#jCp
____________________________________
No Big Bang? Quantum equation predicts universe has no beginning
Feb 09, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-02-big-quantum-equation-universe.html
____________________________________
Holometer rules out first theory of space-time correlations
December 4, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-holometer-theory-space-time.html
The
Holometer is a deceptively simple device. It uses a pair of laser
interferometers placed close to one another, each sending a one-kilowatt
beam of light through a beam splitter and down two perpendicular arms,
40 meters each. The light is then reflected back into the beam splitter
where the two beams recombine. If no motion has occurred, then the
recombined beam will be the same as the original beam. But if
fluctuations in brightness are observed, researchers will then analyze
these fluctuations to see if the splitter is moving in a certain way,
being carried along on a jitter of space itself.
According
to Fermilab's Aaron Chou, project manager of the Holometer experiment,
the collaboration looked to the work done to design other, similar
instruments, such as the one used in the Laser Interferometer
Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) experiment. Chou said that once
the Holometer team realized that this technology could be used to study
the quantum fluctuation they were after, the work of other
collaborations using laser interferometers (including LIGO) was
invaluable.
"No one has ever applied this technology in
this way before," Chou said. "A small team, mostly students, built an
instrument nearly as sensitive as LIGO's to look for something
completely different."
The challenge for researchers
using the Holometer is to eliminate all other sources of movement until
they are left with a fluctuation they cannot explain. According to
Fermilab's Chris Stoughton, scientist on the Holometer experiment, the
process of taking data was one of constantly adjusting the machine to
remove more noise.
"You would run the machine for a
while, take data, and then try to get rid of all the fluctuation you
could see before running it again," he said. "The origin of the
phenomenon we're looking for is a billion billion times smaller than a
proton, and the Holometer is extremely sensitive, so it picks up a lot
of outside sources, such as wind and traffic."
If the
Holometer were to see holographic noise that researchers could not
eliminate, it might be detecting noise that is intrinsic to space-time,
which may mean that information in our universe could actually be
encoded in tiny packets in two dimensions.
The fact
that the Holometer ruled out his theory to a high level of significance
proves that it can probe time and space at previously unimagined scales,
Hogan said. It also proves that if this quantum jitter exists, it is
either much smaller than the Holometer can detect, or is moving in
directions the current instrument is not configured to observe.
So
what's next? Hogan said the Holometer team will continue to take and
analyze data, and will publish more general and more sensitive studies
of holographic noise. The collaboration already released a result
related to the study of gravitational waves.
And Hogan
is already putting forth a new model of holographic structure that would
require similar instruments of the same sensitivity, but different
configurations sensitive to the rotation of space. The Holometer, he
said, will serve as a template for an entirely new field of experimental
science.
"It's new technology, and the Holometer is
just the first example of a new way of studying exotic correlations,"
Hogan said. "It is just the first glimpse through a newly invented
microscope."
____________________________________
Nanoparticles found to violate second law of thermodynamics
April 3, 2014
It may be a little late for April Fool's, but some skepticism is
nonetheless warranted when reading that researchers have shown
nanoparticles to disobey a fundamental law of physics which dictates the
flow of entropy and heat in, it was believed, any situation.
Specifically, researchers from three universities theoretically proposed
then demonstrated that a nanoparticle in a state of thermal
non-equilibrium does not always behave as larger particles might under
the same conditions, with implications for various fields of research.
The second law of thermodynamics is the one that
makes perpetual motion machines impossible. It states that the entropy –
the measure for the disorder of a system – of any isolated system
cannot decrease spontaneously, with the system evolving towards the
state of maximum entropy (favoring disorder). The team has shown that a
nanoparticle trapped with laser light temporarily violates this law.
This seeming violation of universal law is transient, something that the
researchers first derived as a mathematical model of fluctuations
expected at the nanoscale.
http://www.gizmag.com/nanoparticles-violate-law-thermodynamics/31491/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
Quantum time freezing: Lasers freeze quantum states a thousand times longer
Using powerful laser and X-ray pulses, researchers from Harvard and the Scherrer Institute have succeeded in breaking electronic symmetry and trapping a long-lasting quantum state – a move that could lead to breakthroughs in information storage and optoelectronic devices.
https://hayadan.com/quantum-time-freeze
____________________________________
This laser implosion just created a magnetic field like a neutron star
July 16, 2025
A new twist on magnetism: Helical currents from blade implosions
A powerful new technique harnesses swirling plasma inside laser-blasted microtubes to produce record-breaking magnetic fields—rivaling those near neutron stars—all within a compact laboratory setup. This innovation promises to transform astrophysics, quantum research, and fusion energy experiments by unleashing megatesla-level forces using nothing more than targeted laser pulses and clever engineering.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000839.htm
____________________________________
Scientists announce breakthrough in quest for fusion power
February 13, 2014
http://www.gizmag.com/fusion-breakthrough/30814/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
In a perfect example of beating swords into plowshares, a team of
scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's (LLNL)
National Ignition Facility (NIF) in California reached a milestone in
the quest for practical fusion power using a process designed for the
development and testing of nuclear weapons. The announcement in the
February 12 issue of Nature claims that the team used the
world’s most powerful laser barrage to produce a controlled fusion
reaction where more energy was extracted from the fuel than was put into
it.
If there is an ultimate engineering dream, then
nuclear fusion is about as close as close as one can get. By literally
harnessing the power of the stars, it holds the promise of what is, for
all practical purposes, unlimited clean energy. Since man-made fusion
was first demonstrated in 1951 with a boosted fission weapon, scientists and engineers have worked on some way to produce a practical fusion reactor instead of a hydrogen bomb.
The story of the fusion reactor is one of both great
progress, but also constant frustration. When work began, the first
reactor was predicted to be 25 years away. Since then and up until
today, it’s still 25 years away. That’s because although nuclear fusion
is relatively simple in theory, getting a controlled reaction started
outside of the heart of a star is extremely difficult. The trick is to
reach the “ignition” point, where the energy released by the reactor is
greater than what’s put into it and the reaction becomes
self-sustaining.
A fusion reactor works by simulating the conditions
inside the Sun. Put simply, hydrogen atoms fuse in the Sun because its
huge mass squashes the atoms together to form helium, releasing huge
amounts of energy as the strong nuclear force that keeps them apart is
overcome. A hydrogen bomb does the same thing, only with a fission bomb
creating the necessary conditions for a millionth of a second.
____________________________________
Apparent breakthrough in nuclear fusion silenced by shutdown
Scientists have come one step closer to harnessing the power of the sun. Researchers at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) have passed a milestone in achieving self-sustaining nuclear fusion -- but you won't hear about it from the researchers. The NIF team has been furloughed as a result of the U.S. government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, and is not releasing updates to the press.
According to the BBC,
a research experiment conducted in late September succeeded in
releasing more energy through a fusion reaction than it absorbed by the
fuel going in. NIF is the first research facility in the world to
achieve this goal. A spokesperson for the NIF could not give CBSNews.com
a comment on the results of the experiment.
NIF's method for achieving fusion involves sending 192 laser beams
through a 1,500-meter journey that increases its energy output by a
factor of more than a quadrillion. The laser beams' energy grows from
one-billionth of a joule to 4 million joules in 5 millionths of a
second.
A breakthrough in nuclear fusion is widely considered the holy grail of achieving an unlimited clean energy source.
Scientists
believe that fusion can fuel our future without threat of nuclear
proliferation or environmental damage because the process of creating
fusion requires very few resources. One of the biggest challenges in
producing energy derived from fusion has been to pass the break-even
point -- a goal that has eluded scientists for nearly 50 years.
Nuclear
fusion is not to be confused with nuclear fission. Instead of splitting
an atom's nucleus, like in fission, nuclear fusion is the process of
bringing together two atomic nuclei to form a new nucleus.
While
the NIF has passed the break-even point, it is just shy of reaching
"ignition" -- when nuclear fusion produces as much energy as is supplied
to the lasers.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57606588/apparent-breakthrough-in-nuclear-fusion-silenced-by-shutdown/
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Weather could be controlled using lasers
Scientists are attempting to control the weather by using lasers to create clouds, induce rain and even trigger lightning.
Experts from around the world are to gather at the World Meteorological Organisation next month to discuss how powerful laser pulses can be used to generate changes in the atmosphere that influence the weather.
There is a long history of attempts by scientists to control the weather,
including using techniques such as cloud seeding.
This involves spraying small particles and chemicals into the air to induce
water vapour to condense into clouds.
In the 1960s the United States experimented with using silver iodide in an
attempt to weaken hurricanes before they made landfall.
The USSR was also claimed to have flown
cloud seeding missions in an attempt to create rain clouds to protect
Moscow from radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
More recently the Russian Air force has also been reported to have used bags
of cement to seed clouds.
Before the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the Chinese authorities used
aircraft and rockets to release chemicals into the atmosphere.
Other countries have been reported to be experimenting with cloud seeding to
prevent flooding or smog.
However, Professor Wolf, Dr Kasparian and their colleagues believe that lasers
could provide an easier and more controllable method of changing the
weather.
They began studying lasers for their use as a way of monitoring changes in the
air and detecting aerosols high in the atmosphere.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/10268455/Weather-could-be-controlled-using-lasers.html
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Laser-induced condensation shows promise for cloud seeding
Over the past decade,
commercially-available lasers have increased in power by two orders
of magnitude, reaching the petawatt level, with exawatts firmly
within sight. The 2011 experiment used a 100 terawatt laser, and a
"mobile" (actually the size of a shipping container) laser of five
terawatts.
Further understanding of how lasers spur condensation will also
help. The process, known as photodissociation,
involves the laser's photons breaking down atmospheric compounds to
produce ozone and nitrogen molecules. Those in turn form nitric
acid particles, which bind water molecules together into
droplets.
http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-07/17/laser-coud-seeding
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Laser Beams May Be Next Rainmakers
http://www.livescience.com/15834-laser-cloud-seed-rain.html
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Second Conference on Laser, Weather and Climate (LWC 2013)
http://www.laserweatherandclimate.com/
Welcome
As
highlighted by the success of the first Conference on Laser-based
Weather Control in 2011, ultra-short lasers launched into the atmosphere
have emerged as a promising prospective tool for weather modulation and
climate studies. Such prospects include lightning control and
laser-assisted condensation, as well as the striking similarities
between the non-linear optical propagation and natural phenomena like
rogue waves or climate bifurcations.
Filaments
generated by ultra-short laser pulses launched into the atmosphere have
emerged as an unexpected prospective tool for weather modulation. In
particular, lightning control and laser-assisted water condensation
recently appeared as spectacular prospects in this direction.
Although
these new perspectives triggered an increasing interest and activity in
many groups worldwide, the highly interdisciplinary nature of the
subject limited its development, due to the need for enhanced contacts
between laser and atmospheric physicists, chemists, electrical
engineers, and meteorologists.
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Climate control: United States weather modification in the cold war and beyond.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18313754
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Weather modification
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_modification
Proposed US Legislation
2005 U.S. Senate Bill 517 and U.S. House Bill 2995 U.S. Senate Bill 517 and U.S. House Bill 2995 were two bills proposed in 2005 that would have expanded experimental weather modification, to establish a Weather Modification Operations and Research Board, and implemented a national weather modification policy. Neither were made into law. Former Texas State Senator John N. Leedom was the key lobbyist on behalf of the weather modification bills.
2007 U.S. Senate Bill 1807 & U.S. House Bill 3445 Senate Bill 1807 and House Bill 3445, identical bills introduced July 17, 2007, proposed to establish a Weather Mitigation Advisory and Research Board to fund weather modification research.
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Physicists observe attosecond real-time restructuring of electron cloud in molecule
May 14, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-physicists-attosecond-real-time-electron-cloud.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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Physicist finds mysterious anti-electron clouds inside thunderstorm
May 13, 2015
In August 2009, Dwyer and colleagues were aboard a National Center for
Atmospheric Research Gulfstream V when it inadvertently flew into the
extremely violent thunderstorm—and, it turned out, through a large cloud
of positrons, the antimatter opposite of electrons, that should not
have been there.
To encounter a cloud of positrons without other
associated physical phenomena such as energetic gamma-ray emissions was
completely unexpected, thoroughly perplexing and contrary to currently
understood physics.
"The fact that, apparently out of nowhere,
the number of positrons around us suddenly increased by more than a
factor of 10 and formed a cloud around the aircraft is very hard to
understand. We really have no good explanation for it," says Dwyer, a
lightning expert and the UNH Peter T. Paul Chair in Space Sciences at
the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space.
It is
known that thunderstorms can sometimes make flashes of energetic gamma
rays, which may produce pairs of electrons and positrons when they
interact with air. But the appearance of positrons should then coincide
with a large increase in the number of gamma rays.
"We should
have seen bright gamma-ray emissions along with the positrons," Dwyer
says. "But in our observations, we first saw a positron cloud, then
another positron cloud about seven kilometers away and then we saw a
bright gamma-ray glow afterwards. So it's all not making a whole lot of
sense."
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-physicist-mysterious-anti-electron-clouds-thunderstorm.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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Researchers show presence of charge-density waves in superconductive material
December 10, 2015
Ultrafast laser techniques helped MIT physics graduate student Fahad Mahmood and colleagues establish that electrons form charge-density waves in the thin-film superconductive material LSCO cuprate.
"The question is how does this fluctuating charge-density wave compete
or not interfere with superconductivity, and what we found is that it
actually competes with superconductivity," Mahmood explains. "Electrons
for a very short amount of time are in this charge-density wave state,
and in another time scale, if you take another snapshot, they'll be in
the superconductivity state."
Charge-density waves occur when
electron density in a conductor is distributed in a sinusoidal pattern,
like ripples on water, instead of the common uniform density.
"It's
a fluctuating order that lasts for a very short amount of time and
equilibrium probes won't be able to detect it," he says. Using ultrafast
spectroscopy, Mahmood and co-authors of a 2013 Nature Materials paper
were able to show that for extremely short periods of time—up to about 2
picoseconds—electrons clustered in a density wave that could be
measured by its amplitude and phase.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-presence-charge-density-superconductive-material.html
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Extending life of plasma channels could allow lasers to be used as lightning rods
September 25, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/plasma-channels-laser-lightning-rods/39588/
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Atmospheric Vortex Engine creates tornadoes to generate electricity
December 20, 2012
Tornadoes generally evoke the destructive force of nature at its most awesome. However, what if all that power could be harnessed to produce cheaper and more efficient electricity? This is just what Canadian engineer Louis Michaud proposes to achieve, with an invention dubbed the “Atmospheric Vortex Engine” (or AVE).
AVE works by introducing warm air into a circular station, whereupon the difference in temperature between this heated air and the atmosphere above creates a vortex – or controlled tornado, which in turn drives multiple wind turbines in order to create electricity. The vortex could be shut down by simply turning off the source of warm air.
http://www.gizmag.com/vortex-engine-tornadoes-electricity/25508/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Tiny magnets mimic steam, water and ice
September 21, 2015
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) created a synthetic material out of 1 billion tiny magnets. Astonishingly, it now appears that the magnetic properties of this so-called metamaterial change with the temperature, so that it can take on different states; just like water has a gaseous, liquid and a solid state. This material made of nanomagnets might well be refined for electronic applications of the future – such as for more efficient information transfer.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-tiny-magnets-mimic-steam-ice.html#jCp
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Volcanic ash proves inefficient cloud ice maker
May 28th, 2015
When
tons of ash spewed into the atmosphere from a 2010 Icelandic volcano it
caused havoc for vacationers across Europe. But did it also
dramatically change clouds? Researchers at Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory found that volcanic ash is not as efficient as common dust in
birthing clouds' ice particles. Using a novel laboratory testing
chamber they formed cloud ice, a process called ice nucleation, around
particles of dust and volcanic ash. Their results revealed the
importance of optimal particle structure to efficiently attract super
cold water vapor to nucleate ice.
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-volcanic-ash-inefficient-cloud-ice.html#jCp
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Silicon Nanoparticles Allow Production of Hydrogen from Water Without Heat, Light or Electricity
January 26, 2013
http://www.bangscience.org/2013/01/silicon-nanoparticles-allow-production-of-hydrogen-from-water-without-heat-light-or-electricity/
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Enhancement of electron energy during vacuum laser acceleration in an inhomogeneous magnetic field
In this paper, the effect of a stationary inhomogeneous magnetic field on the electron acceleration by a high intensity Gaussian laser pulse is investigated. A focused TEM (0,0) laser mode with linear polarization in the transverse x-direction that propagates along the z-axis is considered. The magnetic field is assumed to be stationary in time, but varies longitudinally in space. A linear spatial profile for the magnetic field is adopted. In other words, the axial magnetic field increases linearly in the z-direction up to an optimum point
http://scitation.aip.org/content/aip/journal/pop/22/3/10.1063/1.4916130
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MIT’s Game-Changer: Ion Irradiation in Nanoparticle Engineering for Sustainable Energy
MIT researchers and colleagues have demonstrated a way to precisely control the size, composition, and other properties of nanoparticles key to the reactions involved in a variety of clean energy and environmental technologies. They did so by leveraging ion irradiation, a technique in which beams of charged particles bombard a material.
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Computational trick enables better understanding of exotic state of matter
June 25, 2025
It can be found inside gas giants such as Jupiter and is briefly created during meteorite impacts or in laser fusion experiments: warm dense matter. This exotic state of matter combines features of solid, liquid and gaseous phases. Until now, simulating warm dense matter accurately has been considered a major challenge.
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-enables-exotic-state.html
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Jellyfish proteins used to create polariton laser
August 22, 2016
A combined team of
researchers from Scotland and Germany has developed a way to create a
polariton laser by using jellyfish proteins cultivated in E. coli cells.
In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, the team
describes their technique and possible uses for the result.
As
most people know, at a basic level, conventional lasers work by bouncing
light around inside of a cavity and then emitting identical photons as a
beam. There is another type of laser that is less well known, the
polariton laser—it works by tossing photons back and forth between
excited molecules. But the reason it has not made its way into
commercial use is because it must be cooled to an extremely low
temperature to work properly. In this new approach, the researchers
report the development of such a laser that works at room temperatures.
http://phys.org/news/2016-08-jellyfish-proteins-polariton-laser.html#jCp
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For more information on lazers and energy view our book titled "The DuPont Investigation. - Http://dupontinvestigation.blogspot.com ."
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Chapter 19: Solar, Electrical & Hydrogen power
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Making Electricity Out of Thin Air: New Device Offers Clean Energy 24/7
Jul 02, 2021
The new technology creates electricity using moisture in the air, and it sounds too good to be true.
The novel device uses a natural protein to create electricity from moisture in the air since moisture actually contains a certain amount of electrical charge. The technology is renewable, non-polluting, and low-cost. Furthermore, it can generate electricity even in regions with very little humidity, such as the Sahara Desert.
Unlike other forms of renewable energy such as wind and solar, this new tech does not require sunlight or wind. All it needs is a thin film of protein nanowires less than 10 microns thick, and it even works indoors. According to Lovley, this is “the most amazing and exciting application of protein nanowires yet.”
But how does it work?
The bottom of the film is supported by an electrode, while the top is supported by a smaller electrode that only covers a portion of the nanowire film. Water vapor from the environment is absorbed by the film, and the electrical conductivity and surface chemistry of the protein nanowires, as well as the tiny pores between the nanowires inside the film, create the conditions for an electrical current to flow between the two electrodes. This is how it can generate clean energy 24/7.
With a current density of about 17 microamperes per square centimeter, the device generates a sustained voltage of around 0.5 volts over a 7-micrometer-thick film. This is enough for the current Air-gen devices to already power small electronics. Now, the researchers are seeking to bring their innovation to a commercial scale.
“The ultimate goal is to make large-scale systems. For example, the technology might be incorporated into wall paint that could help power your home. Or, we may develop stand-alone air-powered generators that supply electricity off the grid..
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New shortcut to solar cells: Discovery employs electrodes as catalysts to make black silicon
May 13, 2015
An
electron microscope image shows fine, light-absorbing pores and spikes
created in minutes on the surface of a silicon wafer for solar cells.
Gold electrodes do double duty in the black silicon process developed by
scientists at Rice University by serving as a catalyst to etch the
surface in minutes.
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-shortcut-solar-cells-discovery-electrodes.html#jCp
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Scientists Reveal "Artificial Leaf" That Turns Carbon Into Sustainable Fuels
2019
This technology could be huge in the future.
https://futurism.com/artificial-leaf-carbon-sustainable-fuel
____________________________________
Revolutionary Artificial Leaf Turns CO2 Into Valuable Fuels and Chemicals
https://scitechdaily.com/revolutionary-artificial-leaf-turns-co2-into-valuable-fuels-and-chemicals/
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Researchers create solar cells with record energy performance
Jun 05, 2015
____________________________________
Team extracts more energy from sunlight with advanced solar panels
October 7, 2020
https://scienceblog.com/team-extracts-more-energy-from-sunlight-with-advanced-solar-panels/
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New Light Trick in Carbon Nanotubes Could Boost Solar Power
Three physicists from Japan’s RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics have uncovered how ultra-thin carbon tubes, known as carbon nanotubes, can emit light that carries more energy than the light they absorb. This surprising discovery could pave the way for new technologies in solar energy harvesting and advanced biological imaging, the journal Physical Review B reported.
https://ana.ir/en/news/8899/new-light-trick-in-carbon-nanotubes-could-boost-solar-power
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Reshaping the solar spectrum to turn light to electricity
July 28, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-07-reshaping-solar-spectrum-electricity.html#jCp
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New way to store solar energy could lead to more common solar cell usage
September 15, 2015
Researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology have developed a relatively inexpensive and simple way to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through a new electrodeposition method. The method produces highly efficient solar cells that can gather solar energy for use as fuel.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-solar-energy-common-cell-usage.html#jCp
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Green storage for green energy
Rechargeable battery to power a home from rooftop solar panels
- Date:
- September 24, 2015
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Watch A Spray-On Solar Cell Getting Made
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Nanodomains hold the key to next-generation solar cells, researchers find
2 June 2025
https://www.ceb.cam.ac.uk/news/nanodomains_hold_key
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Breakthrough in Solar-Blind Tech: Diamond Nanowires Set a New Benchmark
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New Understanding of Ceramic Materials May Reveal Ways to Improve Solar Panels, Superconductors, and Biomedical Implants
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Scientists make crucial breakthrough that could revolutionize solar energy: '[This] might open up new avenues'
Sunlight is a reliable energy source to supplement our energy needs, and this recent discovery will multiply the benefits of solar power.
Solar panels are one of many clean energy solutions that provide much-needed electrical energy to electrical grids worldwide. Solar panels function by allowing sunlight to shine on specialized receptors known as photovoltaic cells, or PV cells, which in turn transform the energy within the sunlight into an electrical current run through wires into the grid.
A research team from Shanghai University of Engineering Science in China has developed a new glass-ceramic material to increase the energy absorption of solar panels, according to The Independent.
But how does this all work? Sunlight contains multiple types of light, or wavelengths, from infrared (heat), to visible (colors), and to ultraviolet (aka UV, which causes sunburns on skin).
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/glass-ceramic-solar-panels-energy-conversion/
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Next-Gen Solar Energy: Tapping Into the Sun’s Full Power | FD Engineering
Sep 20, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIUWYCXHo0g
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Unlock Tunable Photovoltaic Effects For Next-Gen Solar Energy Solutions
Jun 26, 2025
https://medium.com/@jckapadia003/engineered-heterostructures-unlock-tunable-photovoltaic-effects-for-next-gen-solar-energy-solutions-c75f79391931
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Solar cells that can face almost any direction and keep themselves clean
December 16, 2015
In recent years, a complicated discussion over which direction
solar cells should face—south or west—has likely left customers
uncertain about the best way to orient their panels. Now researchers are
attempting to resolve this issue by developing solar cells that can
harvest light from almost any angle, and the panels self-clean to boot.
Their report appears in the journal ACS Nano.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-solar-cells.html
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This Solar-Powered Engine Can Be Made With A 3D Printer
April, 2015
http://www.popsci.com/solar-powered-engine-can-be-made-3d-printer
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DIY 3D Solar Panel Powers Electric Motor From 2 LED Flashlights
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/ryszard-dzikowski-3d-solar-panel-20100121/#.VSHSU-G-2zk
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Flexible tandem solar cells achieve 24.6% efficiency and withstand 3,000 bends in new study
April 18, 2025
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-04-flexible-tandem-solar-cells-efficiency.html
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Scientists develop Highly Efficient and Stable All-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
2025
http://english.nimte.cas.cn/rh/rp/202506/t20250613_1045520.html
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Ultrafast spin-exchange in quantum dots enhances solar energy and photochemical efficiency
June 12, 2025
Quantum
dots are microscopic semiconductor crystals developed in the lab that
share many properties with atoms, including the ability to absorb or
emit light, a technology that Los Alamos researchers have spent nearly
three decades evolving. Through carrier multiplication, in which a
single absorbed photon generates two electron-hole pairs, called
excitons, quantum dots have the unique ability to convert photons more
efficiently to energy.
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-ultrafast-exchange-quantum-dots-solar.html
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Colloidal Quantum Dots Allow Solar Panels to become Sprayed on Products
https://science-atlas.com/technology/colloidal-quantum-dots-allow-solar-panels-to-become-sprayed-on/
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Magnesium-doped quantum dots boost perovskite/organic tandem solar cell stability
March 27, 2025
Photovoltaic
(PV) solutions, which are designed to convert sunlight into electrical
energy, are becoming increasingly widespread worldwide. Over the past
decades, engineers specialized in energy solutions have been trying to
identify new solar cell designs and PV materials that could achieve even
better power conversion efficiencies, while also retaining their
stability and reliably operating for long periods of time.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-03-magnesium-doped-quantum-dots-boost.html
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Self-Healing Nanomaterials: Self-Repairing Electronics Are in route
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University say fixing scratches on cars and furniture may be cheap and easy to do yourself in the not-too-distant future. Together with partners in the USA and Switzerland, they have developed a polymer-based material that can heal itself when placed under ultraviolet light for less than a minute.
From the Terminator to Spiderman’s suit, self-repairing robots and devices abound in sci-fi movies. In reality, though, wear and tear reduce the effectiveness of electronic devices until they need to be replaced. What is the cracked screen of your mobile phone healing itself overnight, or the solar panels providing energy to satellites...
The field of self-repairing materials is rapidly expanding, and what used to be science fiction might soon become reality, thanks to Technion — Israel Institute of Technology scientists who developed eco-friendly nanocrystal semiconductors capable of self-healing. Their findings, recently published in Advanced Functional Materials, describe the process, in which a group of materials called double perovskites display self-healing properties after being damaged by the radiation of an electron beam. The perovskites, first discovered in 1839, have recently garnered scientists’ attention due to unique electro-optical characteristics that make them highly efficient in energy conversion, despite inexpensive production. A special effort has been put into the use of lead-based perovskites in highly efficient solar cells.
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Highly Efficient Solar Energy Collectors Grown From Microscopic Seeds
Rice University chemical engineering graduate student Siraj Sidhik holds a container of 2D perovskite “seeds” (left) and a smaller vial containing a solution of dissolved seeds that can be used to produce thin films for use in highly efficient optoelectronic devices like high efficiency solar panels.
Engineers Create Seeds for Growing Near-Perfect 2D Perovskite Crystals
Rice University engineers have created microscopic seeds for growing remarkably uniform 2D perovskite crystals that are both stable and highly efficient at harvesting electricity from sunlight.
Halide perovskites are organic materials made from abundant, inexpensive ingredients, and Rice’s seeded growth method addresses both performance and production issues that have held back halide perovskite photovoltaic technology.
In a study published online in Advanced Materials, chemical engineers from Rice’s Brown School of Engineering describe how to make the seeds and use them to grow homogenous thin films, highly sought materials comprised of uniformly thick layers. In laboratory tests, photovoltaic devices made from the films proved both efficient and reliable, a previously problematic combination for devices made from either 3D or 2D perovskites.
https://scitechdaily.com/highly-efficient-solar-energy-collectors-grown-from-microscopic-seeds/
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Critical nanoscale phenomena for more efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
March 7, 2025
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226125005.htm
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New liquid crystal method makes perovskite nanocrystals easier to produce
February 23, 2025
https://knowridge.com/2025/02/new-liquid-crystal-method-makes-perovskite-nanocrystals-easier-to-produce/
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Organic vs. Inorganic Solar Paint: A Comparative Analysis of OPV and Perovskite Technologies
May 22, 2025
Introduction: Painting a Brighter Future with Solar Energy
____________________________________
New Transparent Electrode Developed That Boosts Solar Cell Efficiency
Scientists found using a chromium seed layer allowed them to grow ultrathin gold film that serves as a transparent electrode with good conductivity for perovskite solar cells.
Gold-based electrodes boost semitransparent perovskite cells to record efficiency.
https://scitechdaily.com/new-transparent-electrode-developed-that-boosts-solar-cell-efficiency/
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Will renewables stop the climate crisis? | DW Documentary
Dec 1, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy7vUppYPC8
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Solar Power Towers Are 'Vaporizing' Birds
February 20, 2015
The
Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project in Nevada is set to come online in
March. Once completed, it will use thousands of mirrors to focus
sunlight on a tower, melting millions of pounds of salt contained
inside. The molten salt will heat water into steam, which then turns
turbines and generates electricity without any carbon byproducts.
There’s just one little problem: During a test run on January 14, the
intense heat from the mirrors reportedly incinerated and/or vaporized
more than 100 birds.
Rewire
reports that during the test, operators fired up a third of the
110-megawatt facility’s mirrors, concentrating sunlight on a spot 1,200
feet off the ground. Over a six-hour period, biologists counted 130
"streamers," or trails of smoke and water left behind as birds ignited
and plummeted to their deaths. Rewire’s anonymous source said that at
least one of the birds "turned white hot and vaporized completely."
http://www.popsci.com/solar-power-towers-are-vaporizing-birds
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Marine Algae Found to Harness Power of Quantum Mechanics
Scientists still struggle to understand and harness the spooky physics of quantum mechanics, but nature may have a head start on us humans. Tiny marine algae apparently use the mysterious phenomenon called superposition -- where a particle can be in two places at the same time -- to move around solar energy they harvest through the process of photosynthesis.
This astounding find suggests that biological creatures may have adapted quantum mechanics for survival billions of years ago. It also demonstrates that quantum mechanics can prevail over classical physics even at normal temperatures, given that the algae can send energy flowing through several alternate biological paths simultaneously.
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-02/marine-algae-harness-power-quantum-mechanics
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Algae could both provide biofuel and clean up wastewater
April 6, 2015
Algae may indeed be a potential source of biofuel,
but it can also find use in things like nutritional supplements and
cosmetics. When it's grown commercially, its growth is usually aided
with chemical fertilizers. The cost of those chemicals cuts into the
profits, however, plus the fertilizers are also needed for more
traditional crops. That's why scientists from Houston's Rice University
are looking into growing algae in municipal wastewater – the water would
already contain its own free fertilizer, plus the algae would help
clean it up.
http://www.gizmag.com/algae-wastewater/36875/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Energy transfer between carotenoids and bacteriochlorophylls in light-harvesting complex II of purple bacteria
http://www-s.ks.uiuc.edu/Publications/Papers/PDF/DAMJ99/DAMJ99.pdf
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We
question the uses of genetically modified bacteria for harvesting energy. This includes BPV types of technologies, which is able tap
into the power of the use of photosynthesis of living organisms and
plants. Many inventors want to use biotechnology to create
energy from living organisms. Many people think that this could solve
the energy crisis, while others question how ethical many of these
experiments are. This includes how far certain scientists are willing to
go, to experiment with genetically modified organisms for a source of
energy.
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"Living furniture" could power laptops and desk lamps
May 3, 2012
The BPV technology is able to generate electricity by tapping into the
photosynthesis of living organisms such as cyanobacteria, moss, algae
and vascular plants. As the name suggests, the Moss Table incorporates
an array of BPV devices which generate electricity from a cluster of
moss plants. While the present amount of energy generated by the table
is not enough to power the featured table-lamp, it is the envisioned
goal of the project. However, the research group was able to illustrate
how the same BPV technology is able to power small devices like a
digital clock, by applying some of the units that operate inside the
Moss Table.
http://www.gizmag.com/living-furniture-moss-table/22397/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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New method for converting solar energy into electrical power using photo-bioelectrochemical cells
January 19, 2016
A
new paradigm for the development of photo-bioelectrochemical cells has
been reported in the journal Nature Energy by researchers from The
Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in Israel, and the University of Bochum,
in Germany.
The design of photo-bioelectrochemical
cells based on native photosynthetic reaction is attracting substantial
recent interest as a means for the conversion of solar light energy into
electrical power.
In the natural photosynthetic
apparatus, photosynthetic reaction is coupled to biocatalytic
transformations leading to CO2 fixation and O2 evolution. Although
significant progress has been achieved in the integration of native
photosystems with electrodes for light-to-electrical energy conversion,
the conjugation of the photosystems to enzymes to yield
photo-bioelectrocatalytic solar cells remains a challenge.
Now,
researchers report on the construction of photo-bioelectrochemical
cells using the native photosynthetic reaction and the enzymes glucose
oxidase or glucose dehydrogenase. The system consists of modified
integrated electrodes that include the natural photosynthetic reaction
center, known as photosystem I, conjugated to the enzymes glucose
oxidase or glucose dehydrogenase. The native proteins are electrically
wired by means of chemical electron transfer mediators. Photoirradiation
of the electrodes leads to the generation of electrical power, while
oxidizing the glucose substrate acting as a fuel.
The
system provides a model to harness the native photosynthetic apparatus
for the conversion of solar light energy into electrical power, using
biomass substrates as fuels. In contrast to numerous bioelectrochemical
systems using electrical power to oxidize glucose, the present study
introduces the implementation of the native photosystem to produce
electrical power using light as the energy source.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-method-solar-energy-electrical-power.html
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Unveiling the nanoscale frontier: Innovating with nanoporous model electrodes
Jun 02, 2023
(Nanowerk News) Researchers at Tohoku University and Tsinghua University have introduced a next-generation model membrane electrode that promises to revolutionize fundamental electrochemical research. This innovative electrode, fabricated through a meticulous process, showcases an ordered array of hollow giant carbon nanotubes (gCNTs) within a nanoporous membrane, unlocking new possibilities for energy storage and electrochemical studies.
https://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-news2/newsid=63098.php
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Clean Energy 24/7: Engineers Use Nanotechnology To Harvest Electricity “From Thin Air”
Engineers describe the “generic Air-gen effect”—nearly any material can be engineered with nanopores to harvest, cost-effective, scalable, interruption-free electricity.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have discovered a method to harvest continuous electricity from air humidity using any material with nanopores smaller than 100 nanometers, called the “generic Air-gen effect.” This technique, scalable and interruption-free, paves the way for a broad range of cost-effective, continuous electricity generation from various materials, overcoming limitations of condition-dependent renewables like solar and wind power.
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Scientists thread rows of metal atoms into nanofiber bundles
Mar 04, 2023
(Nanowerk News) Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have successfully threaded atoms of indium metal in between individual fibers in bundles of transition metal chalcogenide nanofibers. By steeping the bundles in indium gas, rows of atoms were able to make their way in between the fibers to create a unique nanostructure via intercalation. Through simulations and resistivity measurements, individual bundles were shown to have metallic properties, paving the way for application as flexible nanowires in nanocircuitry.
https://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-news2/newsid=62498.php
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Harnessing All-Solar Energy: Nanocrystal Breakthrough Transforms Infrared Light Conversion
A single copper-doped tungstic acid nanocrystal; (right) Atomic resolution image of the nanocrystal.
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Nanoparticles Self-Assemble to Harvest Solar Energy
February 21, 2023
WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2023 – Solar-thermal technology is a promising environmentally friendly energy harvesting method with a potential role to play in solving the fossil fuel energy crisis.
The technology transforms sunlight into thermal energy, but it’s challenging to suppress energy dissipation while maintaining high absorption. Existing solar energy harvesters that rely on micro- or nanoengineering don’t have sufficient scalability and flexibility, and will require a novel strategy for high-performance solar light capture while simultaneously simplifying fabrication and reducing costs.
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Paper-thin solar cell can turn any surface into a power source
https://news.mit.edu/2022/ultrathin-solar-cells-1209
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New MIT metal-mesh membrane could solve longstanding problems with liquid metal displacement batteries; inexpensive grid power storage
25 January 2018
https://www.greencarcongress.com/2018/01/20180125-mesh.html
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Study: Superconductivity switches on and off in “magic-angle” graphene
With some careful twisting and stacking, MIT physicists have revealed a new and exotic property in “magic-angle” graphene: superconductivity that can be turned on and off with an electric pulse, much like a light switch.
The discovery could lead to ultrafast, energy-efficient superconducting transistors for neuromorphic devices — electronics designed to operate in a way similar to the rapid on/off firing of neurons in the human brain.
Magic-angle graphene refers to a very particular stacking of graphene — an atom-thin material made from carbon atoms that are linked in a hexagonal pattern resembling chicken wire. When one sheet of graphene is stacked atop a second sheet at a precise “magic” angle, the twisted structure creates a slightly offset “moiré” pattern, or superlattice, that is able to support a host of surprising electronic behaviors.
In 2018, Pablo Jarillo-Herrero and his group at MIT were the first to demonstrate magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene. They showed that the new bilayer structure could behave as an insulator, much like wood, when they applied a certain continuous electric field. When they upped the field, the insulator suddenly morphed into a superconductor, allowing electrons to flow, friction-free.
That discovery was a watershed in the field of “twistronics,” which explores how certain electronic properties emerge from the twisting and layering of two-dimensional materials. Researchers including Jarillo-Herrero have continued to reveal surprising properties in magic-angle graphene, including various ways to switch the material between different electronic states. So far, such “switches” have acted more like dimmers, in that researchers must continuously apply an electric or magnetic field to turn on superconductivity, and keep it on.
Now Jarillo-Herrero and his team have shown that superconductivity in magic-angle graphene can be switched on, and kept on, with just a short pulse rather than a continuous electric field. The key, they found, was a combination of twisting and stacking.
In a paper appearing today in Nature Nanotechnology, the team reports that, by stacking magic-angle graphene between two offset layers of boron nitride — a two-dimensional insulating material — the unique alignment of the sandwich structure enabled the researchers to turn graphene’s superconductivity on and off with a short electric pulse.
“For the vast majority of materials, if you remove the electric field, zzzzip, the electric state is gone,” says Jarillo-Herrero, who is the Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Physics at MIT. “This is the first time that a superconducting material has been made that can be electrically switched on and off, abruptly. This could pave the way for a new generation of twisted, graphene-based superconducting electronics.”
https://news.mit.edu/2023/study-superconductivity-switches-and-magic-angle-graphene-0130
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Physicists discover a “family” of robust, superconducting graphene structures
When it comes to graphene, it appears that superconductivity runs in the family.
Graphene is a single-atom-thin material that can be exfoliated from the same graphite that is found in pencil lead. The ultrathin material is made entirely from carbon atoms that are arranged in a simple hexagonal pattern, similar to that of chicken wire. Since its isolation in 2004, graphene has been found to embody numerous remarkable properties in its single-layer form.
In 2018, MIT researchers found that if two graphene layers are stacked at a very specific “magic” angle, the twisted bilayer structure could exhibit robust superconductivity, a widely sought material state in which an electrical current can flow through with zero energy loss. Recently, the same group found a similar superconductive state exists in twisted trilayer graphene — a structure made from three graphene layers stacked at a precise, new magic angle.
Now the team reports that — you guessed it — four and five graphene layers can be twisted and stacked at new magic angles to elicit robust superconductivity at low temperatures. This latest discovery, published this week in Nature Materials, establishes the various twisted and stacked configurations of graphene as the first known “family” of multilayer magic-angle superconductors. The team also identified similarities and differences between graphene family members.
The findings could serve as a blueprint for designing practical, room-temperature superconductors. If the properties among family members could be replicated in other, naturally conductive materials, they could be harnessed, for instance, to deliver electricity without dissipation or build magnetically levitating trains that run without friction.
“The magic-angle graphene system is now a legitimate ‘family,’ beyond a couple of systems,” says lead author Jeong Min (Jane) Park, a graduate student in MIT’s Department of Physics. “Having this family is particularly meaningful because it provides a way to design robust superconductors.”
https://news.mit.edu/2022/superconducting-graphene-family-0708
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At the Magic Angle, a Mysterious Vibration Emerges – And It Might Explain Superconductivity
Scientists have unveiled a cutting-edge quantum microscope that allows them to observe how electrons interact with strange atomic vibrations in twisted graphene, including a newly revealed “phason.”
This phenomenon could help explain mysterious behaviors like superconductivity in materials rotated to the “magic angle.” The breakthrough, made possible by operating the microscope at cryogenic temperatures, marks a major leap in studying quantum materials and opens the door to future discoveries in computing and electronics.
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“Truly Mind-Boggling” Breakthrough: Graphene Surprise Could Help Generate Hydrogen Cheaply and Sustainably
25 August 2023
Ten-Fold Enhancement of InAs Nanowire Photoluminescence Emission with an InP Passivation Layer
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b00803
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Research has found that electronic bridges allow for rapid energy sharing between semiconductors
2024/8/15
Researchers have found that electrons play a surprising role in heat transfer between semiconductor layers, which is of great significance for the next generation of electronic devices.
As semiconductor devices become smaller, researchers are exploring the potential applications of two-dimensional (2D) materials in transistors and optoelectronics. Controlling the flow of electricity and heat through these materials is key to their functionality, but first we need to understand the details of these behaviors at the atomic scale.
Now, researchers have found that electrons play a surprising role in energy transfer between the 2D semiconductor material tungsten diselenide (WSe2) and tungsten disulfide (WS2) layers. Researchers have found that although these layers are not tightly bonded to each other, electrons provide a bridge between them, promoting rapid heat transfer.
Our work suggests that we need to go beyond the analogy of LEGO bricks to understand stacks of different 2D materials, even if these layers are not firmly bonded to each other, "said Archana Raja, a scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) of the US Department of Energy (DOE). In fact, seemingly different layers communicate through shared electronic paths, allowing us to access and ultimately design properties greater than the sum of the parts.
https://en.nordicabio.com/article/6.html
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Graphene’s New Best Friend: UV Tape That Transfers Wonder Materials Without the Hassle
Researchers create UV-sensitive tape that can transfer 2D materials like graphene in an easier, cheaper, and less damaging way.
https://scitechdaily.com/graphenes-new-best-friend-uv-tape-that-transfers-wonder-materials-without-the-hassle/
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Sub-molecular diagnostics of coherent energy transfer
14 July 2022
Sub-molecular spectroscopy enables the real-space study of incoherent
and coherent electronic energy transfer in artificial molecular
donor–acceptor systems and their dependence on the molecular
arrangement.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-022-01171-8
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Quantum Dots Rebuilt by Light in a Trillionth of a Second
April 2, 2025
Argonne scientists have unveiled new methods for controlling material properties.
The breakthrough enables researchers to design materials with customized properties, offering unprecedented control over their optical and electronic behaviors.
Imagine building a Lego tower with perfectly aligned blocks, each block
representing an atom in a crystal called a quantum dot. Just as a small
bump can shift the blocks and alter the tower’s structure, external
forces can rearrange the atoms in a quantum dot, disrupting its symmetry
and changing its physical properties.
Researchers have discovered that this symmetry isn’t just something to avoid—it can be controlled. Scientists can deliberately break or restore symmetry in quantum dots to engineer materials with entirely new behaviors. In a recent study, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory demonstrated how light can be used to rearrange atoms within these nanoscale structures.
https://advancedcarbonscouncil.org/blogpost/2151389/509470/Quantum-Dots-Rebuilt-by-Light-in-a-Trillionth-of-a-Second
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Scientists Just Unlocked a Mind-Bending Way to Control Electrons
March 11, 2025
Scientists have discovered a groundbreaking way to control electrons using twisted crystal lattices—without directly touching them. This mind-bending technique could unlock new quantum materials and even revolutionize superconductors. But how does it work?
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a groundbreaking technique to manipulate electrons within materials using artificial crystal lattices. By leveraging moiré materials, created by twisting ultra-thin atomic layers, they have found a way to influence electron behavior in a nearby semiconductor without directly altering its physical properties.
https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/03/scientists-uncover-way-control-electrons/
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Quantum Dots Reinvented: How a Crystal Layer Solves Their Biggest Problem
New research from the University of Oklahoma addresses and resolves light emission challenges commonly encountered in quantum applications.
Quantum light sources are inherently unstable, often flickering like distant stars or dimming over time. However, new research from the University of Oklahoma demonstrates that covering a type of quantum light source, known as a colloidal quantum dot, with a specialized layer can significantly enhance its stability. This breakthrough could pave the way for more reliable and cost-effective quantum technologies.
Quantum dots (QDs) are incredibly small semiconductor particles. To illustrate their scale, if a single QD were enlarged to the size of a baseball, a baseball would be as large as the Moon. These nanomaterials have a wide range of applications, including computer monitors, LEDs, solar cells, biomedical devices, quantum computing, and secure communication.
The study, led by OU Assistant Professor Yitong Dong, reveals that applying a crystallized molecular layer to perovskite-based QDs effectively neutralizes surface defects and stabilizes their atomic structure. This prevents the common issues of blinking and fading, ensuring a consistent and reliable light output.
https://scitechdaily.com/quantum-dots-reinvented-how-a-crystal-layer-solves-their-biggest-problem/
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Electrons on Demand: Scientists Unlock the Secret of Light-Driven Charge Control
Researchers have unlocked a new way to manipulate electrons in molecules with terahertz light, paving the way for faster electronics, efficient solar cells, and next-gen materials.
Their work reveals a method to precisely control excitons and charge movement at an atomic level, leading to major advances in energy and chemical technologies.
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Scientists Develop an “Extended Landau Free Energy Model” for Advanced Materials Design
In a recent breakthrough, a research team succeeded in automating the interpretation of microscopic image data of nanoscale magnetic materials using an “extended Landau free energy model” that the team developed using a combination of topology, data science, and free energy.
Microscopic materials analysis is essential to achieve desirable performance in next-generation nanoelectronic devices, such as low power consumption and high speeds. However, the magnetic materials involved in such devices often exhibit incredibly complex interactions between nanostructures and magnetic domains. This, in turn, makes functional design challenging.
Traditionally, researchers have performed a visual analysis of the microscopic image data. However, this often makes the interpretation of such data qualitative and highly subjective. What is lacking is a causal analysis of the mechanisms underlying the complex interactions in nanoscale magnetic materials.
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New techniques for aligning nanocrystals enhance solar-cell efficiency and LED performance
February 27, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-02-techniques-aligning-nanocrystals-solar-cell.html
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Brave North Carolina town fights back against sun-sucking solar panels
December 14, 2015
Congratulations to the town of Woodland, North Carolina! They are
turning back the tide of insidious solar. They have voted for a complete
moratorium on solar farms, after hearing from a retired science
teacher, Jane Mann. According to the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald:
She is a retired Northampton science teacher and is concerned that photosynthesis, which depends upon sunlight, would not happen and would keep the plants from growing. She said she has observed areas near solar panels where the plants are brown and dead because they did not get enough sunlight. She also questioned the high number of cancer deaths in the area, saying no one could tell her that solar panels didn’t cause cancer.
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Magnetic Effect of Light Could Lead to New Solar Panels Technology
April 19, 2011
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/magnetic-effect-light-solar-energy-20110419/
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Sun-Powered Whirlwinds Spin The Solar Vortex, Results Cheaper Energy
March 7, 2013
Whirlwinds are being used to create electricity in Atlanta,
at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Mark Simpson and Ari Glezer have
built a device that harnesses the temperature difference between a hot
metal sheet on the ground and the cooler air a meter above.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/whirlwinds-solar-vortex-energy-20130307/
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Producing electrical power with cardboard, tape, and a pencil
January 26, 2016
A small device
made from everyday materials can generate enough energy to power several
diodes. This clever discovery by an EPFL postdoctoral student was
presented yesterday at a global conference on micro- and nano- systems
in Shanghai.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-electrical-power-cardboard-tape-pencil.html
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Sunlight and seawater lead to low-cost green hydrogen and clean water
April 9, 2025
A
Cornell-led collaboration has hit the trifecta of sustainability
technology: The group developed a low-cost method to produce carbon-free
"green" hydrogen via solar-powered electrolysis of seawater. A happy
byproduct of the process? Potable water.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-04-sunlight-seawater-green-hydrogen.html
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Study shows making hydrogen with soda cans and seawater is scalable and sustainable
June 3, 2025
Hydrogen
has the potential to be a climate-friendly fuel since it doesn’t
release carbon dioxide when used as an energy source. Currently,
however, most methods for producing hydrogen involve fossil fuels,
making hydrogen less of a “green” fuel over its entire life cycle.
A new process developed by MIT engineers could significantly shrink the carbon footprint associated with making hydrogen.
Last
year, the team reported that they could produce hydrogen gas by
combining seawater, recycled soda cans, and caffeine. The question then
was whether the benchtop process could be applied at an industrial
scale, and at what environmental cost.
Now, the researchers have
carried out a “cradle-to-grave” life cycle assessment, taking into
account every step in the process at an industrial scale. For instance,
the team calculated the carbon emissions associated with acquiring and
processing aluminum, reacting it with seawater to produce hydrogen, and
transporting the fuel to gas stations, where drivers could tap into
hydrogen tanks to power engines or fuel cell cars. They found that, from
end to end, the new process could generate a fraction of the carbon
emissions that is associated with conventional hydrogen production.
In
a study appearing today in Cell Reports Sustainability, the team
reports that for every kilogram of hydrogen produced, the process would
generate 1.45 kilograms of carbon dioxide over its entire life cycle. In
comparison, fossil-fuel-based processes emit 11 kilograms of carbon
dioxide per kilogram of hydrogen generated.
The low-carbon
footprint is on par with other proposed “green hydrogen” technologies,
such as those powered by solar and wind energy.
“We’re in the
ballpark of green hydrogen,” says lead author Aly Kombargi PhD ’25, who
graduated this spring from MIT with a doctorate in mechanical
engineering. “This work highlights aluminum’s potential as a clean
energy source and offers a scalable pathway for low-emission hydrogen
deployment in transportation and remote energy systems.”
https://climate.mit.edu/posts/study-shows-making-hydrogen-soda-cans-and-seawater-scalable-and-sustainable
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New efficiency record for solar hydrogen production is 14 percent
September 15, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-efficiency-solar-hydrogen-production-percent.html
An
international team has succeeded in considerably increasing the
efficiency for direct solar water splitting with a tandem solar cell
whose surfaces have been selectively modified. The new record value is
14 percent and thus tops the previous record of 12.4 percent, broken now
for the first time in 17 years. Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum
Berlin, TU Ilmenau, Fraunhofer ISE and California Institute of
Technology participated in the collaboration. The results are published
in Nature Communications.
Solar energy is abundantly
available globally, but unfortunately not constantly and not everywhere.
One especially interesting solution for storing this energy is
artificial photosynthesis. This is what every leaf can do, namely
converting sunlight to chemical energy. That can take place with
artificial systems based on semiconductors as well. These use the
electrical power that sunlight creates in individual semiconductor
components to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. Hydrogen possesses
very high energy density, can be employed in many ways and could replace
fossil fuels. In addition, no carbon dioxide harmful to the climate is
released from hydrogen during combustion, instead only water. Until now,
manufacturing of solar hydrogen at the industrial level has failed due
to the costs, however. This is because the efficiency of artificial
photosynthesis, i.e. the energy content of the hydrogen compared to that
of sunlight, has simply been too low to produce hydrogen from the sun.
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Study advances hydrogen production efforts
December 22, 2015
NREL's scientists took a different approach to the
PEC process, which uses solar energy to split water into hydrogen and
oxygen. The process requires special semiconductors, the PEC materials
and catalysts to split the water. Previous work used precious metals
such as platinum, ruthenium and iridium as catalysts attached to the
semiconductors. A large-scale commercial effort using those precious
metals wouldn't be cost-effective, however.
The use of
cheaper molecular catalysts instead of precious metals has been
proposed, but these have encountered issues with stability, and were
found to have a lifespan shorter than the metal-based catalysts.
Instead,
the NREL researchers decided to examine molecular catalysts outside of
the liquid solution they are normally studied in to see if they could
attach the catalyst directly onto the surface of the semiconductor. They
were able to put a layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the surface of
the semiconductor and bond the molecular catalyst to the TiO2.
Their work showed molecular catalysts can be as highly active as the precious metal-based catalysts.
Their
research, "Water Reduction by a p-GaInP2 Photoelectrode Stabilized by
an Amorphous TiO2 Coating and a Molecular Cobalt Catalyst," has been
published in Nature Materials. Jing Gu and Yong Yan are lead authors of
the paper. Contributors James Young, Nathan Neale and John Turner are
all with NREL's Chemistry and Nanoscience Center. Contributor K. Xerxes
Steirer is with NREL's Materials Science Center.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-advances-hydrogen-production-efforts.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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First nanoscale look at a reaction that limits the efficiency of generating clean hydrogen fuel
May 5 2021
An international team of researchers from Stanford and the DOE's SLAC Laboratory developed a suite of advanced tools to break through the bottleneck of oxygen evolution reaction which today is only about 75% efficient and uses precious metal catalysts. These tools improve other energy-related processes such as finding ways to make lithium-ion batteries charge faster. Researchers will use the techniques developed toward other energy-related reactions such as fast charging in battery electrodes, carbon dioxide reduction for carbon capture and oxygen reduction to use hydrogen in fuel cells.
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New nanomaterial helps obtain hydrogen from a liquid energy carrier, in a key step toward a stable and clean fuel source
Hydrogen is a sustainable source of clean energy that avoids toxic emissions and can add value to multiple sectors in the economy including transportation, power generation, metals manufacturing, among others. Technologies for storing and transporting hydrogen bridge the gap between sustainable energy production and fuel use, and therefore are an essential component of a viable hydrogen economy. But traditional means of storage and transportation are expensive and susceptible to contamination. As a result, researchers are searching for alternative techniques that are reliable, low-cost and simple. More-efficient hydrogen delivery systems would benefit many applications such as stationary power, portable power, and mobile vehicle industries.
Now, as reported in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers have designed and synthesized an effective material for speeding up one of the limiting steps in extracting hydrogen from alcohols. The material, a catalyst, is made from tiny clusters of nickel metal anchored on a 2-D substrate. The team led by researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s (Berkeley Lab) Molecular Foundry found that the catalyst could cleanly and efficiently accelerate the reaction that removes hydrogen atoms from a liquid chemical carrier. The material is robust and made from earth-abundant metals rather than existing options made from precious metals, and will help make hydrogen a viable energy source for a wide range of applications.
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Solar-powered hydrogen generation using two of the most abundant elements on Earth
June 23, 2015
One potential clean energy future requires an economical, efficient, and relatively
simple way to generate copious amounts of hydrogen for use in fuel-cells and hydrogen-powered
vehicles. Often achieved by using electricity
to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, the ideal method
would be to mine hydrogen from water using electricity generated
directly from sunlight without the addition of any external power
source.
Hematite – the mineral form of iron – used in conjunction with silicon
has shown some promise in this area,
but low conversion efficiencies have slowed research. Now scientists
have
discovered a way to make great improvements, giving hope to using two
of the most abundant elements on earth to efficiently produce hydrogen.
http://www.gizmag.com/hydrogen-hematite-silicon-solar/38121/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Turning tap water into hydrogen: New strategy lets PEM electrolyzers use impure water
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New porous material promising for making renewable energy from water
22 March 2021
One prospective source of renewable energy is hydrogen gas produced from water with the aid of sunlight. Researchers at LiU have developed a material, nanoporous cubic silicon carbide, that exhibits promising properties to capture solar energy and split water for hydrogen gas production.
https://liu.se/en/news-item/nytt-porost-material-for-att-gora-fornybar-energi-fran-vatten
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New approach to engineering crumpled GO membranes for separating hydrogen and other gases
July 25, 2025
Scanning electron microscopy image of the crumpled graphene oxide membrane, showing the formation of nanoscale wrinkles and curved channels that enhance gas transport.
The reliable separation of some gases from others could be highly advantageous for a wide range of applications. For instance, it could help to produce hydrogen (H2) for fuel cells and chemical applications or to capture the carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by industrial sites.
Many existing methods for separating gases rely on so-called gas separation membranes, thin films that allow specific gases to pass through them, while blocking others. One of the most promising materials for fabricating these membranes is graphene oxide (GO), a derivative of graphene that responds differently when exposed to distinct molecules.
Despite their potential for separating gases, conventional GO-based gas separation membranes suffer from low permeability. This essentially means that while they can separate H2 or CO2, gases move through them too slowly for them to be reliably deployed in real-world settings.
Researchers at the National University of Singapore recently introduced a new approach to creating crumpled GO membranes that exhibit both a higher H2 permeability and selectivity (i.e., ability to distinguish between different gases). Their proposed method, outlined in a paper published in Nature Nanotechnology, could facilitate the real-world use of these membranes to produce clean H2 and capture gases that are harmful for the environment.
https://phys.org/news/2025-07-approach-crumpled-membranes-hydrogen-gases.html
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Pt nano-catalyst with graphene pockets enhances fuel cell durability and efficiency
April 11, 2025
Bright-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) image highlighting the ultrafine platinum nanoparticles. Right: Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) elemental mapping of carbon, illustrating the thin graphene layer encapsulating the platinum nanoparticles, corresponding to the left image location.
https://phys.org/news/2025-04-pt-nano-catalyst-graphene-pockets.html
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More Graphene Magic Starts When Flatness Ends: A Proton Permeability Puzzle Solved!
Researchers uncover graphene’s intrinsic proton permeability, offering a potential boost to the hydrogen economy and green hydrogen production.
Researchers from The University of Manchester and the University of Warwick have unraveled the longstanding mystery of why graphene’s permeability to protons significantly surpasses theoretical expectations.
A decade ago, scientists at The University of Manchester made the surprising discovery that graphene is permeable to protons, the nuclei of hydrogen atoms. This unexpected result threw the scientific community into debate, as established theory had predicted that it would take billions of years for a proton to pass through graphene’s densely packed crystalline structure. Consequently, it was theorized that the protons might be traversing through minute pinholes present in the graphene, rather than the crystal lattice.
____________________________________
Researchers Use Nanoparticles to Split Water into Hydrogen and Oxygen
____________________________________
Machinery of Photosynthesis Supercharges Solar Energy to Hydrogen Fuel Conversion
Researchers are using artificial intelligence to find compounds with high solar-to-chemical conversions. They combine plant proteins with nanoparticles to create a promising artificial system for water oxidation and increased photocurrent production.
Global economic growth comes with increasing demand for energy, but stepping up energy production can be challenging. Recently, scientists have achieved record efficiency for solar-to-fuel conversion, and now they want to incorporate the machinery of photosynthesis to push it further.
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Electrochemically Grown Ultrathin Platinum Nanosheet Electrodes with Ultralow Loadings for Energy-Saving and Industrial-Level Hydrogen Evolution
03 June 2023
Highlights
-
4-nm-thick Pt nanosheets (Pt-NSs) are electrochemically grown on Ti substrates for hydrogen evolution reactions.
-
Highly uniform Pt-NS surface coverage with an ultralow loading of 0.015 mgPt cm−2 is achieved.
-
99.5% catalyst savings and about 237-fold higher catalyst utilization are demonstrated.
Abstract
Nanostructured catalyst-integrated electrodes with remarkably reduced catalyst loadings, high catalyst utilization and facile fabrication are urgently needed to enable cost-effective, green hydrogen production via proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs). Herein, benefitting from a thin seeding layer, bottom-up grown ultrathin Pt nanosheets (Pt-NSs) were first deposited on thin Ti substrates for PEMECs via a fast, template- and surfactant-free electrochemical growth process at room temperature, showing highly uniform Pt surface coverage with ultralow loadings and vertically well-aligned nanosheet morphologies. Combined with an anode-only Nafion 117 catalyst-coated membrane (CCM), the Pt-NS electrode with an ultralow loading of 0.015 mgPt cm−2 demonstrates superior cell performance to the commercial CCM (3.0 mgPt cm−2), achieving 99.5% catalyst savings and more than 237-fold higher catalyst utilization. The remarkable performance with high catalyst utilization is mainly due to the vertically well-aligned ultrathin nanosheets with good surface coverage exposing abundant active sites for the electrochemical reaction. Overall, this study not only paves a new way for optimizing the catalyst uniformity and surface coverage with ultralow loadings but also provides new insights into nanostructured electrode design and facile fabrication for highly efficient and low-cost PEMECs and other energy storage/conversion devices.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40820-023-01117-2
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Catalysis Reinvented: New Ultra-Thin Nanosheets To Drive Green Energy
Nagoya University researchers have pioneered a surfactant-based method to create amorphous nanosheets, enabling production from previously inaccessible materials like aluminum and rhodium oxides.
Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have addressed a significant challenge in nanosheet technology. Their innovative approach employs surfactants to produce amorphous nanosheets from various materials, including difficult-to-synthesize ultra-thin amorphous metal oxides such as aluminum and rhodium. This breakthrough, published in Nature Communications, sets the stage for future advances in the application of these nanosheets such as those used within fuel cells.
https://scitechdaily.com/catalysis-reinvented-new-ultra-thin-nanosheets-to-drive-green-energy/
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Designer silicon nanowires can produce hydrogen from water and light
February 22nd, 2023
Carolina
researchers' recent findings may represent a new pathway toward
efficient and potentially cheap production of hydrogen fuel from
sunlight.
https://www.unc.edu/posts/2023/02/22/designer-silicon-nanowires-can-produce-hydrogen-from-water-and-light/
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Double-Duty: New Catalyst Generates Hydrogen Fuel While Cleaning Up Wastewater
Researchers developed a catalyst that not only removes contaminants like medications from wastewater but also produces hydrogen fuel as a valuable byproduct.
Turning Wastewater into Hydrogen Fuel with Sunlight
Hydrogen is a pollution-free energy source when it’s extracted from water using sunlight instead of fossil fuels. But current strategies for “splitting” or breaking apart water molecules with catalysts and light require the introduction of chemical additives to expedite the process. Now, researchers reporting in ACS ES&T Engineering have developed a catalyst that destroys medications and other compounds already present in wastewater to generate hydrogen fuel, getting rid of a contaminant while producing something useful.
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Researchers use biosolids to produce hydrogen from wastewater
24 Sep, 2020
RMIT researchers have developed and patented a new technology which uses a special material derived from biosolids to spark chemical reactions for producing hydrogen from biogas.
The approach means all the materials needed for hydrogen production could be sourced on-site at a wastewater treatment plant, without the need for expensive catalysts.
The method also traps the carbon found in biosolids and biogas, which could in the future enable a near-zero-emission wastewater sector.
Lead researcher Associate Professor Kalpit Shah said existing commercial methods for producing hydrogen were emission and capital-intensive, and relied heavily on natural gas.
The new method for producing hydrogen can also convert the carbon found in biogas and biosolids into advanced carbon nanomaterials, pictured here magnified 50,000 times.
https://greenreview.com.au/energy/researchers-use-biosolids-to-produce-hydrogen-from-wastewater/
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Nano-sponges of solid acid transform carbon dioxide to fuel and plastic waste to chemicals
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A device to convert plastic waste into fuel
2025
Specifically, the researchers are using a method known as pyrolysis, a process of using heat in the absence of oxygen to molecularly break materials down. In this case, it’s used to break plastics down to the components that produce fuels and other products.
https://engineering.yale.edu/news-and-events/news/device-convert-plastic-waste-fuel
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Advances in ceramic electrochemical cells promise more reliable hydrogen production and clean energy storage
May 14, 2025
Advances in ceramic electrochemical cells promise more reliable hydrogen production and clean energy storage
Researchers
from the University of Oklahoma have made significant advances in a
promising technology for efficient energy conversion and chemical
processing. Two recent studies involving protonic ceramic
electrochemical cells, called PCECs, address significant challenges in
electrochemical manufacturing and efficiency. These innovations are a
crucial step toward reliable and affordable solutions for hydrogen
production and clean energy storage.
The studies were led by
Hanping Ding, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the School of Aerospace
and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
https://hydrogen-central.com/advances-in-ceramic-electrochemical-cells-promise-more-reliable-hydrogen-production-and-clean-energy-storage/
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We made electricity from water - and it's easy!
Jul 13, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7hmzvGE9dA
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This triple-layer sunlight catalyst supercharges green hydrogen by 800%
June 23, 2025
Researchers in Sweden have developed a powerful new material that
dramatically boosts the ability to create hydrogen fuel from water using
sunlight, making the process eight times more effective than before.
This breakthrough could be key to fueling heavy transport like ships and
planes with clean, renewable energy.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250623072757.htm
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Hydrogen fuel at half the cost? Scientists reveal a game-changing catalyst
June 20, 2025
Scientists developed a new tunable boron-doped cobalt phosphide catalyst with low cost and high efficiency for electrochemical water-splitting.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250620231645.htm
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Core-shell nanocluster catalyst enables high-efficiency, low-cost and eco-friendly hydrogen production
March 21, 2025
A
Korean research team has successfully developed an advanced
electrochemical catalyst. This innovation is expected to lead the next
generation of sustainable hydrogen production.
The newly
developed catalyst features a ruthenium (Ru)-based nanocluster with a
core-shell structure. Despite using only a minimal amount of precious
metal, it delivers world-class performance and exceptional stability.
Moreover, when applied to industrial-scale water electrolysis equipment,
it demonstrated remarkable efficiency, highlighting its potential for
commercial applications.
This research was published in Energy & Environmental Science.
Hydrogen
is widely regarded as a clean energy source because it does not emit
carbon dioxide when burned, making it a promising alternative to fossil
fuels. One of the most efficient ways to produce eco-friendly hydrogen
is through water electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and
oxygen using electricity.
Among various electrolysis methods,
anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) is gaining attention
as a next-generation technology due to its ability to produce
high-purity hydrogen. However, for AEMWE to be commercially viable, it
requires catalysts that offer both high efficiency and long-term
stability.
Currently, platinum (Pt) is the most widely used
catalyst for hydrogen production, but its high cost and rapid
degradation present significant challenges. While researchers have
explored non-precious metal alternatives, these materials typically
suffer from low efficiency and poor stability, making them unsuitable
for industrial use.
https://www.ipmi.org/news/core-shell-nanocluster-catalyst-enables-high-efficiency-low-cost-and-eco-friendly-hydrogen
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Platinum-calcium alloy nanoparticles replace platinum, achieving both efficiency and durability in fuel cells
August 4, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-08-platinum-calcium-alloy-nanoparticles-efficiency.html
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Scandium superhighway paves way for low-temperature hydrogen fuel cells
August 8, 2025
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-08-scandium-superhighway-paves-temperature-hydrogen.html
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New Catalyst Breakthrough Slashes Platinum Use in Green Hydrogen Tech
Researchers engineered a graphene-encased catalyst with ultra-low platinum use that delivers high-efficiency, industrial-scale hydrogen production.
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis plays a key role in the production of green hydrogen on a large scale. One of the most commonly used materials in this process is Platinum on Carbon (Pt/C), which serves as an advanced cathode catalyst. Its popularity comes from its ability to effectively bind hydrogen and its strong resistance to acidic environments. However, using high amounts of platinum makes this approach expensive and limits its broader adoption.
https://scitechdaily.com/new-catalyst-breakthrough-slashes-platinum-use-in-green-hydrogen-tech/
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Record efficiency for converting solar energy to hydrogen without rare metals
December 8, 2014
Using solar energy to split water into its component parts, thereby
allowing the solar energy to be stored as hydrogen fuel, generally
involves one of two methods: using photoelectrochemical cells to
directly split the water, or using solar cells to produce electricity to
power an electrolyzer that separates the water molecules. One problem
associated with the latter method is that it currently relies on rare
metals. But now scientists from Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne
(EPFL) in Switzerland have managed to do so using common materials, and
have achieved a record solar energy to hydrogen conversion efficiency
in the process.
http://www.gizmag.com/record-efficiency-solar-water-splitting/35044/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Scientists create water splitter that runs on a single AAA battery
August 25, 2014
A new emissions-free device created by scientists at Stanford University
uses an ordinary 1.5-volt battery to split water into hydrogen and
oxygen at room temperature, potentially providing a low-cost method to
power fuel cells in zero-emissions vehicles and buildings.
http://www.gizmag.com/water-splitter-aaa-battery-hydrogen-fuel-cell/33497/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Hydrogen fuel cells may turn corner in commercial drone use
December 16, 2015
http://techxplore.com/news/2015-12-hydrogen-fuel-cells-corner-commercial.html
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Researchers discover way to store hydrogen using lignin jet fuel
January 27, 2025
An
international team of scientists has discovered a way to store and
release volatile hydrogen using lignin-based jet fuel that could open
new pathways for sustainable energy production.
In a new study in
the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Washington State
University Professor Bin Yang and colleagues demonstrated that a type of
lignin-based jet fuel they developed can chemically bind hydrogen in a
stable liquid form. The research has many potential applications in
fuels and transportation and could ultimately make it easier to harness
hydrogen’s potential as a high energy and zero emissions fuel source.
https://news.wsu.edu/news/2025/01/27/researchers-discover-new-way-to-store-hydrogen-using-lignin-jet-fuel/
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SafeFlame torch turns water into fire
November 5, 2013
http://www.gizmag.com/safeflame-water-flame-torch/29673/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
The pressurized acetylene and propane gas used in brazing and related
tasks is highly flammable, and thus very dangerous. You know what isn't
flammable, though? Water. Bearing that in mind, the European
Union-funded SafeFlame consortium has developed a torch system that
generates a flame using nothing but H2O and electricity.
SafeFlame utilizes an electrical current to
electrolyze ordinary water, separating it into hydrogen and oxygen gas.
Those gases are then mixed and ignited as they exit the torch's nozzle.
By fine-tuning the proportions of the two gases, different types of
flames can be produced for different applications.
Additionally, the length and heat of the flame can be adjusted by varying the amount of power delivered to the electrolyzer.
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Inexpensive catalyst for producing hydrogen under real-world conditions found
January 11, 2013
Hydrogen has been hailed as the fuel of the future, but producing it
cleanly using platinum as a catalyst is simply too costly to service the
world's energy needs. On the flipside, producing hydrogen with fossil
fuels not only releases CO2 as a byproduct, but is unsustainable,
negating hydrogen's green potential. However, hydrogen may yet make good
on its promise thanks to a group of scientists at the University of
Cambridge.
http://www.gizmag.com/cambridge-hydrogen-cobalt-catalyst/25723/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Hydrogen Molecule Becomes Superfluid: A 50-Year-Old Prediction Confirmed
February 21, 2025
https://science.ubc.ca/news/february-21-2025/hydrogen-becomes-superfluid-nanoscale-confirming-50-year-old-prediction
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Plasma pyrolysis for a sustainable hydrogen economy
April 2022
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41578-022-00439-8
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Plasma technology for hydrogen production and gas conversion applications
2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780323899307000091
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Plasma-assisted hydrogen generation: A mechanistic review
2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378382023001091
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Hydrogen cars are trying to be the next big sustainable vehicle
March 2024
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/hydrogen-cars-are-trying-to-be-the-next-big-sustainable-vehicle/ar-BB1jK664
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Will hydrogen overtake batteries in the race for zero-emission cars?
Feb 2024
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/13/will-hydrogen-overtake-batteries-in-the-race-for-zero-emission-cars
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Is Red Hydrogen the Breakthrough Technology We've Been Waiting For?
Dec 2022
https://www.greencars.com/news/is-red-hydrogen-the-breakthrough-technology-weve-been-waiting-for
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Blue hydrogen – what is it, and should it replace natural gas?
August 13, 2021
https://theconversation.com/blue-hydrogen-what-is-it-and-should-it-replace-natural-gas-166053
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Water into Hydrogen - Making a Simple Hydrogen Generator from old battery - hho
Oct 12, 2023
In
this video, I will show you how to use old batteries to decompose water
into hydrogen and oxygen or generate HHO gas. In this video, I separate
the water molecules, which are hydrogen and oxygen, by electrolyzing
water, and use the produced gas.
Note that you can also use
potassium hydroxide powder or drain cleaner or salt to conduct water.
But if you use salt, the color of the water will turn green or brown due
to the production of hydroxide ions. Also, the efficiency of the drain
cleaner solution is higher.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08XGs7pZSlE
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Storing electrons from hydrogen for clean chemical reactions
March 28, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-electrons-hydrogen-chemical-reactions.html
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Photon-like electrons in a four-dimensional world discovered in a real material
March 14, 2024
Dirac
electrons were predicted by P. Dirac and discovered by A. Geim, both of
whom were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1933 and in 2010,
respectively. Dirac electrons behave like photons rather than electrons,
for they are considered to have no mass, and in materials they move
with light velocity.
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-photon-electrons-dimensional-world-real.html#google_vignette
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Researchers discover new yttrium-hydrogen compounds with implications for high-pressure superconductivity
March 14, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-yttrium-hydrogen-compounds-implications-high.html
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Brazilian scientists obtain a material that could be useful for hydrogen production
March 13, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-brazilian-scientists-material-hydrogen-production.html
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Graphene discovery could help generate cheaper and more sustainable hydrogen
23 August 2023
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/graphene-more-magic-starts-when-flatness-ends/
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Research team develops catalyst that can purify municipal sewage while enhancing hydrogen generation efficiency
March 13, 2024
Researchers
have devised a novel catalyst aimed at enhancing the efficiency of
reactions using contaminated municipal sewage to produce hydrogen—a
green energy source...
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-team-catalyst-purify-municipal-sewage.html
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Chemical etching method opens pores for fuel cells and more
March 1, 2024
A
chemical etching method for widening the pores of metal-organic
frameworks (MOFs) could improve various applications of MOFs, including
in fuel cells and as catalysts. Researchers at Nagoya University in
Japan and East China Normal University in China developed the new method
with collaborators elsewhere in Japan, Australia, and China, and their
work was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
MOFs
are porous materials composed of metal clusters or ions interconnected
by carbon-based (organic) linker groups. Varying the metallic and
organic components generates a variety of MOFs suitable for a wide range
of applications, including catalysis, chemical separation, and gas
storage.
Some MOFs have clear potential for catalyzing the
chemical reactions inside fuel cells, which are being explored as the
basis of renewable energy systems. Because they don't use fossil fuels,
fuel cells could play a key role in the transition to a low- or
zero-emissions economy to combat climate change.
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-chemical-etching-method-pores-fuel.html
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Microbial fuel cells: a comprehensive review for beginners
2021 May 1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8088421/
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Cold fusion reactor verified by third-party researchers, seems to have 1 million times the energy density of gasoline
October 9, 2014
Andrea Rossi’s E-Cat — the
device that purports to use cold fusion to generate massive amounts of
cheap, green energy — has been verified by third-party researchers,
according to a new 54-page report. The researchers observed a small
E-Cat over 32 days, where it produced net energy of 1.5 megawatt-hours,
or “far more than can be obtained from any known chemical sources in the
small reactor volume.” The researchers were also allowed to analyze the
fuel before and after the 32-day run, noting that the isotopes in the
spent fuel could only have been obtained by “nuclear reactions” — a
conclusion that boggles the researchers: “… It is of course very hard to
comprehend how these fusion processes can take place in the fuel
compound at low energies.”
http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/191754-cold-fusion-reactor-verified-by-third-party-researchers-seems-to-have-1-million-times-the-energy-density-of-gasoline
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Can hydrogen bring the next great improvement to lithium batteries?
November 8, 2015
New research from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has found
that hydrogen can greatly improve both the capacity and conductivity of
lithium-ion batteries. The research could also pave the way for better
storage mediums for several energy options, including hydrogen itself.
http://www.gizmag.com/hydrogen-treated-electrodes-lithium-ion-battery-performance-llnl/40278/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Energy Harvesting Device Captures Power From Liquid Molecules To Generate Electricity on the Nanoscale
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When electrons 'jump' into water: The secret behind high electrode capacities
June 25, 2025
In order to develop improved electrolyzers for regenerative hydrogen production, the processes on the surfaces of the metal electrodes used must be precisely understood. Researchers from the Theory Department at the Fritz Haber Institute have now been able to show that even the smallest spillover of metal electrons into the aqueous electrolyte environment is sufficient to increase the energy storage capacity more than tenfold.
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-electrons-secret-high-electrode-capacities.html
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Artificial photosynthesis system surpasses key efficiency benchmark for direct solar-to-hydrogen conversion
June 27, 2025
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-artificial-photosynthesis-surpasses-key-efficiency.html
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It is debated if solar hydrogen, silicone or perovskite would make
the best sustainable option for solar energy. Silicone can be made from
sand or plant material, which is sustainable.
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Perovskite
Perovskite (pronunciation: /pəˈrɒvskaɪt/) is a calcium titanium oxide mineral composed of calcium titanate, with the chemical formula CaTiO. The mineral was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perovskite
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New solar panels are cheaper, more environmentally sustainable
http://www.theoptimist.com/new-solar-panels-cheaper-environmentally-sustainable/
Scientists from Northwestern University have created a new type of
solar panel that is less expensive to produce, better for the
environment, and could eventually be more efficient at capturing the
suns rays and turning them into energy.
Perovskite solar panels, solar cells with a crystal structure similar
to that of calcium titanium oxide, have been around since 2008– but
only in laboratories. A key component of perovskite cells (until now) is
lead, which is used to absorb light into the solar cell.
A downside of using lead is its
toxicity, which can poison the environment, and waterways if introduced
to nature. Humans and animals exposed to large amounts of lead can
contract lead poisoning.
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Nanocellulose Treated with Red Onion Dye Offers Effective UV Protection for Solar Cells
March 20, 2025
The
University of Turku, Finland, has conducted groundbreaking research on
using bio-based materials to protect solar cells from ultraviolet (UV)
radiation. The study aimed to find eco-friendly alternatives to
petroleum-based plastics and discovered that nanocellulose treated with
red onion dye provides exceptional UV protection. This innovative
approach outperformed commercial polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based
UV filters, which are commonly used in the industry.
Researchers
at the University of Turku and Aalto University in Finland, along with
Wageningen University in the Netherlands, investigated four types of
protective films made from cellulose nanofibers. The nanocellulose film
treated with red onion extract proved to be the most efficient in
blocking UV radiation, protecting 99.9% of it up to 400 nanometres.
The
study’s results are significant because they highlight the importance
of long-term testing for UV filters. The researchers tested the
durability and performance of the filters under artificial light for
1,000 hours, which is equivalent to about a year of sunlight in the open
air in central Europe. This testing period showed that the film treated
with red onion dye maintained its high transmission rate in the visible
light region (80% at longer wavelengths) throughout.
The
findings of this study are relevant not only for solar cells but also
for other applications where bio-based UV filters are paramount. The
researchers envision developing biodegradable solar cell types that can
be used as power sources, such as in food packaging. This innovative
approach has the potential to benefit various industries and contribute
to a more sustainable future.
https://www.sciencefolks.com/nanocellulose-treated-with-red-onion-dye-offers-effective-uv-protection-for-solar-cells/
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New technique could produce the ideal light-absorbing material for solar cells
February 3, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/transition-metal-oxides-solar-cells/35895/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
Solar cell efficiency has made significant strides
in recent times, but cells are still far from their maximum theoretical
efficiency, and part of the reason is that the semiconductors we use to
build them don’t have ideal electrical properties. Researchers at
Northwestern University have now found a way to tweak an important
electrical feature of transition metal oxides, compounds commonly used
as semiconductors, to build the optimal light-absorbing material for
solar cells, lasers and photoelectrochemical cells.
In electronics, the band gap
is a crucial feature of a semiconductor, measuring the amount of energy
that an electron needs to be fed before it can start conducting
electricity. Its size is measured in electronvolts (eV) and dictates
whether a material will behave as a conductor (~0 eV), a semiconductor
(~1–9 eV) or an insulator (~9 or more eV).
Being able to tweak the band gap at will would be
incredibly useful. Solar cells, for instance, produce electricity
whenever a photon travels to a silicon atom and "hits" it, giving one of
silicon’s electrons enough energy to jump the band gap and become
conductive. Tuning the band gap would mean being able to design the
ideal semiconductor that can maximize the amount of energy harvested
throughout the visible spectrum. However, current methods
can only change the band gap by about one eV and can only do so by
modifying the material’s chemical composition, which is not ideal.
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Water flow battery with high-current density could store rooftop solar energy efficiently
May 21, 2025
The latest design opens the door to battery systems that are not only cheaper, but also safer to scale.
Scientists have developed a high-current density water-based battery that can be suitable for residential use.
The
next-generation “flow battery” could help households store rooftop
solar energy more safely, cheaply, and efficiently than ever before,
according to researchers.
Developed by researchers from Monash
University, the innovation’s new membrane design fixes the speed
problem, making it ideal for households and a promising key player in
the energy transition market.
Non-toxic, non-flammable
Researchers
have highlighted that their long-term operation requires exquisite
transport control of species across the cell, with movement of cations
key for high current density, and anionic rejection needed for cycling
stability.
“We report the tailored combination of a hydrophilic
mixed-matrix membrane, SPEEK-SX, with sulphonated polydichloroxylene
(Sp-DCX) as the additive and sulphonated poly(ether ether ketone)
(SPEEK) as the matrix. Compared to Nafion-212, the dense aromatic
backbone of SPEEK efficiently rejected the crossover of electrolytes,
with sulfonate groups housed within Sp-DCX micropores increasing Na+
mobility,” said researchers in the study.
https://interestingengineering.com/energy/water-flow-battery-store-solar-energy
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Scientific breakthrough brings CO2 'breathing' batteries closer to reality
May 20, 2025
Scientists
at the University of Surrey have made a breakthrough in eco-friendly
batteries that not only store more energy but could also help tackle
greenhouse gas emissions. Lithium-CO₂ 'breathing' batteries release
power while capturing carbon dioxide, offering a greener alternative
that may one day outperform today's lithium-ion batteries.
Until
now, Lithium-CO₂ batteries have faced setbacks in efficiency -- wearing
out quickly, failing to recharge and relying on expensive rare materials
such as platinum. However, researchers from Surrey have found a way to
overcome these issues by using a low-cost catalyst called caesium
phosphomolybdate (CPM). Using computer modelling and lab experiments,
tests showed this simple change allowed the battery to store
significantly more energy, charge with far less power and run for over
100 cycles.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520122027.htm
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Can This Mineral Power The Planet?
In only five years, the sunlight-to-energy efficiency of solar cells
made from lab-grown perovskites has almost quintupled, from 3.8 to
nearly 20 percent. Compare that to sluggish gains made with silicon
technology, which took three decades to reach the same threshold. Today,
commercial silicon panels top out at 18 percent. Perovskite cells may
best that rate, and have the added advantage of being cheap and easy to
manufacture. They could reduce the cost-per-watt of solar by more than
half. Plus, some prototype cells are partially translucent, so
researchers like Oxford University’s Henry Snaith see potential
applications as windowpanes. But for all of perovskites’s promise,
scientists still need to address three big challenges.
http://www.popsci.com/article/science/can-mineral-power-planet
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Quantum dots and perovskite combined to create new hyper-efficient light-emitting crystal
July 16, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/quantum-perovskite-light-emitting-crystal/38505/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
Two optoelectronic materials getting a
lot of press these days are perovskite and quantum dots.
Both have been individually
utilized by researchers to boost sunlight conversion to electrical
current in
solar cells, and to increase the efficacy of electrically-generated
light. Now
engineers at the University of Toronto (U of T) have combined both of
these
materials to create an ultra-efficient, super-luminescent hybrid crystal
that they say will enable new records in power-to-light conversion
efficiencies.
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Graphene-based solar cell hits record 15.6 percent efficiency
January 14, 2014
In 2012, researchers from the University of Florida reported a record efficiency of 8.6 percent
for a prototype solar cell consisting of a wafer of silicon coated with
a layer of graphene doped with trifluoromethanesulfonyl-amide (TFSA).
Now another team is claiming a new record efficiency of 15.6 percent for
a graphene-based solar cell by ditching the silicon all together.
http://www.gizmag.com/graphene-solar-cell-record-efficiency/30466/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Simplifying solar cells with a new mix of materials
January 27, 2016
The new study,
though, demonstrated a dopant-free silicon cell, referred to as a DASH
cell (dopant free asymmetric heterocontact), with an average efficiency
above 19 percent. This increased efficiency is a product of the new
materials and a simple coating process for layers on the top and bottom
of the device. Researchers showed it's possible to create their solar
cell in just seven steps.
In this study, the research
team used a crystalline silicon core (or wafer) and applied layers of
dopant-free type of silicon called amorphous silicon.
Then,
they applied ultrathin coatings of a material called molybdenum oxide,
also known as moly oxide, at the sun-facing side of the solar cell, and
lithium fluoride at the bottom surface. The two layers, having
thicknesses of tens of nanometers, act as dopant-free contacts for holes
and electrons, respectively.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-solar-cells-materials.html
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Mystery of Gold’s Glow: Energy Scientists Unveil the Quantum-Mechanical Effects of Photoluminescence From Crystalline Metal Films
Apr 26 2024
All metals glow to some degree, but how this occurs needs to be understood better. Until now, its microscopic origin has been intensely debated, and its potential for unraveling nanoscale carrier dynamics has been largely unexploited.
Luminescence From Metals
Luminescence from semiconductors following steady-state photoexcitation has been known since ancient times. Today, this property is widely utilized as a non-invasive probe of diverse phenomena, such as chemical reaction monitoring, assessment of solar cell efficiencies, and rock dating.
In 1969, scientists discovered that all metals exhibit luminescence to some degree. In recent years, photon emission from metals has received increased attention in the context of plasmonic nanostructures. These materials promise to revolutionize the energy, healthcare, and sensing industries. This can be made possible by the ability of plasmon-generated hot carriers to dramatically increase local electronic temperatures, increase solar cell absorption, and improve weak luminescence processes from molecules.
Despite its usefulness, there are still uncertainties surrounding the origin of emitted light, mainly whether it is due to the recombination of electrons and holes (photoluminescence) or other forms of inelastic light scattering. This mystery has been debated among theoretical and experimental studies over the last 50 years.
____________________________________
Who Killed the WATER Car?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CAzlW14k-w
____________________________________
Miniature car runs only on the power of evaporating water
http://www.gizmag.com/tiny-car-evaporating-water/38061/
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Hydroelectric Generator: How to Build a Small One
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/hydroelectric-generator/#.VSFkS-G-2zk
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HydroBee wants to be your personal hydroelectric generator
November 19, 2013
There are already plenty of gadgets that allow people to charge their
mobile devices while off the grid. Most of those products utilize solar
power, while a few have gone the thermoelectric
route. The HydroBee, however, generates electricity using the power of
flowing water – think of it as a portable hydroelectric station.
http://www.gizmag.com/hydrobee-portable-hydroelectric-generator/29839/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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World's First NUCLEAR SALT REACTOR - Documentary Films
Jan 25, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIDytUCRtTA
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"Water-in-salt" battery bodes well for greener, safer grid storage
December 6, 2015
Scientists at the University of Maryland and the US Army Research
Laboratory have used high concentrations of salt in water to create
safe, green batteries that could find use in anything from large-scale
grid storage to spaceships and pacemakers.
http://www.gizmag.com/water-in-salt-battery/40514/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Researchers Unlock New Frontier for Quantum Dots with Molten Salt
October 27, 2024
Researchers at the University of Chicago have made a groundbreaking discovery, unlocking a new frontier for quantum dots by replacing organic solvents with molten salt. This innovative technique allows for the growth of previously unimaginable nanocrystals, opening up a vast array of novel chemical materials for future exploration.
Led by Professor Dmitri Talapin and his team, including researchers from the University of California Berkeley, Northwestern University, the University of Colorado Boulder, and Argonne National Laboratory, this breakthrough has far-reaching implications for various industries.
Quantum dots are microscopic crystals used in lasers, TVs, solar cells, medical devices, and other electronics. The new technique enables the growth of III-V materials, which are used in the most efficient solar cells, brightest LEDs, and fastest electronic devices. This achievement is significant, as it was previously impossible to grow these materials in solution due to high-temperature requirements.
Key individuals involved in this work include Justin Ondry, a former postdoctoral researcher in Talapin’s lab, and co-authors Eran Rabani from UC Berkeley and Richard D. Schaller from Argonne National Laboratory and Northwestern University. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize various fields, enabling the creation of new building blocks for better, faster quantum and classical computers.
https://quantumzeitgeist.com/researchers-unlock-new-frontier-for-quantum-dots-with-molten-salt/
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This breakthrough turns old tech into pure gold — No mercury, no cyanide, just light and salt
June 27, 2025
New method published in Nature Sustainability
At Flinders University, scientists have cracked a cleaner and greener
way to extract gold—not just from ore, but also from our mounting piles
of e-waste. By using a compound normally found in pool disinfectants and
a novel polymer that can be reused, the method avoids toxic chemicals
like mercury and cyanide. It even works on trace gold in scientific
waste. Tested on everything from circuit boards to mixed-metal ores, the
approach offers a promising solution to both the global gold rush and
the growing e-waste crisis. The technique could be a game-changer for
artisanal miners and recyclers, helping recover valuable metals while
protecting people and the planet.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250626081540.htm
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U.S. Navy Wants to Fuel Ships Using Seawater
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Scientists achieve perfect efficiency for water-splitting half-reaction
February 26, 2016
Splitting water is a
two-step process, and in a new study, researchers have performed one of
these steps (reduction) with 100% efficiency. The results shatter the
previous record of 60% for hydrogen production with visible light, and
emphasize that future research should focus on the other step
(oxidation) in order to realize practical overall water splitting. The
main application of splitting water into its components of oxygen and
hydrogen is that the hydrogen can then be used to deliver energy to fuel
cells for powering vehicles and electronic devices.
http://phys.org/news/2016-02-scientists-efficiency-water-splitting-half-reaction.html#nRlv
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Is Spherical Solar Really The Future of Energy?
Jul 4, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alpAB1n4U7w
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Researchers say neutron stars are key to understanding elusive dark matter
April 5, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-04-neutron-stars-key-elusive-dark.html
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15 ENERGY EFFICIENT INVENTIONS FOR YOUR HOME
Oct 15, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l-UYwfx3a0
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The Mushroom Motherboard: The Crazy Fungal Computers that Might Change Everything
Mar 4, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mIWo6dgTmI
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New superconducting material discovered in transition-metal dichalcogenides materials
January 19, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-superconducting-material-transition-metal-dichalcogenides.html
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New quantum material promises up to 190% quantum efficiency in solar cells
April 10, 2024
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-04-quantum-material-efficiency-solar-cells.html
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Genius Bladeless Hydro Turbine is Cheaper Than Solar
Aug 18, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArQE3SB0kyM
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Researchers build selenium–silicon tandem solar cell that could improve efficiency to 40%
April 2, 2024
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-04-seleniumsilicon-tandem-solar-cell-efficiency.html
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A solar cell you can bend and soak in water
March 27, 2024
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-03-solar-cell.html
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Chemistry researchers modify solar technology to produce a less harmful greenhouse gas
April 2, 2024
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-04-chemistry-solar-technology-greenhouse-gas.html
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Non-toxic, Eco-friendly Solar Panels
MAY 18, 2022
https://www.labroots.com/trending/technology/22775/non-toxic-eco-friendly-solar-panels
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New way to charge batteries harnesses the power of 'indefinite causal order'
December 14, 2023
https://phys.org/news/2023-12-batteries-harnesses-power-indefinite-causal.html#google_vignette
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Drawing inspiration from plants: A metal–air paper battery for wearable devices
April 3, 2024
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-04-metalair-paper-battery-wearable-devices.html
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New 'papertronics' offer biodegradable alternative to traditional circuits
March 13, 2024
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-03-papertronics-biodegradable-alternative-traditional-circuits.html
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Cobalt-free batteries could power cars of the future
January 20, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-cobalt-free-batteries-power-cars.html
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Next-generation batteries could go organic, cobalt-free for long-lasting power
January 18, 2024
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-01-generation-batteries-cobalt-free-power.html
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We rely heavily on lithium batteries – but there's a growing array of alternatives
20 March 2024
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240319-the-most-sustainable-alternatives-to-lithium-batteries
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New materials discovered for safe, high-performance solid-state lithium-ion batteries
April 2, 2024
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-04-materials-safe-high-solid-state.html#google_vignette
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New 'water batteries' stay cool under pressure
February 21, 2024
A
global team of researchers and industry collaborators led by RMIT
University has invented recyclable 'water batteries' that won't catch
fire or explode.
Lithium-ion energy storage dominates the market
due to its technological maturity, but its suitability for large-scale
grid energy storage is limited by safety concerns with the volatile
materials inside.
Lead researcher Distinguished Professor Tianyi
Ma said their batteries were at the cutting edge of an emerging field of
aqueous energy storage devices, with breakthroughs that significantly
improve the technology's performance and lifespan.
"What we
design and manufacture are called aqueous metal-ion batteries—or we can
call them water batteries," said Ma, from RMIT's School of Science.
The
team uses water to replace organic electrolytes—which enable the flow
of electric current between the positive and negative terminals—meaning
their batteries can't start a fire or blow up—unlike their lithium-ion
counterparts.
"Addressing end-of-life disposal challenges that
consumers, industry, and governments globally face with current energy
storage technology, our batteries can be safely disassembled, and the
materials can be reused or recycled," Ma said.
The simplicity of manufacturing processes for their water batteries helped make mass production feasible, he said.
"We
use materials such as magnesium and zinc that are abundant in nature,
inexpensive, and less toxic than alternatives used in other kinds of
batteries, which helps to lower manufacturing costs and reduces risks to
human health and the environment."
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-02-batteries-stay-cool-pressure.html#google_vignette
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Researchers develop high-energy-density aqueous battery based on halogen multi-electron transfer
April 23, 2024
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-04-high-energy-density-aqueous-battery.html
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How a Sand Battery Could Revolutionize Home Energy Storage
Mar 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVqHYNE2QwE
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Mitigating electrode-level heterogeneity using phosphorus nanolayers on graphite for fast-charging batteries
October 5, 2023
https://techxplore.com/news/2023-10-mitigating-electrode-level-heterogeneity-phosphorus-nanolayers.html
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Enovix Has The Silicon Battery Of The Future
Mar. 24, 2023
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4589703-enovix-silicon-battery-of-future
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Sila introduces Titan nano-composite silicon anode material; 20% increase in vehicle range and reduced charge time
05 April 2023
https://www.greencarcongress.com/2023/04/20230405-sila.html
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Strong coupling between a photon and a hole spin in silicon
06 March 2023
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-023-01332-3
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Engineers 'grow' atomically thin transistors on top of computer chips
April 28, 2023
A
new low-temperature growth and fabrication technology allows the
integration of 2D materials directly onto a silicon circuit, which could
lead to denser and more powerful chips.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230428130757.htm
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Graphene and two-dimensional materials for silicon technology
25 September 2019
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1573-9
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Research progress of nano-silicon-based materials and silicon-carbon composite anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
16 March 2022
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10008-022-05141-x
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Enhancing
zinc–air battery performance by constructing three-dimensional N-doped
carbon coating multiple valence Co and MnO heterostructures
13 January 2024
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12274-023-6404-5
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Enhanced
Electron Delocalization within Coherent Nano-Heterocrystal Ensembles
for Optimizing Polysulfide Conversion in High-Energy-Density Li-S
Batteries
25 December 2023
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202310052
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Why This NASA Battery May Be The Future of Energy Storage
Jul 18, 2023
What
do you do if a satellite runs out of batteries? It’s prohibitively
expensive to send a team into orbit and pop in some new AAs, and as a
result many satellites use very efficient, reliable and long-lived
nickel-hydrogen batteries. We’re talking about batteries that last
decades. That sounds like the sort of battery that could revolutionize
grid-scale energy storage and really help out renewables back here on
Earth, which is why EnerVenue is backing nickel hydrogen batteries as
the next step forward! But if batteries rugged and powerful enough for
spacecraft already exist, then why haven’t we used it back here on Earth
until now?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zG-ZrC4BO0
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Why NASA is Building a Solid State Battery
Oct 21, 2023
Batteries
are one of the hottest areas of research and development around the
world. It's critical fo everything from grid storage, home backup,
electric vehicles, and even short haul flight. But as the popularity of
all these fields increase, certain questions are raised. The holy grail
is supposed to be Solid state batteries, with no liquid electrolyte, and
NASA thinks they might have made a breakthrough with their SABERS
battery technology. So how does it work, is it legit, or just another
pipedream? Let's figure this out together!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOcoGNZaUAM
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Solid State Batteries - FINALLY powering electric vehicles in 2024!
Jan 28, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suNUPGC2pwM
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This Is Why Companies Are Hiding The Truth About Batteries
Dec 18, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5aHAZhuwyc
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Chapter 20: Green computing
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____________________________________
We
often hear about electronic waste that has many toxic chemicals. One of our goals is to make electronics biodegrade, and for these electronics to be non-toxic to the environment.
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Self-Powered Solar Circuit Could Help Computing Become Greener and Faster
February 5, 2010
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How New Self-Healing Circuit Restores Electricity in 20 Seconds
January 16, 2012
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/self-healing-electronics-circuit-20120116/#.VSHOGOG-2zk
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Maze-solving automatons can repair broken circuits (w/ video)
Apr 07, 2015
(Phys.org)—Modern electronic circuits may provide unprecedented
flexibility and robustness, but even the best-made circuits are subject
to open circuit faults—breaks caused by thermal, mechanical and
electrical stress. In a new study, scientists have developed an
intelligent self-healing mechanism that can locate open circuit
faults—even when not in the line of sight—and then repair them by
building bridges of tiny conductive particles to close the gap. The
real-time repair mechanism could be especially useful for space
technology, allowing open faults on satellites to be repaired without
the need for expensive operations.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-04-maze-solving-automatons-broken-circuits-video.html#jCp
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Electrical circuit made of gel can repair itself
August 25, 2015
Scientists have fabricated a flexible electrical circuit that, when cut into two pieces, can repair itself and fully restore its original conductivity. The circuit is made of a new gel that possesses a combination of properties that are not typically seen together: high conductivity, flexibility, and room-temperature self-healing. The gel could potentially offer self-healing for a variety of applications, including flexible electronics, soft robotics, artificial skins, biomimetic prostheses, and energy storage devices.
http://phys.org/news/2015-08-electrical-circuit-gel.html#jCp
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Liquid metal could be used to create morphing electronics
September 21, 2014
http://www.gizmag.com/liquid-metal-morphing-electronics/33836/
Who could forget the scene in Terminator 2: Judgement Day
where the shape-shifting T-1000 reassembles itself from thousands of
blobs of molten metal? Researchers from North Carolina State University
(NCSU) have taken the first steps to such science fiction becoming
reality by developing a way to control the surface tension of liquid
metals with the application of very low voltages. This may offer
opportunities in a new field of morphing electronic circuits, self-healing electronics, or – one day – maybe even self-assembling terminator-style robots.
The liquid metal used by the researchers was an alloy
of gallium and indium. Gallium is liquid just above room temperature at
about 29° C (84° F), while Indium has a much higher melting point at
around 156° C (312° F), yet when mixed together, they form an alloy that
is liquid at room temperature. In other words, a eutectic
alloy – one that is composed of metals with disparate melting points
that, when combined, melt as a whole at a specific temperature.
Another important aspect of this eutectic alloy, and
one that the researchers sought to exploit in their experiments, is its
exceptionally high surface tension of approximately 500 millinewtons per
meter (mN/m). The consequence of this is that a blob of this alloy
resting on a surface will tend to form an almost spherical ball and hold
its shape if undisturbed...
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Silicon-based metamaterials could bring photonic circuits
January 29, 2016
New transparent metamaterials under development could make possible computer chips and interconnecting circuits that use light instead of electrons to process and transmit data, representing a potential leap in performance.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-silicon-based-metamaterials-photonic-circuits.html
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Fine-tuning organic circuits: Monolayer terminal groups and molecular junctions
Apr 03, 2015
(Phys.org)—Self-assembled monolayers are organic
molecules that spontaneously coordinate to a metal surface. If this
metal surface is an electrode, then a current can pass through the
organic monolayer and interact with a second electrode on the terminal
side of the molecule. This current can be controlled by changing the
characteristics of the organic molecule, such as making it longer or
adding polar substituents or other functional groups. This tailoring of
organic circuits is part of a bigger project of creating organic-based
electronics.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-04-fine-tuning-circuits-monolayer-terminal-groups.html#jCp
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Random nanowire configurations increase conductivity over heavily ordered configurations
May 15, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-random-nanowire-configurations-heavily.html#nRlv
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Automated microscope tracks directional heat flow in thermoelectric materials for green energy
May 8, 2025
Scientists
have developed a new microscope that significantly improves the way
heat flow in materials can be measured. This advancement could lead to
better designs for electronic devices and energy systems.
Measuring
how heat moves through materials is crucial for developing efficient
electronics and energy devices. For example, better heat management can
lead to faster and more reliable computers, as well as more efficient
solar panels and batteries.
"Finding the right materials for
electronics is crucial in developing the devices we need to support the
green transition. For instance, when turning heat into electricity—or
vice versa—we need materials that lose very little heat but at the same
time are great electrical conductors," says Nini Pryds, a professor at
DTU Energy.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-05-automated-microscope-tracks-thermoelectric-materials.html
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Wearables with tunable stiffness mimic touch, adapt motion, and remember shape
May 09, 2025
The algorithm and simulations optimize flexural rod placement for reconfigurable motion and precise kinematic performance.
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/wearables-with-tunable-stiffness-mimic-touch-adapt-motion-and-remember-shape
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Harnessing nature's fractals for flexible electronics: Biomimetic fabrication technique uses leaf skeletons as templates
March 24, 2025
Doctoral Researcher Amit Barua and leaf skeleton of a Bodhi tree. Credit: Timo Laukkanen
By
using leaf skeletons as templates, researchers harnessed nature's
intrinsic hierarchical fractal structures to improve the performance of
flexible electronic devices. Wearable sensors and electronic skins are
examples of flexible electronics.
A research team at the
University of Turku, Finland, has developed an innovative approach to
replicating bioinspired microstructures found in plant leaf skeletons,
eliminating the need for conventional cleanroom technologies. The work
is published in the journal npj Flexible Electronics.
Fractal
patterns are self-replicating structures in which the same shape repeats
at increasingly smaller scales. They can be created mathematically and
also occur in nature. For example, tree branches, leaf veins, vascular
networks, and many floral patterns, such as cauliflower, follow a
fractal structure.
Researchers created surfaces that mimic
fractal patterns by utilizing dried tree leaf skeletons. Different
manufacturing materials were sprayed onto the leaf skeletons, after
which the new surfaces were separated from the leaf skeleton, and the
researchers compared the structural properties and durability of the
surfaces made from different materials.
This biomimetic surface,
with more than 90% replication accuracy, is highly compatible with
flexible electronic applications, offering enhanced stretchability,
conformal attachment to skin, and superior breathability.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-03-harnessing-nature-fractals-flexible-electronics.html
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Stretchable electronics: Advances in elastic conductive fibers for multifunctional applications
2024
Abstract
This
review paper provides an extensive overview of elastic conductive
fibers (ECFs), highlighting their evolution, design, and applications in
stretchable electronics. ECFs are versatile due to their superior
mechanical properties, lightweight nature, and ease of integration,
making them ideal for wearable technology, health monitoring, aerospace,
and bioengineering. The paper examines how ECFs combine fiber
flexibility with electronic functionality, maintaining conductivity
under mechanical deformation, and explores their use in wearable
electronics, soft robotics, bioelectronics, and flexible energy devices.
Key challenges discussed include balancing conductivity and
stretchability, with a focus on innovative materials and structural
designs to enhance performance and durability. ECFs are categorized by
structural design (intrinsically stretchable and non-stretchable) and
conductive materials (inorganic and organic), detailing advancements in
micro/nano-structured conductive fillers and specialized
microstructures. Applications in electrodes, strain sensors,
transmitters, and actuators are showcased. The review also addresses
manufacturing challenges, advocating for cost-effective,
high-performance materials, scalable production methods, and a
multidisciplinary approach combining empirical research, computational
models, and machine learning. The future of ECFs lies in large-scale
production with consistent quality, multifunctional integration, and
leveraging AI-driven models for design and manufacturing. As research
advances, ECFs are set to become fundamental in modern electronic
applications, emphasizing the need for continued exploration and
innovation.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1566119924001563
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Recyclable, self-healing circuit boards could tackle global e-waste crisis
June 4, 2025
A
new type of circuit board material could help keep e-waste out of
landfills, according to a new study by Virginia Tech researchers.
Often
ending up in landfill, the toxic additives or hazardous substances
within discarded electronic devices leach into soils and ecosystems.
Data
from the UN’s Global e-waste monitor report published last year found
that worldwide generation of e-waste is rising five times faster than
documented e-waste recycling.
https://eandt.theiet.org/2025/06/04/recyclable-self-healing-circuit-boards-could-tackle-global-e-waste-crisis
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Disappearing electronics: Biodegradable fiber electronics could solve the growing e-waste and textile crisis
11-Jul-2025
Every
time we toss out an old T-shirt or discard a disposable medical patch,
we’re contributing to a rapidly escalating environmental crisis. The
world produces over 92 million tons of textile waste annually, much of
it made from synthetic materials that can linger for centuries. Add to
that the surge in wearable electronics — smartwatches, fitness trackers,
sensor-laden garments — and the problem becomes twofold. These
e-textiles don’t just include fabric, but also metal wires, plastic
substrates, adhesives, and circuits that are nearly impossible to
recycle. As electronics become more intimate, wearable, and disposable,
the question becomes urgent: how do we design them to disappear when
they’re no longer needed?
A research team at Seoul National
University has taken a significant step toward answering that question.
Led by Professor Seung-Kyun Kang and Dr. Jae-Young Bae, the team has
developed a fully biodegradable, high-performance conductive fiber that
can be seamlessly integrated into wearable electronics — and naturally
decompose after use. Unlike conventional e-textiles that persist in
landfills, this new fiber system maintains performance during use but
vanishes in enzyme-rich or soil environments, leaving no harmful
residues behind.
The team’s innovation lies in combining tungsten
microparticles with a biodegradable polymer known as poly(butylene
adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) to form a conductive fiber. This core
is coated with a flexible, water-resistant polyanhydride (PBTPA) layer
that enhances mechanical stability without compromising
biodegradability. The fiber achieves an impressive electrical
conductivity of approximately 2,500 S/m, stretches up to 38% without
failure, and endures over 20 laundry cycles and 5,000 bending events —
performance metrics comparable to or better than many existing e-textile
solutions.
Crucially, the fiber is compatible with dry-jet
wet-spinning, a scalable process that enabled the team to produce
lengths exceeding 10 meters in a continuous run. To validate its
real-world applicability, the fiber was integrated into a wearable smart
sleeve featuring a temperature sensor, electromyography (EMG)
electrodes, and a wireless power coil. The device operated reliably
under dynamic movement and environmental stress. After use, the entire
system — including the embroidered eco-emblem — began to decompose when
exposed to soil or enzymes, fully disintegrating within a few months.
“This
is more than just a new material — it’s a platform for sustainable
electronics,” said Professor Kang. “We’ve shown that you can have
high-functioning wearable devices that don’t become e-waste after their
useful life ends.”
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1090926
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Sensorimotor control of robots mediated by electrophysiological measurements of fungal mycelia
28 Aug 2024
Many biohybrid robots are powered by animal or plant cells, which are sensitive to specific culture procedures and limited to short life spans. In contrast, fungi can be easily cultured and are robust in extreme conditions. Taking advantage of fungal mycelia’s natural light sensitivity, Mishra et al. developed an electrical interface to both house the mycelia and measure their electrophysiological action potentials. A control model was then developed to use the rhythmic voltage spikes from the living mycelia to control the locomotion of both a soft starfish-inspired robot and a wheeled robot. Robot trajectories could be altered by stimulating the mycelia with ultraviolet light.
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.adk8019
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High-performance memory devices can dissolve in water to address e-waste problem
June 27, 2025
A step-by-step demonstration showing how the device, placed on a green leaf, completely dissolves in water within 72 hours.
The
use of electronics in various forms is on the rise, from wearable
devices like smartwatches to implantable devices like body-implanted
sensors, skin-worn smart patches, and disposable monitoring devices.
These devices, which are inevitably discarded after use, contribute to
the growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste), a significant
environmental concern.
The Korea Institute of Science and
Technology (KIST) has announced that a joint research team, led by Dr.
Sangho Cho of the Center for Extreme Materials Research and Dr. Yongho
Joo of the Center for Functional Composite Materials Research, has
developed a polymeric material that offers high-performance data storage
while completely degrading within days when immersed in water. The
research is published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International
Edition.
The material is biocompatible and stable enough for
implantation in the human body, and the onset of degradation can be
controlled by adjusting the thickness and the composition of the
protective layer. Once this protective layer dissolves, the material
degrades naturally in water within approximately three days, without
leaving any residue.
Although electronic devices that dissolve in
water have previously been developed, they have typically suffered from
poor data storage capabilities, limited performance, and vulnerability
to repeated mechanical deformation. To address these challenges, the
KIST research team designed a new molecular structure (PCL-TEMPO), which
combines TEMPO—a functional organic molecule capable of storing
electrical information—with polycaprolactone (PCL), a biodegradable
polymer. This novel design enables both electrical signal storage and
natural degradation to be achieved within a single molecular system.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-high-memory-devices-dissolve-problem.html#google_vignette
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Intelligent Decision Support Systems for Energy-Efficient Autonomous Systems in Consumer Electronics
29 April 2025
Abstract:
This
paper proposes an AI-based decision support system for enhancing energy
efficiency in autonomous systems within consumer electronics. The
primary objective is to optimize energy consumption by leveraging
advanced Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) combined with Adaptive Moment
Estimation (Adam). The proposed intelligent framework incorporates
real-time data processing, prediction, and adaptive decision-making to
reduce energy usage across a variety of devices, such as smart
thermostats, robotic vacuum cleaners, and IoT-enabled lighting systems.
Key methodologies include the integration of RNNs to model temporal
energy consumption patterns and the Adam optimizer for efficient model
training. The results demonstrate significant energy savings with
improvements in prediction accuracy compared to traditional approaches.
The findings suggest that the AI-based system can provide substantial
reductions in energy consumption while maintaining or improving device
performance. The research has important implications for the future of
energy-efficient consumer electronics, particularly as the demand for
smart devices grows.
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10980011
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Graphene “Nano-Origami” Creates Tiniest Microchips Yet – Could Make Computers and Phones Thousands of Times Faster
The base of the 2D-material with the white lines showing the structural kinks which modify the electrical properties mechanically.
Nanomaterial developments could lead to computers and phones running thousands of times faster.
The tiniest microchips yet can be made from graphene and other 2D-materials, using a form of ‘nano-origami’, physicists at the University of Sussex have found.
This is the first time any researchers have done this, and it is covered in a paper published in the ACS Nano journal.
By creating kinks in the structure of graphene, researchers at the University of Sussex have made the nanomaterial behave like a transistor, and have shown that when a strip of graphene is crinkled in this way, it can behave like a microchip, which is around 100 times smaller than conventional microchips.
Prof Alan Dalton in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Sussex, said:
“We’re mechanically creating kinks in a layer of graphene. It’s a bit like nano-origami.
Straintronics: The Future of Fast, Compact Devices
“Using these nanomaterials will make our computer chips smaller and faster. It is absolutely critical that this happens as computer manufacturers are now at the limit of what they can do with traditional semiconducting technology. Ultimately, this will make our computers and phones thousands of times faster in the future.
“This kind of technology – “straintronics” using nanomaterials as opposed to electronics – allows space for more chips inside any device. Everything we want to do with computers – to speed them up – can be done by crinkling graphene like this.”
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Nanoscale ripples provide key to unlocking thin material properties in electronics
March 27, 2025
An electron micrograph shows nanometer-thick kirigami structures that highlight the advantages of using rippled metamaterials as structural films. The incorporation of rippled metamaterials allows for enhanced control over the final three-dimensional architecture.
When
materials are created on a nanometer scale—just a handful of atoms
thick—even the thermal energy present at room temperature can cause
structural ripples. How these ripples affect the mechanical properties
of these thin materials can limit their use in electronics and other key
systems.
New research validates theoretical models about how
elasticity is scale-dependent—in other words, the elastic properties of a
material are not constant, but vary with the size of the piece of
material...
https://phys.org/news/2025-03-nanoscale-ripples-key-thin-material.html
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Record-Breaking Energy Storage: Nanosheet Technology Takes Dielectric Capacitors to New Heights
Researchers have developed an advanced dielectric capacitor using nanosheet technology, providing unprecedented energy storage density and stability. This breakthrough could significantly enhance renewable energy usage and electric vehicle production.
Groundbreaking Dielectric Capacitor Development
A research group, led by Nagoya University in Japan, has innovatively applied nanosheet technology to create a dielectric capacitor. This development holds significant implications for advanced electronic and electrical power systems. Innovations in energy storage technology are vital for the effective use of renewable energy and the mass production of electric vehicles. The dielectric capacitor stands as a major advancement in technology, boasting the highest energy storage density ever recorded. Other beneficial features include a quick charging time, high output, longevity, and superior high temperature stability.
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Researchers identify carbon contamination as key barrier in gallium oxide electronics
July 28, 2025
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/researchers-identify-carbon-contamination-as-key-barrier-in-gallium-oxide-electronics
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Gold Complex Ion-Pairing Enhances Organic Conductive Materials
March 18, 2025
The breakthrough enhances solubility and charge segregation, paving the way for innovative electronics.
https://www.technologynetworks.com/applied-sciences/news/gold-complex-ion-pairing-enhances-organic-conductive-materials-397344
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Simple solution yields ultra-thin tin sulfide sheets for next-generation electronics
June 13, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-simple-solution-yields-ultra-thin.html
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Better digital memories with the help of noble gases
February 1, 2025
The electronics of the future can be made even smaller and more efficient by getting more memory cells to fit in less space. One way to achieve this is by adding the noble gas xenon when manufacturing digital memories. This has been demonstrated by researchers at Linköping University in a study published in Nature Communications. This technology enables a more even material coating even in small cavities.
Twenty-five years ago, a camera memory card could hold 64 megabytes of information. Today, the same physical size memory card can hold 4 terabytes – over 60,000 times more information.
An electronic storage space, such as a memory card, is created by alternating hundreds of thin layers of an electrically conductive and an insulating material. A multitude of very small holes are then etched through the layers. Finally, the holes are filled with a conductive material. This is done by using a technique in which vapors of various substances are used to create thin material layers...
https://www.sflorg.com/2025/02/ms02012501.html
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White Graphene: The One-Atom Wonder Driving Greener Energy and Faster Tech
13 January 2025
Researchers at the University of Surrey have made a breakthrough in understanding how Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN), a 2D material, grows and forms nanostructures on metal substrates. This discovery could lead to more efficient electronics, cleaner energy solutions, and environmentally friendly chemical manufacturing.
Known as “white graphene,” hBN is an ultra-thin material only one atom thick. It is highly durable, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, resisting chemical damage, and blocking electrical currents. These properties make hBN an essential material in advanced electronics, where it protects sensitive microchips and supports the development of faster, more efficient transistors.
The researchers have also demonstrated the creation of nanoporous hBN, a novel form of the material with tiny, structured voids. This unique structure enables selective absorption and advanced catalysis, significantly enhancing its potential for environmental applications. These include detecting and filtering pollutants, improving hydrogen storage, and serving as electrochemical catalysts for fuel cells in advanced energy systems.
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Germanene nanoribbons pave the way for quantum computing
March 3, 2025
If
you start with a two-dimensional ribbon and make it narrower and
narrower, when does it stop being a ribbon and start being a
one-dimensional line? Scientists from Utrecht University and the
University of Twente made one-atom-thick ultrathin nanoribbons
consisting of germanium atoms.
Germanene nanoribbon structure.
https://phys.org/news/2025-03-germanene-nanoribbons-pave-quantum.html
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Nanoscale Power Plants: Turning Heat Into Power With Graphene Ribbons
27th, Jan 2024
https://statnano.com/world-news/105674/Nanoscale-Power-Plants-Turning-Heat-Into-Power-With-Graphene-Ribbons
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UC Irvine physicists discover first transformable nano-scale electronic devices
The finding has potential to fundamentally change the nature of these items
Irvine, Calif., April 17, 2023 — The nano-scale electronic parts in devices like smartphones are solid, static objects that once designed and built cannot transform into anything else. But University of California, Irvine physicists have reported the discovery of nano-scale devices that can transform into many different shapes and sizes even though they exist in solid states.
It’s a finding that could fundamentally change the nature of electronic devices, as well as the way scientists research atomic-scale quantum materials. The study is published recently in Science Advances.
https://news.uci.edu/2023/04/17/uc-irvine-physicists-discover-first-transformable-nano-scale-electronic-devices/
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“Intercrystals” Pave the Way for Greener Electronics and Quantum Technologies
May 22, 2025
Double-layer
graphene twisted on a layer of hexagonal boron nitride gives rise to
some strange new properties, scientists have discovered.
https://www.technologynetworks.com/applied-sciences/news/intercrystals-pave-the-way-for-greener-electronics-and-quantum-technologies-400029
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Scientists discover class of crystals with properties that may prove revolutionary
May 21, 2025
'Intercrystals' pave the way for greener electronics and quantum technologies
Researchers have discovered a new class of materials -- called
intercrystals -- with unique electronic properties that could power
future technologies. Intercrystals exhibit newly discovered forms of
electronic properties that could pave the way for advancements in more
efficient electronic components, quantum computing and environmentally
friendly materials, the scientists said.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521161106.htm
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Unlocking the Future: How Tiny Crystals Are Powering Next-Gen Electronics
By controlling the doping at the initial stages of nanocrystal growth, the team offers a promising solution to longstanding efficiency issues and opens up exciting possibilities for the next generation of optoelectronic devices.
Breakthrough in Semiconductor Technology
Professor Jiwoong Yang and his team at the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), have developed a groundbreaking method to control doping during the nucleus (seed) phase of semiconductor nanocrystal growth. This innovation enhances the performance of nanocrystals and addresses critical challenges in the field.
The research, conducted in collaboration with Professor Stefan Ringe’s team at the Department of Chemistry, Korea University, revealed how doping processes and locations vary based on the type of doping element (dopant) used. This advanced technology has the potential to transform modern electronics, with applications in cutting-edge devices such as displays and transistors.
https://scitechdaily.com/unlocking-the-future-how-tiny-crystals-are-powering-next-gen-electronics/
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New Technique May Benefit Gemstone-Based Quantum Computers
Quantum Brilliance will install a synthetic diamond-based quantum accelerator at the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre.
The remarkable properties of a particular atomic defect — the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center. Namely, its optical electron spin initialization and readout mechanism that retains high fidelity and contrast under simple off-resonance illumination. This combined with microwave control means that it can be used to initialize, manipulate and read out high-quality nuclear spin qubits in the diamond.
https://science-atlas.com/science/new-technique-may-benefit-gemstone-based-quantum-computers/
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MIT turns “magic” material into versatile electronic devices
May 2, 2021
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–In a feat worthy of a laboratory conceived by J.K. Rowling, MIT researchers and colleagues have turned a “magic” material composed of atomically thin layers of carbon into three useful electronic devices. Normally, such devices, all key to the quantum electronics industry, are created using a variety of materials that require multiple fabrication steps. The MIT approach automatically solves a variety of problems associated with those more complicated processes.
https://physics.mit.edu/news/mit-turns-magic-material-into-versatile-electronic-devices/
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Unique Molecule May Lead to Smaller, More Efficient Computers
May 02, 2025
https://chemistry.gatech.edu/news/unique-molecule-may-lead-smaller-more-efficient-computers
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Microscopic Building Blocks: New Dual-Functional Supramolecular Structures Unveiled
A recent study by Yokohama National University has introduced a groundbreaking methodology in materials science, achieving the self-assembly of dual-pore molecular crystals using advanced sorting techniques. This innovation paves the way for the development of multifunctional materials with diverse applications.
Versatile molecular frameworks known as discrete supramolecular structures function as customizable microscopic building blocks for numerous applications. These structures can be used in drug delivery, create unique environments for catalytic reactions, or be integrated into molecular machines.
In their paper published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, researchers from Yokohama National University presented a new methodology to advance the self-assembly of dual-functional supramolecular materials.
Self-assembly involves the spontaneous generation of a well-defined, discrete supramolecular architecture from a given set of components under thermodynamic equilibration. Typically, a binary combination of precursors, each bearing complementary functional groups, is assembled into a stable product. Multicomponent systems, which include at least two precursors having identical functional groups, remain relatively unexplored.
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Sushi-Like Rolled 2D Heterostructures May Lead To New Miniaturized Electronics
March 11, 2021
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Reaching Towards 2D Memory: Is Magnetic Graphene and Spintronics the Key?
May 14, 2021
Recent research spurs the prospect of 2D layered materials having the potential to play a significant role in memory and data processing applications.
https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/news/reaching-2d-memory-is-graphene-and-spintronics-the-answer/
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Quantum material ‘learns’ like a living creature
11 Nov 2021
Quantum materials known as Mott insulators can “learn” to respond to external stimuli in a way that mimics animal behaviour, say researchers at Rutgers University in the US. The discovery of behaviours such as habituation and sensitization in these non-living systems could lead to new algorithms for artificial intelligence (AI).
Neuromorphic, or brain-inspired, computers aim to mimic the neural systems of living species at the physical level of neurons (brain nerve cells) and synapses (the connections between neurons). Each of the 100 billion neurons in the human brain, for example, receives electrical inputs from some of its neighbours and then “fires” an electrical output to others when the sum of the inputs exceeds a certain threshold. This process, also known as “spiking”, can be reproduced in nanoscale devices such as spintronic oscillators. As well as being potentially much faster and energy efficient than conventional computers, devices based on these neuromorphic principles might be able to learn how to perform new tasks without being directly programmed to accomplish them.
https://physicsworld.com/a/quantum-material-learns-like-a-living-creature/
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Quantum Material Exhibits “Non-Local” Behavior That Mimics Brain Function
August 07, 2023
New research shows a possible way to improve energy-efficient computing
https://today.ucsd.edu/story/quantum-material-mimics-non-local-brain-function
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Photoresponsive cages show promise for tunable supramolecular electronics
May 24, 2025
Electrical
junctions built from these supramolecular cages, sandwiched between a
self-assembled monolayer (SAM) and an EGaIn top electrode, exhibited
distinctly different behaviors under light. While junctions containing
monomeric porphyrins showed negligible current changes under 420-nm
illumination, those made with supramolecular cages displayed marked
photoresponsive charge transport. Notably, the inclusion of metal ions
such as Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ in the porphyrin cores altered the magnitude of
this response, highlighting the tunability of the system...
https://elnano.com/photoresponsive-cages-show-promise-for-tunable-supramolecular-electronics/
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Innovative Technology for Building Ultralow-Loss Integrated Photonic Circuits
2021
Encoding information into light, and transmitting it through optical fibers lies at the core of optical communications. With an incredibly low loss of 0.2 dB/km, optical fibers made from silica have laid the foundations of today’s global telecommunication networks and our information society.
Such ultralow optical loss is equally essential for integrated photonics, which enable the synthesis, processing and detection of optical signals using on-chip waveguides. Today, a number of innovative technologies are based on integrated photonics, including semiconductor lasers, modulators, and photodetectors, and are used extensively in data centers, communications, sensing and computing.
Integrated photonic chips are usually made from silicon that is abundant and has good optical properties. But silicon can’t do everything we need in integrated photonics, so new material platforms have emerged. One of these is silicon nitride (Si3N4), whose exceptionally low optical loss (orders of magnitude lower than that of silicon), has made it the material of choice for applications for which low loss is critical, such as narrow-linewidth lasers, photonic delay lines, and nonlinear photonics.
Now, scientists in the group of Professor Tobias J. Kippenberg at EPFL’s School of Basic Sciences have developed a new technology for building silicon nitride integrated photonic circuits with record low optical losses and small footprints. The work is published in Nature Communications.
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Mechanically imprinting atoms in ceramic
2021/05/28
Electroceramics such as capacitors are essential components in electronic devices. Intervening in their crystalline structure can change specific properties. Thus, for instance, chemical methods can be used to replace individual atoms in the crystal lattice with others. A stable shape can be created by replacing a whole series of atoms rather than just a single one. An international team of researchers under the leadership of the TU Darmstadt has, for the first time, succeeded in inserting a dislocation into a ferroelectric ceramic by mechanically imprinting the atoms in the material – a procedure that hitherto has only ever been used in metals. The findings have been published in “Science”, the renowned journal.
https://www.tu-darmstadt.de/matter-and-materials/forschungsfeld_mm/news_mm/newsdetails_318208.en.jsp
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Single Photon Switch Advance: “Rydberg States” in Solid State Materials
City College researchers used Rydberg states in 2D semiconductors to demonstrate single-photon switching on a chip. This breakthrough could lead to scalable quantum photonic devices and energy-efficient computing.
The ability to turn on and off a physical process with just one photon is a fundamental building block for quantum photonic technologies. Realizing this in a chip-scale architecture is important for scalability, which amplifies a breakthrough by City College of New York researchers led by physicist Vinod Menon. They’ve demonstrated for the first time the use of “Rydberg states” in solid state materials (previously shown in cold atom gases) to enhance nonlinear optical interactions to unprecedented levels in solid state systems. This feat is a first step towards realizing chip-scale scalable single photon switches.
Half-Light, Half-Matter Quantum Particles
In solid state systems, exciton-polaritons, half-light half-matter quasiparticles, which result from the hybridization of electronic excitations (excitons) and photons, are an attractive candidate to realize nonlinearities at the quantum limit. “Here we realize these quasiparticles with Rydberg excitons (excited states of excitons) in atomically thin semiconductors (2D materials),” said Menon, chair of physics in City College’s Division of Science. “Excited states of excitons owing to their larger size, show enhanced interactions and therefore hold promise for accessing the quantum domain of single-photon nonlinearities, as demonstrated previously with Rydberg states in atomic systems.”
According to Menon, the demonstration of Rydberg exciton-polaritons in two-dimensional semiconductors and their enhanced nonlinear response presents the first step towards the generation of strong photon interactions in solid state systems, a necessary building block for quantum photonic technologies...
https://scitechdaily.com/single-photon-switch-advance-rydberg-states-in-solid-state-materials/
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A breakthrough that enables practical semiconductor spintronics
April 8, 2021
It may be possible in the future to use information technology where
electron spin is used to store, process and transfer information in
quantum computers. It has long been the goal of scientists to be able to
use spin-based quantum information technology at room temperature. A
team of researchers from Sweden, Finland and Japan have now constructed a
semiconductor component in which information can be efficiently
exchanged between electron spin and light at room temperature and above.
The new method is described in an article published in Nature Photonics.
https://bioengineer.org/a-breakthrough-that-enables-practical-semiconductor-spintronics/
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Spintronics Breakthrough: Unlocking the Quantum Potential of Graphene With Cobalt
Spintronics offers the potential for devices that operate faster
and use less energy by manipulating electron spins. Graphene, when
layered with cobalt and heavy metals like iridium, shows enhanced
quantum effects that are beneficial for spintronics, such as increased
spin-orbit coupling and spin canting.
https://scitechdaily.com/spintronics-breakthrough-unlocking-the-quantum-potential-of-graphene-with-cobalt/
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Graphene Is Stretchable? Physicists Make “Miracle Material” Bend Like Never Before
June 2, 2025
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The Edge Effect Exposed: How Graphene’s Secret Currents Could Transform Tech
In a groundbreaking study, researchers discovered how bilayer graphene could revolutionize data processing through valleytronics, revealing how electron transport depends heavily on the state of the material’s edges and the presence of nonlocal transport mechanisms.
https://scitechdaily.com/the-edge-effect-exposed-how-graphenes-secret-currents-could-transform-tech/
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This Ancient Iron Oxide Is Secretly Powering the Next Computing Revolution
Researchers at EPFL have made a breakthrough by storing and manipulating digital data using charge-free spin waves, moving toward greener, faster computing.
Pioneering Data Storage With Spin Waves
In 2023, researchers at EPFL made a major breakthrough by transmitting and storing data using spin waves, magnetic waves that carry no electrical charge, instead of traditional electron flows. The team, led by Dirk Grundler from the Lab of Nanoscale Magnetic Materials and Magnonics in the School of Engineering, used radiofrequency signals to excite spin waves strongly enough to reverse the magnetization of tiny nanomagnets. This switching between magnetic states, such as from 0 to 1, allows the nanomagnets to store digital information, a fundamental process in computer memory and broader information and communication technologies.
This advance marked a significant step toward more sustainable computing. By encoding data with spin waves, whose quasiparticles are known as magnons, the researchers could potentially eliminate the energy loss, or Joule heating, that plagues electron-based devices. However, at the time, the spin wave signals could only switch the nanomagnets once and could not yet be used to reset them for overwriting existing data.
“Hematite exhibits entirely new spin physics that can be harvested for signal processing at ultrahigh frequencies, which is essential for the development of ultrafast spintronic devices and their applications in next-generation information and communication technology.”
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AI Game-Changer: Nanoelectronic Devices Uses 100x Less Energy
https://scitechdaily.com/ai-game-changer-nanoelectronic-devices-uses-100x-less-energy/
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New Manufacturing Method Enables Ultra-Efficient Atomic Computers That Use 100x Less Power
As computers continue to infiltrate almost every aspect of modern life, their negative impact on the environment grows. According to recent estimates, the electricity required to power today’s computers releases a total of more than 1 gigatonne of carbon emissions to the atmosphere each year. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Nano have developed a new manufacturing process that could enable ultra-efficient atomic computers that store more data and consume 100 times less power.
Scientists have previously manipulated single atoms to make ultra-dense
memory arrays for computers, which store more data in a much smaller
space than conventional hard drives and consume much less power. In a
technique known as hydrogen lithography, researchers use the tip of a
scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to remove single atoms of hydrogen
bonded to a silicon surface. The pattern of silicon atoms bound to or
lacking a hydrogen atom
forms a binary code that stores the data. However, there is a
bottleneck when rewriting the data because the STM tip must pick up and
deposit hydrogen atoms at precise locations. Roshan Achal, Robert
Wolkow, and colleagues wanted to develop a more efficient method to
rewrite atomic memory arrays.
https://scitechdaily.com/new-manufacturing-method-enables-ultra-efficient-atomic-computers-that-use-100x-less-power/
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Quantum Breakthrough Could Make Your Devices 1,000 Times Faster
10 July 2025
https://www.sciencealert.com/quantum-breakthrough-could-make-your-devices-1000-times-faster
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Chapter 21: Chips, Wires & Wafers
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IBM to demonstrate first on-package silicon photonics
March 13, 2015
One of the most tantalizing
next-generation technologies that could dramatically reduce system power
consumption and improve bandwidth is silicon photonics. This method of
chip-to-chip communication uses silicon as an optical medium, and
transmits data incredibly quickly with far better power consumption and
thermals than traditional copper wires. Now, IBM is claiming to have
advanced the technology a significant step by integrating a silicon
photonic chip on the same package as a CPU.
http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/201163-ibm-to-demonstrate-first-on-package-silicon-photonics
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The Last Missing Piece Of The Silicon Photonics Puzzle
December 9, 2024
An international research team has reached a milestone in silicon
photonics: They have developed the first electrically pumped
semiconductor laser for continuous operation that consists entirely of
elements from the fourth main group - the "silicon group". The new laser
is based on ultra-thin layers of silicon-germanium-tin and
germanium-tin and can be integrated directly into silicon chips. This
solves a central problem of on-chip photonics: the seamless connection
of optical and electronic components on a single chip. The results of
the research work were published in the journal Nature Communications .
https://www.photonicsonline.com/doc/the-last-missing-piece-silicon-photonics-puzzle-0001
Blue-fluorescent molecular nanocapsules created by simple mixing 'green-environmentally friendly' metal ions and bent organic blocks
July 12, 2012
New fluorescent molecular nanocapsules have potential applications as sensors, displays, and drug delivery systems (DDS).
Michito Yoshizawa, Zhiou Li, and collaborators at Tokyo Institute of
Technology (Tokyo Tech) synthesized ~1 nanometer-sized molecular
capsules with an isolated cavity using green and inexpensive zinc and
copper ions. In sharp contrast to previous molecular capsules and cages
composed of precious metal ions such as palladium and platinum, these
nanocapsules emit blue fluorescence with 80% efficiency.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120712111634.htm
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Certain groups are trying to use tiles in spacecraft,these tiles do not require certain chemicals for waterproofing.
You
could even implement a 3D-printer to make items in space travel, we could even make constructions from organic chemicals found in space.
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Growing Computers in Space? Novel Organic and Polymeric Materials for Optical Devices
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/1996/msad4sep96_1/
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We're One Step Closer to Blazingly Fast Computer Chips Made of Silicene
2/03/15
http://gizmodo.com/were-one-step-closer-to-blazingly-fast-computer-chips-o-1683541326
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Researchers develop technique for integrating 'III-V' materials onto silicon wafers
June 8th, 2015
A team of IBM researchers in Zurich, Switzerland with support from colleagues in Yorktown Heights, New York has developed a relatively simple, robust and versatile process for growing crystals made from compound semiconductor materials that will allow them be integrated onto silicon wafers—an important step toward making future computer chips that will allow integrated circuits to continue shrinking in size and cost even as they increase in performance.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-technique-iii-v-materials-silicon-wafers.html#jCp
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Just How Can Next-Generation Computer Chips Reduce Our Carbon Footprint?
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Physicists Built a “Trampoline” Smaller Than a Human Hair – And It Could Rewrite the Rules of Microchip Design
June 18, 2025
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Quantum computing breakthrough: Qubits made from standard silicon transistors
October 6, 2015
In what is likely a major breakthrough for quantum computing,
researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia
have managed for the first time to build the fundamental blocks of a
quantum computer in silicon. The device was created using standard
manufacturing techniques, by modifying current-generation silicon
transistors, and the technology could scale up to include thousands,
even millions of entangled quantum bits on a single chip. Gizmag spoke
to the lead researchers to find out more.
http://www.gizmag.com/silicon-quantum-computer/39711/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Qubits for Quantum Computing With Atom-Thin Materials
February 5, 2022
For quantum computers to surpass their classical counterparts in speed and capacity, their qubits—which are superconducting circuits that can exist in an infinite combination of binary states—need to be on the same wavelength. Achieving this, however, has come at the cost of size. Whereas the transistors used in classical computers have been shrunk down to nanometer scales, superconducting qubits these days are still measured in millimeters—one millimeter is one million nanometers. Combine qubits together into larger and larger circuit chips, and you end up with, relatively speaking, a big physical footprint, which means quantum computers take up a lot of physical space (Qubits for Quantum Computing With Atom-Thin Materials). These are not yet devices we can carry in our backpacks or wear on our wrists.
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Smart amplifier cuts power consumption, paving way for more qubits and less decoherence
June 25, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-smart-amplifier-power-consumption-paving.html
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Trapped-ion advances break new ground in quantum computing
June 12, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-ion-advances-ground-quantum.html
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“Fundamental Discovery” Used To Turn Nanotube Into Tiny Transistor – 25,000x Smaller Than Width of a Human Hair
26th, Dec 2021
https://statnano.com/world-news/89925/%E2%80%9CFundamental-Discovery%E2%80%9D-Used-To-Turn-Nanotube-Into-Tiny-Transistor-%E2%80%93-25-000x-Smaller-Than-Width-of-a-Human-Hair
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Research Suggests Semiconductor Nanowires Can Unlock Ultrafast Transistors
February 16, 2022
A collaborative team of researchers with the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), the TU Dresden, and NaMLab has demonstrated significantly enhanced electron mobility in nanowires when these are put under tensile strain. An important metric for transistor performance, the increased electron mobility is expected to provide significant performance, thermal and power efficiency improvements that could unlock even faster transistors for future chips.
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/nanowires-research-suggests-ultrafast-transistors
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The Dawn of a New Era: A New Type of Quantum Bit Achieved in Semiconductor Nanostructures
2023
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Mind the band gap! -- researchers create new nanoscale forms of elementary semiconductor with tunable electronic properties
May 22, 2025
Researchers have demonstrated that by using a semiconductor with
flexible bonds, the material can be moulded into various structures
using nano containers, without altering its composition, the discovery
could lead to the design of a variety of customised electronic devices
using only a single element.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124123.htm
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New transistor could cut 5% from world’s digital energy budget
April 11, 2022
Design also poised to save space, retain memory in event of power loss
https://news.unl.edu/article/new-transistor-could-cut-5-from-world-s-digital-energy-budget
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High-temperature superconductivity
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-temperature_superconductivity
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Two spin liquids square off in an iron-based superconductor
August 5, 2015
Despite a quarter-century of research since the discovery of
the first high-temperature superconductors, scientists still don't have a
clear picture of how these materials are able to conduct electricity
with no energy loss. Studies to date have focused on finding long-range
electronic and magnetic order in the materials, such as patterns of
electron spins, based on the belief that this order underlies
superconductivity. But a new study published online the week of August
3, 2015, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences is
challenging this notion.
http://phys.org/news/2015-08-liquids-square-iron-based-superconductor.html#jCp
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Superconducting secrets solved after 30 years
15 Jun 2014
See more at: http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/superconducting-secrets-solved-after-30-years#sthash.urBkHuLs.dpuf
Researchers
from the University of Cambridge have found that ripples of electrons,
known as charge density waves or charge order, create twisted ‘pockets’
of electrons in these materials, from which superconductivity emerges.
The results are published in the June 15th issue of the journal Nature.
Low-temperature,
or conventional, superconductors were first identified in the early
20th century, but they need to be cooled close to absolute zero (zero
degrees on the Kelvin scale, or -273 degrees Celsius) before they start
to display superconductivity. So-called high-temperature superconductors
however, can display the same properties at temperatures up to 138
Kelvin (-135 degrees Celsius), making them much more suitable for
practical applications.
Since they were first
identified in the mid-1980s, the process of discovering new
high-temperature superconductors could be best described as random.
While researchers have identified the ingredients that make for a good
low-temperature superconductor, high-temperature superconductors have
been more reluctant to give up their secrets.
In a
superconductor, as in any electronic device, current is carried via the
charge on an electron. What is different about superconductors is that
the electrons travel in tightly bound pairs. When traveling on their
own, electrons tend to bump into each other, resulting in a loss of
energy. But when paired up, the electrons move smoothly through a
superconductor’s structure, which is why superconductors can carry
current with no resistance. As long as the temperature is kept
sufficiently low, the electron pairs will keep moving through the
superconductor indefinitely.
Key to conventional
superconductors are the interactions of electrons with the lattice
structure of the material. These interactions generate a type of ‘glue’
which holds the electrons together. The strength of the glue is directly
related to the strength of the superconductor, and when the
superconductor is exposed to an increase in temperature or magnetic
field strength, the glue is weakened, the electron pairs break apart and
superconductivity is lost. -
- Working
with extremely strong magnetic fields, the researchers were able to kill
the superconducting effect in cuprates - thin sheets of copper and
oxygen separated by more complex types of atoms.
Previous
attempts to determine the origins of superconductivity by determining
the normal state have used temperature instead of magnetic field to
break the electron pairs apart, which has led to inconclusive results.
As
cuprates are such good superconductors, it took the strongest magnetic
fields in the world – 100 Tesla, or roughly one million times stronger
than the Earth’s magnetic field – in order to suppress their
superconducting properties.
These experiments were
finally able to solve the mystery surrounding the origin of pockets of
electrons in the normal state that pair to create superconductivity. It
was previously widely held that electron pockets were located in the
region of strongest superconductivity. Instead, the present experiments
using strong magnetic fields revealed a peculiar undulating twisted
pocket geometry -similar to Jenga bricks where each layer goes in a
different direction to the one above or beneath it.
These
results pinpointed the pocket locations to be where superconductivity
is weakest, and their origin to be ripples of electrons known as charge
density waves, or charge order. It is this normal state that is
overridden to yield superconductivity in the family of cuprate
superconductors studied.
____________________________________
Physicists discover new properties of superconductivity
February 4, 2016
New findings from an international collaboration led by
Canadian scientists may eventually lead to a theory of how
superconductivity initiates at the atomic level, a key step in
understanding how to harness the potential of materials that could
provide lossless energy storage, levitating trains and ultra-fast
supercomputers.
http://phys.org/news/2016-02-physicists-properties-superconductivity.html
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Hole-y Superconductor: Entirely New State of Matter Discovered
Tiny holes punched into a high-temperature superconducting material revealed that Cooper pairs, electron duos that enable superconductivity, can also conduct electricity the way metals do.
In a finding that reveals an entirely new state of matter, research published in the journal Science shows that Cooper pairs, electron duos that enable superconductivity, can also conduct electricity like normal metals do.
For years, physicists have assumed that Cooper pairs, the electron duos that enable superconductors to conduct electricity without resistance, were two-trick ponies. The pairs either glide freely, creating a superconducting state, or create an insulating state by jamming up within a material, unable to move at all.
But in a new paper published today (November 14, 2019) in Science, a team of researchers has shown that Cooper pairs can also conduct electricity with some amount of resistance, as regular metals do. The findings describe an entirely new state of matter, the researchers say, that will require a new theoretical explanation.
“There had been evidence that this metallic state would arise in thin-film superconductors as they were cooled down toward their superconducting temperature, but whether or not that state involved Cooper pairs was an open question,” said Jim Valles, a professor of physics at Brown University and the study’s corresponding author. “We’ve developed a technique that enables us to test that question and we showed that, indeed, Cooper pairs are responsible for transporting charge in this metallic state. What’s interesting is that no one is quite sure at a fundamental level how they do that, so this finding will require some more theoretical and experimental work to understand exactly what’s happening.”
https://scitechdaily.com/hole-y-superconductor-entirely-new-state-of-matter-discovered/
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Phosphorene nanoribbons shown to exhibit magnetic and semiconductor properties at room temperature
March 12, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-03-phosphorene-nanoribbons-shown-magnetic-semiconductor.html
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Quantum Properties in Atom-thick Semiconductors Offer New Way to Detect Electrical Signals in Cells
March 03, 2025
For
decades, scientists have relied on electrodes and dyes to track the
electrical activity of living cells. Now, engineers at the University of
California San Diego have discovered that quantum materials just a
single atom thick can do the job—using only light.
A new study,
published on Mar. 3 in Nature Photonics, shows that these ultra-thin
semiconductors, which trap electrons in two dimensions, can be used to
sense the biological electrical activity of living cells with high speed
and resolution.
https://today.ucsd.edu/story/quantum-properties-in-atom-thick-semiconductors-offer-new-way-to-detect-electrical-signals-in-cells
____________________________________
The Strange Secret Behind These Semiconductors That Seemingly Defy Physics
The mechanism that stabilizes new ferroelectric semiconductors also creates a conductive pathway, which could make them suitable for use in high-power transistors.
A new type of semiconductor that can store information using electric fields may lead to more energy-efficient computers, ultra-precise sensors, and technologies that convert signals between electrical, optical, and acoustic forms. However, scientists had long been puzzled by how these materials could sustain two opposing electric polarizations without breaking apart.
A team of engineers at the University of Michigan has now uncovered why the materials, known as wurtzite ferroelectric nitrides, don’t tear themselves apart.
“The wurtzite ferroelectric nitrides were recently discovered and have a broad range of applications in memory electronics, RF (radio frequency) electronics, acousto-electronics, microelectromechanical systems, and quantum photonics, to name just a few. But the underlying mechanism of ferroelectric switching and charge compensation has remained elusive,” said Zetian Mi, the Pallab K. Bhattacharya Collegiate Professor of Engineering and co-corresponding author of the study published in Nature.
https://scitechdaily.com/the-strange-secret-behind-these-semiconductors-that-seemingly-defy-physics/
____________________________________
Scientists Unlock New Flexible Semiconductor Using Atomic “Vacancy Engineering”
Researchers have created a flexible semiconductor that efficiently converts body heat into electricity through atomic vacancy engineering. This innovation opens new possibilities for wearable devices, combining flexibility and high thermoelectric performance.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have discovered a new material that could serve as a flexible semiconductor for wearable devices. Their approach centers on manipulating the spaces between atoms, known as “vacancies,” within a crystal structure.
In a study published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, the team demonstrated how “vacancy engineering” significantly improves the performance of an AgCu(Te,Se,S) semiconductor, an alloy composed of silver, copper, tellurium, selenium, and sulfur. By carefully controlling atomic vacancies, they enhanced the material’s ability to convert body heat into electricity, a key function for powering wearable technologies.
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Add a twist to π-molecules: A new design strategy for organic semiconductor materials
June 25, 2025
A
research team has synthesized three-dimensionally shaped molecules
containing an internal twist and shown that they possess the properties
of organic semiconductors. By introducing methyl groups into a planar
molecule containing several thiophene units and forcing it into a
twisted conformation, the team created a solid-state structure in which
electricity can flow three-dimensionally.
The molecule was
verified to act as an organic semiconductor in an organic field-effect
transistor, paving the way for next-generation electronic devices...
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-molecules-strategy-semiconductor-materials.html
____________________________________
Meet MEGA2D: The Tiny Machine Twisting Material Science into the Future
January 7, 2025
A novel device now enables scientists to easily adjust the twist between layers of ultra-thin materials, promising significant advances in electronics and optics. This could lead to better transistors and solar cells, and enhance research in quantum computing. Six years ago, a groundbreaking discovery revolutionized condensed-matter physics: ultra-thin carbon layers, stacked at a slight angle..
____________________________________
Physicists at Lancaster University have shown that the recently reported “electrostatic field effect” in superconductors is not a groundbreaking discovery but rather a result of hot electron injection.
Lancaster scientists have demonstrated that other physicists’ recent “discovery” of the field effect in superconductors is nothing but hot electrons after all.
Superconductivity and Electric Fields
When certain metals are cooled to a few degrees above absolute zero, their electrical resistance vanishes — a striking physical phenomenon known as superconductivity. Many metals, including vanadium, which was used in the experiment, are known to exhibit superconductivity at sufficiently low temperatures.
For decades it was thought that the exceptionally low electrical resistance of superconductors should make them practically impervious to static electric fields, owing to the way the charge carriers can easily arrange themselves to compensate for any external field.
It therefore came as a shock to the physics community when a number of recent publications claimed that sufficiently strong electrostatic fields could affect superconductors in nanoscale structures — and attempted to explain this new effect with corresponding new physics. A related effect is well known in semiconductors and underpins the entire semiconductor industry.
https://scitechdaily.com/brand-new-physics-of-superconducting-metals-busted/
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Crystal clear design for high-performance flexible thermoelectric semiconductor
04/23/2025
QUT
researchers have identified a new material which could be used as a
flexible semiconductor in wearable devices by using a technique that
focuses on the manipulation of spaces between atoms in crystals.
In
a study published in the prestigious journal Nature Communication, the
researchers used "vacancy engineering" to enhance the ability of an
AgCu(Te, Se, S) semiconductor, which is an alloy made up of silver,
copper, tellurium, selenium and sulphur, to convert body heat into
electricity.
Vacancy engineering is the study and manipulation of
empty spaces, or "vacancies," in a crystal where atoms are missing, to
influence the material's properties, such as improving its mechanical
properties or optimising its electrical conductivity, or thermal
properties...
https://www.publicnow.com/view/BA2FA91AF7DF8D72D374D6E39D0216FB5EAA1E41?1745365546
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New invention revolutionizes heat transport
February 1, 2016
Scientists at Aalto University, Finland, have made a breakthrough in physics. They succeeded in transporting heat maximally effectively ten thousand times further than ever before. The discovery may lead to a giant leap in the development of quantum computers.
http://phys.org/news/2016-02-revolutionizes.html
____________________________________
Heavy fermions get nuclear boost on way to superconductivity
January 28, 2016
In
a surprising find, physicists from the United States, Germany and China
have discovered that nuclear effects help bring about superconductivity
in ytterbium dirhodium disilicide (YRS), one of the most-studied
materials in a class of quantum critical compounds known as "heavy
fermions."
The discovery, which is described in this
week's issue of Science, marks the first time that superconductivity has
been observed in YRS, a composite material that physicists have studied
for more than a decade in an effort to probe the quantum effects
believed to underlie high-temperature superconductivity.
Rice
University physicist and study co-author Qimiao Si said the research
provides further evidence that unconventional superconductivity arises
from "quantum criticality."
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-heavy-fermions-nuclear-boost-superconductivity.html
____________________________________
Quantum Faraday and Kerr rotations in graphene
- Published
http://www.nature.com/ncomms/journal/v4/n5/full/ncomms2866.html
____________________________________
Nano-Sized Gold Electricity Generators Moving a Step Ahead
May 29, 2009
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/nano-gold-electricity-generator-20090529/#.VSF32OG-2zk
____________________________________
Handbook of Renewable Energy Technology
https://books.google.com/books?id=jWtYPbnJQVcC&pg=PA190&lpg=PA190&dq=harvesting+energy+from+the+earth%27s+rotation&source=bl&ots=Xs7SYcg6Vk&sig=7u5DQVq5V9T25dQL_sRkuai7oYc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=i98hVfPHE871oASxq4H4DA&ved=0CEUQ6AEwCDgU#v=onepage&q=harvesting%20energy%20from%20the%20earth%27s%20rotation&f=false
____________________________________
Calcium-Aluminum High Voltage Power Cables Could be Lighter and More Durable
April 3, 2013
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/calcium-aluminum-power-cable-20130403/
____________________________________
A chain of copper and carbon atoms may be the thinnest metallic wire
Jun 12, 2024
Researchers from the Laboratory for Theory and Simulation of Materials at EPFL have used computational methods to identify what could be the thinnest possible metallic wire, as well as several other unidimensional materials with properties that could prove interesting for many applications.
Unidimensional (or 1-D) materials are one of the most intriguing products of nanotechnology and are made of atoms aligned in the form of wires or tubes. Their electrical, magnetic, and optical properties make them excellent candidates for applications ranging from microelectronics to biosensors to catalysis. While carbon nanotubes are the materials that have received most of the attention so far, they have proved very difficult to manufacture and control, so scientists are eager to find other compounds that could be used to create nanowires and nanotubes with equally interesting properties, but easier to handle.
____________________________________
Quantum Well Nanowire Array Micro-LEDs: The Future of On-chip Optical Communication
| 17th, Sep 2023 |
____________________________________
Nanowire Innovation: Revolutionizing Fuel Cells With Enhanced Durability
https://scitechdaily.com/nanowire-innovation-revolutionizing-fuel-cells-with-enhanced-durability/
____________________________________
Atomic-scale nanowires can now be produced at scale
24-Dec-2020
Scalable synthesis of transition metal chalcogenide nanowires for next-gen electronics
Tokyo, Japan - Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered a way to make self-assembled nanowires of transition metal chalcogenides at scale using chemical vapor deposition. By changing the substrate where the wires form, they can tune how these wires are arranged, from aligned configurations of atomically thin sheets to random networks of bundles. This paves the way to industrial deployment in next-gen industrial electronics, including energy harvesting, and transparent, efficient, even flexible devices.
Electronics is all about making things smaller. Smaller features on a chip, for example, means more computing power in the same amount of space and better efficiency, essential to feeding the increasingly heavy demands of a modern IT infrastructure powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence. And as devices get smaller, the same demands are made of the intricate wiring that ties everything together. The ultimate goal would be a wire that is only an atom or two in thickness. Such nanowires would begin to leverage completely different physics as the electrons that travel through them behave more and more as if they live in a one-dimensional world, not a 3D one.
In fact, scientists already have materials like carbon nanotubes and transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs), mixtures of transition metals and group 16 elements which can self-assemble into atomic-scale nanowires. The trouble is making them long enough, and at scale. A way to mass produce nanowires would be a game changer.
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/800891
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Creating Indestructible Self-Healing Circuits
March 11, 2013
Some of the damage Caltech engineers intentionally inflicted on their self-healing power amplifier using a high-power laser. The chip was able to recover from complete transistor destruction. This image was captured with a scanning electron microscope.
PASADENA, Calif.—Imagine that the chips in your smart phone or computer could repair and defend themselves on the fly, recovering in microseconds from problems ranging from less-than-ideal battery power to total transistor failure. It might sound like the stuff of science fiction, but a team of engineers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), for the first time ever, has developed just such self-healing integrated chips.
The team, made up of members of the High-Speed Integrated Circuits laboratory in Caltech's Division of Engineering and Applied Science, has demonstrated this self-healing capability in tiny power amplifiers. The amplifiers are so small, in fact, that 76 of the chips—including everything they need to self-heal—could fit on a single penny. In perhaps the most dramatic of their experiments, the team destroyed various parts of their chips by zapping them multiple times with a high-power laser, and then observed as the chips automatically developed a work-around in less than a second.
https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/creating-indestructible-self-healing-circuits-38815
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Physicists Build Circuit That Generates Clean, Limitless Power From Graphene
Oct. 02, 2020
https://news.uark.edu/articles/54830/physicists-build-circuit-that-generates-clean-limitless-power-from-graphene
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Skyrmion ‘whirls’ show promise for low-energy computer circuitry
March 31, 2020
UNSW material scientists have shed new light on a promising new way to store and process information in computers and electronic devices that could significantly cut down the energy required to maintain our digital lifestyles.
Skyrmions, which can be described as ‘whirl’ shaped magnetic textures at the nano-level, have in recent years been flagged as contenders for a more efficient way to store and process information. One of their advantages is that they possess a kind of built-in enhanced stability over time, making stored information non-volatile and ‘live’ longer. Up until now, information in computers is processed through dynamic memory, which is less stable and therefore requires more energy to maintain.
According to researchers from UNSW Science, who also collaborated with researchers from Brookhaven National Laboratory in the US and the University of Auckland, the potential of what they call “skyrmion lattice manipulation” to lower energy consumption in electronics is an attractive alternative.
https://sciencebulletin.org/skyrmion-whirls-show-promise-for-low-energy-computer-circuitry/
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This Computer Is About to Change The World
Jul 22, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZP9CU-RPpw
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PLANET-SIZED Computers - Technological Endpoints of Civilization
Apr 29, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmb1tNEGwmo
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Fast-Charging Supercapacitor is an Energy Storage Breakthrough
A new bendable supercapacitor made from graphene, which charges quickly and safely stores a record-high level of energy for use over a long period, has been developed and demonstrated by UCL and Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers.
While still at the proof-of-concept stage, it shows enormous potential as a portable power supply in practical applications including electric vehicles, smart phones and smart wearable technology. The discovery overcomes the issue faced by high-powered, fast-charging supercapacitors — that they usually cannot hold a large amount of energy in a small space.
Dr. Zhuangnan Li (UCL Chemistry) said: “Our new supercapacitor is extremely promising for next-generation energy storage technology as either a replacement for current battery technology, or for use alongside it, to provide the user with more power. We designed materials that would give our supercapacitor a high power-density — which is how fast it can charge or discharge; and a high energy-density — which will determine how long it can run. Normally, you can only have one of these characteristics, but our supercapacitor provides both.”
The supercapacitor can bend to 180 degrees without affecting performance and doesn’t use a liquid electrolyte, which minimizes the risk of explosion. This makes it ideal for integrating into bendy smart phones or wearable electronics.
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Ultralow-Temperature Supercapacitors Using Porous Carbon Aerogel – Could Power Mars & Polar Missions
Mar 11, 2021
Researchers wanted to develop an energy storage system that could operate at very low temperatures without heating units
NASA’s Perseverance Rover recently made a successful landing on Mars, embarking on a two-year mission to seek signs of ancient life and collect samples. Because Mars is extremely cold — nighttime temperatures can drop below -112 F (-80 C) — heaters are required to keep the rover’s battery system from freezing. Now, researchers reporting in ACS’ Nano Letters have 3D printed porous carbon aerogels for electrodes in ultralow-temperature supercapacitors, reducing heating needs for future space and polar missions.
____________________________________
Nitrogen and argon plasma boosts performance of carbon-based supercapacitor electrodes
April 3, 2025
A colored micrograph showing unmodified carbon nanowalls as seen with a scanning electron microscope.
Scientists
from Skoltech, the Institute of Nanotechnology of Microelectronics,
RAS, and other research centers have refined the understanding of how
plasma treatment of carbon-based electrodes affects the key
characteristics of supercapacitors. These are energy storage devices
that complement batteries in electric cars, trains, port cranes, and
elsewhere.
https://phys.org/news/2025-04-nitrogen-argon-plasma-boosts-carbon.html
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Emergence of 2.5D Materials for Futuristic Applications
June 29, 2022
In recent years, 2-dimensional (2D) Cheap and energy-efficient electronics materials such as graphene are making waves in scientific world due to their unique physical, chemical, and electronic properties and high potential applicability in flexible electronics, strain sensors, nanogenerators, innovative nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) and so on. Graphene is not the only candidate of a whole family of 2D materials. Now we have 2.5D materials (Emergence of 2.5D Materials for Futuristic Applications) that are likely to have huge impact on futuristic applications.
The other cousins such as MXenes, oxides, boron nitride, transition metal chalcogenides, metal-organic frameworks, clays, polymers also belong to the same family of 2D materials. 2D materials, like graphene, are made of a single layer of atoms and are used in applications for next generation flexible electronic evolution, including electromechanical sensors, biomedical devices, energy storage, field effect transistors, supercapacitors and so on.
The next generation materials, so called 2.5D materials offers a novel approach to synthesizing materials with unique properties by controlling their weak out-of-plane van der Waals (vdW) interactions. Researchers from Global Innovation Center, Kyushu University, Fukuoka and other universities from Japan are intensively pursuing research to find new strategies to artificially stack two-dimensional (2D) materials, introducing 2.5D materials with unique physical properties. These researchers have reviewed the latest advances and applications of 2.5D materials in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials(Science of 2.5 dimensional materials: paradigm shift of materials science toward future social innovation).
In a new concept,different 2D materials are artificially stacked together either in a vertical plane or at twisted angles by using advanced transfer technique (1,2), irrespective of their, lattice constants or composition. This is feasible because our ability to control weak plane van der Waals (vdW) electrical interactions between atoms and molecules and since the stacks are not limited by rigid chemical bonds. In addition, there is a possibility to integrate 2D materials with other dimensional materials – molecules and ions (zero-dimensional (0D)), nanotubes and nanowires (one-dimensional (1D)), and bulk crystals (three-dimensional (3D)).
As illustrated in Figure 1, there is a symbiotic relationship between bulk 3D materials and 2D materials. We call these new materials and architectures ‘2.5D materials,’ where the 0.5D signifies the new dimension created by combining 2D materials through artificial manipulations, such as stacking, twisting, and connecting as well as through the 2D nano- space within 2D material stacks.
https://nanodigest.in/emergence-of-2-5d-materials-for-futuristic-applications/
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Breakthrough in Electron Microscopy Captures Individual Nanoparticles with Unprecedented Precision
June 20, 2025
Electron Microscopy Captures Individual Nanoparticles: Imagine being able to see the tiniest building blocks of our world—nanoparticles—as clearly as you see the pages of a book. Thanks to a recent breakthrough in electron microscopy, scientists can now capture and study individual nanoparticles with a level of detail and precision never before possible. This remarkable advancement is not just a technical feat; it’s opening doors to new discoveries in medicine, electronics, energy, and beyond.
https://stc-mditr.org/electron-microscopy-captures-individual-nanoparticles/
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Chaining Atoms Together Yields Quantum Storage
February 16, 2022
New technique could make quantum networking possible
Engineers at Caltech have developed an approach for quantum storage that could help pave the way for the development of large-scale optical quantum networks.
The new system relies on nuclear spins—the angular momentum of an atom's nucleus—oscillating collectively as a spin wave. This collective oscillation effectively chains up several atoms to store information.
https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/chaining-atoms-together-yields-quantum-storage
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Ionic channels in carbon electrodes for efficient electrochemical energy storage
24-Oct-2019
The rapid development of electronic devices and power equipment, such as new-energy vehicles and robots, has sparked extensive demand for portable power sources. Electrochemical energy storage, mainly based on ionic intercalation/motion or adsorption/diffusion in electrodes, has been utilized in last two centuries. Ionic transport is slower yet complicated in electrodes when compared to electronic transport. Indeed, charging/discharging processes in batteries typically take several hours for the efficient use of internal space or pores; supercapacitors can be fully charged/discharged within few seconds if the ionic transport is fast enough. Obviously, high ionic conductivity and optimized ion kinetics in electrodes are desirable for the better electrochemical energy storage.
https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/1163375/ionic-channels-in-carbon-electrodes-for-efficient-electrochemical-energy-storage.html
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MIT engineers grow “perfect” atom-thin materials on industrial silicon wafers
True to Moore’s Law, the number of transistors on a microchip has doubled every year since the 1960s. But this trajectory is predicted to soon plateau because silicon — the backbone of modern transistors — loses its electrical properties once devices made from this material dip below a certain size.
Enter 2D materials — delicate, two-dimensional sheets of perfect crystals that are as thin as a single atom. At the scale of nanometers, 2D materials can conduct electrons far more efficiently than silicon. The search for next-generation transistor materials therefore has focused on 2D materials as potential successors to silicon.
But before the electronics industry can transition to 2D materials, scientists have to first find a way to engineer the materials on industry-standard silicon wafers while preserving their perfect crystalline form. And MIT engineers may now have a solution.
https://news.mit.edu/2023/2d-atom-thin-industrial-silicon-wafers-0118
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A New Layer of Innovation: Next-Gen Nanostructures Unlock Ultra-Low Power Electronics
Tokyo Metropolitan University scientists engineered multi-layered in-plane TMDC junctions with potential use in ultra-low power consumption TFETs, a scalable breakthrough for energy-efficient electronic devices.
Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have successfully engineered multi-layered nanostructures of transition metal dichalcogenides that meet in-plane to form junctions. They grew out layers of multi-layered structures of molybdenum disulfide from the edge of niobium-doped molybdenum disulfide shards, creating a thick, bonded, planar heterostructure. They demonstrated that these may be used to make new tunnel field-effect transistors (TFET), components in integrated circuits with ultra-low power consumption.
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Chapter 22: Nature & energy
____________________________________
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Pictures: Nature Yields New Ideas for Energy and Efficiency
2012
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2012/04/pictures/120419-biomimicry-for-energy/
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Pictures: Immense, Elusive Energy in the Forces of Nature
2012
Lightning
Volcanoes
Earthquakes
Hurricanes
Tsunami
Ocean waves
Wildfire
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2012/03/pictures/120308-energy-in-forces-of-nature/
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Oyster – World's Largest Hydro-Electric Wave Energy Device Goes Online
December 9, 2009
____________________________________
Scotland to deploy largest hydro-electric wave energy farm to date (w/ video)
May 23, 2013
http://phys.org/news/2013-05-scotland-deploy-largest-hydro-electric-energy.html
____________________________________
First osmosis power plant goes on stream in Norway
November 2009
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18204-first-osmosis-power-plant-goes-on-stream-in-norway.html#.VSIRJuG-2zk
____________________________________
Statkraft osmotic power prototype in Hurum
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statkraft_osmotic_power_prototype_in_Hurum
____________________________________
Osmotic power
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osmotic_power
____________________________________
Tidal power
(Environmental concerns)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_power
____________________________________
Tidal Power: Unlocking the Greatest Untapped Energy Resource on the Planet | FD Engineering
Sep 15, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC6VmXvhst4
____________________________________
Are tidal power plants slowing down Earth's rotation?
http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/6400/are-tidal-power-plants-slowing-down-earths-rotation
____________________________________
Many are concerned that mass-produced tidal energy harvesting
technology could be a concern for the environment. We must take into
consideration how the currents of the ocean water and wind could be redirected by this technology.
____________________________________
Tiny Swimming Robots Inspired by Water Striders: A Breakthrough in Robotics
01/30/2025
Scientists Create Innovative Robots Controlled by Light
In
a remarkable advancement in robotics, a team of researchers at the
University of Waterloo has designed tiny swimming robots that mimic the
movement of water striders—an insect known for its ability to glide
gracefully on the surface of water. These robots, controlled by light,
hold exciting potential for applications in both environmental cleanup
and biomedical procedures. Their findings have been published in the
prestigious journal, Advanced Functional Materials.
https://ainewsera.com/inspired-by-nature-tiny-water/artificial-intelligence-news/ai-and-robotics/
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SNU-Harvard researchers jointly build next-gen swarm robots using simple linked particles
9-May-2025
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1083258
____________________________________
Scientists uncover how microswimmers move faster in groups, paving way for tiny drug-delivering robots
March 28, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-03-scientists-uncover-microswimmers-faster-groups.html
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Magnetic microalgae on a mission to become robots microbiologystudy
March 18, 2025
https://microbiologystudy.com/magnetic-microalgae-on-a-mission-to-become-robots-microbiologystudy/
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Chapter 23: Wind energy
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Some
people question if it would be sustainable or a possible hazard to harness energy from ions near the surface of the ocean. This includes different wind currents and ocean currents around the globe for a source of energy.
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Ocean waves may hold secret to efficient renewable energy
September 8, 2015
UC's
Thomas Beck explains that every time a wave breaks, droplets of water
containing ions go up in the air, but how those ions arrange near the
surface of the droplets can affect the chemistry of what happens in the
atmosphere around them.
As the demand for renewable wind and solar energy steadily increases,
the need to reduce the cost and extend the life of renewable energy
storage batteries becomes even greater.
By getting back to the basics, a University of Cincinnati quantum chemistry researcher looks at how water
and other molecules align and influence ionic distribution on the
surface where air and the liquid meet. These findings have received
respect from top physicists around the globe and show promise for
enhancing the efficiency of renewable energy devices.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-ocean-secret-efficient-renewable-energy.html#jCp
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Oceanic Temperature Difference to Power 120 Hawaiian Homes in 2015
August 31, 2015
A small power plant that can convert the temperature difference between
deep ocean and surface ocean waters into electricity was unveiled in
Hawaii last week, the first of its kind to be connected to the grid.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/oceanic-temperature-difference-power-hawaii/#.Ve-2o5e-2zk
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Evaporation as New Source of Renewable Energy
June 29, 2015
Evaporation is now becoming a source of renewable
energy with the help of bacteria and the two new devices, Evaporation
engine, and Moisture mill, invented by the Columbia University
scientists.
While solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, tidal,
bio-energies are widely known, there are also other sources which are,
now, less reliable as both research and technology in those fields are
still in their initial stages. Evaporation is one such source and
scientists are saying that it could become the world’s largest renewable
energy source.
Though it is theoretically a known fact that
during every energy transformation, it is possible to capture and store
energy, in practical, with our today’s technology, we succeeded with
only a few sources. Now, evaporation has also lost the game.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/evaporation-bacteria-energy/#.Ve-vFJe-2zk
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Giant kites to tap power of the high wind
Experiments show that the power generated could provide electricity for 100,000 homes
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2008/aug/03/renewableenergy.energy
____________________________________
Airborne wind turbine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airborne_wind_turbine
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Directory:High Altitude Wind Power
Airborne Wind Solutions
http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:High_Altitude_Wind_Power
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Engineers study the benefits of adding a second, smaller rotor to wind turbines
Mar 10, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-03-benefits-adding-smaller-rotor-turbines.html#ajTabs
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Invelox wind turbine claims 600% advantage in energy output
May 10, 2013
SheerWind, a wind power company from Minnesota, USA, has announced the results of tests it has carried out with its new Invelox wind power generation technology. The company says that during tests its turbine could generate six times more energy than the amount produced by traditional turbines mounted on towers. Besides, the costs of producing wind energy with Invelox are lower, delivering electricity with prices that can compete with natural gas and hydropower.
Invelox takes a novel approach to wind power generation as it doesn’t rely on high wind speeds. Instead, it captures wind at any speed, even a breeze, from a portal located above ground. The wind captured is then funneled through a duct where it will pick up speed. The resulting kinetic energy will drive the generator on the ground level. By bringing the airflow from the top of the tower, it’s possible to generate more power with smaller turbine blades, SheerWind says.
As to the sixfold output claim, as with many new technologies promising a performance breakthrough, it needs to be viewed with caution. SheerWind makes the claim based on its own comparative tests, the precise methodology of which is not entirely clear.
http://www.gizmag.com/invelox-wind-generator/27377/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Solar Wind Energy's Downdraft Tower generates its own wind all year round
June 18, 2014
When we think of wind power, we generally think of huge wind turbines
sitting high atop towers where they can take advantage of the higher
wind speeds. But Maryland-based Solar Wind Energy, Inc. is looking to
turn wind power on its head with the Solar Wind Downdraft Tower, which
places turbines at the base of a tower and generates its own wind to
turn them.
http://www.gizmag.com/solar-wind-energy-downdraft-tower/32607/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Atmospheric Vortex Engine creates tornadoes to generate electricity
December 20, 2012
Tornadoes generally evoke the destructive force of nature at its most
awesome. However, what if all that power could be harnessed to produce
cheaper and more efficient electricity? This is just what Canadian
engineer Louis Michaud proposes to achieve, with an invention dubbed the
“Atmospheric Vortex Engine” (or AVE).
AVE works by introducing warm air into a circular station, whereupon the
difference in temperature between this heated air and the atmosphere
above creates a vortex – or controlled tornado, which in turn drives
multiple wind turbines in order to create electricity. The vortex could
be shut down by simply turning off the source of warm air.
http://www.gizmag.com/vortex-engine-tornadoes-electricity/25508/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Smart wind turbines can predict the wind
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100104092454.htm
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DualWingGenerator mimics flapping wings to harvest energy
April 2, 2014
Back in 2011, Festo created a natural-flight mimicking bionic seagull with flapping wings dubbed SmartBird.
The company is now looking to apply similar principles in order to
convert wind power into electricity with its DualWingGenerator system.
http://www.gizmag.com/festo-dualwinggenerator-turbine-energy-wind/31478/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Probing the limits of wind power generation
September 2, 2015
Wind turbines remove kinetic energy from the atmospheric flow, which reduces wind speeds and limits generation rates of large wind farms. These interactions can be approximated using a vertical kinetic energy (VKE) flux method, which predicts that the maximum power generation potential is 26% of the instantaneous downward transport of kinetic energy using the preturbine climatology. We compare the energy flux method to the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) regional atmospheric model equipped with a wind turbine parameterization over a 105 km2 region in the central United States. The WRF simulations yield a maximum generation of 1.1 We⋅m−2, whereas the VKE method predicts the time series while underestimating the maximum generation rate by about 50%. Because VKE derives the generation limit from the preturbine climatology, potential changes in the vertical kinetic energy flux from the free atmosphere are not considered. Such changes are important at night when WRF estimates are about twice the VKE value because wind turbines interact with the decoupled nocturnal low-level jet in this region. Daytime estimates agree better to 20% because the wind turbines induce comparatively small changes to the downward kinetic energy flux. This combination of downward transport limits and wind speed reductions explains why large-scale wind power generation in windy regions is limited to about 1 We⋅m−2, with VKE capturing this combination in a comparatively simple way.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-09-probing-limits-power.html#jCp
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Will Newer Wind Turbines Mean Fewer Bird Deaths?
April 28, 2014
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2014/04/140427-altamont-pass-will-newer-wind-turbines-mean-fewer-bird-deaths/
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Recognizing health concerns in wind energy development a key recommendation in new study
January 26, 2016
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2016-01-health-energy-key.html#jCp
As
wind energy development blossoms in Canada and around the world,
opposition at the community level is challenging the viability of the
industry. A new study with research from the University of Waterloo,
published in Nature Energy, identifies four major factors leading to
disputes over wind farms, and offers recommendations on avoiding
disagreements.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-health-energy-key.html
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EWICON bladeless wind turbine generates electricity using charged water droplets
April 3, 2013
Wind energy may be one of the more sustainable sources of power
available, but the spinning blades of conventional wind turbines require
regular maintenance and have attracted criticism from bird lovers. That
might explain why we've seen wind turbine prototypes that enclose the blades in a chamber or replace them entirely with a disc-like system.
But researchers in the Netherlands set out to eliminate the need for a
mechanical component entirely and created the EWICON, a bladeless wind
turbine with no moving parts that produces electricity using charged
water droplets.
http://www.gizmag.com/ewicon-bladeless-wind-turbine/26907/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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This giant straw is actually a vertical bladeless wind turbine
May 6, 2015
The Vortex wind generator represents a fairly radical break with
conventional wind turbine design, in that it has no spinning blades (or
any moving parts to wear out at all), and looks like nothing more than a
giant straw that oscillates in the wind. It works not by spinning in
the wind, but by taking advantage of a phenomenon called vorticity, or the Kármán vortex street, which is a "repeating pattern of swirling vortices."
http://www.treehugger.com/wind-technology/vortex-vertical-bladeless-wind-turbine.html
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Scientists develop pneumatic propellers that could replace diesel engines in ferry boats
April 21, 2025
Scientists
say they have created a methodology that could replace two diesel
engines powering a ferry boat with pneumatic propellers.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-04-scientists-pneumatic-propellers-diesel-ferry.html
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Fred Rash's electric circle plane
Sep 19, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3BNV9p36uE
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Designing A Self Propelling Ionic Thrust Wing
Oct 28, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lDSSgHG4q0
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Super Capacitor Plane
Dec 21, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEahoJZgfys
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A Plane Without Wings: The Story of The C.450 Coléoptère
Dec 21, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unz6mfjS4ws
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JET ENGINE with NO MOVING PARTS
Sep 30, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7hsUvZmZ2k
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RC Solar Plane Flight Duration Test
Aug 22, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OGrDvInUAY
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DARPA Launches Falcon HTV-2 Glider, the World's Fastest Plane
August 11, 2011
At
7:45 a.m. PDT, an unmanned glider was launched from Vandenberg Air
Force Base in California aboard a Minotaur 4 rocket. Overseen by DARPA,
the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the glider, named HTV-4,
is expected to reach suborbital space before reentering Earth's
atmosphere at Mach 20 with the help of rocket thrusters to stay on
course. If the hypersonic glider is able to reach Mach 20, or about
13,000 mph, it will become the fastest plane ever. At that speed, the
HTV-2 could travel from New York City to Los Angeles in about 12
minutes...
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/08/darpa-launches-falcon-htv-2-glider-the-worlds-fastest-plane/243467/
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Someone actually made a REAL Flying car!
Nov 17, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P75s6M7kCrA
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Optimal elastic wing for flapping-wing robots through passive morphing
Nov 7, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwuW8cfy-MI
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How Bionic Wings Are Reinventing Drones
Nov 3, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr0z2huKaCI
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Building a rocket bird (ornithopter)
Nov 11, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=angnUj0-yhQ
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Ornithopter with morphing-coupled wingbeat pattern
Aug 6, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXg-qoRN0co
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Are Drones That Flap Their Wings Better?
Feb 2, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCpTIY6gJVE
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How insects evolved to ultrafast flight
October 4, 2023
https://phys.org/news/2023-10-insects-evolved-ultrafast-flight.html
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Forbidden Technologies and The Silencing of Their Inventors
Mar 1, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpFgvGeEQlA
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The Real Life Dune Ornithopter... it was French!
Mar 15, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz5GcOEcjyk
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A review on piezoelectric energy harvesting
23 June 2022
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00542-022-05334-4
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Nature-inspired interfacial engineering for energy harvesting
18 March 2024
https://www.nature.com/articles/s44287-024-00029-6
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Energy harvesting
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_harvesting
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Is This Accidental Discovery The Future Of Energy?
Oct 10, 2023
Imagine
getting the energy needed to power our phones, light up our homes, or
drive our cars, from thin air. And no, we’re not talking about Nikola
Tesla’s dream of wireless power a century ago, but a new and accidental
discovery along those lines from the University of Massachusetts
Amherst. Researchers have found a way to turn humidity into electricity.
It’s called hygroelectrical power, and believe it or not, a company
named CascataChuva is already trying to commercialize a variant of the
technology. So, what is it and how does it work?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyY1PLTlmT0
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Gravity Energy Storage. Who's right and who's wrong?
Jul 10, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz6ZB23tfg0
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This Is Not a Crane, It's an Insane New Gravity Battery
Nov 26, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCawtiU4o1o
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Mechanical circuits: electronics without electricity
Oct 27, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrkiJZKJfpY
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What If Swings Had Springs Instead Of Ropes: Autoparametric Resonance
Feb 18, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUJmKl7QfDU
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The Mystery of Spinors
Mar 20, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7OIbMCIfs4
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Major Evidence of a New Particle Called Glueball: Here's Why It Matters
May 14, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVS2sVBQYO8
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How Levers, Pulleys and Gears Work
Jul 26, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnYVz1TSmBQ
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Why Snatch Blocks are AWESOME (How Pulleys Work) - Smarter Every Day 228
Dec 5, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2w3NZzPwOM
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Leonardo da Vinci inventions tested
Dec 23, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxOagUqdibw
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Leonardo Davinci Design
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/560205641128538001/
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The Mechanical Battery Explained - A Flywheel Comeback?
Jan 5, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X2U7bDNcPM
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Flywheel Battery
Jul 21, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhu3s1ut3wM
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7 Types of Wheels - 4 Hard Trials - Experiments with Lego Technic #lego #experiment #vehicles
Apr 13, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaadwO6QzUA
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Gear Types, Design Basics, Applications and More - Basics of Gears
Aug 17, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhDO16FDmxA
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We should use this amazing mechanism that's inside a grasshopper leg
Apr 30, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUUW6SYl_ak
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This bug produces a g-force of 500 g!
July 7, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XvSZYDsM_T4
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What makes planetary gearboxes so amazing?
Jan 5, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzJkD87eQNI
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I Built Real ODM Gear! - Attack On Titan
Aug 19, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ouS7G6k04A
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The Most Incredible Attempts at Perpetual Motion Machines
Sep 11, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPw58clq9EQ
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Adam Savage vs The "Perpetual Motion" Machine!
Jan 3, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdEdYfxMx-0
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Turn a ceiling fan into a wind turbine generator?!
Dec 7, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApKFeaJ6xYE
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NEW French Jetpack SHOCKED Chinese and US Engineers
May 25, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnD6AUikRkQ
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Real Hoverboard Using Ground Effect! - Floats On Anything!!
Oct 28, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UXL6oPP8sA
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VBSS with JPEM & Stiletto
Apr 7, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkZPI5m9SIE
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This Car Travels Farther Than You Push It
Mar 15, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoVUdwOgjiA
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20 INVENTIONS RESHAPING REALITY
Apr 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKoKse7qiI4
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Transforming Sailing and Power Generation with The Ocean Kite Engine
Mar 8, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aolYqwVBScs
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Incredible Inventions That Generate Free Energy
Jan 25, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8WfAeuHOcE
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Kite Risers on a Paraglider
These
Kite risers are a different way to change the angle of attack of your
glider, just as you do with trimmers or speedbar, but the difference is
that you adjust it instantly with your arms and without being able to
pull the brakes-only when the angle of attack is low.
https://www.littlecloud.fr/en/kiterisers-en/
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Kite Risers on a Paraglider - Vertical Takeoff
2023
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THIS WING IS INSANE - Flare Moustache First Impressions
Jun 8, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf_msigfgsQ
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Flap your wings #flare #moustache #parakite
2023
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vRPj6wd32sY
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Flirting with the stall point
2023
- Be aware: The MOUSTACHE is NOT built for thermal flying, nor being used in strong turbulences since a reflex profile is powerful and behaves completely different in collapses!
- With great power comes great responsibility. So make sure to watch all the FLARE Nation Academy tutorials!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/m1nb1Gk2jEA
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Top landing on a handrail
2023
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PwzMwrPoqCM
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Flare MOUSTACHE. Full Power
2023
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ut90XVDln3c
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6 minutes with the REVOLUTIONARY FLARE MUSTACHE.
Oct 8, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uqiJpBA_eY
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WE FINALLY MOTORED THE MOUSTACHE... and Its INSANE.
Oct 25, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L-N7VBei-o
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FLARE Moustache - The sand stair
April 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDalT6u5SsE
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Faster than a car? 🚗 - FLARE Moustache at Kronplatz
Feb 27, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN-iUp_lOKE
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Kite Riser Types (Review)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw--2G1hjFw
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Launching A Paramotor With A Bike!!!
Aug 3, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLi1VKE3Btc
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Paragliding Accuracy World Cup
https://pgawc.org/
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When Your Carabiner Fails...
Aug 24, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9eqsiKPpFg
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Flying with 50 drone motors (homemade flying machine)
Nov 2, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXcVTsuXxOA
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Flying with four giant drone motors (ducted propeller paramotor)
2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkJ9LF_8hIQ
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Paraglider Thrusters
2012
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFHzWofHrwo
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The Unexpected Genius of Bionic Propellers
Dec 7, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WezeLNC32sA
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Uncovering The Genius of Fibonnaci Turbines
Jan 31, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4TEMZ5dyPo
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The Genius of Cycloidal Propellers: Future of Flight?
Mar 20, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqy_7lr6wuE
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Why This 17-Year Old's Electric Motor Is Important
Jan 17, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35JuW3bcp04
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How can gliders fly without propulsion | The most complete explanation
Aug 22, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4YrpmhgNGs
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Egyptian Hieroglyphics Reveal Ancient Flying Machine? Ancient Discoveries (S1, E2) | Full Episode
Apr 11, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPR9o2YRxc8
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1 March 2024
The French Army flew an airship named La France in 1884, and the first hot air balloon flew in 1783. But a series of high profile crashes like the Hindenburg and R101, and the considerably faster evolution of aircraft saw airships fall out of favour (except for a subsection of the marketing industry).
Hot air balloons aren’t known for their ease of navigation or speed, and airships, whilst easier to control and faster, are still too slow to have a meaningful impact on the markets they have been targeting up to now.
All that being said, UK-based startup SkyLifter thinks it has a found a new use case. Deciding there was no aerospace use case that could be improved versus what is currently available today for passengers, cargo and earth observation, the firm identified a niche in the construction industry it thinks can only be exploited by the capabilities of airship technology.
The startup is building a “commercial hook-in-the-sky system” made up of a gas-filled omni-directional lenticular-shaped aerostat (aka lighter-than-air aircraft) with an underslung pod housing the propulsion system, winch and hook. The pod, which also serves to aid the craft’s stability by increasing the vertical distance between the centre of buoyancy and the centre of gravity, houses the main aircraft systems for power, control and communication.
SkyLifter’s omni-directional propellers enable thrust in all directions and allow it to achieve an airspeed of about 45 knots (51mph). There is also the option to float “endlessly” without power, according to founder and CEO Jeremy Fitton, “at least in theory”.
https://www.revolution.aero/deep_dive/floating-cranes-skylifters-plans-for-the-construction-industry/
February 18, 2021
Were the stone blocks carved from natural limestone or cast with an early version of concrete? A materials science research team provides evidence to answer this age-old mystery.
May 18, 2007
https://new.nsf.gov/news/surprising-truth-behind-construction-great
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What Materials Were Used To Build The Pyramids Of Giza?
2018
Limestone
Limestone was one of the materials used to build the Pyramids of Giza. It formed the bulk of the materials used in the construction of the pyramids and rough limestone was utilized in the core of the pyramid. White limestone, which is finer, was used to coat the interior walls and as the main material for the outer casing. The low-grade limestone that was used in the core of the pyramids is found huge quantities in Egypt, and it was found near the building sites during the pyramid construction era. Workers extracted the stone in blocks by marking out crevices with just enough room for them to be cut into blocks and transported to the sites. Tools used in this case included chisels, pickaxes, and hammers made from granite.
The fine white limestone for the interior décor and the mortuary temples was slightly hard to extract and had to be sourced further away from the building sites. This type of limestone was found deeper beneath the soil surface in regions including the West bank of the Nile in the hills of Muqattam in the present day regions of Maasara and Tura. The workmen would excavate the soil and dig tunnels to reach the deposits which would be as deep as 160 feet below the surface. Huge pieces of stone were then dug up to be divided into blocks which were then transported on wooden sledges towed by oxen on a path paved with mud from the Nile to make movement easier to the construction site.
Pink Granite
The granite was used in conjunction with limestone to cover the interior walls of the pyramids though much more sparingly since it was distributed in several parts of South of Egypt and was not as close as the limestone quarries were to the building sites. Pink granite is thought to have been mined in Aswan which had some quarries.
Basalt
Basalt is also known as alabaster and it was often used to cover the floor of the pyramid. It was extracted from open pits or underground deposits, particularly from an Oligocene flow where there was once a lake that connected to the Nile. During this time the basalt was transported on the lake and into the Nile to its shores where it was moved to the construction site of the pyramids.
Mud Bricks
Mud bricks were perhaps the most common building material in all of Egypt. In the pyramids it was used to build the walls, these were fired in an oven as a measure to make them last longer.
Significance
Like the Eiffel Tower of France and the Colosseum in Rome, the Pyramids of Giza are a defining landmark in Egypt and an important part of the culture of the people of Egypt. The impressive architecture that began years ago is proof of the heights of human achievement of the past.
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-materials-were-used-to-build-the-pyramids-of-giza.html
Image Gallery: Walking Easter Island Statues
Easter Island's 'Walking' Stone Heads Stir Debate
Scientists Make Easter Island Statue Walk | National Geographic
Walking with Giants: How the Easter Island Moai Moved | Nat Geo Live
King Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon - Legend (Author: Michael Ross)
7/21/2019
https://solomonstempleinvestigation.blogspot.com
Impossible Ancient Stone Work In Peru That Proves They Melted, Shaped and Fitted Huge Blocks Perfect - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 184
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple184
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Molten Granite outside the Second Pyramid! - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 185
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple185
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1970s SECRET-CHAMBER SEARCH TECHNIQUE IN KHAFRE PYRAMID! - Solomon's Temple investigation Marathon 186
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple186
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Did Ancient People Use Acid to Shape Stone? - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 187
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple187
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The Story of the Enigmatic and Mysterious Tube Drills of Ancient Egypt - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 188
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple188
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Mysterious Tube Drills of Ancient Egypt - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 189
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple189
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Advanced Ancient Machining That Is Absurdly Difficult To Replicate Even With Today's Technology - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 190
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple190
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Ancient Tube Drills & Cores (Even Some Examples from Peru) - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 202
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple202
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Megalithic Softening of Stone? - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 203
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple203
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Ancient Engineering at the Temple of Bastet - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 204
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple204
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Advanced Ancient Stone Cutting - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 205
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple205
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Melted Stonework in Peru, Sulfur Balls, Metallurgy, Alchemy & Meteorites - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 206
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple206
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They cut rocks like butter. Inca 'Quarry' is mindblowing! - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 209
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple209
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The Magnetic River - The Strongest Magnet - Magnets & Copper Tubes - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 210
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple210
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Ancient High Tech/ Melt Stone With Light And Sound - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 211
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple211
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Melting Rocks Into Molten Lava & Turning Dirt Into Iron - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 212
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple212
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The Coral Castle Mystery Solved, Melting Stone, Magnets, Electricity, Dissolving Rocks, Liquid Mercury & The Pyramids - Solomon's Temple Investigation 213
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple213_201911
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The Coral Castle Mystery Solved Continued, Melted Limestone, Cutting Stone, Melting Granite & Glass - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 214
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple214
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Blaze of Steel: Explosive Chemistry - Sulfur, Iron Oxide, Nitrates, Cyanide, Hydroxide & the Oxidation State - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 215
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple215
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Blaze of Steel: Explosive Chemistry Continued: Alchemical Arts, Medicine, Life & Death (Transmutating agents for Stones, Noble Metals and Gold) - Solomon's Temple Investigation 216
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple216
Evidence of Advanced Ancient Machining Technology from Around the World - Solomon's Temple 118
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple118
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The First Pyramid? - Solomon's Temple Investigation Marathon 119
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple119
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Electricity, Stone & the Pyramids - Solomon's Temple Investigation 120
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple120
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Pyramids & Electricity? - Solomon's Temple Investigation 121
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple121
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Manna, Gold, Alchemy & The Pyramids? - Solomon's Temple 122
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple122
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Ancient Egyptian Pyramid Technolgy, Ramps & Tunnels - Solomon's Temple Investigation 123
https://archive.org/details/solomonstemple123
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16 May 2024
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c99zwkzzrxvo
The First Flying Machines - Failures and Mishaps
Feb 9, 2018
The Saqqara bird (popularly known as the Saqqara glider) is an object carved from sycamore wood and was found in the tomb of Pa-di-Amun in the ancient Egyptian necropolis of Saqqara in 1891. It resembles a streamlined miniature airplane.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Yww9LG3gw
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How to Fall : An Early History of the Parachute
2021
A sketch by Leonardo da Vinci, circa 1485, from his Codex Atlanticus showing a rough design for a parachute.
Illustration
of André-Jacques Garnerin’s frameless parachute design. The design was
made of silk, and it made the world’s first frameless parachute descent
on 22 October 1797 in Paris.
https://www.onverticality.com/blog/early-history-of-the-parachute
____________________________________
Flying Failures | Stock Footage
Sep 24, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je8wxnoEkug
____________________________________
African Airplane Compilation | African Aviation
May 4, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h_cqTCT5g0
____________________________________
Bike Powered Airplanes
2022
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gnNSOho2Eeg
____________________________________
Could You Power Your Home With A Bike?
December 8, 2016
https://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2016/12/08/504790589/could-you-power-your-home-with-a-bike
____________________________________
How Much Electricity Can a Bike Generate?
https://paylesspower.com/blog/how-much-electricity-can-a-bike-generate/
____________________________________
Let’s Generate Electricity by Walking!
2008
https://ourworld.unu.edu/en/lets_generate_electricity_by_walking
____________________________________
I Built Shoes To Make Me Run Fast! (World Record)
Jul 27, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2wwIIFxYfc
____________________________________
History of Parachuting: From da Vinci to Ram-air Parachutes
Oct 11, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLikKdK8uDo
____________________________________
Can You Use Umbrellas Instead of a Parachute?
Sep 3, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm_7txMrG5U
____________________________________
Amazing Gadgets That Have Reached a Next Level 5
May 6, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWlCwnJuqoI
____________________________________
What are the disadvantages of parachute+airbag for atmospheric landing, versus rocket-based?
2013
https://space.stackexchange.com/questions/705/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-parachuteairbag-for-atmospheric-landing-versus-r
____________________________________
Parachutes in Space: A Crucial Technology for Space Exploration
Dec 4, 2023
https://agnirva.medium.com/parachutes-in-space-a-crucial-technology-for-space-exploration-8e315f4860d8
____________________________________
How Parachutes Went Square
Jul 15, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLuNXVfHtPQ
____________________________________
My LOWEST Base Jump Ever!!! - SKETCHY
Nov 8, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p8IXyDTjgk
____________________________________
Some
people question why Rogallo Reserve steerable parachutes are not as
reliable as a standard square Reserve Canopy. Could there be a way to
improve steerable reserve parachutes.
____________________________________
Why aren't Rogallo wings or parafoils used in aircraft with fuselages?
2016
Ultralights and paragliders: Only categories with Rogallo wings
The
advantages provided by flexible wings (easy storage, light weight, low
cost) is a significant choice criteria for use in ultralights and
paragliders, and of course for parachutes. These advantages overcome
their limited aerodynamic performances, which is of lesser consideration
for vehicles that are not specially aerodynamically designed.
To
summarize: The flexible wings are more appropriate for smaller and
slower aircraft, in particular those not requiring wing tanks, wing
control surfaces, or wing landing gears. Namely ultralights.
Controls-
The wings house the controls, which would not be possible in case of
flexible wings (future combat aircraft are expected to have wing
morphing, but is still a bit far away). The control of flexible wings
are by using cables, which are suitable only for small aircraft. Another
issue is redundancy, which would be quite difficult with these exposed
cables.
Safety- The flexible wings do not offer the same level of
safety as the rigid (elastic) ones. What if they fail to deploy
properly or start to retract in flight? NASA carried out research on the
usage of flexible wings for the spacecraft landing programs which
brought out a number of issues related to structural safety and
deployment:
The wing’s structural problems persisted. Further drop tests saw more sails fall apart ...
Wing deployment tests were also proving problematic. The sail wasn’t
deploying consistently, at times not opening fully and failing to
inflate with enough time...
Even though most of these problems
were fixed, it would have been difficult to convince regulatory
authorities and paying public for their use.
It should be noted
that most of the advantages of the flexible wings are precisely because
of their limitations- it is collapsible for reduced storage and weigh
less because it doesn't carry fuel or have control surfaces and doesn't
have mountings for various things (like navigation lights etc).
It
should noted that the people involved were quite conscious of the
restrictions of this type of wing- For example, Francis M. Rogallo, the
inventor of rogallo wing was quite cautious when he noted,
... if we could discover how to make flexible wings that could be
packaged and deployed somewhat like a parachute, such wings would have
many new applications as well as replacing some parachutes and rigid
wings.
https://aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/32622/why-arent-rogallo-wings-or-parafoils-used-in-aircraft-with-fuselages
____________________________________
Why NASA Abandoned the Gemini Rogallo Wing
Oct 7, 2020
https://medium.com/the-vintage-space/why-nasa-abandoned-the-gemini-rogallo-wing-84537fc3f825
____________________________________
Rogallo wing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogallo_wing
The
Rogallo wing is a flexible type of wing. In 1948, Francis Rogallo, a
NASA engineer, and his wife Gertrude Rogallo, invented a self-inflating
flexible wing they called the Parawing, also known after them as the
"Rogallo Wing" and flexible wing. NASA considered Rogallo's flexible
wing as an alternative recovery system for the Mercury and Gemini space
capsules, and for possible use in other spacecraft landings, but the
idea was dropped from Gemini in 1964 in favor of conventional
parachutes.
____________________________________
NASA Para Wing (NPW9b) Construction
2011
https://www.pointsunknown.com/blog/2011/02/nasa-para-wing-npw9b-construction/
____________________________________
How could laser-driven lightsails remain stable?
February 5, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-02-laser-driven-lightsails-stable.html
____________________________________
From Paper to Bionics: Origami's Incredible Impact on Science | FD Engineering
Aug 13, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFyJykl1O0k
____________________________________
STRANDBEEST EVOLUTION 2021
Apr 3, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C97kMKwZ2-g
____________________________________
2022
https://www.answerfoundry.com/when/when-did-nylon-replace-silk-in-parachutes/
____________________________________
The Silk Enigma: Britain’s Enigmatic Parachute Production
March 8, 2024
https://blog.imodstyle.com/the-silk-enigma-britains-enigmatic-parachute-production/
September 20, 2023
https://www.cell.com/matter/abstract/S2590-2385(23)00421-6
NASA’s New Material Built to Withstand Extreme Conditions
2022
This turbine engine combustor (fuel-air mixer) was 3D-printed at NASA Glenn and is one example of a challenging component that can benefit from applying the new GRX-810 alloys.
https://www.nasa.gov/aeronautics/nasas-new-material-built-to-withstand-extreme-conditions/
____________________________________
Aluminium alloy could boost spacecraft radiation shielding 100-fold
20 October 2022
A new metal alloy keeps its flexibility and strength after high doses of radiation, making it potentially useful for building spacecraft or Mars colonies
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2343246-aluminium-alloy-could-boost-spacecraft-radiation-shielding-100-fold/
____________________________________
UF Engineers Develop Lightweight Metal for NASA
2017
https://mse.ufl.edu/lightweight_metal_reduce_radiation/
____________________________________
New high precision foil resistors for space projects, with zero temperature coefficient very low power coefficient and high reliability
2002
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2002ESASP.507...49F/abstract
Solar sail
Solar Sail: Materials and Space Environmental Effects
Textile Material Lessons Learned During the Design and Qualification of the NASA Orion Capsule Parachute Assembly System
MIT and NASA engineers demonstrate a new kind of airplane wing
How the Pentagon Could Make Magnet-Powered Subs Like ‘Red October’ a Reality
Propellers make a comeback on a new type of aircraft engine
Twisted physics: Magic angle graphene produces switchable patterns of superconductivity
June 19, 2023
https://sciligent.com/2023/06/new-research-on-self-locking-light-sources-presents-opportunities-for-quantum-technologies/
____________________________________
Asynchronous locking in metamaterials of fluids of light and sound
19 June 2023
Abstract
Lattices of exciton-polariton condensates represent an attractive platform for the study and implementation of non-Hermitian bosonic quantum systems with strong non-linear interactions. The possibility to actuate on them with a time dependent drive could provide for example the means to induce resonant inter-level transitions, or to perform Floquet engineering or Landau-Zener-Stückelberg state preparation. Here, we introduce polaromechanical metamaterials, two-dimensional arrays of μm-sized traps confining zero-dimensional light-matter polariton fluids and GHz phonons. A strong exciton-mediated polariton-phonon interaction induces a time-dependent inter-site polariton coupling J(t) with remarkable consequences for the dynamics. When locally perturbed by continuous wave optical excitation, a mechanical self-oscillation sets-in and polaritons respond by locking the energy detuning between neighbor sites at integer multiples of the phonon energy, evidencing asynchronous locking involving the polariton and phonon fields. These results open the path for the coherent control of dissipative quantum light fluids with hypersound in a scalable platform.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-38788-9
Feb 21, 2023
https://www.labmanager.com/shear-ultrasound-shaking-lowers-friction-between-solids-29826
Ion Propulsion: Farther, Faster, Cheaper
21 November 2018
Aeroplanes use propellers and turbines, and are typically powered by fossil-fuel combustion. An alternative method of propelling planes has been demonstrated that does not require moving parts or combustion.
Small, lightweight devices called lifters can propel themselves into the air without combustion or moving parts, and have become a popular topic of discussion with technology buffs on social media in the past few years. And yet the physical mechanism behind lifters has been known for more than a century. When charged molecules in the air are subjected to an electric field, they are accelerated.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-07411-z
REVOLUTIONARY PROPELLER TECHNOLOGY: A Game-Changer for TRANSPORTATION!
New sodium, aluminum battery aims to integrate renewables for grid resiliency
New high-volume joining process expands use of aluminum in autos
May 12, 2015
Researchers have demonstrated a new process for the expanded use of lightweight aluminum in cars and trucks at the speed, scale, quality and consistency required by the auto industry. The process reduces production time and costs while yielding strong and lightweight parts, for example delivering a car door that is 62 percent lighter and 25 percent cheaper than that produced with today's manufacturing methods.
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-high-volume-aluminum-autos.html#jCp
Scientists spin naturalistic silk from artificial spider gland
January 22, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-scientists-naturalistic-silk-artificial-spider.html
____________________________________
New ways to strengthen biomimetic spider-silk
March 4, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-ways-biomimetic-spider-silk.html
____________________________________
Smart Material: Spider Silk
Mar 5, 2011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYlkJyG1Oik&list=PLQoTHqAEU9OSjWhEvxWS5PIka1lSQrEZ8&index=8
____________________________________
Spiders sprayed with carbon nanotubes spin superstrong webs
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-spiders-carbon-nanotubes-superstrong-webs.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
____________________________________
Add Graphene To Spider Silk To Create The Strongest Fiber Yet
http://www.popsci.com/spiders-add-graphene-silk-creating-strongest-fiber-yet
____________________________________
Researchers explore mechanics of silk to design materials with high strength and low density
May 15, 2015
Scientists at MIT have developed a systematic approach to research the structure of spider silk, blending computational modeling and mechanical analysis to 3D-print synthetic spider webs.
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-explore-mechanics-silk-materials-high.html#jCp
____________________________________
Spider signal threads reveal remote sensing design secrets
December 16, 2015
When you look
at a spider web in the garden, one thing is often noticeably absent:
the spider. This may be because it is lurking away from the web in a
'retreat', where it can monitor web vibrations through a proxy known as a
signal thread.
A new Oxford study published in Journal
of the Royal Society Interface looks in more detail at the composition
and structure of these signal threads, which spiders can use to tell
whether they've caught new prey.
Dr Beth Mortimer from the Oxford Silk Group, based in the Department of Zoology, spoke to Science Blog about the research.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-spider-threads-reveal-remote-secrets.html
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Chapter 24: Air power
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Top five air powered vehicles
http://inhabitat.com/top-five-air-powered-vehicles-coming-soon-to-the-us/aircar/
____________________________________
Air Force scientists are working on hypersonic air vehicle
Jun 07, 2015
Engineers said the US Air Force is getting closer to testing a hypersonic weapon. They are developing a hypersonic weapon based on an experimental scramjet program. What is a scramjet? NASA said in a "scramjet," or Supersonic Combustion Ramjet, the oxygen needed by the engine to combust is taken from the atmosphere passing through the vehicle rather than from an onboard tank. "Researchers predict scramjet speeds could reach 15 times the speed of sound. An 18-hour trip to Tokyo from New York City becomes a 2-hour flight," said NASA.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-air-scientists-hypersonic-vehicle.html#jCp
____________________________________
Non-rocket spacelaunch
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-rocket_spacelaunch
____________________________________
Jet pack
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_pack
____________________________________
Watch world's first electric wingsuit flight
Jan 27, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmRQKZZ_wXc
-
UK’s Royal Navy Showcases Flying Jet Pack Suits
2022 Oct 5
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qWHYKLYmOJM
____________________________________
Water JetPack Flyboard. Can Anyone Learn How To Do It?
Jul 25, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIeXwFhqdFk
____________________________________
Flyboard - Coolest Water Jet Pack EVER!!!
Feb 18, 2013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4Bm3cs9TFo
____________________________________
Flyride - The new flying water jet bike from Zapata
Dec 12, 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LhHEmbyzjo
____________________________________
Best Electric Surfboards in 2025
Sep 18, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1FVwSCNpVc
____________________________________
Electric Surfboards
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Electric+surfboards+
____________________________________
CudaJet: The World’s First Underwater Jetpack!
Jun 5, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6i7DxZL5lc
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Chapter 25: Transportation
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
If
we could make a sustainable type of plastic, from materials such as
kelp, foods and silicone. We could also make many plastic parts for
appliances and vehicles.
____________________________________
Plastic parts for internal combustion engines
Apr 2015
____________________________________
GE fires up fully 3D-printed jet engine
May 13, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/ge-fires-up-all-3d-printed-jet-einge/37448/
____________________________________
18 of the coolest, weirdest, and most important electric cars of all time
http://www.networkworld.com/article/2912371/software/18-of-the-coolest-weirdest-and-most-important-electric-cars-of-all-time.html#slide1
____________________________________
Who killed The Electric Car
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r75lqbA0uMM
____________________________________
Imagine
the applications of being able to make 3d printed engines and motors.
We even have exoskeleton technology to make paralyzed people walk once again.
____________________________________
Completely paralyzed man steps out in robotic exoskeleton
September 2, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/ucla-robotic-exoskeleton-non-invasive-spinal-cord-stimulation/39216/
____________________________________
Quadriplegic successfully uses mind-controlled robotic arm
December 18, 2014
http://www.gizmag.com/quadriplegic-mind-controlled-robotic-arm/35275/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
Pulley mechanism implant to better restore hand function
- September 26, 2014
http://www.gizmag.com/pulley-implant-hand-function/33992/
____________________________________
Paralyzed man uses own brainwaves to walk again – no exoskeleton required
September 23, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/paralyzed-man-brainswaves-walk/39550/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
Spinal implant could one day let paralyzed people walk again
January 9, 2015
Three years ago, scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) reported success in getting rats with severed spinal cords to walk again.
They did so by suspending the animals in a harness, then using implants
to electrically stimulate neurons in their lower spinal cord. Although
this ultimately resulted in the rats being able to run on their
previously-paralyzed hind legs, the technology still wasn't practical
for long-term use in humans. Thanks to new research conducted at EPFL,
however, that may no longer be the case.
http://www.gizmag.com/epfl-e-dura-spinal-cord-implant/35545/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
Future Transportation Technology Will Blow Your Mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYOmZlTjsQ0
____________________________________
Radical railways: Top 10 transportation systems of the future
http://www.gizmag.com/future-transport/22959/
____________________________________
Elon Musk's high-speed Hyperloop train makes more sense for Mars than California
July 13, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-07-elon-musk-high-speed-hyperloop-mars.html
Ever wanted to ride to work in a screaming roller-coaster gun? If your answer was yes: good news!
Elon
Musk – of SpaceX and Tesla Motors fame – recently proposed the
"Hyperloop," a high-speed floating train that's accelerated by magnets
and coasts between destinations. Hailed as the train of the future, the
concept is indeed pretty fancy. Described by Musk himself as "the fifth
mode of transport," it's intended to provide fast and safe transit,
largely self-powered with electricity generated by its own solar panels.
How would Hyperloop work?
The
Hyperloop train concept is based on the idea of a "vactrain." That's a
high-speed train run in a tube that has had all the air removed, making
it a vacuum – hence the name. Having no air in the tube means (almost)
no drag, the aerodynamic force that pushes in the opposite direction
from which a train is traveling. So a vactrain could potentially travel
really fast – think thousands of miles an hour.
____________________________________
The future of rail travel, and why it doesn't look like Hyperloop
August 5, 2015
____________________________________
Japan's maglev train breaks world speed record with 600km/h test run
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/21/japans-maglev-train-notches-up-new-world-speed-record-in-test-run
____________________________________
Fastest Car in the World: Worlds Top 5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXCYu_ROyhk
____________________________________
Bloodhound SSC
Bloodhound SSC is a supersonic land vehicle currently in development. Its goal is to match or exceed 1,000 miles per hour (1,609 km/h) achieving a new world land speed record. The pencil-shaped car, powered by a jet engine and a rocket engine is designed to reach 1,050 miles per hour (1,690 km/h). It is being developed and built with the intention of breaking the land speed record by 33%, the largest ever margin.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloodhound_SSC
____________________________________
ThrustSSC
ThrustSSC, Thrust SSC, or Thrust supersonic car, is a British jet-propelled car developed by Richard Noble, Glynne Bowsher, Ron Ayers and Jeremy Bliss.
Thrust SSC holds the World Land Speed Record, set on 15 October 1997, when it achieved a speed of 1,228 km/h (763 mph) and became the first car to officially break the sound barrier.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ThrustSSC
____________________________________
High-Speed Transportation of the Future: Is 760mph Possible? | FD Engineering
Sep 8, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPOVw2jAsjc
____________________________________
Unstoppable! Airless tire will never go flat
http://www.zdnet.com/article/unstoppable-airless-tire-will-never-go-flat/
____________________________________
How NASA Reinvented The Wheel
Apr 29, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSNtifE0Z2Q
____________________________________
Students design the tire of the future
December 29, 2014
http://www.gizmag.com/hankook-tyre-design-challenge-2014/35380/
____________________________________
New nanogenerator harvests power from rolling tires
June 29, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-nanogenerator-harvests-power.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
____________________________________
The Magnetic Air Car: a Step Towards Free Energy Devices?
September 30, 2008
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/magnetic-air-car-20080930/#.VSFjlOG-2zk
____________________________________
Meet the electric motorcycle that's now the fastest production bike in the world
The Lightning LS-218 boasts a model number that actually means
something. Back in 2012, a prototype of the electric bike clocked in a
wholly unnecessary (yet much appreciated) 218mph, helping it to win at Pikes Peak
and setting it up to become the world's fastest production motorcycle.
The finished version is now ready to make good on that promise, having
just been revealed at the Quail Motorsport Gathering in California,
prior to a scheduled launch in the summer -- at which point it'll likely
cost upwards of $38,000.
http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/20/lightning-ls-218-electric-motorbike-revealed/
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Chapter 26: Alternative fuel
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Exotic “Blinking” Crystals May Convert CO2 Into Fuels, Power Quantum Computers
22nd, Jul 2020
Unusual nanoparticles could benefit the quest to build a quantum
computer. Imagine tiny crystals that “blink” like fireflies and can
convert carbon dioxide, a key...
The post Exotic “Blinking” Crystals May Convert CO2 Into Fuels, Power
Quantum Computers appeared first on SciTechDaily.
https://statnano.com/world-news/81470/Exotic-%E2%80%9CBlinking%E2%80%9D-Crystals-May-Convert-CO2-Into-Fuels-Power-Quantum-Computers
____________________________________
Enzymes from fungi can help extract plant components for biofuels and bioplastics
18 June 2025
____________________________________
Researchers produce new fuel from coal dust and algae
December 22, 2015
Researchers at
the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in South Africa
have developed a new fuel, known as Coalgae. Made from a combination
of algae and coal dust, the latter of which is a waste product, the
fuel could have a significant positive impact on the environment.
http://www.gizmag.com/nmmu-new-fuel-coalgae/41030/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
Audi just created diesel fuel from air and water
April 26, 2015
Audi is making a new fuel for internal combustion engines that has the
potential to make a big dent when it comes to climate change – that's
because the synthetic diesel is made from just water and carbon dioxide.
http://www.gizmag.com/audi-creates-e-diesel-from-co2/37130/
____________________________________
Researchers Found An Enzyme That Could Get Gasoline From Thin Air
August 8, 2010
Scientists at the University of California found a
new way to get gasoline from thin air. According to them, an enzyme
(located in the roots of soybeans) that normally produces ammonia from
nitrogen gas, is able to convert carbon monoxide into propane (a common
industrial byproduct used in kitchens across America). This could be the
key to vehicles that run on air.
“This organism is a very common soil bacteria that is very well
understood and has been studied for a long time. But while we were
studying it, we realized that the enzyme has some unusual behavior”,
said Markus Ribbe, a scientist at the University of California.
The
research group has also isolated one particular enzyme to convert
nitrogen into ammonia. Without nitrogen oxygen, the enzyme began to turn
the carbon monoxide (CO) into short chains of carbon two and three
atoms long generating propane. They hope to modify the enzyme so it can
produce gasoline.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/enzyme-gasoline-thin-air-20100808/#.VSX0nZO-2zk
____________________________________
Catalyst that converts carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide in water
Jun 03, 2015
____________________________________
New process produces hydrogen from methane, without emitting CO2
November 30, 2015
Natural gas accounts for over 28 percent of US energy consumption. Its
main component, methane, is a widely-used fossil fuel but also a major
contributor to rising CO2 levels, and thus climate change. To
address this issue, researchers from the Institute of Advanced
Sustainability Studies (IASS) and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
(KIT) have developed a process that extracts the energy content of
methane, in the form hydrogen, without producing carbon dioxide...
http://www.gizmag.com/hydrogen-production-methane-without-co2/40502/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
Simpler, cheaper way to make liquid methanol fuel using CO2 and sunlight
http://www.gizmag.com/photochemical-photosynthesis-uta-co2-methanol/26766/
____________________________________
Carbon dioxide from the air converted into methanol
- February 6, 2016
http://www.gizmag.com/air-co2-methanol-conversion-usc/41669/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
Scientists develop diesel that emits far less CO2
December 10, 2015
Researchers from KU Leuven and Utrecht University have discovered a new approach to the production of fuels. Their new method can be used to produce much cleaner diesel. It can quickly be scaled up for industrial use. In 5 to 10 years, we may see the first cars driven by this new clean diesel. The production of fuel involves the use of catalysts. These substances trigger the chemical reactions that convert raw material into fuel. In the case of diesel, small catalyst granules are added to the raw material to sufficiently change the molecules of the raw material to produce useable fuel.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-scientists-diesel-emits-co2.html
____________________________________
New family of chemical structures can effectively remove CO2 from gas mixtures
July 16, 2015
A newly discovered family of chemical structures,
published in Nature today, could increase the value of biogas and
natural gas that contains carbon dioxide.
The
new chemical structures, known as zeolites, have been created by an
international team of researchers including Professor Xiaodong Zou and
co-workers from the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry
at Stockholm University.
The zeolites—crystalline
aluminosilicates with frameworks that contain windows and cavities the
size of small molecules—can separate out carbon dioxide more effectively
from fuel gases than those previously known.
http://phys.org/news/2015-07-family-chemical-effectively-co2-gas.html#jCp
____________________________________
Solar cell sucks up CO2 and spits burnable fuel out the other side
July 29, 2016
http://newatlas.com/solar-cell-co2-burnable-fuel/44645/
____________________________________
Engineered surface holds promise for tech to convert CO₂ into liquid fuel
March 24, 2025
Researchers
have developed a novel combination of materials that have organic and
inorganic properties, with the goal of using them in technologies that
convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into a liquid fuel. The
paper, "Mild-Annealed Molecular Layer Deposition (MLD) Tincone Thin Film
as Photoelectrochemically Stable and Efficient Electron Transport Layer
for Si Photocathodes," is published in ACS Applied Energy Materials.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-03-surface-tech-liquid-fuel.html
____________________________________
Biodiesel wastewater treatment: Capturing carbon and valuable chemicals
March 21, 2025
While
biodiesel provides a cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum diesel,
it produces CO2 and hazardous wastewater during manufacturing,
requiring extra steps to achieve sustainability. A diagnostic study led
by University of Michigan researchers works to improve a process that
captures CO2 while treating biodiesel wastewater and produces valuable
co-products like fuels and green chemicals.
During biodiesel
production, fats—like vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled restaurant
grease—are transformed into fuel through a process called
transesterification. With the help of a catalyst, an alcohol (typically
methanol) breaks the bonds in the fat molecules to create glycerol and
long, chain-like molecules called fatty acid esters.
The fatty
acid esters, which resemble petroleum diesel’s molecular structure,
become biodiesel while the glycerol goes into the wastewater as a
byproduct. If left untreated, glycerol can pollute natural water
resources by depleting oxygen levels, suffocating fish and other
organisms.
https://cee.engin.umich.edu/2025/03/21/biodiesel-wastewater-treatment-capturing-carbon-and-valuable-chemicals/
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| Posted: Mar 05, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Breakthrough in energy harvesting could power 'life on Mars' http://www.nanowerk.com/news2/space/newsid=39285.php |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Nanowerk News) Martian colonists could use an innovative new technique to harvest energy from carbon dioxide thanks to research pioneered at Northumbria University, Newcastle. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| The technique, which has been proven for the first time by researchers at Northumbria, has been published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications ("A sublimation heat engine"). | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| The research proposes a new kind of engine for producing energy based on the Leidenfrost effect – a phenomenon which happens when a liquid comes into near contact with a surface much hotter than its boiling point. This effect is commonly seen in the way water appears to skitter across the surface of a hot pan, but it also applies to solid carbon dioxide, commonly known as dry ice. Blocks of dry ice are able to levitate above hot surfaces protected by a barrier of evaporated gas vapour. Northumbria’s research proposes using the vapour created by this effect to power an engine. This is the first time the Leidenfrost effect has been adapted as a way of harvesting energy. |
| The technique has exciting implications for working in extreme and alien environments, such as outer space, where it could be used to make long-term exploration and colonisation sustainable by using naturally occurring solid carbon dioxide as a resource rather than a waste product. If this could be realised, then future missions to Mars, such as those in the news recently, may not need to be ‘one-way’ after all. | |
| Dry ice may not be abundant on Earth, but increasing evidence from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) suggests it may be a naturally occurring resource on Mars as suggested by the seasonal appearance of gullies on the surface of the red planet. If utilised in a Leidenfrost-based engine dry-ice deposits could provide the means to create future power stations on the surface of Mars. |
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Chapter 27: Biofuel
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We have already seen the problems with genetically modified corn and soy. We must now question if genetically modified tobacco plants have been tested thoroughly. Different groups think that we still need better options for energy, other than biofuel. Many question the excess amount of chemicals and carbon emissions from biofuel. Some think that hydrogen energy, magnetic energy and electrical energy may be cleaner than certain types of biofuel. We have still not explored all of the possibilities yet, in the sustainable production of different types of biofuel. Biofuel can be made from many different plants, such as coffee grounds, sugarcane, hemp, corn, used cooking oil and many other types of plants. With laws such as H.R. 1599, many are concerned that the government now has the authority to genetically modify any plant, and approve GMO plants for human consumption.
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Microalgae biofuel yields boosted with nanotechnology
July 24, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-07-microalgae-biofuel-yields-boosted-nanotechnology.html
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The Plan to Turn the Caribbean’s Glut of Sargassum Into Biofuel
Aug 18, 2025
With record-breaking quantities of the seaweed set to hit Mexico’s beaches, experts propose converting it into biogas and construction materials, as well as using it to underwrite carbon credits.
https://www.wired.com/story/there-is-more-sargassum-than-ever-in-the-caribbean-and-they-want-to-turn-it-into-energy/#intcid=_wired-nativearticle-bottom-recirc_f86fd5b9-2212-40e4-b4a5-b1cf8a15f1ca_entity-topic-similarity-v2_fallback_popular4-2
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Making biodiesel from dirty old cooking oil just got way easier
26-Oct-2020
Sponge-like catalysts could transform biodiesel production and chemical manufacturing. Image shows the porous ceramic sponge fabricated in the study (magnified 20,000 times).
New ultra-efficient catalyst can recycle old cooking oil into biodiesel and turn food scraps into high-value complex molecules
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/825841
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New catalyst can turn smelly hydrogen sulfide into a cash cow
Light-powered catalyst makes hydrogen energy from pungent gas in one-step process
HOUSTON – (Oct. 31, 2022) – Rice University engineers and scientists have created a sweet way for petrochemical refineries to turn a smelly byproduct into cash.
Hydrogen sulfide gas has the unmistakable aroma of rotten eggs. It often emanates from sewers, stockyards and landfills, but it is particularly problematic for refineries, petrochemical plants and other industries, which make thousands of tons of the noxious gas each year as a byproduct of processes that remove sulfur from petroleum, natural gas, coal and other products.
https://news.rice.edu/news/2022/new-catalyst-can-turn-smelly-hydrogen-sulfide-cash-cow
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3D-printed ‘nano-skyscrapers’ help bacteria convert sunlight into electricity
March 24, 2022
Current technologies for renewable energy such as biofuels or silicon-based solar cells are superior to fossil fuels in CO2 emissions. But they also have limitations like reliance on mining, recycling difficulties, and dependencies on farming and land use, resulting in biodiversity loss.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge, UK, have developed 3D-printed nano-skyscrapers that could help bacteria convert sunlight into energy. The novel method has the potential to increase sustainable fuel and bio-electricity in the future.
The team used 3D printing to create high-rise “building” grids where sun-loving cyanobacteria can grow and multiply quickly. Afterwards, they extracted the bacteria’s waste electrons – left over from photosynthesis – that could be used to power electronic devices.
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H.R.1599 - Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015
This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the
developer of a bioengineered organism intended as food to submit a
premarket biotechnology notification to the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). A “bioengineered organism” (commonly called a “genetically
modified organism” or “GMO”) is a plant or part of a plant that has been
modified through recombinant DNA techniques in a way that could not be
obtained using conventional breeding techniques.
A
food can be labeled as non-GMO even if it is produced with a GMO
processing aid or enzyme or derived from animals fed GMO feed or given
GMO drugs. The FDA must allow, but not require, GMO food to be labeled as GMO...
The FDA must allow, but not require, GMO food to be labeled as GMO...
https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1599
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Scientists Hack Tobacco Plants to Grow Synthetic Photovoltaic Cells
January 27, 2010
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/scientists-hack-tobacco-plants-to-grow-synthetic-photovoltaic-cells-20100127/#.VX_4FEa-2zk
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Genetically Modified Tobacco Leaves Make Biofuel Efficiently
January 2, 2010
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/tobacco-leaves-biofuel/#.VX__cEa-2zk
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'Nano-raspberries' could bear fruit in fuel cells
Jun 09, 2015
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have developed a fast, simple process for making platinum 'nano-raspberries'—microscopic clusters of nanoscale particles of the precious metal. The berry-like shape is significant because it has a high surface area, which is helpful in the design of catalysts. Even better news for industrial chemists: the researchers figured out when and why the berry clusters clump into larger bunches of 'nano-grapes.' The research could help make fuel cells more practical.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-nano-raspberries-fruit-fuel-cells.html#jCp
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Researchers develop fermentation process to produce biofuels from waste biomass
December 25, 2015
Imagine a world where vehicles run on beer. Some might think of this as a
devastating waste of good hops, but a University of Maryland (UMD) team
sees a lot of promise for the idea. The team has been awarded a patent
for a process that uses natural microorganisms to ferment biomass or
gases into hydrocarbons. In short, they've figured out how to brew
gasoline naturally...
http://www.gizmag.com/umd-ferment-gasoline/41066/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Biofuel instead of coal and oil - How promising are these renewable resources? | DW Documentary
Jun 4, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9arI2e5bkw
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New technique uses most abundant gas on Earth to help create bioethanol
February 3, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/bacterium-nitrogen-gas-bioethanol/35883/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
Zymomonas mobilis bacterium might be tricky to say, but this
bioethanol-producing microbe could become a household name if Indiana
University (IU) biologists have their way. The biologists claim to have
found a quicker, cheaper, cleaner way to increase bioethanol production
in this microorganism by using the most abundant element in the Earth’s
atmosphere: nitrogen gas (N2). By replacing chemical fertilizers with N2,
production costs could be slashed and cellulose ethanol derived from
wood pulp made much more economically viable – so much so that the
researchers believe it may compete with corn ethanol and gasoline on
price.
Cellulose found in woody plants such as trees, grasses, and other inedible plant substances – like olive stones
– is generally low in nitrogen, which makes cellulose all that much
more difficult to convert given that nitrogen is a staple requirement
for feeding ethanol-producing microbes. As a result, cellulosic ethanol
makers spend many millions of dollars a year on nitrogen-rich
fertilizers such as diammonium phosphate or corn-steep liquor.
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Cool science: Researchers craft tiny biological tools using frozen ethanol
May 20, 2025
Imagine drawing on something as delicate as a living cell -- without
damaging it. Researchers have made this groundbreaking discovery using
an unexpected combination of tools: frozen ethanol, electron beams and
purple-tinted microbes. By advancing a method called ice lithography,
the team was able to etch incredibly small, detailed patterns directly
onto fragile biological surfaces.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121257.htm
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Cats in a Cage: Novel Hybrid Nanocages for Improved Catalytic Efficiency
A novel hybrid ferritin nanocage with histidine residues shows 1.5 times higher metal ion uptake and improved catalytic efficiency for alcohol production, find researchers from Tokyo Tech in a new study. Their findings suggest that hybrid bio-nanocages could effectively catalyze reactions to yield industrially important products.
https://scitechdaily.com/cats-in-a-cage-novel-hybrid-nanocages-for-improved-catalytic-efficiency/
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Serendipitous discovery could lead to more efficient catalysts
April 9, 2025
Preparing catalysts by sending hot, steamy car exhaust over them could improve their efficiency and reduce the amount of rare and expensive metals required in vehicle catalytic converters and many other emission control and industrial processes.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250407172923.htm
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Revolution in Nanotech: A Motor That’s 1/10,000th of a Millimeter
27th, Oct 2023
____________________________________
DNA Origami Nanoturbine: Pioneering the Nanomotor Revolution
Researchers have introduced a pioneering breakthrough in the world of nanomotors – the DNA origami nanoturbine. This nanoscale device could represent a paradigm shift, harnessing power from ion gradients or electrical potential across a solid-state nanopore to drive the turbine into mechanical rotations. The core of this pioneering discovery is the design, construction, and driven motion of a ’DNA origami’ turbine, which features three chiral blades, all within a minuscule 25-nanometer frame, operating in a solid-state nanopore. By ingeniously designing two chiral turbines, researchers now have the capability to dictate the direction of rotation, clockwise or anticlockwise.
https://scitechdaily.com/dna-origami-nanoturbine-pioneering-the-nanomotor-revolution/
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New Membrane by Chinese Scientist Can Make Fuel Cells Cheaper
December 17, 2008
Fuel cells are said to be the next big thing in
the auto industry. In fact, they already are the next big thing. Fuel
cells take advantage of the joining force between the oxygen and the
hydrogen, and create electricity, used to drive anything (a car, more
commonly). Price is a prohibitive variable in fuel cells market, and
that’s what’s keeping them from becoming mainstream. Current versions of
fuel cells use platinum as a catalyst for their operation, and, as most
of the people know, platinum is an expensive metal.
Lin
Zhuang, from the Wuhan University in Hubei, China, has studied and
designed a new fuel cell membrane that can make the usage of platinum in
fuel cells history. It is much more cheap and can also become more
efficient than the membranes that require the use of the expensive
metal. His newly developed membrane is alkaline, not acidic, and makes
it possible to use nickel instead of platinum.
The new membrane
can also be mixed with the catalyst itself (nickel), making the whole
assembly more efficient, because the contact surface between them is
increased.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/lin-zhuang-fuel-cell-membrane-20081217/
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Researchers discover a royal flush in powering fuel cells with wastewater
February 23, 2016
https://phys.org/news/2016-02-royal-flush-powering-fuel-cells.html
But two Virginia Tech researchers have stolen the spotlight from the sun by discovering a way to maximize the amount of electricity that can be generated from the wastewater we flush down the toilet.
An article recently published in Scientific Reports detailing their findings speaks to a growing sustainability movement to capture energy from existing waste to potentially make treatment facilities more energy-efficient.
Xueyang Feng and Jason He traced bacteria, which led them to discover that the working relationship between two specific substrates produced more energy than either did separately. This work will help take the mystery out of how electrochemically-active bacteria create energy. It could help in the development of new treatment system called a microbial fuel cell.
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Added DNA could be used to authenticate premium olive oil
April 25, 2014
When most people think of counterfeit goods, they probably picture
things like handbags or watches. In fact, there's also a huge market for
knock-off high-end food products, such as extra-virgin olive oil.
Scientists from Switzerland's ETH Zurich research group, however, have
come up with a possible method of thwarting the makers of that bogus oil
– just add synthetic DNA particles to the real thing. And yes,
consumers would proceed to swallow those particles.
Because DNA can be damaged by exposure to chemicals,
light, and fluctuations in temperature when outside of a living
organism, the particles are first encased in a protective silica
coating. Iron oxide nanoparticles are also added, which come into the
picture later.
The DNA particles can then be added to olive oil,
with quite a small amount of them being sufficient for the task at hand –
according to ETH, "Just a few grams of the new substance are enough to
tag the entire olive oil production of Italy."
When stores subsequently wanted to verify the
authenticity of tagged oil, they could use a magnet to retrieve some of
the DNA particles from a sample of the liquid. This is where the
attached iron oxide comes in, as it's drawn to magnets.
The DNA is then freed from its silica shell using a
fluoride-based solution, and analyzed via an inexpensive process known
as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). If the code of the sampled DNA
matched the code that was recorded when the DNA was added by the
manufacturer, then the oil would be the genuine article.
Although it would be extremely difficult for
counterfeiters to create DNA with that same code, they might be tempted
to instead just add a bit of the authentic tagged oil to their own
product, thereby mixing in some of its DNA. That wouldn't work, either,
however, as it's also possible to measure the concentration of DNA particles in a sample – again, that amount would have to match the value that was recorded by the original manufacturer.
The particles reportedly don't alter the appearance
or taste of the oil, and are said to be harmless to ingest. Silica and
iron oxide are essentially sand and rust, and are already present in
some commonly-consumed foods. As for DNA, we eat it every time we eat
plant or animal products. That said, lead scientist Robert Grass thinks
that the technology might go over better with consumers if the synthetic
DNA were replaced with natural DNA, such as that of fruits or
vegetables.
Application of the DNA particles would reportedly
cost about 0.02 cents per liter of oil. The tagging system could also be
used on a wide variety of other liquids, and has already been
successfully tested on Bergamot essential oil, which is used in
perfumes. Scientists at Portugal's University of Aveiro are working on a
similar system, in which DNA "barcodes" can be added to both liquids and dry goods.
http://www.gizmag.com/olive-oil-dna-counterfeiting/31798/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Boeing opens cooking-oil-to-biofuel plant in China
October 23, 2014
http://www.gizmag.com/boeing-comac-cooking-oil-biofuel-plant/34388/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________Boeing may convert forestry waste into biofuel
December 3, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/boeing-forestry-waste-biofuel/40711/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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22 Jan 2015:
Wood Pellets: Green Energy or
New Source of CO2 Emissions?
http://e360.yale.edu/feature/wood_pellets_green_energy_or_new_source_of_co2_emissions/2840/
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Are Biofuel Crops Actually Increasing Carbon Emissions?
April 6, 2015
- Graduate student Tyler Lark took a look at what happens when biofuel
crops replace former wetlands or grasslands, and their findings were
quite shocking. The issue arises when you consider that undisturbed
forest, wetlands, and grasslands are already doing a fine job of carbon
sequestration, all on their own.
Replacing those areas to biofuel crops actually results in a net increase in carbon emissions, according to the UW-Madison study.
For example, between 2008 and 2012, the study determined that some
seven million acres, about 11,000 square miles, of former grasslands and
wetlands. About half of that, or an area the size of the state of
Connecticut, was converted land for planting biofuel crops, such as
soybeans and corn.
According to their calculations, the
destruction of these natural carbon sequestering zones could possibly be
responsible for as much carbon dioxide emissions as adding another 28
million cars to the road. In other terms, the UW-Madison study says that
this is about as much carbon emissions as putting another 34 coal power plants in service.
Aside
from other environmental impacts, such as natural habitat destruction,
increased erosion, and increased irrigation, do we need to take another
look at land use with regards to net carbon dioxide emissions related to
biofuel crops?
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/biofuel-crops-carbon-emissions/#.VX_8cka-2zk
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06 Apr 2015:
Millions of Acres of Grasslands
Cleared For Biofuel Crops, Study Finds
http://e360.yale.edu/digest/millions_of_acres_of_grasslands_cleared_for_biofuel_crops_study_finds/4404/
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List of forests cleared for biofuel
https://www.google.com/search?q=10mm+motivational+poster&biw=1600&bih=799&source=lnms&sa=X&sqi=2&pjf=1&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAGoVChMIyuj-0IXwxgIVx6SICh2IegMN&dpr=1#q=list+of+forests+cleared+for+biofuel
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Metal makes for a promising alternative to fossil fuels
- December 12, 2015
Clean fuels come in many forms, but burning iron or aluminum seems to be
stretching the definition – unless you ask a team of scientists led by
McGill University, who see a low-carbon future that runs on metal. The
team is studying the combustion characteristics of metal powders to
determine whether such powders could provide a cleaner, more viable
alternative to fossil fuels than hydrogen, biofuels, or electric
batteries.
http://www.gizmag.com/mcgill-metal-powder-fuel/40869/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widg
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New process recycles rare earth elements from wastewater
October 31, 2013
Rare earth elements are an integral part of many of today's
electronic devices, serving as magnets, catalysts and superconductors.
Unfortunately, these minerals are also ... well, rare, and thus
very pricey. Recently, however, scientists discovered that some of them
can be reclaimed from industrial wastewater, instead of being mined
from the earth.
The researchers, from the Chinese Academy of
Sciences, already knew that a nanomaterial known as nano-magnesium
hydroxide (nano-Mg(OH)2) could remove some metals and dyes from
wastewater. It was also known that the rare earth elements in
wastewater tend to be very diluted, and thus quite difficult to remove
in a practical, inexpensive fashion.
http://www.gizmag.com/rare-earth-element-wastewater/29630/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Gold and other valuable metals may be harvested from sewage
March 24, 2015
Mining operations tend not be very good for the environment, nor does the disposal of treated solid waste that still contains potentially-toxic metals. Now, however, scientists are looking into taking that waste and harvesting its trace amounts of metals such as gold, silver and platinum. Doing so could ultimately reduce the need for mining and decrease the amount of metals entering the environment, while also turning sewage into a source of revenue.
http://www.gizmag.com/metals-from-biosolids/36695/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Rare earths in bacteria: Methane-decomposing bacteria from hot springs need the valuable metals to produce energy
- Date:
- October 30, 2013
- Source:
- Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
- Summary:
- Rare earths are among the most precious raw materials of all. These metals are used in mobile telephones, display screens and computers. And they are apparently indispensable for some organisms as well. Scientists have discovered a bacterium which needs rare earths to grow -- in a hot spring.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131030125433.htm
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Engines of change: Scientists recover rare earths from electric and hybrid vehicle motors
- Date:
- September 30, 2015
- Source:
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Summary:
- In an effort to help develop a domestic supply of rare earth elements, researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a novel method of chemically separating these materials -- specifically neodymium, dysprosium, and praseodymium -- from the drive units and motors of discarded electric and hybrid cars. The goal is to recycle rare earths that would otherwise be lost in a sustainable and efficient manner.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150930140345.htm
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Team creates the world's first formic acid-based fuel cell
March 20, 2018
https://phys.org/news/2018-03-team-world-formic-acid-based-fuel.html
____________________________________
Top Strongest Acids Ever
Aug 27, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7-MzBAF4gY
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Chapter 28: Sustainable Lubricants
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Humidity may be the key to super-lubricity 'switch'
January 9, 2023
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Sometimes friction is good, such as the friction between a road and a car’s tires to prevent the vehicle from skidding. But sometimes friction is bad — if you did not put oil in that very same car, there would be so much friction in the bearings of the engine that the car could not operate.
A material state known as super-lubricity, where friction between two contacting surfaces nearly vanishes, is a phenomenon that materials researchers have studied for years due to the potential for reducing the energy cost and wear and tear on devices, two major drawbacks of friction. However, there are times when friction is needed within the same device, and the ability to turn super-lubricity on and off would be a boon for multiple practical engineering applications.
Seong Kim, distinguished professor of chemical engineering and associate head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Penn State, and Zhe Chen, a researcher with the State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Zhejiang University, proposed in a study in Applied Materials Today that this super-lubricity switch may be found in humidity. Specifically, water vapor and vapor in phenol, which is a family of organic compounds.
Super-lubricity is a key characteristic of certain two-dimensional (2D) materials, which consist of a single layer of atoms, especially graphene and molybdenum disulfide. Graphene is often used as a solid lubricant, in the form of a coating on various materials such as metals and plastics. With graphene, the atoms are oriented in a hexagonal manner, which forms this mountain-and-valley landscape, much like a supermarket egg crate.
https://www.psu.edu/news/materials-research-institute/story/humidity-may-be-key-super-lubricity-switch
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How Fluid Electrons: in Graphene Could Supercharge Future
October 28, 2024
New research into quantum materials like graphene shows that electrons can behave like viscous fluids, opening up possibilities for faster and more efficient electronic devices. This breakthrough has led to the development of devices such as the viscous electron bolometer, which could improve technologies from internet speeds to non-invasive medical scans. In high school science, we learned that connecting a cable to an electrical circuit starts a flow of electrons, providing power to everything from lights to phones.
Traditionally, we’ve understood electron behavior in metals and semiconductors using a simple model. In this view, electrons are like tiny, independent particles — similar to cars moving freely on an open highway, rarely interacting with each other. This straightforward model has long been the foundation of electronics, shaping how we design the devices that power modern life.
However, this traditional view doesn’t fully explain the behavior of electrons in certain emerging quantum materials, such as graphene — a highly conductive, ultrathin material. In graphene, electrons don’t move independently but instead flow collectively, resembling the movement of a viscous fluid, like oil.
This finding is more than just a quirky observation. It could be transformative for the future development of a broad range of technologies.
https://thenetizensreport.com/fluid-electrons-graphene/
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LiquiGlide poised to market superhydrophobic coating for wide range of products
Mar 25, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-03-liquiglide-poised-superhydrophobic-coating-wide.html
____________________________________
Some question if there could be a way to make hydrophobic and superhydrophobic chemicals biodegrade naturally.
____________________________________
Bacteria used to create superfluids
July 13, 2015
A
team of researchers with Université Paris-Sud and Université P.M.
Curie/Université Paris-Diderot, both in France, has discovered that
putting certain types of bacteria into an ordinary fluid, can cause it
to become a superfluid. In their paper published in the journal Physical
Review Letters, the team describes how they modified an old rheometer
to conduct the tests, their readings and their ideas on why the bacteria
caused a change in viscosity.
A fluid's viscosity is its
state of thickness as can be demonstrated when it is poured out—water
will run out much faster than oil, for example. Viscosity comes about
due to friction among the ingredients that make up the fluid. Scientists
have suspected for a number of years that bacteria in a fluid can cause
a change in its viscosity, but until now, it has not been proven. To do
so, the researchers pulled out a rheometer (a device used to measure
viscosity) that was built several decades ago—they modified it to allow
for connecting to a computer.
http://phys.org/news/2015-07-bacteria-superfluids.html
____________________________________
Many tests still need to be done, to see how certain types of synthesized bacteria to create superfluids and how these superfluids will react and biodegrade in the wild.
Many people also want self lubricating devices that are non-toxic to the environment. Such as the properties of the wood called lignum vitae.
____________________________________
Lignum vitae
https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Lignum_vitae
The wood is obtained chiefly from Guaiacum officinale and Guaiacum sanctum, both small, slow growing trees. All species of the genus Guaiacum are now listed in Appendix II of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) as potentially endangered species. Demand for the wood has been reduced by modern materials science, which has led to polymer, alloys and composite materials that can take lignum vitae's place...
- "Lignum vitae" is Latin
for "wood of life", and derives its name from its medicinal uses;
lignum vitae resin has been used to treat a variety of medical
conditions from coughs to arthritis, and chips of the wood can also be used to brew a tea.
Master clockmaker John Harrison used lignum vitae in the bearings and gears of his pendulum clocks and his first three marine chronometers
(all of which were large clocks rather than watches), since the wood is
self-lubricating. The use of lignum vitae eliminates the need for
horological lubricating oil;
18th-century horological oil would get gummy and reduce the accuracy of
a timepiece under unfavourable conditions (including those that prevail
at sea).
For the same reason it was widely used in water-lubricated shaft bearings for ships and hydro-electric power plants, and in the stern-tube bearings of ship propellers until the 1960s saw the introduction of sealed white metal bearings. According to the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association website, the shaft bearings on the WWII submarine USS Pampanito (SS-383) were made of this wood. The aft main shaft strut bearings for USS Nautilus (SSN-571),
the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, were composed of this
wood. Also, the bearings in the original 1920s turbines of the Conowingo hydroelectric plant on the lower Susquehanna River
were made from lignum vitae. The shaft bearings on the horizontal
turbines at the Pointe du Bois generating station in Manitoba are made
from lignum vitae. Other hydroelectric plant turbine bearings, many of
them still in service, were fabricated with lignum vitae and are too
numerous to list here.
____________________________________
Greaseless ball bearings: A revolutionary spin on a design that's been around for ages
May 26, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/greaseless-ball-bearings-coo-space-adb/37689/
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Controlling Surface Topography with Particle-Enhanced Soft Composites
An MIT team has developed a way of making soft materials, using a 3-D
printer, with surface textures that can then be modified at will to be
perfectly smooth, or ridged or bumpy, or even to have complex patterns
that could be used to guide fluids.
http://scitechdaily.com/controlling-surface-topography-with-particle-enhanced-soft-composites/
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Graphene and diamonds prove a slippery combination
May 25, 2015
Scientists
at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have
found a way to use tiny diamonds and graphene to give friction the slip,
creating a new material combination that demonstrates the rare
phenomenon of "superlubricity."
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-graphene-diamonds-slippery-combination.html#ajTabs
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Silicone grease is even being used for lubrication on firearms. Even greases that contain lithium and synthetic lithium have been used as greases. They even have
different types of non-toxic lubricants, such as food grade lubricants for use on machines.
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Electrons and liquid helium advance understanding of zero-resistance
February 2, 2016
The end of Moore's Law, the prediction that transistor density would double every two years, was one of the hottest topics in electronics-related discussions in 2015. Silicon-based technologies have nearly reached the physical limits of the number and size of transistors that can be crammed into one chip, but alternative technologies are still far from mass implementation. The amount of heat generated during operation and the sizes of atoms and molecules in materials used in transistor manufacturing are some of problems that need to be solved for Moore's Law to persist.
Atomic and molecular sizes cannot be changed, but the heat problem is not unsolvable. Recent research has shown that in two-dimensional systems, including semiconductors, electrical resistance decreases and can reach almost zero when they are subjected to magnetic and microwave influence. Electrical resistance produces a loss of energy in the form of heat; therefore, a decrease in resistance reduces heat generation. There are several different models and explanations for the zero-resistance phenomenon in these systems. however, the scientific community has not reached an agreement on this matter because semiconductors used in electronics are complex and processes in them are difficult to model mathematically.
http://phys.org/news/2016-02-electrons-liquid-helium-advance-zero-resistance.html#nRlv
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Researchers demonstrate method that reduces friction between two surfaces to almost zero at macroscopic scale
May 15, 2015
As
most people are aware, friction causes energy loss and wear and tear on
mechanical parts—lubricants such as oil are used to help reduce
friction and to dissipate heat, but scientists would really like to find
a way to prevent it from happening in the first place. In this new
effort, the researchers were studying friction properties at the
nanoscale, where it is more about the attractive forces between atoms,
than microscopic imperfections that are present at the macroscopic
scale. They were testing an idea they had, that if one flat material was
coated with graphene and another with a diamond-carbon mixture, there
likely would be little friction when one was slid over the other.
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-method-friction-surfaces-macroscopic-scale.html#jCp
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Researchers create fatigue-free, stretchable conductor
September 21, 2015
Researchers have discovered a new stretchable, transparent conductor that can be folded or stretched and released, resulting in a large curvature or a significant strain, at least 10,000 times without showing signs of fatigue.
This is a crucial step in creating a new generation of foldable electronics - think a flat-screen television that can be rolled up for easy portability - and implantable medical devices. The work, published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, pairs gold nanomesh with a stretchable substrate made with polydimethylsiloxane, or PDMS.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-fatigue-free-stretchable-conductor.html#jCp
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Flexible foam made from algae
August 25, 2015
Algae is proving to be pretty darn useful – in recent years, it’s been used to produce oxygen, purify wastewater, provide light and serve as a source of biofuel. Now, bioplastics firm Algix and clean tech company Effekt are making flexible foam out of the stuff, too.
http://www.gizmag.com/flexible-foam-made-from-algae/39102/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Researchers develop a library of elastin-like proteins to help in creating synthetic designs
September 23, 2015
A pair of researchers at Duke University has built a library of protein data that outlines the specific amino acid sequences that control changes of many elastin proteins. In their paper published in the journal Nature Materials, Felipe García Quiroz and Ashutosh Chilkoti describe their research, the making of their library, and their belief that what they have created will help in the development of new synthetic designs for possible use in medical applications.
Proteins are organic compounds essential to all living organisms, they are especially prevalent in components that have structure, such as muscle, skin, hair, etc. They provide structure by self-forming into different shapes under different conditions, two of which are solubility and temperature. Proteins are made of sequences of amino acids—the order and type of which drive the shape of the protein when certain conditions are met. Scientists still do not quite understand how proteins self assemble into the specific 3D shapes they take, nor which amino acids lead to which shapes, or indeed, how the order in which they exist contributes to those shapes.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-library-elastin-like-proteins-synthetic.html#jCp
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Scientists Unveil Safer Way To Make “Miracle Material” MXene
April 16, 2025
Researchers at TU Wien have developed a safer, non-toxic electrochemical method to produce MXenes, remarkable 2D materials with applications in energy storage, sensors, and solid lubrication. This breakthrough eliminates the need for hazardous hydrofluoric acid, potentially enabling industrial-scale production...
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-unveil-safer-way-to-make-miracle-material-mxene/
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New technology could mean better chemical analysis on earth and in space
September 24, 2015
A new lightweight, energy-efficient tool for analyzing a material's chemical makeup could improve the detection abilities of various technologies, ranging from bomb-detecting drones to space rovers searching for signs of life, says a Texas A&M University biomedical engineer who is part of the team developing the instrument.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-technology-chemical-analysis-earth-space.html#jCp
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Scientists turn table salt into forbidden compounds that violate textbook rules
January 20, 2014
http://www.gizmag.com/scientists-create-forbidden-compounds-table-salt/30520/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
In the field of exotic new materials, we've examined one of the strongest ones and another declared to be impossible; scientists now report creating "forbidden" materials out of ordinary table salt that violate classical rules of chemistry. Not only does the development challenge the theoretical foundation of chemistry, but it is also expected to lead to the discovery of new exotic chemical compounds with practical uses and shed light on the deep interiors of planets.
The international team of researchers led by Artem R. Oganov, a Professor of Crystallography at Stony Brook University, predicted that taking table salt and subjecting it to high pressure in the presence of an excess of one of its constituents (either chlorine or sodium) would lead to the formation of totally unexpected compounds. In spite of salt being one of the most thoroughly studied chemical compounds out there, the researchers predicted the formation of compounds forbidden by classical chemistry, such as Na3Cl and NaCl3. Their predictions were proven by subsequent experiments.
"Sodium has one electron in its outermost shell, and chlorine has seven," Weiwei Zhang, the lead author, a Professor of Physics at China Agricultural University and visiting scholar at Oganov's lab, tells Gizmag. "When sodium meets chlorine, sodium would like to give away an electron and chlorine wants to take one according to the Octet rule. Since one Na can supply only one electron to one Cl, the only possible combination of these atoms in a compound is 1:1, rocksalt NaCl. Take NaCl3 as an example, when you try to satisfy three Cl by one Na, there is no way to distribute electrons according to this rule. So NaCl3 is forbidden in the classical frame of chemistry..."
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Carnivorous plant inspires new super-slippery material
September 23, 2011
Who doesn't like carnivorous plants? They eat pesky bugs, they look like something out of Flash Gordon,
and now it turns out that one of them has inspired a new type of
liquid-repellent surface. The inspirational flora is the pitcher plant,
which is shaped like - well, like a water pitcher, or perhaps a
wide-end-up trumpet. When insects step onto its slippery inner surface,
they lose their footing and fall down into a pool of collected rainwater
in its base, where they are digested. Scientists from Harvard
University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have
copied the structure of that inner surface and come up with a material
that resists not only most liquids, but also ice and bacteria, and it
does so under a wide range of conditions.
http://www.gizmag.com/pitcher-plant-slippery-surface/19935/
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Materials scientists create highly water repellant ceramics (w/ video)
January 21, 2013
Researchers at MIT have created several new types of ceramics that all demonstrate a high degree of liquid repellency. All are based, they write in their paper published in the journal Nature Materials, on the oxides of the lanthanides, and unlike most ceramics are extremely hydrophobic.
http://phys.org/news/2013-01-materials-scientists-highly-repellant-ceramics.html#nRlv
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New material is super water-resistant, cheap and safe
December 16, 2015
Scientists at Rice University, the University of Swansea, the University of Bristol and the University of Nice - Sophia Antipolis have developed a new class of hydrocarbon-based material that they say could be "greener" substitute for fluorocarbon-based materials currently used to repel water.
Rice chemist Andrew Barron led the research. He says the team took inspiration from the lotus leaf – one of the most hydrophobic (water-repelling) surfaces known – which is actually made up of a hierarchy of double structures on the microscopic and nano scales.
"In the lotus leaf, these [structures] are due to papillae within the epidermis and epicuticular waxes on top," he said. "In our material, there is a microstructure created by the agglomeration of alumina nanoparticles mimicking the papillae and the hyperbranched organic moieties simulating the effect of the epicuticular waxes."
http://www.gizmag.com/cheap-nontoxic-super-hydrophobic-coating-rice/40923/
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Hydrophobic Coating Inspired by Water Ferns Could Make Ships Consume 10 Percent Less
May 5, 2010
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/water-fern-fuel-efficient-ships-20100505/#.VSX0jpO-2zk
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Tear-inspired material can be tuned to repel or attract water
April 12, 2013
http://www.gizmag.com/hydrophobic-hydrophilic-material/27051/
Last year, a group of Harvard University scientists led by Dr. Joanna
Aizenberg announced the development of a highly-hydrophobic
(water-repellant) material known as SLIPS,
or Slippery Liquid Porous Surfaces. The material is remarkable, in that
it repels virtually any liquid. Now, Aizenberg and colleagues have
created a new material inspired by human tears, the repellency of which
can be fine-tuned for different applications.
Like SLIPS, the new material consists of a substrate
infused with a continuous liquid film – just like the human eye is
covered with a film of tears. Whereas SLIPS has a rigid substrate,
however, the substrate of the new material is elastic.
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Magnetic microhair material can change transparency, and make water flow uphill
August 8, 2014
What if your house's windows could automatically reduce the amount of
hot sunlight passing through them, or your car's windshield could cause
rain droplets to bead off to its edges? These things and more could
soon be possible, thanks to a new animal hair-inspired material
developed at MIT.
The material consists of a base layer of transparent
flexible silicone, studded with a dense array of tiny nickel microhairs
(or "micropillars"). At around 70 microns in height and 25 microns in
width, each one is approximately a quarter the diameter of a human hair.
When an external magnetic field is applied at one
side of the array, all of the hairs simultaneously bend towards it. The
degree to which they bend can be controlled by varying the intensity of
the field.
http://www.gizmag.com/magnetic-microhair-material/33291/
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Chapter 29: Displays
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Graphene champions the next generation 3D display technology
Apr 23, 2015
Moving
holograms like those used in 3D science fiction movies such as Avatar
and Elysium have to date only been seen in their full glory by viewers
wearing special glasses.
Now researchers at Swinburne University of Technology
have shown the capacity of a technique using graphene oxide and complex
laser physics to create a pop-up floating display without the need for
3D glasses.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-04-graphene-champions-3d-technology.html#jCp
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A new and efficient way to create nanographene for power and display devices
November 11, 2020
https://sciencebulletin.org/a-new-and-efficient-way-to-create-nanographene-for-power-and-display-devices/
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Multicolor meta-hologram produces light across entire visible spectrum
May 04, 2015
There are many different ways to generate a
hologram, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Trying to
maximize the advantages, researchers in a new study have designed a
hologram made of a metamaterial consisting of aluminum nanorods that can
produce light across the entire visible spectrum, and do so in a way
that yields brighter images than other methods.
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-multicolor-meta-hologram-entire-visible-spectrum.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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Tiny motions bring digital doubles to life (w/ Video)
December 7, 2014
Researchers
at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems unveil new
technology for motion and shape capture (MoSh) that helps animators jump
the "Uncanny Valley" by turning a few moving dots into detailed body
shapes that jiggle and deform like real humans.
http://phys.org/news/2014-12-tiny-motions-digital-life.html
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Researchers develop molecular backbone of super-slim, bendable digital displays
Mar 30, 2015
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-03-molecular-backbone-super-slim-bendable-digital.html#jCp
From smartphones and tablets to computer monitors and interactive TV screens, electronic displays are everywhere. As the demand for instant, constant communication grows, so too does the urgency for more convenient portable devices—especially devices, like computer displays, that can be easily rolled up and put away, rather than requiring a flat surface for storage and transportation.
http://phys.org/news/2015-03-molecular-backbone-super-slim-bendable-digital.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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Graphene used to create world's thinnest light bulb
____________________________________
Ultrathin lens could revolutionise next-gen devices
September 23, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-ultrathin-lens-revolutionise-next-gen-devices.html
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New electronic paper could make inexpensive electronic displays
Apr 21, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-04-electronic-paper-inexpensive.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
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New 3D printing technology creates stronger ceramics
January 4, 2016
http://www.gizmag.com/3d-printing-stronger-ceramics-hrl/41142/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
Researchers at HRL Laboratories have developed a 3D printing technology designed to overcome the limitations of working with traditional ceramic processing. The process includes a resin formulation that once printed can be fired and converted into a ceramic that is harder, stronger and more compatible with ultra-high temperatures.
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Eggshells could find use in ceramics production
February 27, 2014
According to the US Department of Agriculture, every year
approximately 455,000 tons (412,769 tonnes) of discarded eggshells must
be transported and disposed of in the US alone. Now, however, scientists
at the University of Aveiro in Portugal have developed a method of
using such eggshell waste in the production of ceramic goods.
Although the specifics of the technology are still
under wraps, it involves incorporating crushed eggshells into a ceramic
slurry which is subsequently processed "according to a specific protocol
that includes a 3-cycle cooking phase." Samples of porous pavement made
from the slurry exhibit desirable qualities such as porosity and water
absorption, and are overall considered to be of sufficient quality to
meet industry standards...
http://www.gizmag.com/eggshell-waste-ceramics/31003/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Eggshells could be used to fight global warming
October 29, 2010
Carbon capture and sequestration
(CCS) is a hot area of research in the effort to fight global warming
through the process of removing carbon from the atmosphere and ferreting
it away within carbon soaking materials, a team from the University of
Calcutta has found an unexpected (or should that be uneggspected)
material that could trap carbon from the atmosphere in the form of
eggshells. The team has demonstrated that the membrane that lines an
eggshell can absorb almost seven times its own weight of carbon dioxide
from the atmosphere, allowing the gas to be stored until environmentally
friendly methods of disposing, or even using it, can be found.
http://www.gizmag.com/eggshells-to-fight-global-warming/16771/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Startup announces development of flexiramics—ceramics with paper-like properties
February 3, 2016
Dutch
startup Eurekite has announced on their web page that they have
developed a new kind of ceramic, one that is both flexible and easily
made at varying degrees of thickness. The company (affiliated with the
University of Twente in the Netherlands) is initially marketing the new
product as a replacement for traditional printed circuit board
materials.
http://phys.org/news/2016-02-startup-flexiramicsceramics-paper-like-properties.html#jCp
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Making ceramics that bend without breaking
September 26, 2013
Ceramics are not known
for their flexibility: they tend to crack under stress. But researchers
from MIT and Singapore have just found a way around that problem—for
very tiny objects, at least.
The team has developed a
way of making minuscule ceramic objects that are not only flexible, but
also have a "memory" for shape: When bent and then heated, they return
to their original shapes. The surprising discovery is reported this week
in the journal Science, in a paper by MIT graduate student Alan Lai,
professor Christopher Schuh, and two collaborators in Singapore.
http://phys.org/news/2013-09-ceramics.html#nRlv
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Graphene optical lens a billionth of a meter thick breaks the diffraction limit
- January 31, 2016
With the development of photonic chips and nano-optics, the old ground
glass lenses can't keep up in the race toward miniaturization. In the
search for a suitable replacement, a team from the Swinburne University
of Technology has developed a graphene microlens one billionth of a
meter thick that can take sharper images of objects the size of a single
bacterium and opens the door to improved mobile phones, nanosatellites,
and computers.
http://www.gizmag.com/optical-lens-one-billionth-meter-thick/41588/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Innovation in optoelectronic nanotechnology: MIT grows precise nano-LED arrays
2023-07-13
A new technique can produce perovskite nanocrystals exactly where they are needed, so this extremely delicate material can be integrated into nanoscale devices. MIT researchers have developed a breakthrough method to precisely grow halide perovskite nanocrystals, eliminating the need for disruptive manufacturing techniques. The technique could help develop nanoLEDs and other functional nanoscale devices with the potential for advances in optical communications, computing, and high-resolution display technologies.
A new platform at MIT enables researchers to "grow" halide peritectic nanocrystals and precisely control the position and size of each crystal to integrate them into nanoscale light-emitting diodes. The picture shows the light-emitting effect of the nanocrystal array.
Halide perovskites are a class of materials that have attracted attention due to their excellent optoelectronic properties and potential applications in devices such as high-performance solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and lasers.
These materials have been primarily used in thin-film or micrometer-sized device applications. Precise integration of these materials at the nanoscale could open up more extraordinary applications, such as on-chip light sources, photodetectors, and memristors. However, achieving such integration remains challenging because such delicate materials can be damaged by conventional fabrication and patterning techniques.
To overcome this obstacle, MIT researchers have invented a technique that can grow individual halide perovskite nanocrystals on-site, exactly where they are needed, with precise control of location and size to within 50 nanometers. (A sheet of paper is 100,000 nanometers thick) The size of the nanocrystals can also be precisely controlled with this technique, which is important because size affects their properties. Because the material is grown locally with the desired features, there is no need for traditional photolithography patterning steps that can cause damage.
https://en.eeworld.com.cn/news/manufacture/eic645731.html
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Flexible graphene-based LED clears the way for flexible displays
February 2, 2015
Researchers from the University of Manchester and University of
Sheffield have developed a new prototype semi-transparent,
graphene-based LED device that could form the basis of flexible screens
for use in the next-generation of mobile phones, tablets and
televisions. The incredibly thin display was created using sandwiched
"heterostructures", is only 10-40 atoms thick and emits a sheet of light
across its entire surface.
http://www.gizmag.com/graphene-led-display-flexible-electronics/35884/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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UC Irvine physicists discover first transformable nano-scale electronic devices
April 20, 2023
Professor Javier Sanchez-Yamagishi and his team (including UCI Ph.D. students Andrew Barabas and Ian Sequeira, undergraduate student Yuhui Yang, and PostDoc Aaron Barajas-Aguilar) at the University of California, Irvine, have been featured in a UCI School of Physical Sciences article for their discovery of nano-scale devices that can change into different forms despite their solid states.
From UCI News, “What we discovered is that for a particular set of materials, you can make nano-scale electronic devices that aren’t stuck together,” said Javier Sanchez-Yamagishi, "The parts can move, and so that allows us to modify the size and shape of a device after it’s been made.” In addition, these findings indicate that that "what was once thought to be fixed and static can be made flexible and dynamic" as Dr. Sanchez-Yamagishi adds.
https://www.physics.uci.edu/node/14595
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New flexible material can make any window 'smart'
August 22, 2016
http://phys.org/news/2016-08-flexible-material-window-smart.html
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Limpet's shell could inspire next-gen transparent displays
February 27, 2015
The humble limpet has been receiving a lot of press lately, as scientists recently determined that the material from which its teeth are made is officially the world's strongest natural material. Now, an MIT/Harvard study suggests that a specific type of limpet's shell may hold the key to transparent displays that require no internal light source.
http://www.gizmag.com/limpet-shell-transparent-displays/36321/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Limpets sink their teeth into world's strongest natural material crown
February 18, 2015
Spider's silk has long been the strongest natural material known to man, prompting researchers to attempt to uncover its secrets so they can replicate its remarkable properties in man-made materials.
But scientists now have a new source of inspiration in the form of
limpet teeth, which are made of a material researchers say is
potentially stronger than spider silk, is comparable in strength to the
strongest commercial carbon fibers, and could one day be copied for use
in cars, boats and planes.
http://www.gizmag.com/limpet-teeth-strongest-natural-material/36162/
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High-Performance Nanodiamonds for Advanced Bioimaging and Quantum Sensing
Researchers achieved a breakthrough in nanodiamond sensors with quantum-grade spin properties, ideal for bioimaging and biosensing. These advanced sensors promise transformative applications in medicine and energy technologies.
Quantum sensing is an emerging field that harnesses the unique quantum properties of particles — such as superposition, entanglement, and spin states — to detect changes in physical, chemical, or biological environments. One promising tool in this field is nanodiamonds (NDs) embedded with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers. These NV centers are formed when a carbon atom in the diamond lattice is replaced by nitrogen near a vacancy. When illuminated, the NV centers emit photons that preserve stable spin information and respond to external factors such as magnetic fields, electric fields, and temperature.
By using a technique called optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR), scientists can measure fluorescence changes in the NV centers under microwave radiation, revealing subtle shifts in spin states. Biocompatible and customizable, NDs with NV centers can be engineered to interact with specific biological molecules, making them valuable tools for sensing within biological systems. However, compared to bulk diamonds, NDs used in bioimaging often have lower spin quality, which limits their sensitivity and accuracy in detecting changes.
https://scitechdaily.com/high-performance-nanodiamonds-for-advanced-bioimaging-and-quantum-sensing/
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New research points the way to biodegradable displays
October 21, 2015
Electronic waste is a huge environmental problem,
causing harm to the planet and human health because of the toxic
materials used. While this situation is unlikely to change in the near
future, there has been research on using materials that biodegrade.
More recently, scientists have demonstrated a new route to creating
biodegradable electronics by using organic components in screen
displays.
http://www.gizmag.com/biodegradable-displays-electronic-waste-reduction/39895/
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Kekulé's shattered dream: snakes become ladders
November 2021
The Universities of Bonn and Regensburg create novel molecules that serve as ziplines for energy
Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Regensburg move packets of energy along a molecular ladder made of hundreds of benzene rings. Such polymers can potentially be used to design new displays based on organic light-emitting diodes, or for solar cells. The extraordinary material is now described in the journal Nature Communications.
https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/286-2021
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One of the World's Most Precise Microchip Sensors – Thanks to a Spiderweb
11/24/2021
https://www.powersystemsdesign.com/articles/one-of-the-worlds-most-precise-microchip-sensors-thanks-to-a-spiderweb/97/18487
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A lighter, smarter magnetoreceptive electronic skin
March 27, 2025
Imagine
navigating a virtual reality with contact lenses or operating your
smartphone underwater: This and more could soon be a reality thanks to
innovative e-skins.
A research team led by the Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) has developed an electronic skin that detects
and precisely tracks magnetic fields with a single global sensor. This
artificial skin is not only light, transparent and permeable, but also
mimics the interactions of real skin and the brain, as the team reports
in the journal Nature Communications.
Originally developed for
robotics, e-skins imitate the properties of real skin. They can give
robots a sense of touch or replace lost senses in humans. Some can even
detect chemical substances or magnetic fields. But the technology also
has its limits. Highly functional e-skins are often impractical because
they rely on extensive electronics and large batteries.
"Previous
technologies have used numerous individual sensors and transistors to
localize sources of a magnetic field, similar to touch sensors in a
smartphone display. Our idea was to develop a more energy-efficient
system that is more akin to our soft human skin and thus better suited
for humans," says Denys Makarov from the Institute of Ion Beam Physics
and Materials Research at HZDR.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-03-lighter-smarter-magnetoreceptive-electronic-skin.html
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New Nanoplastic Paves the Way for Sustainable Street Lighting
March 19, 2025
A
new study resulting from a collaboration between King Abdullah
University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and King Abdulaziz City for
Science and Technology (KACST) shows how nanomaterials can
significantly reduce the carbon emissions of LED (light-emitting diode)
streetlights. The research team estimates that by adopting this
technology, the United States alone can reduce carbon dioxide emissions
by more than one million metric tons.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-03-nanoplastic-paves-sustainable-street.html
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Luminescent wood could light up homes of the future
Nov 04, 2020
(Nanowerk News) The right indoor lighting can help set the mood, from a soft romantic glow to bright, stimulating colors. But some materials used for lighting, such as plastics, are not eco-friendly.
Now,
researchers reporting in ACS Nano ("Luminescent and Hydrophobic Wood
Films as Optical Lighting Materials") have developed a bio-based,
luminescent, water-resistant wood film that could someday be used as
cover panels for lamps, displays and laser devices.
https://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-news2/newsid=56545.php
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'Zero modification' emission layer can achieve high-performance perovskite LEDs
19 March 2025
https://techandsciencepost.com/news/tech/zero-modification-emission-layer-can-achieve-high-performance-perovskite-leds/
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10 nm New Electronic “Skin” Unveiled for Cooling-Free Night-Vision Glasses
April 23, 2025
https://engineeringness.com/10-nm-new-electronic-skin-unveiled-for-cooling-free-night-vision-glasses/
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Programmable Pixels Advance Infrared Light Applications
April 07, 2025
https://www.ece.cmu.edu/news-and-events/story/2025/04/programmable-pixels.html
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Infrared contact lenses allow people to see in the dark, even with their eyes closed
May 22, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-05-infrared-contact-lenses-people-dark.html
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Self-Glowing Quantum Sensor Detects Invisible Signals.
July 7, 2025
A revolutionary breakthrough in quantum technology has led to the creation of a self-glowing quantum sensor
that can detect nearly invisible signals—without any external power
source. This next-gen sensor is not just highly sensitive but also
autonomous, glowing on its own to interact with and detect weak
environmental signals such as magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves,
and even biological activity.
https://technologicinnovation.com/2025/07/07/self-glowing-quantum-sensor-detects-hidden-signals/
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Scientists develop hydrogen sensor that could pave the way for safer, cleaner energy
March 7, 2025
https://hydrogen-central.com/scientists-develop-hydrogen-sensor-that-could-pave-the-way-for-safer-cleaner-energy/
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Nanodiamonds in water droplets boost quantum sensing precision
March 5, 2025
Combine
a garden-variety green laser, microwaves with roughly the energy of
your wi-fi, and some diamond dust in drops of water, and what do you
get? A precise chemical detection tool.
https://phys.org/news/2025-03-nanodiamonds-droplets-boost-quantum-precision.html
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Almond Shell Waste Powers Sustainable Graphene-Based Sensors
Jul 18 2025
https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=41472
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A New, Highly Sensitive Chemical Sensor Uses Protein Nanowires
AMHERST, Mass. – Writing in the journal NanoResearch, a team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst reports this week that they have developed bioelectronic ammonia gas sensors that are among the most sensitive ever made.
The sensor uses electric-charge-conducting protein nanowires derived from the bacterium Geobacter to provide biomaterials for electrical devices. More than 30 years ago, senior author and microbiologist Derek Lovley discovered Geobacter in river mud. The microbes grow hair-like protein filaments that work as nanoscale “wires” to transfer charges for their nourishment and to communicate with other bacteria.
First author and biomedical engineering doctoral student Alexander Smith, with his advisor Jun Yao and Lovley, say they designed this first sensor to measure ammonia because that gas is important to agriculture, the environment and biomedicine. For example, in humans, ammonia on the breath may signal disease, while in poultry farming, the gas must be closely monitored and controlled for bird health and comfort and to avoid feed imbalances and production losses.
https://www.umass.edu/news/article/new-highly-sensitive-chemical-sensor-uses
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Thin metal oxide films printed at room temperature can transform display tech
Aug 15, 2024
The films are transparent and highly conductive, thus valuable for applications such as touch screens and display technologies.
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/metal-oxide-film-printed-room-temperature
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Light-Speed Advances: Graphene Nanoprocessing With a Femtosecond Laser
Researchers at Tohoku University used a femtosecond laser to successfully micro/nanofabricate graphene films, creating multi-point holes without damage and removing contaminants. The technique could replace traditional, more complex methods, offering potential advancements in quantum materials research and biosensor development.
https://scitechdaily.com/light-speed-advances-graphene-nanoprocessing-with-a-femtosecond-laser/
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Memristors get the hues
22 April 2021
The memristor, in which an external electric field controls the formation and annihilation of conductive channels, has been described both as a missing electronic element and a memory and computational element. Here, their utility as building blocks for promising reflective and energy-efficient colour technology is described.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-021-00891-7
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Floating solid-state thin films with dynamic structural colour
Abstract
Thin-film architectures are a staple in a wide range of technologies, such as semiconductor devices, optical coatings, magnetic recording, solar cells and batteries. Despite the industrial success of thin-film technology, mostly due to the easy fabrication and low cost, a fundamental drawback remains: it is challenging to alter the features of the film once fabricated. Here we report a methodology to modify the thickness and sequence of the innermost solid-state thin-film layers. We start with a thin-film stack of amorphous iron oxide and silver. By applying a suitable voltage bias and then reversing it, we can float the silver layer above or below the oxide layer by virtue of the migration of silver atoms. Scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals various sequences and thicknesses of the silver and oxide layers achieved with different experimental conditions. As a proof-of-principle, we show a dynamic change of structural colours of the stack derived from this process. Our results may offer opportunities to dynamically reconfigure thin-film-based functional nanodevices in situ.
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Novel Gel Proves Itself to Be Highly Tunable Color Filter
June 27, 2022
Neutron research at NIST reveals the secret to a gel’s unusual ability to precisely filter light.
Color these scientists happy. An exotic gel they studied at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has an unexpected property: The material’s temperature determines which color of light can pass through it.
The material, which the research team calls “SeedGel,” already has shown promise as a multipurpose tool, with applications ranging from batteries to water filters to tissue engineering. The team’s new paper, appearing in Nature Communications, highlights the gel’s newfound capability as a temperature-sensitive light filter. Shine white light at the gel, and depending on the gel’s temperature, only a specific wavelength, or color, will pass through it. A temperature change of less than a tenth of a degree Celsius can be enough to alter the permitted wavelength, which can be any color in the visible range as well as parts of the ultraviolet and infrared.
“Our previous work showed that the SeedGel can transform from clear to opaque and back again, but we did not explore what it can do with color,” said Yun Liu, who is both a scientist at the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) and a professor at the University of Delaware. “Its ability to control color precisely was a new discovery.”
The team’s creation is distinct from others that may be familiar from the marketplace. Don’t confuse it with a mood ring, whose thermochromic liquid crystals change color with temperature. Neither is it a variation on photochromic sunglass lenses, which darken when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Instead, the gel functions as a temperature-sensitive gate for a particular wavelength of light.
Their gel begins as a transparent fluid made of water and liquid solvents with silica nanoparticles added. If this mix is heated to a certain temperature, the liquids and nanoparticles will form a physical gel that initially remains transparent but now possesses a different internal structure. Instead of a formless fluid, the liquids form interlocking microscopic channels, with the nanoparticles confined within one of them.
As it is heated through a specific range of higher temperatures, the newly discovered effect appears: The gel grows opaque to all but individual colors, at first allowing shorter, bluer wavelengths to pass through, then progressively longer, redder wavelengths. Eventually, once this temperature range is exceeded, the gel grows opaque to all visible light.
"Our previous work showed that the SeedGel can transform from clear to opaque and back again, but ... its ability to control color precisely was a new discovery.” —Yun Liu, NCNR scientist and University of Delaware professor
Neutron scattering experiments performed at the NCNR explain this unusual behavior. Changing the temperature causes an exchange of liquid molecules between the microscopic channels, altering the overall refractive index of these channels. One wavelength of light gets through, but other colors get scattered.
https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2022/06/novel-gel-proves-itself-be-highly-tunable-color-filter
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Revolutionizing Displays: Dual-Mode Electrochemical Devices Merge Light and Color
Researchers introduce an innovative device that combines light emission and color control with clay compounds, offering a versatile solution for multifunctional displays.
The field of display technology is on the verge of a major breakthrough, driven by the growing interest in electrochemical stimuli-responsive materials. These materials can undergo rapid electrochemical reactions in response to external stimuli, such as low voltage.
A key advantage of these reactions is their ability to produce different colors almost instantly, paving the way for next-generation display solutions. An electrochemical system consists of electrodes and electrolytes, and researchers have found that integrating luminescent and coloration molecules directly onto the electrodes—rather than within the electrolyte—can significantly enhance efficiency and stability in display devices.
https://scitechdaily.com/revolutionizing-displays-dual-mode-electrochemical-devices-merge-light-and-color/
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Deep-UV Laser Breakthrough Is Transforming the Future of Diamond Tech
Researchers have built a deep-ultraviolet microscope to study hard-to-analyze materials like diamond, offering a new way to probe their electronic and thermal properties at the nanoscale.
This innovation, sparked by an industry challenge, creates nanoscale heat patterns using high-energy laser light, revealing transport behaviors critical for advanced electronics.
https://scitechdaily.com/deep-uv-laser-breakthrough-is-transforming-the-future-of-diamond-tech/
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Self-powered artificial synapse mimics human color vision
June 2, 2025
Despite advances in machine vision, processing visual data requires
substantial computing resources and energy, limiting deployment in edge
devices. Now, researchers from Japan have developed a self-powered
artificial synapse that distinguishes colors with high resolution across
the visible spectrum, approaching human eye capabilities. The device,
which integrates dye-sensitized solar cells, generates its electricity
and can perform complex logic operations without additional circuitry,
paving the way for capable computer vision systems integrated in
everyday devices.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602155323.htm
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New “Electric Eye” Neuromorphic Artificial Vision Device Developed Using Nanotechnology
Using nanotechnology, scientists have created a newly designed neuromorphic electronic device that endows microrobotics with colorful vision.
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Ultra-thin lenses that make infrared light visible
June 2, 2025
Physicists have developed a lens with 'magic' properties. Ultra-thin, it
can transform infrared light into visible light by halving the
wavelength of incident light.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602155511.htm
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Ordinary Microscope Sees in Super-Resolution With Specially Engineered Light-Shrinking Material
This light-shrinking material turns a conventional light microscope into a super-resolution microscope.
New material boosts standard microscopes to image live cells at 40-nm resolution, with 3D capabilities underway.
Electrical engineers at the University of California San Diego developed a technology that improves the resolution of an ordinary light microscope so that it can be used to directly observe finer structures and details in living cells.
The technology turns a conventional light microscope into what’s called a super-resolution microscope. It involves a specially engineered material that shortens the wavelength of light as it illuminates the sample — this shrunken light is what essentially enables the microscope to image in higher resolution.
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Scientists have developed new materials for next-generation electronics so tiny that they are not only indistinguishable when closely packed, but they also don’t reflect enough light to show fine details, such as colors, with even the most powerful optical microscopes. Under an optical microscope, carbon nanotubes, for example, look grayish. The inability to distinguish fine details and differences between individual pieces of nanomaterials makes it hard for scientists to study their unique properties and discover ways to perfect them for industrial use.
In a new report in Nature Communications, researchers from UC Riverside describe a revolutionary imaging technology that compresses lamp light into a nanometer-sized spot. It holds that light at the end of a silver nanowire like a Hogwarts student practicing the “Lumos” spell, and uses it to reveal previously invisible details, including colors.
The advance, improving color-imaging resolution to an unprecedented 6 nanometer level, will help scientists see nanomaterials in enough detail to make them more useful in electronics and other applications.
https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2021/11/23/magic-wand-reveals-colorful-nano-world
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Mind-Controlled Robots: New Graphene Sensors Are Turning Science Fiction Into Reality
New 3D Graphene Dry Sensors Bring Brain-Controlled Robotics Closer to Reality
Researchers have designed a 3D-patterned, graphene-based, dry sensor that can measure the brain’s electrical activity without relying on conductive gels. The dry sensors are less irritating and allergenic compared to traditional “wet” sensors used in electroencephalography (EEG) to diagnose neurological disorders or control external devices through brain-machine interfaces. When incorporated into an elastic headband and used with an augmented reality headset, the dry sensors enabled hands-free control of a robot by interpreting brain signals. Although not as effective as wet sensors yet, this development marks progress toward easily implemented, non-invasive brain-machine interfaces.
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Electrically Switchable Nanoantennas Enable Dynamic Holographic Tech
December 28, 2021
https://www.electronicsforu.com/special/editor-choice/electrically-switchable-nanoantennas-enable-dynamic-holographic-tech
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10,000x Smaller: Tiny Nano-Antenna Could Revolutionize Wireless Tech
Mar 1 2025
https://lifeboat.com/blog/2025/03/10000x-smaller-tiny-nano-antenna-could-revolutionize-wireless-tech
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The shape-shifting of things to come
October 2, 2019
What would it take to transform a flat sheet into a human face? How would the sheet need to grow and shrink to form eyes that are concave, a nose that’s convex, and a chin that protrudes?
How to encode and release complex curves in shape-shifting structures is at the center of research led by the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and the Harvard Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering.
Over the past decade, theorists and experimentalists have found inspiration in nature as they sought to unravel the physics, build mathematical frameworks, and develop materials and 3D- and 4D-printing techniques for structures that can change shape in response to external stimuli.
However, complex multiscale curvature has remained out of reach.
Now, researchers have created the most complex shape-shifting structures to date — lattices composed of multiple materials that grow or shrink in response to changes in temperature. To demonstrate their technique, the research team printed flat lattices that morph into a frequency-shifting antenna or the face of pioneering mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss.
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Cambridge Scientists Develop Ultra-Thin Quantum Sensor for Nanoscale Magnetic Imaging
A team of physicists at the University of Cambridge has made a major advance in quantum sensing, demonstrating that spin defects in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) can function as highly sensitive, room-temperature sensors capable of detecting vectorial magnetic fields at the nanoscale.
https://www.azosensors.com/news.aspx?newsID=16477
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Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 spotlights quantum dot pioneers
Oct 04, 2023
(Nanowerk
News) The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 rewards the discovery and
development of quantum dots, nanoparticles so tiny that their size
determines their properties. These smallest components of nanotechnology
now spread their light from televisions and LED lamps, and can also
guide surgeons when they remove tumour tissue, among many other things.
Everyone
who studies chemistry learns that an element’s properties are governed
by how many electrons it has. However, when matter shrinks to
nano-dimensions quantum phenomena arise; these are governed by the size
of the matter. The Nobel Laureates in Chemistry 2023 have succeeded in
producing particles so small that their properties are determined by
quantum phenomena. The particles, which are called quantum dots, are now
of great importance in nanotechnology.
https://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-news2/newsid=63768.php
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Biofuel Cell: Wearable Device Turns the Touch of Finger Into a Source of Power
July 26, 2021
A new wearable device turns the touch of a finger into a source of power
for small electronics and sensors. Engineers at the University of
California San Diego developed a thin, flexible strip that can be worn
on a fingertip and generate small amounts of electricity when a person’s
finger sweats or presses on it.
What’s special about this
sweat-fueled device is that it generates power even while the wearer is
asleep or sitting still. This is potentially a big deal for the field of
wearables because researchers have now figured out how to harness the
energy that can be extracted from human sweat even when a person is not
moving.
https://fuelcellsworks.com/news/biofuel-cell-wearable-device-turns-the-touch-of-a-finger-into-a-source-of-power
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Nanometer thin spacer boosts blue OLEDs portability and efficiency
June 26, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-nanometer-thin-spacer-boosts-blue.html
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New Diamond Magnetometer Paves the Way for GPS-Free Navigation
https://scitechdaily.com/new-diamond-magnetometer-paves-the-way-for-gps-free-navigation/
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Chapter 30: Water harvesting & Carbon
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Atmospheric water generator
An atmospheric water generator (AWG), is a device that extracts water from humid ambient air. Water vapor in the air is condensed by cooling the air below its dew point, exposing the air to desiccants, or pressurizing the air. Unlike a dehumidifier, an AWG is designed to render the water potable.
AWGs are useful where pure drinking water is difficult or impossible to
obtain, because there is almost always a small amount of water in the
air that can be extracted. The two primary techniques in use are cooling
and desiccants.
The extraction of atmospheric water may not be completely free of
cost, because significant input of energy is required to drive some AWG
processes. Certain traditional AWG methods are completely passive,
relying on natural temperature
differences, and requiring no external energy source. Research has also
developed AWG technologies to produce useful yields of water at a
reduced (but non-zero) energy cost.
See also
- Air well (condenser)
- Dew pond
- Fog collection
- Rainwater harvesting
- Solar chimney
- Watermaker
- Solar still
- Water-Gen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospheric_water_generator
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New desalination technology could answer state drought woes
Feb 18, 2015
Could desalination be the answer to California's drought? As parts of the state become drier, scientists are looking at ways to turn seawater into drinkable wateDesalination has made headlines in recent months as a possible solution to the state's water shortage. But in addition to being expensive, its byproduct—salty brine—can harm marine life once it's reintroduced into the ocean.
A team of researchers from Humboldt State
University and the University of Southern California is hoping to
address those concerns with a new process called Reverse
Osmosis-Pressure Retarded Osmosis (RO-PRO)...
http://phys.org/news/2015-02-desalination-technology-state-drought-woes.html#jCp
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Solar-powered system offers a route to inexpensive desalination
https://news.mit.edu/2022/solar-desalination-system-inexpensive-0214
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Improved desalination process also removes toxic metals to produce clean water
April 16, 2021
University of California, Berkeley, chemists in the labs of Professor of Chemistry and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Jeffrey Long and Facility Director, Inorganic Nanostructures at the Molecular Boundary Jeffrey Urban(link is external) have discovered a way to simplify the removal of toxic metals, like mercury and boron, during desalination to produce clean water, while at the same time potentially capturing valuable metals, such as gold.
Desalination — the removal of salt — is only one step in the process of producing drinkable water, or water for agriculture or industry, from ocean or waste water. Either before or after the removal of salt, the water often has to be treated to remove boron, which is toxic to plants, and heavy metals like arsenic and mercury, which are toxic to humans. Often, the process leaves behind a toxic brine that can be difficult to dispose of.
The new technique, which can easily be added to current membrane-based electrodialysis desalination processes, removes nearly 100% of these toxic metals, producing a pure brine along with pure water and isolating the valuable metals for later use or disposal.
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New desalination technique pushes salt to one side with shockwaves
November 13, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/shock-electrodialysis-desalination/40384/
As access to clean water continues to be an issue throughout the
developing world, there's an increased demand for easier ways to turn
contaminated and salty water into something you can drink. Researchers
at MIT may have found a solution using a method they are calling shock
electrodialysis. It uses electric shock waves to separate contaminated
or salty water into two separate streams, with a natural barrier between
each one.
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This self-filling water bottle is the ultimate in vaporware
January 28, 2016
Austrian startup Fontus is developing a novel water bottle that is
vaporware in just about every sense of the phrase. Not only does it not
yet exist in the marketplace, but it is claimed to literally pull water
vapor out of the air to fill itself.
http://www.gizmag.com/fontus-airo-ryde-self-filling-water-bottle/41545/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Nanomaterial Collects Natural Atmospheric Humidity and Produces Electrical Signals
https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=40353
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Sponge creates steam using ambient sunlight
August 22, 2016
http://phys.org/news/2016-08-bubble-wrapped-sponge-steam-sunlight.html
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Smart spongy device captures water from thin air
May 7, 2025
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-05-smart-spongy-device-captures-thin.html
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Researchers harness machine learning to discover membranes that remove ‘forever chemicals’ from drinking water
February 17, 2025
https://engineering.wisc.edu/news/researchers-harness-machine-learning-to-discover-membranes-that-remove-forever-chemicals-from-drinking-water/
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Tiny device grabs more solar energy to disinfect water faster
August 15, 2016
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Harvesting the sun's energy for clean drinking water
Dec 11, 2020
Without drinkable water there is no life. Yet, nearly 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to fresh water and another 2.4 billion suffer from diseases borne by unclean drinking water. This is because while science has yielded advanced water treatment methods such as membrane distillation and reverse osmosis, these are often difficult to implement in developing countries owing to their high cost and low productivity.
A more nascent technology shows promise as an alternative for such regions of the world: direct solar steam generation (DSSG). DSSG involves harvesting the heat from the sun to convert water into vapor, thereby desalinating it or ridding it of other soluble impurities. The vapor is then cooled and collected as clean water for use.
This is a simple technology, but a key step, evaporation, is presenting roadblocks for its commercialization. With existing technology, evaporation performance has hit the theoretical limit. However, this is not sufficient for practical implementation. Measures to improve device design to minimize solar heat loss before it reaches bulk water, recycle latent heat in the water, absorb and utilize energy from the surroundings as well, and so on, have been taken to improve the evaporation performance beyond the theoretical limit and make this technology viable.
https://www.solardaily.com/reports/Harvesting_the_suns_energy_for_clean_drinking_water_999.html
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MIT engineers unveil origami-inspired device that pulls clean drinking water out of thin air: 'A promising solution' (Controversial)
July 29, 2025
"This is just a proof-of-concept design, and there are a lot of things we can optimize."
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/drinking-water-air-mit-device/
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Engineers Develop New System to Provide Low-Cost Drinking Water
https://scitechdaily.com/engineers-develop-new-system-to-provide-low-cost-drinking-water/
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New 2-D Catalyst Fits Two Co-Catalysts on a single Nanosheet for much better Water Purification
Scientists fit two co-catalysts on one nanosheet for better water purification. Scientists have designed and tested a new two-dimensional (2-D) catalyst that can be used to improve water purification using hydrogen peroxide.
“Many processes need two reactions in one. This means that you need two co-catalysts. However, the challenge is that the two co-catalysts have to stay separated, otherwise they’ll interact with each other and create a negative effect on the efficiency of the whole process,” said Eli Stavitski, a chemist and beamline scientist at NSLS-II.
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3D nanotech blankets offer new path to clean drinking water
Mar 24, 2025
Researchers have developed a new material that, by harnessing the power of sunlight, can clear water of dangerous pollutants.
Created
through a combination of soft chemistry gels and electrospinning — a
technique where electrical force is applied to liquid to craft small
fibers — the team constructed thin fiber-like strips of titanium dioxide
(TiO₂), a compound often utilized in solar cells, gas sensors and
various self-cleaning technologies.
Despite being a great
alternative energy source, solar fuel systems that utilize TiO₂
nanoparticles are often power-limited because they can only undergo
photocatalysis, or create chemical reactions, by absorbing non-visible
UV light. This can cause significant challenges to implementation,
including low efficiency and the need for complex filtration systems.
Yet
when researchers added copper to the material to improve this process,
their new structures, called nanomats, were able to absorb enough light
energy to break down harmful pollutants in air and water, said
Pelagia-Iren Gouma, lead author of the study and a professor of
materials science and engineering at The Ohio State University.
https://news.osu.edu/3d-nanotech-blankets-offer-new-path-to-clean-drinking-water/
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Sodium battery contains solution to water desalination
- February 4, 2016
Much scientific effort goes into shoring up both our energy and water
supplies for the future, but what if both problems could be addressed by
the same technology? Researchers at the University of Illinois have
come up with a new battery design that not only relies on salt water to
store and release electricity, but removes the salt ions from the water
in the process.
http://www.gizmag.com/sodium-battery-water-desalination/41683/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
---------------
Agenda 21 could restrict water resources in different ways.
The government would like to be able to tax rainwater.
Some governments would even try to ban the harvesting of rainwater, even for personal use.
Different governments would even try to ban or tax the collecting of water from atmospheric water generators.
Some
people question the environmental impact of collecting moisture from
the air, with millions of machines at a time collecting water near the
high desert. We know that there is already very little moisture in the
high desert. Some machines can even make their own moisture, from the
cold and condensation that is created by the energy from the machine.
We
also can have many options for sustainable groundwater. Recent droughts
in different areas have caused problems with trying to use water as a
natural resource.
Others
believe that maybe it is our job to protect the planet, including the
regulation of the atmosphere, jungles, forests and deserts. It could be possible to avoid a
catastrophic event, by balancing out the atmosphere on our planet.
However, we can see news articles, including conferences, about people
modifying the weather with lazers. Many people think that people, companies and
governments could also abuse this type of technology as well.
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Device that harvests water from thin air wins the James Dyson Award
November 11, 2011
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US scientists build solar water purifier that stores heat to work even after sunset
May 15, 2025
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/solar-system-recycles-heat-to-produce-water
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Researchers create tiny pump that provides continuous and spontaneous antigravity water delivery
June 15, 2015
To
build their pump, the researchers created a superhydrophobic material
by exposing a copper mesh to an alkali solution—the microscopic sized
pockets it created caused water to slide with almost no friction. They
then affixed the mesh to the bottom of a plastic tube that sat
vertically. They next attached another tube to the first creating a
right angle at the top and then attached a very short third tube to the
second at its other end, this one pointing straight down. That was all
it took. To use the pump, a bit of liquid was introduced into the pump,
priming it, then a drop was introduced from beneath the pump, through
the wire mesh. The liquid in the pump rose, because it was repelled from
below, into the second tube and then into the third where it was
expelled.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-tiny-spontaneous-antigravity-delivery.html#jCp
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Scientists create ‘magic’ material that pulls drinking water from thin air
23 June 2025
https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/scientists-create-magic-material-that-pulls-drinking-water-from-thin-air
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Nanoscale control of internal inhomogeneity enhances water transport in desalination membranes
1 Jan 2021
Finding the path to better desalination
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Device mimics the mangrove’s water-purifying power
Feb 21, 2020
The mangrove tree survives in its subtropical habitat by efficiently converting the salty water of its environment into fresh water — an engineering feat that has long baffled scientists.
Now, a team of researchers in the lab of Yale engineering professor Menachem Elimelech has developed a water-purifying device that mimics the mangrove. In addition to offering a better understanding of plants’ plumbing systems, it could lead to new desalination technologies, his research team said. The results appeared Feb. 21 in Science Advances.
https://news.yale.edu/2020/02/21/device-mimics-mangroves-water-purifying-power
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From batteries to water purifiers, carbon nanotubes are where it’s at
Oct. 24, 2022
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scientists are scaling up the production of vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) that could revolutionize diverse commercial products ranging from rechargeable batteries, automotive parts and sporting goods to boat hulls and water filters.
https://www.llnl.gov/article/49156/batteries-water-purifiers-carbon-nanotubes-are-where-its
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Experiments reveal water can "talk" to electrons in graphene
For the last 20 years, scientists have been puzzled by how water behaves near carbon surfaces. It may flow much faster than expected from conventional flow theories or form strange arrangements such as square ice. Now, an international team of researchers from The University of Manchester, the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research of Mainz (Germany), and the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2, Spain), reports in a study published recently in Nature Nanotechnology that water can interact directly with the carbon’s electrons: a quantum phenomenon that is very unusual in fluid dynamics. The results of this research could lead to applications in water purification and desalination processes and maybe even to liquid-based computers.
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-reveal-that-water-can-talk-to-electrons-in-graphene/
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MIT Engineers Find a Way To Save Energy and Make Water Boil More Efficiently
MIT engineers design new surface treatments that make water boil more efficiently.
Microscale Cavities and Nanostructures Improve Boiling Efficiency
Adding a series of microscale cavities, or dents, to a surface is a way of controlling the way bubbles form on that surface, keeping them effectively pinned to the locations of the dents and preventing them from spreading out into a heat-resisting film. In this work, the researchers created an array of 10-micrometer-wide dents separated by about 2 millimeters to prevent film formation. But that separation also reduces the concentration of bubbles at the surface, which can reduce the boiling efficiency. To compensate for that, the team introduced a much smaller-scale surface treatment, creating tiny bumps and ridges at the nanometer scale, which increases the surface area and promotes the rate of evaporation under the bubbles.
In these experiments, the cavities were made in the centers of a series of pillars on the material’s surface. These pillars, combined with nanostructures, promote wicking of liquid from the base to their tops, and this enhances the boiling process by providing more surface area exposed to the water. In combination, the three “tiers” of the surface texture — the cavity separation, the posts, and the nanoscale texturing — provide a greatly enhanced efficiency for the boiling process, Song says.
“Those micro cavities define the position where bubbles come up,” he says. “But by separating those cavities by 2 millimeters, we separate the bubbles and minimize the coalescence of bubbles.” At the same time, the nanostructures promote evaporation under the bubbles, and the capillary action induced by the pillars supplies liquid to the bubble base. That maintains a layer of liquid water between the boiling surface and the bubbles of vapor, which enhances the maximum heat flux.
The key to the new surface treatment is to add textures at several different size scales. Electron microscope images show millimeter-scale pillars and dents(first two images), whose surfaces are covered with tiny nanometer-scale ridges (bottom two images) to improve the efficiency of the boiling reaction.
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Chapter 31: Refrigeration
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We have the technology to create sustainable refrigeration with new technology that can replace antifreeze.
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Triton: advances in dilution refrigerator technology for quantum info processing
In
this webinar Prof. Charles Marcus presents an overview of his work
using the Triton dilution refrigerator at the Niels Bohr Institute’s
Center for Quantum Devices, University of Copenhagen. He reviews the
latest advances in dilution refrigerator technology for QIP,
specifically focusing on the integration of high-density RF
interconnects.
The scaling of single- or few-electron spin-qubit
devices to multi-qubit architectures presents a challenge to cryogenic
technology. Particularly demanding is the integration of large numbers
of RF interconnects to samples operating at millikelvin temperatures in
high magnetic fields within physical space, heat load and electrical
noise limits. With its advanced sample loading, integrated magnet
solutions and quantum information processing (QIP)-specific wiring
options, the Triton dilution refrigerator has been adopted as the system
of choice for studies in this exciting area of emerging technology.
http://connect.physicsworld.com/triton-advances-in-dilution-refrigerator-technology-for-quantum-info-processing/2001160.article
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The quantum fridge
February 1, 2016
When cold milk is poured into a hot cup of tea, a temperature equilibrium is reached very quickly. The milk droplets and the tea particles interact, and after a few moments they all have the same average energy. This process is called thermalization. It plays a crucial role in cooling down gases to ultra-low temperatures. But surprisingly, even gases for which this effect is suppressed can be cooled. Scientists at TU Wien (Vienna) took a closer look at this phenomenon and found a special quantum-mechanical kind of cooling at work.
http://phys.org/news/2016-02-quantum-fridge.html
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Solar Cooling System Preserves Food Without Electricity
April 3, 2015http://www.greenoptimistic.com/solar-cooling-system-preserve-food/#.VSFm8uG-2zk
An eco-friendly and cheap cooling system developed by a Mexican researcher uses solar energy to maintain temperature of food and water at nine degrees Celsius for three months.
Refrigerating systems have been under the spot light ever since they were found guilty of polluting the atmosphere with the Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), causing a depletion in the ozone layer. As of the 1970s, the negative effect of these compounds has globally acknowledged and heavily regulated. Nevertheless, their use in refrigerating systems continues to be apparent, and it will remain so until year 2020 (2030 for developing countries), when all CFCs should be faced out, as agreed during a United Nations-sponsored Montreal summit .
It is somewhat needless to say that any technology that can accelerate the process of complete elimination of these chemicals by providing an eco-friendly and affordable alternative, is more than welcome. One such development comes from the Institute of Science of the Meritorious University of Puebla (BUAP), in Mexico, by researcher Susana Elvia Toledo Flores. A solar-powered, eco-friendly, cooling system.
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Laser Refrigeration is Fastest, Coolest Chilling Tech Yet
http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-09/laser-refrigeration-fastest-coolest-chilling-tech-yet
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Shape memory alloys the basis for more efficient refrigerant-free cooling
February 4, 2016
Shape memory materials, also known as "metal muscles" or "artificial
muscles," have the ability to snap back into their original shape after
being stretched, squashed, bent, or otherwise deformed. If the material
is a metal alloy, such as nickel-titanium, the deformation changes the
material's crystal lattice structure in what's known as phase
transition, which causes the material to become hotter. Allowing the
material to relax and return to its original form cools it by about 20° C
(36° F) below the ambient temperature.
"In our systems, shape memory alloys (SMAs) are
used to remove heat," says Stefan Seelecke, Professor for Intelligent
Material Systems at Saarland University. "Shape memory means that wires
or sheets made from a nickel-titanium alloy have a certain ability to
remember their original shape: If they undergo deformation, they will
return to their earlier shape, so they are able to tense and flex like
muscles. The fact that they absorb and release heat when they do so is
something we exploit to achieve cooling."
http://www.gizmag.com/shape-memory-refrigerant-free/41652/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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3D-printed bricks can cool a room with water
February 18, 2015
We've previously seen designers use the presence of swimming pools or take advantage of prevailing winds
to help passively cool homes. But what if every brick used to build a
house could cool it down? Design studio Emerging Objects has come out
with 3D-printed porous bricks called Cool Bricks that can be filled with
water to bring down temperatures.
http://www.gizmag.com/3d-printed-cool-bricks/36144/
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Novel cement lets buildings cool themselves
August 21, 2025
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-08-cement-cool.html
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Porous plastic sheets can cool buildings by radiating light to space
February 5, 2025
https://www.psu.edu/news/engineering/story/porous-plastic-sheets-can-cool-buildings-radiating-light-space
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Your refrigerator still uses technology from the 1950s, but a revolutionary upgrade is in the works
2025-02-09
The thermogalvanic cells
At
the heart of this innovation are the thermogalvanic cells, which
provide a cooling effect thanks to a reversible electrochemical
reaction. This mechanism is intriguing because it allows for the
generation of cold from ambient heat. These cells represent a
significant advancement in cooling, calling into question the efficiency
of traditional systems.
Conversion of heat to electricity
The
cells function by converting heat into electricity. When an electric
current is applied, it triggers a process that enables cooling. This
innovative method promises energy efficiency that could revolutionize
our approach to cooling and reduce the ecological impact of current
appliances.
A spectacular chemical evolution
The evolution
in the chemical composition of the materials used is also remarkable.
The researchers have managed to increase the cooling capacity by over
1300%, an impressive result that redefines industrial standards. This
demonstrates that suitable materials can radically change the efficiency
of thermogalvanic systems.
The role of the electrolyte
The
importance of a good electrolyte is crucial for the optimal functioning
of the cells. Currently, a hydrated iron salt with perchlorate is used,
which significantly improves the solubility of iron ions. This
innovation promotes a 70% efficiency improvement in cooling, a
significant step towards more powerful and sustainable refrigerators.
https://cybersciencecenter.nl/en/your-refrigerator-still-uses-technology-from-the-1950s-but-a-revolutionary-upgrade-is-in-the-works-8773/
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NIST Team Demonstrates Novel Way to Convert Heat to Electricity
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have fabricated a novel device that could dramatically boost the conversion of heat into electricity. If perfected, the technology could help recoup some of the recoverable heat energy that is wasted in the U.S. at a rate of about $100 billion each year.
The new fabrication technique — developed by NIST researcher Kris Bertness and her collaborators — involves depositing hundreds of thousands of microscopic columns of gallium nitride atop a silicon wafer. Layers of silicon are then removed from the underside of the wafer until only a thin sheet of the material remains. The interaction between the pillars and the silicon sheet slows the transport of heat in the silicon, enabling more of the heat to convert to electric current. Bertness and her collaborators at the University of Colorado Boulder reported the findings online March 23 in Advanced Materials.
Once the fabrication method is perfected, the silicon sheets could be wrapped around steam or exhaust pipes to convert heat emissions into electricity that could power nearby devices or be delivered to a power grid. Another potential application would be cooling computer chips.
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A Super Material Applicable Fuel Cells, Batteries and Other Energy Conversion Devices
September 19, 2021
Researchers have discovered a material that is only four atoms thick and allows for the study of the motion of charged particles in only two dimensions. Such studies could lead to pivotal discoveries in solid electrolytes for batteries and other applications.
Unplanned discovery could lead to future pivotal discoveries in batteries, fuel cells, devices for converting heat to electricity and more.
____________________________________
New breakthrough in thermoelectric materials
Apr 02, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-04-breakthrough-thermoelectric-materials.html#ajTabs
A
joint South Korean and American research group has developed a scalable
production method for a state of the art alloy for the use in solid
state thermoelectric devices. This new alloy is nearly twice as
efficient as existing materials and may lead to a new host of
applications. Uses include refrigeration, consumer electronics,
transportation as well as novel devices which have not been produced yet
do to the inefficiencies of existing materials.
French
physicist Jean Charles Athanase Peltier discovered a key concept
necessary for thermoelectric (TE) temperature control in 1834. His
findings were so significant, TE devices are now commonly referred to
Peltier devices. Since his work, there have been steady advancements in
materials and design. Despite the technological sophistication Peltier
devices, they are still less energy efficient than traditional
compressor/evaporation cooling.
In the 1960's, Peltier
devices were primarily made from Bismuth-Telluride (Bi2Te3) or
Antimony-Telluride (Sb2Te3) alloys and had a peak efficiency (zT) of
1.1, meaning the electricity going in was only slightly less than the
heat coming out. Since the 1960's there have been incremental
advancements in alloy technology used in Peltier devices.
In
2014, researchers in South Korea at IBS Center for Integrated
Nanostructure Physics along with Samsung Advanced Institute of
Technology, the Department of Nano Applied Engineering at Kangwon
National University, the Department of Energy Science at Sungkyunkwan
University, and Materials Science department at California Institute of
Technology California, USA have formulated a new method for creating a
novel and much more efficient TE alloy.
TE alloys are
special because the metals have an incredibly high melting point.
Instead of melting the metals to fuse them, they are combined through a
process called sintering which uses heat and/or pressure to join the
small, metallic granules. The joint team, including IBS researchers,
used a process called liquid-flow assisted sintering which combined all
three antimony, bismuth and telluride granules into one alloy
(Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3). Additional melted tellurium was used as the liquid
between the Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 granules to help fuse them into a solid alloy,
and excess Te is expelled in the process.
By creating
the alloy this way, the joints between the fused grains, also known as
the grain boundaries, took on a special property. Traditionally sintered
Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 have thick, coarse joints which have led to a decrease in
both thermal and electrical conductivity. The new liquid-phase
sintering creates grain boundaries which are organized and aligned in
seams called dislocation arrays. These dislocation arrays greatly reduce
their thermal conduction, leading to an enhancement of their
thermoelectric conversion efficiency.
____________________________________
From Lab Curiosity to Industrial Reality: The New Dawn of Transition Metal Telluride Nanosheets
____________________________________
Nanodiamond “Heat Highways” Offer Four Times Better Heat Dissipation for Electronics
____________________________________
Nanodiamonds Are Key to Efficient Hydrogen Purification – And a Zero-Carbon Future
Researchers from Kyoto University have developed nanodiamond-reinforced composite membranes that significantly improve hydrogen purification, making hydrogen production more efficient and cost-effective.
This advancement addresses a critical challenge in achieving a hydrogen-based economy, a key component in combating climate change. By integrating nanodiamonds, which stabilize the membranes under humid conditions, this technology could also have applications in other industries requiring humidity control.
____________________________________
New hydrogel to cool down electronics and converting their heat into electricity
April 22, 2020
https://www.techexplorist.com/new-hydrogel-cool-down-electronics-converting-heat-electricity/31762/
____________________________________
New capabilities in DNA nanostructure self-assembly eliminate need for extreme heating and controlled cooling
March 12, 2025
University
at Albany researchers at the RNA Institute are pioneering new methods
for designing and assembling DNA nanostructures, enhancing their
potential for real-world applications in medicine, materials science and
data storage.
Their latest findings demonstrate a novel ability
to assemble these structures without the need for extreme heat and
controlled cooling. They also demonstrate successful assembly of
unconventional "buffer" substances including nickel. These developments,
published in the journal Science Advances, unlock new possibilities in
DNA nanotechnology.
DNA is most commonly recognized for its role
in storing genetic information. Composed of base pairs that can easily
be manipulated, DNA is also an excellent material for constructing
nanoscale objects. By "programming" the base pairs that make up DNA
molecules, scientists can create precise structures as small as a few
nanometers that can be engineered into shapes with intricate
architectures.
With their tiny scale and custom design, these
structures can be used for highly accurate placement of things like
biomolecules, cells and nanoparticles, with applications in biomedicine
(e.g., drug delivery, therapeutics and diagnostic tools) and material
design.
Creating these structures often requires DNA strands to
be heated then cooled in special buffer solutions that typically contain
magnesium ions. However, the need for precise temperature control
limits possibilities for practical applications, and DNA nanostructures
assembled in magnesium can pose challenges, including structural
instability in biological environments.
https://phys.org/news/2025-03-capabilities-dna-nanostructure-extreme-cooling.html
____________________________________
Overcoming Longstanding Quantum Computing Roadblock: Scientists Develop Efficient 2D Device for Quantum Cooling
EPFL researchers have created a groundbreaking device that operates efficiently at millikelvin temperatures required for quantum computing, potentially revolutionizing cooling systems for advanced technologies. The LANES lab’s 2D device made of graphene and indium selenide
____________________________________
Advancements in electronics cooling techniques: focus on graphene’s prospects, challenges, and future directions
03 February 2025
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10973-024-13985-w
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New powerful green cooling system that could replace air conditioners
March 12, 2025
A
team of researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and
Technology (HKUST) has created the world’s first kilowatt-scale
elastocaloric cooling device, a new type of air conditioning system that
is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
This
breakthrough technology can cool indoor spaces quickly, reaching a
comfortable 21°C–22°C within just 15 minutes, even when outdoor
temperatures are above 30°C.
The research, published in the
journal Nature, offers a promising solution for reducing energy
consumption and cutting down greenhouse gas emissions in the cooling
industry.
https://knowridge.com/2025/03/new-powerful-green-cooling-system-that-could-replace-air-conditioners/
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Thermophotovoltaic device turns waste heat into electricity—while defying a physical limit
February 18, 2025
A
team of engineers and material scientists in the Paul M. Rady
Department of Mechanical Engineering at CU Boulder has developed a new
technology to turn thermal radiation into electricity in a way that
literally teases the basic law of thermal physics.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-02-thermophotovoltaic-device-electricity-defying-physical.html
____________________________________
Scientists Develop Fungi Tiles with Elephant Skin Texture to Cool Buildings
13 Jun 2025
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have developed a promising new building material to help reduce energy consumption in buildings. The research team has created special fungi tiles with an elephant skin-like texture that can naturally cool buildings without using electricity or other energy sources.
These innovative tiles are made from a biomaterial that combines mycelium, the root network of fungi, with organic waste. The researchers collaborated with local ecology and biomimicry design firm bioSEA to give the tiles a bumpy, wrinkly texture modeled after elephant skin.
Elephants lack sweat glands and rely on skin wrinkles to regulate body temperature in hot climates. The scientists applied this natural cooling mechanism to their fungi tiles with impressive results.
Laboratory tests showed that the elephant skin-inspired fungi tiles cooled 25% faster than flat mycelium tiles. The textured tiles also heated up more slowly, with a heating rate 2% lower than flat tiles. Even more remarkably, the cooling effect improved by an additional 70% in simulated rainy conditions, making them particularly suitable for tropical climates.
Associate Professor Hortense Le Ferrand, who led the study, highlighted the potential of these fungi tiles as a sustainable alternative to conventional building materials. “Insulation materials are increasingly integrated into building walls to enhance energy efficiency, but these are mostly synthetic and come with environmental consequences throughout their life cycle,” she explained.
The construction industry accounts for nearly 40% of all energy-related emissions worldwide. Finding eco-friendly alternatives like these fungi tiles could help significantly reduce this environmental impact.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-04-scientists-fungi-tiles-elephant-skin.html
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Remarkable New Fabric Efficiently Transfers Heat – Could Help Keep You Cool Even Without A/C
Researchers have developed a material that cools the wearer without using any electricity. The fabric transfers heat, allows moisture to evaporate from the skin and repels water.
Air conditioning and other space cooling methods account for about 10% of all electricity consumption in the U.S., according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces have developed a material that cools the wearer without using any electricity. The fabric transfers heat, allows moisture to evaporate from the skin and repels water.
Cooling off a person’s body is much more efficient than cooling an entire room or building. Various clothing and textiles have been designed to do just that, but most have disadvantages, such as poor cooling capacity; large electricity consumption; complex, time-consuming manufacturing; and/or high cost. Yang Si, Bin Ding, and colleagues wanted to develop a personal cooling fabric that could efficiently transfer heat away from the body, while also being breathable, water-repellent, and easy to make.
____________________________________
Sustainable cooling film could slash building energy use by 20% amid rising global temperatures
June 24, 2025
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-sustainable-cooling-slash-energy-global.html
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Passive cooling paint sweats off heat to deliver 10X cooling and 30% energy savings
June 18, 2025
A
new cement-based paint can cool down the building by sweating off the
heat. The cooling paint, named CCP-30, was designed by an international
team of researchers and features a nanoparticle-modified porous
structure composed of a calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel network.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-passive-cooling-10x-energy.html
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Inspired by butterflies, researcher invents new paint that has no pigments
Mar 10, 2023
It can not only keep us safe from the dangerous effects of synthetic paints but also keep buildings cooler.
Researchers at the NanoScience Technology Center at the University of Central Florida have invented a new paint that does not use any pigments at all. Called plasmonic paint, it uses nanoscale structural arrangements of aluminum and aluminum oxide to generate its hues.
Exterior paints on the building have a topic of quite some research as scientists look for ways to keep the heat in cooler regions and out in the warmer regions of the world. Last year, Interesting Engineering reported how researchers were working to make the world’s whitest paint thinner so that lesser quantities would be required to paint surfaces.
Structural Color: A Sustainable Alternative
“The range of colors and hues in the natural world are astonishing — from colorful flowers, birds and butterflies to underwater creatures like fish and cephalopods,” Chanda says. “Structural color serves as the primary color-generating mechanism in several extremely vivid species where geometrical arrangement of typically two colorless materials produces all colors. On the other hand, with manmade pigment, new molecules are needed for every color present.”
Based on such bio-inspirations, Chanda’s research group innovated a plasmonic paint, which utilizes nanoscale structural arrangement of colorless materials — aluminum and aluminum oxide — instead of pigments to create colors.
While pigment colorants control light absorption based on the electronic property of the pigment material and hence every color needs a new molecule, structural colorants control the way light is reflected, scattered or absorbed based purely on the geometrical arrangement of nanostructures.
Such structural colors are environmentally friendly as they only use metals and oxides, unlike present pigment-based colors that use artificially synthesized molecules.
The researchers have combined their structural color flakes with a commercial binder to form long-lasting paints of all colors.
https://scitechdaily.com/inspired-by-butterflies-scientist-creates-the-lightest-paint-in-the-world/
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Optical Illusion Produced by Butterflies’ Wing Scales Is Secret to Ultra-Black, Lightweight Materials
Permanent Wings: – Biologically improbable due to human bone and muscle structure (though at the same time, usually easy to rationalize at first glance due to the nature of our shoulders), and if they’re intended for actual flight, you may have to write off several laws of physics as well. Therefore, such characters are often assumed to be not entirely of this world, especially since the domain of birds shares a name with God’s kingdom: Heaven. This ties into the classic depictions of winged angels as well.
Some butterflies have ultra-black wings that rival the blackest materials made by humans, using wing scales that are only a fraction as thick — here’s how they do it. Set against a piece of black construction paper, the wings of the male cattleheart butterfly look even blacker than black.
The blackness on the wings of many male butterflies is darker than it is on their female counterparts, so one theory is it helps them show off to potential mates. The black regions always border white, colored, or iridescent patches, so the idea is they might work like a dark picture frame to make the brighter blotches pop.
In a study in the March 10 issue of the journal Nature Communications, Duke researchers report that ultra-black butterflies from disparate regions of the globe appear to have converged on the same trick. The secret to making blacks this dark and lightweight, they say, isn’t a surplus of melanin — the pigment responsible for a crow’s feathers or a black cat’s fur. It’s an optical illusion created by the 3-D structure of the butterflies’ wing scales.
https://science-atlas.com/biology/optical-illusion-produced-by-butterflies-wing-scales-is-secret-to/
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Nanostructures and Living Cells in Butterfly Wings Could Inspire Radiative-Cooling Materials & Advanced Flying Machines
Researchers discover that butterflies have specialized behaviors and wing scales to protect the living parts of their wings; nanostructures found in the wing scales could inspire the design of radiative-cooling materials to help manage excessive heat conditions; sensory network in the wings could inspire the design of advanced flying machines.
https://scitechdaily.com/nanostructures-and-living-cells-in-butterfly-wings-could-inspire-radiative-cooling-materials-advanced-flying-machines/
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Memristors get the hues
22 April 2021
The memristor, in which an external electric field controls the formation and annihilation of conductive channels, has been described both as a missing electronic element and a memory and computational element. Here, their utility as building blocks for promising reflective and energy-efficient colour technology is described.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-021-00891-7
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Revolutionary Phase Change Nano Inks: The Future of Energy-Efficient Climate Control in Buildings & Cars
Phase change inks using nanotechnology have been developed to control temperature and provide passive climate control, reducing energy consumption. The versatile inks have potential applications in buildings, electronics, and clothing, and could become a sustainable solution to address climate change.
World-first ‘phase change inks’ that could transform how we heat and cool buildings, homes, and cars – to achieve sophisticated ‘passive climate’ control – have been developed, with enormous potential to help reduce energy use and global greenhouse gas emissions.
New research published in The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Journal of Materials Chemistry A led by Dr. Mohammad Taha, documents proof-of-concept ‘phase change inks’ that use nanotechnology to control the temperature in everyday environments. They achieve this by adjusting the amount of radiation that can pass through them, based on the surrounding environment.
Dr. Taha said these inks could be used to develop coatings to achieve passive heating and cooling, reducing our need to rely on energy creation to regulate temperatures.
“Humans use a lot of energy to create and maintain comfortable environments – heating and cooling our buildings, homes, cars, and even our bodies,” Dr. Taha said.
Revolutionizing Energy Efficiency with Nanotechnology
The breakthrough was achieved by discovering how to modify one of the main components of ‘phase change materials’ – vanadium oxide (VO2). Phase change materials use triggers, like heat or electricity, to create enough energy for the material to transform itself under stress. However, phase change materials previously needed to be heated to very high temperatures for their ‘phase changing’ properties to be activated.
“We used our understanding of how these materials are put together to test how we could trigger the insulator to metal (IMT) reaction, where the material basically acts as a switch to block heat beyond a particular temperature – near-room temperature (30-40oC),” Dr. Taha said.
Dr. Taha said the next step will involve taking the research, patented by the University of Melbourne, to production.
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Closing the gaps—MXene-coated air filters show enhanced performance and reusability
May 24 2025
Despite
improvements to air filtration technology in the aftermath of the
COVID-19 pandemic, some of the smallest particles—those of automobile
and factory emissions—can still make their way through less efficient,
but common filters. An interdisciplinary team of researchers from Drexel
University’s College of Engineering have introduced a new way to
improve textile-based filters by coating them with a type of
two-dimensional nanomaterial called MXene.
Recently published in
the journal C—Journal of Carbon Research, the team’s research reports
that a non-woven polyester textile—a low-cost material with low
filtration efficiency—coated with a thin layer of MXene nanomaterial can
turn it into a potent filter capable of pulling some of the finest
nanoparticles from the air.
“It can be challenging for common
filters to contend with particles less than 100 nanometers, which
include those emitted by industrial processes and automobiles,” said
Michael Waring, Ph.D., a professor in Drexel’s College of Engineering,
and co-author of the research. “Being able to augment a filter, through a
simple coating process, to make it effective against these emissions is
a significant development.”
https://lifeboat.com/blog/2025/05/closing-the-gaps-mxene-coated-air-filters-show-enhanced-performance-and-reusability
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A new crystal that 'breathes' oxygen expands possibilities for clean energy and electronics
August 15, 2025
A team of scientists from Korea and Japan has discovered a new type of crystal that can "breathe"—releasing and absorbing oxygen repeatedly at relatively low temperatures. This unique ability could transform the way we develop clean energy technologies, including fuel cells, energy-saving windows, and smart thermal devices.
https://phys.org/news/2025-08-crystal-oxygen-possibilities-energy-electronics.html
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Physicists Solve a Perplexing Nano-Scale Mystery That May Assist In Preventing Overheating in Electronics
____________________________________
Underground ‘Groundfridge’ keeps produce fresh without electricity
March 16, 2025
The naturally cool cellar.
https://www.techexplorist.com/underground-ground-fridge-dont-use-electricity/3995/
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Goodbye, frost. Scientists reveal long-lasting antifreeze technology
11.11.2024
Engineers at Northwestern University in the United States have developed a new strategy to prevent ice formation before it starts.
In the new research, scientists discovered that adjusting the texture of any surface and adding a thin layer of graphene oxide prevents 100% frost formation on surfaces for a week or more.
The result is, according to , 1000 times longer lasting than current state-of-the-art antifreeze surfaces.
“A unwanted frost accumulation it is a major concern in the industrial, residential and government sectors”, highlighted expert Kyoo-Chul Kenneth Park. “It is critical to develop effective anti-icing techniques for long periods of time in extreme environmental conditions. It is also necessary to develop antifreeze methods that are easy to manufacture and implement.”
Researchers have created an antifreeze technique hybrid able to prevent frost from forming for weeks. In addition to being durable, it is scalable and easily manufactured through 3D printing.
Four years ago, Park and his team discovered that adding millimeter-scale textures to a surface reduced ice formation by up to 80%. Published on Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was inspired by the wavy geometry of the leaves.
“There is more frost formation in the convex regions of a leaf,” he explained. “In the concave regions (the ribs), we see much less frost. There was no explanation for the formation of these patterns, until we discovered that it is the geometry — and not the material — that controls it.”
____________________________________
Way cool: UVA professor developing ‘freeze ray’ technology for the Air Force
31-Jul-2023
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/997140
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MIT Physicists Create Ultracold Molecules of 23Na40K
A team of physicists from MIT has successfully cooled molecules
in a gas of sodium potassium (NaK) to a temperature of 500 nanokelvins,
creating ultracold molecules.
The air around us is a chaotic superhighway of molecules whizzing
through space and constantly colliding with each other at speeds of
hundreds of miles per hour. Such erratic molecular behavior is normal at
ambient temperatures.
But scientists have long suspected that if temperatures were to
plunge to near absolute zero, molecules would come to a screeching halt,
ceasing their individual chaotic motion and behaving as one collective
body. This more orderly molecular behavior would begin to form very
strange, exotic states of matter — states that have never been observed
in the physical world.
Now experimental physicists at MIT have successfully cooled molecules
in a gas of sodium potassium (NaK) to a temperature of 500 nanokelvins —
just a hair above absolute zero, and over a million times colder than
interstellar space. The researchers found that the ultracold molecules
were relatively long-lived and stable, resisting reactive collisions
with other molecules. The molecules also exhibited very strong dipole
moments — strong imbalances in electric charge within molecules that
mediate magnet-like forces between molecules over large distances.
____________________________________
Cold Atom Laboratory Chills Atoms to New Lows
September 26, 2014
(Artist's concept of an atom chip for use by NASA's Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL) aboard the International Space Station. CAL will use lasers to cool atoms to ultracold temperatures.Image Credit: NASA)
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=4312
Cold Atom Laboratory
researchers used lasers to optically cool rubidium atoms to temperatures
almost a million times colder than that of the depths of space. The
atoms were then magnetically trapped, and radio waves were used to cool
the atoms 100 times lower. The radiofrequency radiation acts like a
knife, slicing away the hottest atoms from the trap so that only the
coldest remain.
The research is at the point where this process can reliably create a Bose-Einstein condensate in just seconds.
"This
was a tremendous accomplishment for the CAL team. It confirms the
fidelity of the instrument system design and provides us a facility to
perform science and hardware verifications before we get to the space
station," said CAL Project Manager Anita Sengupta of JPL.
While
so far, the Cold Atom Laboratory researchers have created Bose-Einstein
condensates with rubidium atoms, eventually they will also add in
potassium. The behavior of two condensates mixing together will be
fascinating for physicists to observe, especially in space.
Besides
merely creating Bose-Einstein condensates, CAL provides a suite of
tools to manipulate and probe these quantum gases in a variety of ways.
It has a unique role as a facility for the atomic, molecular and optical
physics community to study cold atomic physics in microgravity, said
David Aveline of JPL, CAL ground testbed lead.
____________________________________
This New Element is Lighter than Hydrogen. What?!?!
Feb 2, 2023
When
we first learn about atoms, we learn that the simplest has one electron
buzzing around one proton, aka hydrogen. But it turns out there's an
atom that's even simpler than this. It's called muonium, and it's an
atom that's partially made of antimatter!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrabgulN1L8
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Scientists discover a new phase of high-density, ultra-hot ice
October 9, 2023
The
outer planets of our solar system, Uranus and Neptune, are water-rich
gas giants. These planets have extreme pressures 2 million times the
Earth's atmosphere. They also have interiors as hot as the surface of
the sun. Under these conditions, water exhibits exotic, high-density ice
phases.
Researchers recently observed one of these phases,
called Ice XIX, for the first time using high-power lasers to reproduce
the necessary extreme conditions. They measured the Ice XIX structure
using the Matter at Extreme Conditions instrument at the Linac Coherent
Light Source, a pioneering X-ray laser facility, to show that oxygen
atoms pack in a body-centered cubic structure, while the hydrogen atoms
move freely like a fluid, dramatically increasing conductivity. Their
paper was published in Scientific Reports.
https://phys.org/news/2023-10-scientists-phase-high-density-ultra-hot-ice.html
____________________________________
Skate Anywhere Like Frozone! (Freeze and Skate)
Jul 14, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYmKDngX7rY
____________________________________
DIY Supermaterial Could Save You From Heatstroke: Salt based PCMs
Jun 21, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqxjfp4Gi0k&t=13s
____________________________________
Experimental study of alternative refrigerants to replace R134a in a domestic refrigerator
March 2018
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338763358_Experimental_study_of_alternative_refrigerants_to_replace_R134a_in_a_domestic_refrigerator
____________________________________
The Ancient World’s Ingenious Ice Making Air Conditioning System
Apr 3, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta940DX_zko
______________
Why CO2 Heat Pumps Are The Future Of Cooling
Sep 12, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npqzHpeIvhM
______________
Super Antifreeze in Cells: The Ability to Survive in Ice and Snow Developed in Animals Far Earlier Than We Thought
2023
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/super-antifreeze-in-cells-the-ability-to-survive-in-ice-and-snow-developed-in-animals-far-earlier-than-we-thought
______________
Pot-in-Pot Magic: How the Clay Pot Cooler Africa is Shaping Off-Grid Cooling Solutions
April 22, 2025
A Cool Revolution Rising from the Clay
In scorching rural towns across Africa, where electricity flickers or is altogether absent, innovation has always found a way to thrive. One such marvel? The humble clay pot cooler Africa communities have long relied on. Once dismissed as outdated or “backward,” this ingenious invention — also known as the pot-in-pot refrigerator — is now celebrated globally as one of the most efficient off-grid cooling solutions available. In countries like Nigeria, Sudan, and Burkina Faso, these coolers have preserved vegetables, medicine, and even human dignity for decades.
With climate change pushing temperatures higher and energy costs soaring, the world is beginning to take notice. A clay pot cooler Africa not only preserves perishable goods without electricity, but also preserves an entire philosophy of low-impact living. As the UNDP Climate Promise notes, Indigenous knowledge is becoming central in the fight against climate change — and these coolers are a testament to that wisdom.
The Science Behind the Clay: How Nature Cools Better
The genius of the clay pot cooler Africa design lies in its simplicity. When water evaporates from the wet sand between the pots, it draws heat away from the inner chamber. This passive cooling method can lower temperatures by up to 14°C — enough to store tomatoes, milk, and even insulin.
In regions where power outages are common, or where families live miles from the nearest grid connection, these off grid cooling solutions offer life-changing reliability. Unlike solar fridges that require costly panels and batteries, a clay pot cooler Africa is affordable, accessible, and repairable with locally available materials.
UNESCO has recognized this design as one of the most impactful grassroots innovations in sustainable development — a rare example of low-tech brilliance solving high-stakes problems.
https://echoesofafrika.com/clay-pot-cooler-africa-off-grid-cooling/
____________________________________
Mud Homes: Nature’s Answer to Summer Heat
May 12, 2024
https://medium.com/@kristanvihaan11/mud-homes-natures-answer-to-summer-heat-844246913a51
____________________________________
Scientists make remarkable discovery after studying 'green roofs' on buildings: 'Can offer unexpected co-benefits'
August 15, 2025
A Tongji University research project has provided evidence that green roofs can remove microplastics from rainwater, according to Anthropocene.
The vegetative building toppers have long been used to help insulate structures, reducing heating and cooling costs. They can also reduce stormwater runoff. They consist of a waterproof membrane, soil, plants, and some other infrastructure needed to hold it all together. They also provide urban habitat for birds and insects, and can last twice as long as regular roofs, all according to the Government Accountability Office.
A lab-scale mockup in Shanghai demonstrated the ability to filter out the tiny plastic polluters. The roof was able to collect 97.5% of ground rubber, polyurethane fibers, and other microplastics that were added to simulated rainfall, per the lab summary.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/scientists-remarkable-discovery-studying-green-233000859.html
____________________________________
10 Ancient Home Design Tricks That Still Work (Thousands of Years Later)
June 22, 2025
1. Roman Atrium
2. Japanese Shoji Screens
3. Greek Courtyard
4. Persian Rugs
5. Egyptian Papyrus Motifs
6. Moroccan Mosaic Tiles
7. Chinese Feng Shui Principles
8. Aztec Patterns in Textiles
9. Indian Jali Screens
10. Scandinavian Hygge Concepts
https://decofond.com/ancient-home-design-tricks/
____________________________________
Ancient Cooling Techniques: How Our Ancestors Beat the Heat
8th January 2025
Table of Contents
Architecture Designed for Cooling
Water as a Cooling Element
Harnessing Natural Elements
Ingenious Cooling Devices
Lessons for Sustainable Living Today
Timeless Wisdom for Modern Comfort
Architecture Designed for Cooling
Ancient civilisations mastered the art of designing buildings that naturally stayed cool, even in scorching climates. Their architectural innovations harnessed materials, airflow and shade to create comfortable living spaces without modern technology.
Here are some of the most effective techniques:
Thick walls and natural materials: Many ancient homes featured thick walls made of materials like adobe, stone or mud brick, which absorbed heat during the day and released it slowly at night.
High ceilings: High ceilings allowed hot air to rise, keeping the living areas cooler.
Strategic orientation: Buildings were often positioned to maximise shade and minimise direct sunlight.
Open courtyards: Central courtyards provided shaded, ventilated areas for relaxation and gathering.
Windcatchers: Persian windcatchers directed breezes into homes, cooling the interior naturally.
These timeless designs highlight the beauty of blending practicality with sustainability, offering inspiration for modern eco-friendly architecture.
Water as a Cooling Element
Water has always been one of the most effective ways to combat heat, and our ancestors understood this well. Ancient civilisations used water features not just for decoration but also as natural cooling systems.
The Romans, for example, built aqueducts to transport water into cities, feeding fountains and pools that cooled public spaces. Similarly, Islamic architecture often featured courtyards with central fountains, where evaporating water lowered the surrounding temperature.
In Persia, ingenious qanats − underground channels − brought cool water from distant mountains into homes and gardens, creating an oasis effect. Even in residential settings, simple methods like placing clay pots of water near windows helped cool the air as it evaporated.
These techniques weren’t just functional; they turned spaces into serene environments. Today, we can draw from these ideas by incorporating water features into our homes and gardens to create cooling, relaxing spaces while staying energy efficient.
Harnessing Natural Elements
Ancient civilisations relied on nature’s power to stay cool, using simple yet effective techniques that didn’t rely on modern air conditioning technology. By understanding and working with their environment, they created comfortable spaces even in the hottest climates.
Here are some ways they harnessed natural elements:
Shade from trees: Planting trees around homes provided natural shade, reducing direct sunlight and cooling the air. This technique was common in ancient Greece and India.
Pergolas and vines: Structures like pergolas covered with climbing plants created shaded walkways and living spaces. The cooling effect of greenery added a refreshing touch.
Cross-ventilation: Openings in homes were strategically aligned to encourage airflow, letting cool breezes pass through.
Natural insulation: Materials like straw, clay, and mud were used to insulate homes, keeping interiors cooler.
Ingenious Cooling Devices
Our ancestors’ resourcefulness in creating cooling devices is nothing short of impressive. Long before modern fans and air conditioners, simple yet effective tools were crafted to beat the heat. One remarkable example is the use of clay pots and wet mats.
In ancient India and Egypt, people would fill clay pots with water and let evaporation cool the surrounding air. Similarly, damp mats hung in doorways created a cooling breeze as air passed through.
In Persia, badgirs (or windcatchers) were tall structures designed to channel cool air into buildings, acting as natural air conditioners. Underground tunnels, or qanats, further enhanced this system by directing cool air from water sources into homes.
These devices were not only innovative but also sustainable, relying on natural processes to provide relief from the heat. They remind us that simple, eco-friendly solutions can be both effective and beautifully in tune with nature.
Lessons for Sustainable Living Today
The cooling techniques of our ancient ancestors offer valuable insights for creating sustainable and energy-efficient solutions in our modern lives.
By adopting their strategies, we can stay comfortable while reducing our environmental footprint.
Here are some key lessons we can apply today:
Passive cooling designs: Incorporate features like thick walls, high ceilings, and shaded courtyards into modern architecture to reduce reliance on air conditioning.
Greenery for cooling: Plant trees and climbing vines around homes to create natural shade and improve air quality.
Water features: Add fountains or ponds to outdoor spaces to take advantage of evaporative cooling, much like ancient palaces did.
Cross-ventilation: Design buildings with windows and openings that allow breezes to flow naturally, minimising the need for mechanical cooling.
Sustainable materials: Use eco-friendly materials like clay, straw, or adobe for insulation and temperature regulation.
These ancient practices remind us that sustainable living starts with thoughtful design and a deep respect for nature.
https://www.upside-down.com.au/blog/ancient-cooling-techniques-how-our-ancestors-beat-the-heat/
____________________________________
How this ANCIENT wind catcher make building cool
Sep 1, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aARLB7C0Les
____________________________________
How One Company Secretly Poisoned The Planet
May 14, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC2eSujzrUY
____________________________________
How Amish Cool Their Homes Without Air Conditioning
Jul 16, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjCqiy8DwWk
____________________________________
Eco India: How the pattern of a beehive inspired the design for an affordable, natural air cooler
Oct 5, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt2oyaP2m6Q
____________________________________
The 3 Design Strategies Keeping This Building Cool In Scorching Heat
Jul 5, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGX7yosSLCc
____________________________________
How to cool our homes (even without ACs)
Aug 4, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKbEOMCsqaI
____________________________________
I Built a $250 Desert Air Conditioning System That Uses Almost NO Electricity (and it WORKS!)
Mar 29, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTd3GwxwSPs
____________________________________
How Singapore Uses Science to Stay Cool
Mar 17, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM101DvvG4Q
____________________________________
How Magnetic Cooling Is Breaking All the Rules
Apr 15, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcscUoP8FNk
____________________________________
10 Forgotten DIY Heating Systems That Will Keep You Warm
Aug 4, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcFOl1kb84E
____________________________________
Home of the Future: Zero-Energy Passive House
Aug 22, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDRLyJwtglI
____________________________________
100% Ambient Heated & Cooled Home in Colorado - Passive Solar + Passive House | with M. Keith Sharp
Mar 8, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxMDJINgbHc
____________________________________
See How Termites Inspired a Building That Can Cool Itself | Decoder
May 29, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=620omdSZzBs
____________________________________
The Forgotten Reactor: Jean Pain’s Natural Power Plant
Aug 5, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0VOcpIkKaA
____________________________________
Why Manure and Urine Could Power the Future
Jul 8, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TCmjSIj9Jw
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Chapter 32: Sustainable farming methods
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
We
could have billions of people living on other planets, including in the
oceans of our planet and other planets. The carbon could even be made to be converted to energy and minerals that could biodegrade properly. Imagine the amount of
ideas, cultures, technology and life that we could create in other parts
of the Universe.
We need an environmentally friendly standard of farming. Food
is not getting to the right places. Too much food is being wasted, while many
people go starving. It is debated if we should use organic traditional farming methods, synthetic farming or vertical farming.
____________________________________
We found a way to save the Amazon Rainforest
Jul 15, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jISd1UXeqQ
____________________________________
Chinampas of Mexico: Most Productive Agriculture EVER?
Apr 14, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86gyW0vUmVs
____________________________________
Inside the food forest revolution
Nov 15, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_SzuUHXP1M
____________________________________
Farming, Redefined. A FoodUnfolded Film about Regenerative Agriculture
Nov 8, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofSV0l0qsxI
____________________________________
How We Produce 80% of Our Food on Just 1/2 Acre (Complete Tour)
May 30, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwe6XHoDIhk
____________________________________
10 Ancient Farming Secrets That Built Civilizations (and Still Work Today)
Jul 15, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMWfdHsIWCg
____________________________________
Incredible 1.5-Acre Syntropic Food Forest with Over 250 Plant Species | The Food Forest Farmers
Apr 22, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBPLrr9Hph0
____________________________________
Japan's Tiny Forests are Thriving in Britain - here's why
Jul 27, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0d7Hox5J4M
____________________________________
THE MINI FOREST - Rewilding using the Miyawaki Method
May 21, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUABUetUayM
____________________________________
20 Amish Gardening Tricks You'll Wish You Knew Sooner
Apr 13, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9tl02zBdkc
____________________________________
30 Amish Gardening Hacks To Grow More Food With Less Work
Apr 23, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYBWasOMX5Q
____________________________________
30 Weird Amish Practices That 10x Garden Productivity
Apr 23, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAI7PoYbMUg
____________________________________
50 Amish Gardening Hacks for Thriving Gardens in Cold Climate
Apr 9, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwtG2Y4WiY0
____________________________________
50 Amish Gardening Secrets the Modern World Never Knew
Jun 1, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1slwRDn0DWA
____________________________________
50 Amish Gardening Tricks To Grow More Food With Less Work
Mar 22, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoIS4heTKp4
____________________________________
How Do Amish Make Their Gardens So Self-Sufficient?
Jul 22, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCxYfRD9Isk
____________________________________
25 Amish Tricks To Start Seeds Indoors You'll Wish You Knew Sooner
Jul 31, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nju4GtAYpQ
____________________________________
How Amish Grow Enough Food In A Tiny Space to Feed 10 People
Apr 29, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBRXgnwvQ3g
____________________________________
How Amish Grow Giant Vegetables Without Chemicals
May 25, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5Ypqt7FHsA
____________________________________
10 Forgotten Superfoods Medieval Farmers Swore By (That Still Grow Today)
May 15, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bkDteELAmY
____________________________________
20 Foods The Amish Stockpile That NEVER Expire
Nov 27, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz6rKQEifLE
____________________________________
They Never Spoiled: 10 Forgotten Foods That Outsmarted Famine, Disease, and Time
Aug 15, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vor0ilTOqQ8
____________________________________
These Vegetables Grow Like Fruit Trees — Plant Once, Eat Forever
Aug 16, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjymlUelicY
____________________________________
Stop Planting Trees!
Sep 29, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMF8wA7rgRY
____________________________________
Algae: The Ultimate Circular Crop?
Feb 15, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcmkUfxReY4
____________________________________
Industry Scandal: The Loss Of Nutrients | Corrupt Food Industry
Mar 9, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uwn7ioUHTk
____________________________________
Corrupt Food Industry | Hidden Work | Dangerous additives | Documentary
Dec 1, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5TNiggsH1A
____________________________________
How Are Amish Gardens So Productive?
Jul 5, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfw2vchbB78
____________________________________
How Amish Create Rich Fertilizers Without Buying Anything
Jul 1, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyFuBeu1C2o
____________________________________
America’s ambitious plan to restore the Wild West
Sep 15, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPbCjH45uwI
____________________________________
Dyson Might Just Have Solved Vertical Farming
Aug 19, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9mLOzi-xlE
____________________________________
20 Foods Native Americans Stockpiled That NEVER Expired
Aug 29, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQE9Q7mNfDI
____________________________________
20 WWII VICTORY GARDEN CROPS That Could Feed You TODAY
Jul 3, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gNrffHBUEM
____________________________________
How 1 MILLION Pounds Of Organic Food Can Be Produced On 3 Acres
http://wakeup-world.com/2011/07/14/how-1-million-pounds-of-organic-food-can-be-produced-on-3-acres/
____________________________________
Up to 90 percent of Americans could be fed entirely by local agriculture
Jun 02, 2015
New farmland-mapping research published today (June
1) shows that up to 90 percent of Americans could be fed entirely by
food grown or raised within 100 miles of their homes.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-percent-americans-fed-local-agriculture.html#jCp
____________________________________
Mind Blowing Ancient Desert Technology Just Discovered, Is Changing Everything We Know About Water!
Apr 6, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMTqa9REF-s
____________________________________
Vertical farming designs & concepts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVk2B-9WQ0w&list=PLDCE2FF0D4101CC66&index=1
____________________________________
Dyson Might Just Have Solved Vertical Farming
Aug 19, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9mLOzi-xlE
____________________________________
Underwater Cities in The Future | Full Documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs0a6Im9Alk
____________________________________
We can see the problems with too many added chemicals, pesticides, fungicides and synthetic fertilizers in current farming methods.
____________________________________
Electron-delivering protein manipulates natural catalyst, changing ideas about fertilizer production
June 8th, 2015
Results:
In industry, synthesizing ammonia for fertilizers uses massive amounts
of hydrogen, typically generated from fossil fuels, but in nature, the
nitrogenase enzyme produces ammonia without added hydrogen. In studying
the enzyme, scientists came up against a protein, called the Fe protein.
This little protein delivers electrons to the larger nitrogenase MoFe
enzyme. The smaller protein's actions limit the enzyme's speed.
Recently, scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and three
universities found that the smaller protein and larger enzyme roll
across each other, likely pushing at the MoFe surface to deliver
electrons.
Why It Matters: Producing ammonia for the
world's crop fertilizers consumes 1 to 2 percent of all the energy
produced by humankind. Part of that energy is used to generate hydrogen
gas, which is combined with nitrogen gas in the Haber-Bosch process.
This research sheds new light on how an enzyme catalyzes a reaction
without added hydrogen; instead, the enzyme uses protons and electrons.
Methods:
The little Fe protein that delivers the electrons comes under scrutiny,
as it is the dissociation of this protein from the MoFe protein or
enzyme that is the slowest step in the process. And, the dissociation
step must happen 8 times for each molecule of ammonia that is produced.
Expediting or removing this rate-limiting step would provide fundamental
insights into the nature of the enzyme, insights that could be applied
to synthetic catalysts.
Substitution of three amino
acids buried deep in the MoFe protein allows electrons to be delivered
from small molecule electron carriers to support the transformation, or
reduction, of several substrates, including azide to ammonia, hydrazine
to ammonia and protons to molecular hydrogen, or H2...
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-electron-delivering-protein-natural-catalyst-ideas.html#jCp
____________________________________
A genius way to restore dead soil
Oct 15, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG1H9Sg4lBM
____________________________________
Working the land for our climate - Healthy soil, healthy world | DW Documentary
Jun 14, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Iuyo0leZQg
____________________________________
How farmers are protecting the soil and our food security | DW Documentary
Feb 14, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_RiNPKJNdE
____________________________________
"Dirt" A Documentary About Saving Our Soil | Mid-America Emmy® Winner & Public Media Award Finalist
Sep 1, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8mawEmm49o
____________________________________
Regenerating the world’s degraded soil
Feb 22, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O_ebN6B58U
____________________________________
The Community Rescuing Food Waste From Landfill to Make Beautiful Compost | Ben & bEartha
Oct 7, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDcsW5tGda4
____________________________________
Fighting Sahara Desertification: The Green Wall Project | SLICE SCIENCE | FULL DOC
Jul 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzABuM9-dw
____________________________________
Stopping the Sahara: Morocco and Senegal's Environmental Battle | SLICE EARTH | FULL DOCUMENTARY
Aug 3, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKKCG-Rw5Kw
____________________________________
Enchanting China：From Desert to Forest
Feb 19, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m1x_W7SLmg
____________________________________
Different
groups think that we should use a system of aquaponics to grow food. Aaquponics can be sustainable. I do not think
that 100% of our food should be grown using aquaponics. Many types of
berries grow wild, this includes other types of bushes and trees that
give off fruit and other types of harvests. We should use a system of
organic gardening, this includes forest gardens, vertical farming and
aquaponics.
____________________________________
Hydroponics - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroponics
Aquaponics - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics
Aeroponics - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeroponics
Organic farming - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_farming
____________________________________
Deep Sea Fish Farming in Geodesic Domes: Upgrade
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpPZUGIJ2M0
____________________________________
There
are ways to work with the land, to co-exist. However, the way many
farms mass-produce many crops and livestock, with synthetic chemicals
and runoff from agriculture and livestock production, is not sustainable.
In
certain areas in South America some cultures would only plant crops every few years, or have a system of crop rotation. This would be considered an extremely organic way of
farming and coexisting with nature.
Many farmers import tons of soil used for production of farming.
Eventually farmers even discard this soil when their harvest is over, then
import new soil in by trucks to plant a new harvest. Many claim that
this would be a good example, of how farmers can burn out their soil. It
becomes very difficult for any type of plant to grow naturally, when
soil is burnt out from the use of over-farming. This is why many
farmers try to get thousands of acres. So that they can shift around the
areas where they grow crops on their land.
With good
organic farming and crop rotation, farmers can co-exist with the land.
The big debate now, is if we should find a type of super soil to use with other soils such as terra preta. This includes if we should use a use a system of monoculture, forest farming, polyculture or both.
____________________________________
Terra preta
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terra_preta
Terra preta (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈtɛʁɐ ˈpɾetɐ], literally "black earth" in Portuguese), also known as Amazonian dark earth or Indian black earth, is a type of very dark, fertile anthropogenic soil (anthrosol) found in the Amazon Basin. In Portuguese its full name is terra preta do índio or terra preta de índio ("black soil of the Indian", "Indians' black earth"). Terra mulata ("mulatto earth") is lighter or brownish in color.
Terra preta owes its characteristic black color to its weathered charcoal content, and was made by adding a mixture of charcoal, bones, broken pottery, compost and manure to the low fertility Amazonian soil. A product of indigenous Amazonian soil management and slash-and-char agriculture, the charcoal is stable and remains in the soil for thousands of years, binding and retaining minerals and nutrients.
Terra preta is characterized by the presence of low-temperature charcoal residues in high concentrations; of high quantities of tiny pottery shards; of organic matter such as plant residues, animal feces, fish and animal bones, and other material; and of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, zinc and manganese. Fertile soils such as terra preta show high levels of microorganic activities and other specific characteristics within particular ecosystems.
Terra preta zones are generally surrounded by terra comum ([ˈtɛʁɐ koˈmũ, ku-]), or "common soil"; these are infertile soils, mainly acrisols, but also ferralsols and arenosols. Deforested arable soils in the Amazon are productive for a short period of time before their nutrients are consumed or leached away by rain or flooding. This forces farmers to migrate to an unburned area and clear it (by fire). Terra preta is less prone to nutrient leaching because of its high concentration of charcoal, microbial life and organic matter. The combination accumulates nutrients, minerals and microorganisms and withstands leaching.
Terra preta soils were created by farming communities between 450 BCE and 950 CE. Soil depths can reach 2 meters (6.6 ft). It is reported to regenerate itself at the rate of 1 centimeter (0.4 in) per year.
____________________________________
Monoculture
Monoculture is the agricultural practice of producing or growing a single crop or plant species in a field at a time. Polyculture,
where more than one crop is grown in the same space at the same time,
is the alternative to monoculture. Monoculture is widely used in modern
industrial agriculture and its implementation has allowed for increased efficiencies in planting and harvest.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monoculture
____________________________________
Polyculture
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyculture
Polyculture is agriculture using multiple crops in the same
space, in imitation of the diversity of natural ecosystems, and avoiding
large stands of single crops, or monoculture. It includes multi-cropping, intercropping, companion planting, beneficial weeds, and alley cropping. It is the raising at the same time and place of more than one species of plant or animal.
____________________________________
Fertilizer Runoff Overwhelms Streams and Rivers--Creating Vast "Dead Zones"
March 14, 2008
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fertilizer-runoff-overwhelms-streams/
____________________________________
All Natural, Mushroom-Based Pesticide Could Revolutionize Agriculture
May 14, 2015
http://reset.me/story/all-natural-mushroom-based-pesticide-could-revolutionize-agriculture/
____________________________________
Bioactive Nanocarrier Spray: Better Crops Without Genetic Modification
(Left) Schematic of the process. A bioactive molecule (like DNA or RNA) is combined with a peptide nanocarrier (a cell-penetrating peptide, CPP) in an aqueous solution and then sprayed onto plant leaves with a spray atomizer. This technique can alter gene expression without altering the genes themselves. (Right) Evidence that the system can be used to promote gene expression. Blue staining can be seen after spraying with a plasma DNA/CPP complex containing the GUS reporter gene. Note the upper leaf without any blue staining. This leaf was sprayed with a solution that contained the plasma DNA but not the peptide carrier.
Scientists have developed a bioactive spray that delivers molecules to plant cells, enhancing crop quality without altering their genes.
https://scitechdaily.com/bioactive-nanocarrier-spray-better-crops-without-genetic-modification/
____________________________________
Drone footage follows 10,000 ducks “cleaning” rice paddies in Thailand
Sep 15, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw4c5RhRYMY
____________________________________
How farmers can use ducks to control pests
Sep 22, 2018
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/farmkenya/article/2001296522/login.html
____________________________________
A functional overview of conservation biological control
2016
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0261219416303210
____________________________________
How Effective Is Conservation Biological Control in Regulating Insect Pest Populations in Organic Crop Production Systems?
2020
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7692856/
____________________________________
Conservation biological control: Improving the science base
2018
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6099858/
____________________________________
Planting for biocontrol
April 24, 2024
How conservation biocontrol can help you keep pests at bay through thoughtful planting.
https://www.greenhousemag.com/article/conservation-biocontrol-planting-growing-beneficial-insects-ipm-integrated-pest-management/
____________________________________
Types of biological control: augmentative, conservation and classical
The three main types of biological control for crops – conservation, augmentative and classical.
https://bioprotectionportal.com/resources/types-of-biological-control/
____________________________________
Conservation biological control
06/02/2018
https://dicoagroecologie.fr/en/dictionnaire/conservation-biological-control/
____________________________________
The rise of nanoagrochemicals
08 October 2021
Intrigued by the growing interest in nanoagrochemicals, Melanie Kah, Rai Kookana, Alexander Gogos and Thomas Bucheli detected a lack of systematic comparison between fertilizers and pesticides in the nanoform and conventional products. In their view, such a comparison was essential to guide research and development in the field towards the right direction. They proceeded to scrutinize existing papers in the literature and assessed both the efficacy and potential hazard of nanofertilizers and nanopesticides. The results of their analysis were published in Nature Nanotechnology in May 2018 (Nat. Nanotechnol. 13, 677–684; 2018).
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-021-00995-0
____________________________________
Nanoparticle smart spray helps crops block infection before it starts
June 4, 2025
Image at 3,000x magnification shows the SENDS nanoparticles (in blue) surrounding the stomata of a plant.
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-nanoparticle-smart-spray-crops-block.html#google_vignette
____________________________________
What
are the greenhouse gases ?
http://www.manicore.com/anglais/documentation_a/greenhouse/greenhouse_gas.html
____________________________________
Some have mentioned if we should use bacterium for fungicides, pesticides and plant food.
____________________________________
Some people think that the world is currently overpopulated, and that we are currently not living as environmentally friendly as we could be, with many of these harmful chemicals going around.
We could have trillions of people living off the planet, and living on other planets, moons and different areas in the Universe. We could harvest ideas from trillions of people, while creating new types of areas for humans and animals to live in.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Chapter 33: Clean-up technology
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
The
following chapter is dedicated to the preservation of the Earth,
including how to fix contaminated sources of water, soil and atmospheric
pollution.
Many landfills have toxic and radioactive chemicals in them. In this chapter, we will go into detail on what we can do as a civilization in order to fix many of these problems.
____________________________________
Superfund
Superfund or Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA)
is a United States federal law designed to clean up sites contaminated
with hazardous substances as well as broadly defined "pollutants or
contaminants".
Superfund also gives authority to federal natural resource agencies,
states and Native American tribes to recover natural resource damages
caused by releases of hazardous substances, and it created the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
(ATSDR). CERCLA's broad authority to clean up releases or threatened
releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or
welfare or the (natural) environment was given primarily to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and to states (though most states now have and most often use their own versions of CERCLA).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superfund
____________________________________
List of Superfund sites in the United States
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Superfund_sites_in_the_United_States
____________________________________
Brownfield land
Brownfield is a term used in urban planning to describe land previously used for industrial purposes or some commercial uses. Such land may have been contaminated with hazardous waste or pollution or is feared to be so. Once cleaned up, such an area can become host to a business development such as a retail park. Land that is more severely contaminated and has high concentrations of hazardous waste or pollution, such as a Superfund site, does not fall under the brownfield classification. Mothballed brownfields are properties that the owners are not willing to transfer or put to productive reuse.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownfield_land
____________________________________
Air pollution also comes from the manufacturing of industrial products, the burning of fuels and agriculture production. Even driving on a farm
road, that has been sprayed down with pesticides, fungicides and chemicals can cause extra air
pollution in the environment. We should have a better standard for how we produce energy and how we manufacture everyday items.
____________________________________
Big polluters: one massive container ship equals 50 million cars
April 23, 2009
April 23, 2009 The Guardian
has reported on new research showing that in one year, a single large
container ship can emit cancer and asthma-causing pollutants equivalent
to that of 50 million cars. The low grade bunker fuel used by the worlds
90,000 cargo ships contains up to 2,000 times the amount of sulfur
compared to diesel fuel used in automobiles. The recent boom in the
global trade of manufactured goods has also resulted in a new breed of
super sized container ship which consume fuel not by the gallons, but by
tons per hour, and shipping now accounts for 90% of global trade by
volume.
http://www.gizmag.com/shipping-pollution/11526/
____________________________________
India River Pollution: 80 Percent of Indian Sewage Flows Untreated Into Country's Rivers
2013
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/05/india-river-pollution-sewage_n_2810213.html
____________________________________World’s highest drug levels entering India stream
2009
PATANCHERU, India
(AP) When researchers analyzed vials of treated wastewater taken from a
plant where about 90 Indian drug factories dump their residues, they
were shocked. Enough of a single, powerful antibiotic was being spewed
into one stream each day to treat every person in a city of 90,000.
And it wasn’t just ciprofloxacin
being detected. The supposedly cleaned water was a floating medicine
cabinet a soup of 21 different active pharmaceutical ingredients, used
in generics for treatment of hypertension, heart disease, chronic liver
ailments, depression, gonorrhea, ulcers and other ailments. Half of the
drugs measured at the highest levels of pharmaceuticals ever detected in
the environment, researchers say.
Those Indian factories produce drugs for much of the world, including
many Americans. The result: Some of India’s poor are unwittingly
consuming an array of chemicals that may be harmful, and could lead to
the proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
250 Million Pounds of Drugs Flushed Down the Toilet by Hospitals
http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/250-million-pounds-of-drugs-flushed-down-the-toilet-by-hospitals.html
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NASA Satellites Track Vanishing Groundwater
Feb 24, 2010
Data from NASA's GRACE satellites helps gauge groundwater fluctuations in northwestern India
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/02/100217-groundwater-crisis-nasa-satellites-india-environment/
____________________________________
Urge Pharmaceutical Companies to Manage Safe Drug Disposal
http://forcechange.com/45898/urge-pharmaceutical-companies-to-manage-safe-drug-disposal/
____________________________________
Many
people think that herbal medicine, including new forms of
medicine technology can replace many harmful pharmaceuticals. We can see how cannabis can be used as a form of medicine, in order to help with
cancer. Others think that even similar medicinal types of medicine,
could be extracted from plants that have been known to numb pain. Many
plants on this planet have a purpose for different uses. This is why
it is important to preserve our forests. Even some plants, trees and
herbs in the past few thousand years have now gone extinct. There is no
telling what types of benefits that many of these extinct plants could
have had. Many of these plants could have been utilized for medical
research. Some even question if we can use fossils, DNA or other materials to bring back
certain plants and animals, this is currently being debated around the
globe. Trying to genetically modify extinct species of plants, bacteria and animals could also have negative consequences.
____________________________________
Researchers discover how opium poppies synthesize morphine
July 13, 2015
Many people who live in developing countries do not have access to the pain relief that comes from morphine or other analgesics. That's because opiates are primarily derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum) and are dependent on the plant health and supply around the world.
After years
of leading research on the opium poppy, University of Calgary
scientists, Peter Facchini, his PhD student, Scott Farrow, and research
associate Jill Hagel, have characterized a novel gene that encodes the
gateway enzyme in the formation of morphine -which is to say, they've
begun to understand how poppies synthesize the pain killing enzymes. The
discovery opens the door to alternative production systems, aside from
the plant itself.
Farrow, who is building on the
insights Facchini and his team have been gathering over more than 23
years of research into opium poppies, is the lead author of a new paper
that describes one of many significant discoveries arising from
Facchini's research program.
"The
gene we've isolated actually consists of a natural fusion between two
ancestral genes, which encodes the gateway enzyme in the formation of
morphine," says Farrow. "It's really interesting to see these fused
genes in a metabolic pathway. It provides us with a new tool to search
for something missing in other plants as well."
http://phys.org/news/2015-07-opium-poppies-morphine.html#jCp
____________________________________
Many people want a solution to the problems
concerning ground contamination, including air and water pollution. We
must be cautious of introducing certain types of cleaning agents and
industrial chemicals into the environment, this includes dispersants and surfactants.
____________________________________
Dispersant
A dispersant or a dispersing agent or a plasticizer or a superplasticizer is either a non-surface active polymer or a surface-active substance added to a suspension, usually a colloid, to improve the separation of particles and to prevent settling or clumping. Dispersants consist normally of one or more surfactants, but may also be gases.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dispersant
____________________________________
Surfactant
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surfactant
Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension (or interfacial tension) between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants.
Health and environmental controversy
Surfactants are routinely deposited in numerous ways on land and into
water systems, whether as part of an intended process or as industrial
and household waste. Some of them are known to be toxic to animals,
ecosystems, and humans, and can increase the diffusion of other
environmental contaminants. As a result, there are proposed or voluntary restrictions on the use of some surfactants. For example, PFOS is a persistent organic pollutant as judged by the Stockholm Convention. Additionally, PFOA has been subject to a voluntary agreement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and eight chemical companies to reduce and eliminate emissions of the chemical and its precursors.
The two major surfactants used in the year 2000 were linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) and the alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APE). They break down in the aerobic conditions found in sewage treatment plants and in soil to the metabolite nonylphenol, which is thought to be an endocrine disruptor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surfactant
____________________________________
We should be cautious of adding more harmful chemicals in the ground, to try and clean up existing harmful chemicals in the soil and water.
There exists many natural remedies to clean and purify water and soil.
We can use simple materials from mushrooms, plants and other materials to clean-up pollution from the ground.
____________________________________
Mushrooms – Nature’s Recyclers and Pollution-Zappers
April 5, 2015
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/mushrooms-recycle-pollution/#.VSFjo-G-2zk
For ages, man has eaten mushrooms as a gustatory delight, some even to the point of intoxication like medicine men and other people out for a good time. But there is more to these wonderful plants than meet the eye.
For one thing, they’re Mother Nature’s recyclers. After animals and plants die, they decompose them back to dust so that they can be used again to bring about new life. The stuff they decompose isn’t limited to plants and animals, though. They can also feed on plastic, just like the Pestalotiopsis microspora, a fungus discovered in the Ecuadorian Amazon that has an appetite for polyurethane.
And the Pestalotiopsis microspora is not alone in its earth saving abilities.
Researchers have discovered fungi that absorb toxic heavy metals without suffering side effects, effectively removing these from the environment. There are even some mushrooms that will eat up radioactive waste and may be used to help remediate Fukushima.
____________________________________
Orange Peel Can Help Clean Up Dirty Water
October 27, 2008
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081020093500.htm
____________________________________
How to Clean Out Polluted Soil
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-clean-out-polluted-soil
____________________________________
Using plants to clean contaminated soil
Aug 11, 2014
http://www.resilience.org/stories/2014-08-11/using-plants-to-clean-contaminated-soil
____________________________________
MURUNGA - THE ULTIMATE ANSWER TO POLLUTED WATER
http://infolanka.com/org/diary/13.html
____________________________________
Plant-based Silver Nanoparticles Made From Magnolia Leaves For Medical and Environmental Applications
Jul 14 2025
Researchers have developed eco-friendly silver nanoparticles from Magnolia alba leaf extract. These nanoparticles show enhanced antioxidant and dye-degrading properties with potential medical and environmental applications.
Antioxidant Activity Enhanced
The researchers assessed the antioxidant potential of the nanoparticles by measuring total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC).
TFC was determined using an aluminium chloride colourimetric method, which measures the ability of flavonoids to form complexes with aluminium ions, detectable at 415 nm. TPC was quantified with the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, which reacts with phenolic compounds to produce a blue chromogen, detected at 765 nm.
Both TFC and TPC were significantly higher in the nanoparticle formulations than in the leaf extract. These findings indicate that the surface-bound flavonoid and phenolic compounds enhanced the free radical scavenging capabilities of the nanoparticles.
This could be particularly valuable in applications aimed at mitigating oxidative stress, including cancer therapy, wound healing, and drug delivery.
Photocatalytic Potential for Water Treatment
Photocatalytic degradation studies demonstrated the potential of the nanoparticles in environmental cleanup. They successfully decolorized methyl orange dye in water, which the researchers used to simulate wastewater contamination.
In the experiment, the nanoparticles were mixed with a methyl orange solution and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a reducing agent. The team measured the dye’s absorbance at regular intervals to track its degradation.
Results showed efficient dye breakdown under mild conditions, which was attributed to the large surface area and reactive surface sites of the MLE silver nanoparticles, demonstrating their potential for environmental remediation.
https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=41467
____________________________________
Practical guide on innovative methods for decontaminating water with nanoparticles
06/08/2025
Main innovative methods for decontaminating water with nanoparticles
Water decontamination with nanoparticles covers a wide variety of techniques, from adsorbent nanomaterials and catalysts to graphene membranes and carbon nanotubes. Let's look at how the main proposals work and how they differ from traditional methods.
1. 'Reusable' nanoparticles based on iron and agro-industrial by-products
Spanish researchers have developed "recyclable" nanoparticles made from iron and vegetable water, a liquid waste product from the olive oil industry. These particles, encapsulated in a carbon shell, can effectively eliminate contaminants such as paracetamol, caffeine and pesticides, according to tests carried out by the Solar Water Treatment Unit of the Almería Solar Platform (CIEMAT-PSA) and the company Smallops SL
Their great advantage is that they maintain their decontaminating capacity during several cycles of use., which reduces costs and waste. Upon receiving sunlight (photons), the nanoparticles activate their bioremediation function and, after use, can be easily separated by simple sedimentation, without the need for expensive equipment or complex processes.
In experiments, these nanoparticles managed to reduce the concentration of pollutants by up to 50% in urban wastewater in just 120 minutes. Furthermore, they are easy to use because they are in the form of a very fine powder, smaller than a grain of salt, and their recovery after treatment is practical and economical.
The next step in the development of this technology is integrating nanoparticles into decontamination meshes or nets, optimizing efficiency and further facilitating its recovery. This would allow its use to be expanded to an industrial scale and improve the environmental sustainability of the process.
____________________________________
Removing chromium from polluted water using hyacinth
2017-09-07
The new method uses water hyacinth, a weed known for its ability to
spread rapidly over water bodies. It is used for cleansing polluted
water bodies owing to its remarkable capacity of absorbing pollutants.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/removing-chromium-polluted-water-using-hyacinth
____________________________________
Removing fluoride with nanoparticles
2017-08-29
A low-cost method to remove fluoride
from drinking water with specially made teabag-like pouches has been
developed by a team of Indian researchers.
This method uses pouches covered with nanoparticles synthesised
from organically-grown jojoba seeds to remove fluoride from water.
Jojoba is easily available and nanoparticles used (iron and aluminum)
are synthesised from waste byproducts of the oil extraction process from jojoba seeds.
After
synthesis, nanoparticles are soaked onto a foam material—polyurethane
foam—wherein they get stuck to the surface of the foam. Infusion pouches
or bags are then made from the nanoparticle-coated foam sheet. The
nanoparticles on the pouches attract fluoride in the water and they too
get stuck to the surface of the pouch. This process is a commonly used
water purification method called adsorption.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/removing-fluoride-nanoparticles
____________________________________
Copper and cadmium removal from synthetic industrial wastewater using chitosan and nylon 6.
2011
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22359148
____________________________________
"Smart rust" purifies water instead of polluting it
08-17-2023
A new study suggests that pouring rust into water may not be as counterintuitive as it sounds. A team of researchers has come up with a unique type of iron oxide nanoparticles – called “smart rust” – that surprisingly purifies water instead of contaminating it.
https://www.earth.com/news/smart-rust-purifies-water-instead-of-polluting-it/
____________________________________
Got Milk? Lactate Helps Clean Polluted Soil
2009
http://cleantechnica.com/2009/12/17/got-milk-lactate-helps-clean-polluted-soil/
____________________________________
Students invent natural way to purify polluted water
Nov 15, 2002
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/students-invent-natural-way-to-purify-polluted-water-1.324915
____________________________________
Method for treating oil slicks
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4623468.html
____________________________________
Newly Invented Bioglass Nanofibers Could Make Better CO2 Catcher
December 18, 2009
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/newly-invented-bioglass-nanofibers-could-make-better-co2-catchers-20091218/#.VSX1tZO-2zk
____________________________________
Pumpkins Pull Pollutants out of Contaminated Soil
October 25, 2004
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/pumpkins-pull-pollutants/
____________________________________
Goodbye oil: mushrooms, biotechnology of the future!
Dec 21, 2024
(Controversial)
Mushrooms, present on Earth for hundreds of millions of years, play a crucial role in ecosystems by decomposing organic matter and forming interconnected underground networks.
Neither plants nor animals, they have amazing adaptability, allowing them to survive in extreme environments.
Today, scientists are exploring their potential for ecological solutions: soil decontamination, alternatives to pesticides, green chemistry, and biotechnologies.
Research also shows their role in symbiosis with plants, supporting sustainable agriculture.
Mycorrhemediation, inspired by Paul Stamets, promises a future where mushrooms and technology coexist for a healthier world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5EO_xuiQn0
____________________________________
IN SITU REMEDIATION OF SOILS AND GROUND WATER CONTAINING ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2014/0255099.html
____________________________________
Remediation apparatus and method for organic contamination in soil and groundwater
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5525008.html
____________________________________
Hydrogen Peroxide and Horticulture
http://www.quickgrow.com/gardening_articles/hydrogen_peroxide_horticulture.html
____________________________________
Peanut Husks Could Be Used Clean Up Waste Water
November 8, 2007
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071108080114.htm
____________________________________
PEARL Membrane: New “Swiss Army Knife” Cleans Up Water Pollution
First Used To Soak Up Oil in Water, New Sponge Sequesters Excess Phosphate From Water
Phosphate pollution in rivers, lakes, and other waterways has reached dangerous levels, causing algae blooms that starve fish and aquatic plants of oxygen. Meanwhile, farmers worldwide are coming to terms with a dwindling reserve of phosphate fertilizers that feed half the world’s food supply.
Inspired by Chicago’s many nearby bodies of water, a Northwestern University-led team has developed a way to repeatedly remove and reuse phosphate from polluted waters. The researchers liken the development to a “Swiss Army knife” for pollution remediation as they tailor their membrane to absorb and later release other pollutants...
https://scitechdaily.com/pearl-membrane-new-swiss-army-knife-cleans-up-water-pollution/
____________________________________
TAML catalysts safely and effectively remove estrogenic compounds from wastewater
June 12, 2015
Catalysts created by Carnegie Mellon University chemist Terrence J. Collins effectively and safely remove a potent and dangerous endocrine disruptor from wastewater.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-taml-catalysts-safely-effectively-estrogenic.html#nRlv
____________________________________
Soils could keep contaminants in wastewater from reaching groundwater, streams
January 22, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-01-soils-contaminants-wastewater-groundwater-streams.html#nRlv
With
endocrine-disrupting compounds affecting fish populations in rivers as
close as Pennsylvania's Susquehanna and as far away as Israel's Jordan, a
new research study shows that soils can filter out and break down at
least some of these emerging contaminants. The results suggest that
water pollution can be diminished by spraying treated wastewater on land
rather than discharging it directly into streams, according to
researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.
Using
Penn State's 600-acre "Living Filter"—a wastewater reuse system less
than a mile from the University Park campus—as a laboratory, researchers
tested soil samples for the presence and accumulation of three
estrogens. For almost three decades, more than 500 million gallons of
treated wastewater from the campus has been sprayed annually from
irrigation pipes onto this site, which is composed of cropland,
grassland and forest.
To understand how
endocrine-disrupting compounds behave in the soil, researchers extracted
samples and analyzed for two natural estrogens, 17-beta-estradiol and
estrone—hormones naturally produced by humans and animals, such as dairy
cattle—and one synthetic estrogen, 17-alpha-ethynylestradiol—a compound
in birth-control pills.
____________________________________
CRIQ and INRS awarded a patent for a system that removes micropollutants from wastewater
January 12, 2016
In
preliminary studies the patented membrane bioreactor system eliminated
99% of bisphenol-A (BPA) and other compounds in heavily contaminated
wastewater. BPA, which is used in the manufacture of plastics, is a
micropollutant thought to disrupt various physiological mechanisms. The
system is designed for installation at factory outlets to treat
wastewater at the source and can also be incorporated into wastewater
treatment plants.
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-criq-inrs-awarded-patent-micropollutants.html#jCp
____________________________________
Non-toxic corn starch could replace cyanide in gold mines
- May 14, 2013
In the gold-mining process, the precious metal is often
extracted from low-grade ore in a technique known as gold cyanidation.
As its name suggests, the process utilizes highly-poisonous cyanide,
some of which ends up entering the environment in the mines’ tailings.
That’s not so good. Scientists at Illinois’ Northwestern University,
however, recently announced their discovery of a new gold recovery
process that’s based on a non-toxic component of corn starch.
http://www.gizmag.com/corn-starch-gold-sequestration/27504/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
Urban mining gets quicker and cleaner
23 Nov 2021
Electronic waste could be transformed from an environmental headache into a literal goldmine thanks to a technique known as flash Joule heating. The technique, which scientists at Rice University in the US have now expanded to include a broader range of materials, can be used to recover valuable metals from waste quickly and simply, without toxic solvents and with much less energy than current laboratory methods. The processed waste also contains a very low concentration of heavy metals, making it safe for agricultural use.
The world’s consumers produce more than 40 million tonnes of electronic waste each year. Since only about 20% of this e-waste is recycled, it is becoming an increasingly serious problem. Most of the rest ends up in landfills, which is disastrous for the environment – not least as it often contains heavy metals such as chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb), some of which are highly toxic.
https://physicsworld.com/a/urban-mining-gets-quicker-and-cleaner/
____________________________________
Rehabilitation of Waste Landfill through Biomining: Circular Economy
Oct 1, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X2XjxXKmGU
____________________________________
Can this nickel-eating plant help solve the battery crisis?
Jul 25, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1-hqNZUAYc
____________________________________
Companies such as Monsanto and DuPont have investments in plastic parts for reverse osmosis water purification machines.
____________________________________
Four dollars for a gallon of water? The dream of Monsanto and other corporations wanting to privatize water
http://www.naturalnews.com/035603_water_monopoly_privatization.html
____________________________________
Companies such as BP, including Procter & Gamble, have financial gain and incentive for chemicals that clean-up and purify different sources of water.
____________________________________
Corexit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corexit
Corexit (often styled COREXIT) is a product line of oil dispersants used during oil spill response operations. It is produced by Nalco Company, associated with BP and Exxon and an indirect subsidiary of Ecolab. Corexit was originally developed by the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey. Corexit is typically applied by aerial spraying or spraying from ships directly onto an oil slick. On contact with the dispersant, oil that would otherwise float on the surface of the water is emulsified into tiny droplets and sinks or (in the unusual case of sub-surface application) remains suspended in the water. In theory this allows the oil to be more rapidly degraded by bacteria (bioremediation) and prevents it from accumulating on beaches and in marshes.
Criticism
EPA whistleblower Hugh Kaufman gave an interview to Democracy Now during the height of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill news coverage and explained his views on the use of Corexit, saying "EPA now is taking the position that they really don’t know how dangerous it is, even though if you read the label, it tells you how dangerous it is. And, for example, in the Exxon Valdez case, people who worked with dispersants, most of them are dead now. The average death age is around fifty. It’s very dangerous, and it’s an economic — it’s an economic protector of BP, not an environmental protector of the public."Marine toxicologist Riki Ott blamed BP for poisoning locals with Corexit, which she alleges they used to hide their responsibility. In August 2010 she wrote an open letter to the Environmental Protection Agency alleging that dispersants were still being used in secret and demanding that the agency take action.[102] The letter was published in the Huffington Post. Ott told Al Jazeera, "The dispersants used in BP's draconian experiment contain solvents, such as petroleum distillates and 2-butoxyethanol. Solvents dissolve oil, grease, and rubber. It should be no surprise that solvents are also notoriously toxic to people, something the medical community has long known."
____________________________________
Safer Water Worldwide
http://www.ivanhoe.com/science/story/2006/12/222a.html
____________________________________
There's a Surprisingly Easy Way to Remove Microplastics in Your Drinking Water
August 15, 2025
Tiny fragments of plastics are making their way deep inside our bodies in concerning quantities, particularly through our food and drink.
In 2024, scientists in China found a simple and effective means of removing them from water. The team ran tests on both soft water and hard tap water (which is richer in minerals).
They added in nanoplastics and microplastics before boiling the liquid and then filtering out any precipitates.
"Tap water nano/microplastics (NMPs) escaping from centralized water treatment systems are of increasing global concern, because they pose potential health risks to humans via water consumption," the researchers from Guangzhou Medical University and Jinan University write in their published paper.
In some cases, up to 90 percent of the NMPs were removed by the boiling and filtering process, though the effectiveness varied based on the type of water.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/theres-surprisingly-easy-way-remove-230824392.html
____________________________________
Plugging up leaky graphene: New technique may enable faster, more durable water filters
May 07, 2015
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-05-leaky-graphene-technique-enable-faster.html#jCp
Plugging up leaky graphene: New technique may enable faster, more durable water filters
May 07, 2015
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-05-leaky-graphene-technique-enable-faster.html#jCp
Plugging up leaky graphene: New technique may enable faster, more durable water filters
May 07, 2015
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-05-leaky-graphene-technique-enable-faster.html#jCp
____________________________________
It is still debated the impact of some of these devices that would take
moisture out of areas that would need moisture, such as a high desert.
This would also include a tax on rainwater. Many groups claim that it is their right to have free water without being taxed. It is debated if we should desalinate fresh water from the
ocean. Some people even dig out pools called condensation pools, this is in order to collect moisture from the sky and turn it into water. Some have said we should make water pipelines to take water from melting areas of ice. The oceans need fresh water in order to balance out the salt content in the water. This is why we should also be cautious of how much water wew take out of rivers that flow out into the ocean. For more information on how we can collect and save water, view the article titled " Pollution Science 101 - Cancer Investigated (California) - http://pollutionscience101cancerinvestigated.blogspot.com ."
____________________________________
Membranes that filter and destroy pollutants
31 March 2022
Decoration of nanofiltration membranes with catalysts lead to efficient removal and degradation of micropollutants.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-021-01064-2
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Decontaminating pesticide-polluted water using engineered nanomaterial and sunlight
January 15, 2020
The materials’ challenges
To make photoelectrodes (light-sensitive electrodes), Professor El Khakani has chosen titanium oxide (TiO2), a material that is very abundant, chemically stable, and used in many applications including white pigment in paints or sunscreens. Usually, this semiconducting material converts the light energy provided by UV rays into active charges. In order to take advantage of the entire solar spectrum, i.e. visible light in addition to UV, Professor El Khakani had to make the TiO2 films sensitive to visible sunlight. To this end, his team modified titanium oxide on an atomic scale by incorporating nitrogen and tungsten atoms using a plasma process. This doping reduces the photon energy required to trigger PEC in these novel photoelectrodes.
https://bioengineer.org/decontaminating-pesticide-polluted-water-using-engineered-nanomaterial-and-sunlight/
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Solar Sponge Efficiently Makes Steam
http://www.popsci.com/article/science/solar-sponge-efficiently-makes-steam
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This Breakthrough Sponge Could Change How the World Gets Clean Water
A team of scientists has developed a groundbreaking sponge-like aerogel that can turn seawater into clean drinking water using only sunlight.
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“Magic” Cleaning Sponges Found to Release Trillions of Microplastic Fibers
https://scitechdaily.com/magic-cleaning-sponges-found-to-release-trillions-of-microplastic-fibers/
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Using graphene foam to filter toxins from drinking water
https://news.mit.edu/2021/graphene-foam-filter-toxins-from-water-0804
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A device to convert plastic waste into fuel
2025
Specifically, the researchers are using a method known as pyrolysis, a process of using heat in the absence of oxygen to molecularly break materials down. In this case, it’s used to break plastics down to the components that produce fuels and other products.
https://engineering.yale.edu/news-and-events/news/device-convert-plastic-waste-fuel
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Microrobots mop-up nanoplastics
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-022-01199-w
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First Living Robots Created by Assembling Living Cells From Frogs Into Entirely New Life-Forms
Tiny ‘xenobots’ assembled from cells promise advances from drug delivery to toxic waste clean-up.
A book is made of wood. But it is not a tree. The dead cells have been repurposed to serve another need.
Now a team of scientists has repurposed living cells—scraped from frog embryos—and assembled them into entirely new life forms. These millimeter-wide “xenobots” can move toward a target, perhaps pick up a payload (like a medicine that needs to be carried to a specific place inside a patient)—and heal themselves after being cut.
“These are novel living machines,” says Joshua Bongard, a computer scientist and robotics expert at the University of Vermont who co-led the new research. “They’re neither a traditional robot nor a known species of animal. It’s a new class of artifact: a living, programmable organism.”
The new creatures were designed on a supercomputer at UVM—and then assembled and tested by biologists at Tufts University. “We can imagine many useful applications of these living robots that other machines can’t do,” says co-leader Michael Levin who directs the Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology at Tufts, “like searching out nasty compounds or radioactive contamination, gathering microplastic in the oceans, traveling in arteries to scrape out plaque.”
The results of the new research were published on January 13, 2020, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Featured Story: Stormwater Runoff
Here’s how you can prevent chemicals, garbage and other debris from winding up on the local beach
http://www.epa.gov/region9/water/npdes/stormwater-feature.html
Stormwater systems were originally intended to route rainwater quickly
off the streets during a heavy storm. Unfortunately, these systems can
carry pollutants such as pesticides, bacteria and chemicals through city
streets and straight to our waters. Stormwater pollution can include
chemicals, fast food wrappers, cigarette butts, Styrofoam cups, sewage
overflow, cooking oil, bacteria from pet waste, used motor oil,
fertilizers, paint and construction debris.
Used oil from a single oil change can pollute up to one million
gallons of freshwater. Improper disposal of used oil, which includes oil
leaking from cars, contributes significantly to stormwater pollution.
The EPA estimates that American households improperly dump about 193
million gallons of used oil every year, or roughly the equivalent of 17
Exxon Valdez oil spills.
And household cleaners can hurt the environment as well, if not
disposed of properly. One ounce of household bleach requires 312,000
ounces of water to be safe for fish. Even biodegradable soaps can pose
problems for aquatic life — in order for one ounce of biodegradable
detergent to be safe for fish, it needs to be diluted by almost 20,000
ounces of water.
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UCLA nanoscientists develop safer, faster way to remove pollutants from water
https://scitechdaily.com/ucla-nanoscientists-develop-a-better-way-to-remove-pollutants-from-water/
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Tiny technology that can find pollution in South Africa’s water and trap it
05/05/2025
Nanotechnology is the use of materials that are one-billionth of a metre (a nanometre) in size. One of its potential uses is to clean up whatever is contaminating water supplies. Analytical chemist Philiswa Nomngongo, a leading researcher in nanotechnology for water in South Africa, tells The Conversation Africa what kinds of devices are being produced with nanotechnology and what they can do.
How can nanotechnology help?
Monitoring water quality is very important. To find solutions, we first need to know what the problem is. Most of South Africa’s water contamination problems stem from inadequate monitoring. So, my research group and researchers in the Department of Chemical Sciences at the University of Johannesburg are using nanotechnology to identify the problems in different sources, like wastewater or river water – even in remote rural areas.
These are some of the ways in which nanotechnology can help find problems in our water supplies and fix them:
Sensors: for example, tiny materials can be modified with a biological element (like enzymes or DNA) to rapidly detect and analyse what is contaminating water.
Membranes made up of tiny materials that can sample the water and trap and remove pollutants at the same time.
Photocatalytic materials that activate chemical reactions when they are exposed to light and break down polluting substances.
This technology can help countries meet the United Nations’ sustainable development goal six: achieving clean and available water and sanitation for all.
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Combat Chemical Engineers Call On Nanoparticles to Polluted Groundwater.
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Chemical+Engineers+Call+On+Nanoparticles+to+Combat+Polluted...-a0228229418
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Bio-Remediation or Bio-Hazard? Dispersants, Bacteria and Illness in the Gulf
09/17/2010
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/riki-ott/bio-remediation-or-bio-ha_b_720461.html
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The Magnetic Wand That Cleans Oil Spills: Upgrade
Dec 12, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYM324yDH-Q
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Environmentally Correct Oil Spill Cleanup Solution with Hay & Straw
May 13, 2010
In this video posted by the Walton County (FL) Sheriff's Department,
Darryl Carpenter, Vice President of Florida-based CW Roberts Contracting
and sub-contractor Otis Goodson, shows how hay, hay grass and straw can
be used as a very effective environmentally correct oil spill cleanup
solution.
In a scene reminiscent of a primetime cooking show, the
Carpenter and Goodson video shows how Coastal Bermuda and Bahia hay
could be scattered over the surface of the ocean with hay blowers to
absorb the oil. To start, the two men pour oil into two large pans of
water, stir in the hay, add a little "wave action," then skim off the
oil-soaked hay...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7JkFW5nwMQ
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Sponges made from wood waste may soak up oil spills
May 6, 2014
As the Deepwater Horizon
incident showed us, oil spills can be huge environmental disasters.
That said, there are also considerable challenges in dealing with the
waste products generated by the forestry and agriculture industries.
Now, scientists from Switzerland's Empa research group have come up with
a method of addressing the one problem with the other – they've
developed sponges made from cellulose waste, that can soak up 50 times
their own weight in oil.
http://www.gizmag.com/nanocellulose-oil-spill-sponges/31939/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Pollution-absorbing bikini "cleans the water" while its wearer swims
October 13, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/swimsuit-absorbs-water-pollution/39832/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
We've previously heard about air-purifying clothing,
so perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise to find out that scientists
have now developed the aquatic equivalent – a bikini top that filters
pollutants out of the water around the wearer. And yes, the technology
could have other uses...
Sponge is derived from heated sucrose, and is at once highly
hydrophobic (it repels water) while also being very good at absorbing
harmful contaminants. This means that it can fill up just on pollutants –
up to 25 times its own weight worth of them – without also becoming
saturated with water.
The contaminants are stored in pores within the
material, so they shouldn't come into contact with the wearer. In fact,
the only way of releasing them is to heat the Sponge to at least 1,000
ºC (1,832 ºF). This can be done up to 20 times before the inserts start
losing their absorbency...
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New technique may clean contaminated soil quickly
October 5, 2009
http://health.gaeatimes.com/2009/10/05/new-technique-may-clean-contaminated-soil-quickly-13028/
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Articles about Contaminated Soil
( Removing lead from contaminated soil shows mixed results Levels of toxins in children's blood go down but not as much as had been expected. )
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/keyword/contaminated-soil
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Clemson Research Cleans Up With Edible Oil
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060913185820.htm
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How Mussel Farming Could Help to Clean Fouled Waters
http://www.aquaknow.net/es/node/18205
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Designing Wetlands to Remove
Drugs and Chemical Pollutants
http://e360.yale.edu/feature/designing_wetlands_to_remove_drugs_and_chemical_pollutants/2856/
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Water Pollution: Sun-Powered Cleanup Crews
Todd learned that species in different ecosystems—such as those in streams, ponds, marshes, and tide pools—have remarkable capacities to self-clean and self-repair. He found that plants such as rushes filter out suspended materials in the water. Others absorb toxic metals such as mercury and lead, and still others produce antibodies that kill organisms capable of causing disease...
Thus, John Todd and his colleagues at the New Alchemy Institute invented
Living Machines to do the same job as nature. Using a collection of
tanks that hold different aquatic ecosystems, Living Machines (also
known as Eco-Machines) take black water, or sewage, and return it to its
natural state, unpolluted by human waste.
http://www.planetseed.com/relatedarticle/water-pollution-sun-powered-cleanup-crews
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Ocean Cleanup project to test its first trash-catching barriers in Dutch waters
December 30, 2015
Scooping up all the plastic waste in the world's oceans would be a
massive undertaking given that scientists estimate there's around 5 trillion pieces
of it currently bobbing about in the water. But the Ocean Cleanup
project believes it is up to the challenge and has today announced plans
for the first real-world test of its rubbish collection barriers off
the coast of The Netherlands.
http://www.gizmag.com/ocean-cleanup-project-dutch-waters/41104/
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Ocean-friendly Seabin sucks up surrounding sea trash
December 21, 2015
The mounting plastic waste in the world's oceans has been the subject of
of some pretty bold environmental undertakings, perhaps none more so
than the Ocean Cleanup Project
aiming to eradicate the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The Seabin Project
represents a smaller-scale approach, but it is noble in its aspirations
all the same. Installation in ports and marinas sees this
ocean-friendly trash can suck up the surrounding debris and even remove
oil from the water.
http://www.gizmag.com/seabin-ocean-trash/41023/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Sensor detects toxins leaching from plastic
December 10, 2015
In much the same way PAC-MAN gobbles through an
intense maze of dots eating and destroying its aggressors, researchers
from the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic
University have revealed for the first time how a similar mechanism in
the eye lens does exactly the same thing. They have discovered that
cells in close proximity to each other can sense when a cell is dying
due to environmental stressors like UV light, smoke and other
pollutants, and eat the cell before it becomes toxic.In
a study just published in the Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology, these researchers not only demonstrate that this happens with
lens cells, but they uncover the molecules that are required to do it.
They also reveal that the molecules needed for the cells to eat each
other are degraded by UV light. And when that happens, the cells lose
the ability to eat each other. Since these systems are not confined to
the eye lens and diseases of the eye such as cataracts, uncovering the
mechanisms and functions will provide important information in more
complex tissues and disease states.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-sensor-toxins-leaching-plastic.html
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How To Decontaminate Soil
http://www.howtodothings.com/home-and-garden/a3187-how-to-decontaminate-soil.html
____________________________________
Soil decontamination method
http://patents.com/us-5275507.html
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Polymer breakthrough could revolutionize water purification
December 22, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-polymer-breakthrough-revolutionize-purification.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
We've all seen the Febreze air fresheners, which
employ a derivative of corn starch to trap invisible air pollutants in
the home and remove unwanted odors.
A team of Cornell
researchers has used the same material found in Febreze, cyclodextrin,
to develop a technique that could revolutionize the water-purification
industry.
The team is led by Will Dichtel, associate
professor of chemistry and chemical biology and a 2015 MacArthur
Foundation Fellowship winner. His group invented a porous form of
cyclodextrin that has displayed uptake of pollutants through adsorption
at rates vastly superior to traditional activated carbon – 200 times
greater in some cases.
Activated carbons have the
advantage of larger surface area than previous polymers made from
cyclodextrin – "more sites for pollutants to stick to," Dichtel said –
but they don't bind pollutants as strongly as cyclodextrin.
"What
we did is make the first high-surface-area material made of
cyclodextrin," Dichtel said, "combining some of the advantages of the
activated carbon with the inherent advantages of the cyclodextrin. When
you combine the best features of those two materials, you get a material
that's even better than either class.
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Research develops plasma-based process to synthesize photothermal materials for water purification
14/04/2025
https://smartwatermagazine.com/news/linstitut-national-de-la-recherche-scientifique-inrs/research-develops-plasma-based-process
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Molecular nanocages can remove 80–90% of PFAS from water
April 14, 2025
https://pfasproject.com/2025/04/14/molecular-nanocages-can-remove-80-90-of-pfas-from-water/
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Sunlight-activated material turns PFAS in water into harmless fluoride
August 8, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-08-sunlight-material-pfas-harmless-fluoride.html
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Recycling Breakthrough Turns “Forever Chemicals” Into Renewable Resources
Scientists at the University of Leicester have developed a technique that uses soundwaves to separate materials in fuel cells within seconds.
A new technique that uses sound waves to separate materials for recycling could help prevent harmful chemicals from leaching into the environment.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have reached a major breakthrough in fuel cell recycling by developing a method to efficiently separate valuable catalyst materials and fluorinated polymer membranes (PFAS) from catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs).
This advancement tackles significant environmental concerns related to PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” which are known to pollute drinking water and pose serious health risks. The Royal Society of Chemistry has called for government action to lower PFAS levels in UK water supplies.
https://scitechdaily.com/recycling-breakthrough-turns-forever-chemicals-into-renewable-resources/
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Scientists make "Impossible Material" ... by accident
July 30, 2013
In an effort to create a more viable material for drug delivery, a team of researchers has accidentally created an entirely new material thought for more than 100 years to be impossible to make. Upsalite is a new form of non-toxic magnesium carbonate with an extremely porous surface area which allows it to absorb more moisture at low humidities than any other known material. "The total area of the pore walls of one gram of material would cover 800 square meters (8611 sq ft) if you would 'roll them out'", Maria Strømme, Professor of Nanotechnology at the Uppsala University, Sweden tells Gizmag. That's roughly equal to the sail area of a megayacht. Aside from using substantially less energy to create drier environments for producing electronics, batteries and pharmaceuticals, Upsalite could also be used to clean up oil spills, toxic waste and residues.
http://www.gizmag.com/upsalite-impossible-material/28393/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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'Dry water' could be used to store carbon dioxide
August 25, 2010
http://www.gizmag.com/dry-water-stores-carbon-dioxide/16138/
You know, I’m pretty sure I remember a Far Side cartoon or
something, where someone was selling powdered water – “Just add water!”
Well, dry water isn’t quite the same thing. It’s 95 percent liquid
water, but that water takes the form of tiny droplets each encased in a
tiny globe of silica. The resultant substance is dry and granular. It
first came to light in 1968, and was used in cosmetics. More recently, a
University of Liverpool research team has been looking into other
potential uses for the substance. They have found several, but most
interesting is its ability to store gases such as carbon dioxide.
In laboratory experiments, study leader Professor
Andrew Cooper and his team found that dry water absorbed over three
times as much CO2 as uncombined water and silica in the same amount of
time. The gas combined with the water molecules to form a storable
hydrate, which Cooper believes makes it ideal for reducing global
warming.
The Liverpool
team also found that dry water could be used to store methane gas. As
methane is a component of natural gas, they believe this discovery could
make natural gas a more environmentally-viable energy source. They
suggest that dry water could be used to absorb and transport the methane
from stranded deposits of natural gas, or as a storage medium for
methane fuel for cars.
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Sucking CO2 out of the atmosphere to create carbon nanofibers
August 20, 2015
Carbon nanofibers hold tremendous potential. They may one day be put to use in tougher bulletproof vests, artificial muscles or rebuilding damaged hearts,
just to name a few possibilities. But could the greatest gift these
little wonders offer humanity be not what they bring into the world but
what they take out of it? Scientists have developed a technique that
could pull the mounting carbon dioxide in our atmosphere and transform
it into carbon nanofibers, resulting in raw materials for use in
anything from sports gear to commercial airliners.
http://www.gizmag.com/c02-atmosphere-carbon-nanofibers/39015/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Copper Foam Provides a New Way to Turn CO2 into Useful Chemicals
Copper is the only metal that can reduce CO2 to useful hydrocarbons. A foam of copper offers sponge-like pores and channels, providing more active sites for CO2 reactions than a simple surface.
A team of researchers at Brown University’s Center for Capture and Conversion of CO2 have discovered that copper foam could provide a new way of converting excess CO2 into useful industrial chemicals, including formic acid.
Providence, Rhode Island (Brown University) — A catalyst made from a foamy form of copper has vastly different electrochemical properties from catalysts made with smooth copper in reactions involving carbon dioxide, a new study shows. The research, by scientists in Brown University’s Center for the Capture and Conversion of CO2, suggests that copper foams could provide a new way of converting excess CO2 into useful industrial chemicals.
https://scitechdaily.com/copper-foam-provides-new-way-turn-co2-useful-chemicals/
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New material promises more efficient carbon capture
March 12, 2015
We've already seen a number of technologies developed for capturing carbon dioxide emissions
from smokestacks or other sources, but many of them have a limitation –
in order to reclaim the captured CO2 for disposal, a considerable
amount of energy is needed. Now, however, scientists at the University
of California, Berkeley have developed a new carbon-capture material
that requires far less energy in order to give up its payload.
The material is a type of metal-organic framework
(MOF), which are composites made from metal and organic compounds. In
this case, the metal is either magnesium or manganese (depending on the
application) and the organic compounds are nitrogen-based diamines.
Like other MOFs, it has a porous structure featuring microscopic parallel channels.
When the correct temperature and pressure are
maintained, CO2 molecules in air passing through those channels bind
with the material. The process gets more effective as the filtration
process continues, as subsequent molecules bind with those that are
already trapped in the MOF.
The temperature at which it works can range from room
temperature to over 100 ºF (38 ºC) depending on how the diamines are
synthesized, while the required pressure varies with the type of metal
used. Once the material is saturated, it can be made to release the CO2
molecules simply by heating it to a temperature that's a total of 50 ºC
(90 ºF) warmer than the temperature at which they were captured.
By contrast, many power plants currently utilize a
carbon-capture technique in which flue gases are filtered by being
bubbled through water containing amines (of which diamines are one
type), the CO2 molecules binding with them. In order to subsequently
release the captured CO2 from the amines, however, the water has to be
heated to a temperature of 120 to 150 ºC (250 to 300 ºF). According to
the university, the whole process can sometimes consume up to 30 percent
of the power generated at the plant.
Plans now call for the material to be tested in a
pilot study at a power plant. Lead scientist Prof. Jeffrey Long also
hopes that it could be used to purify the air in submarines, or even
aboard the International Space Station.
http://www.gizmag.com/carbon-capture-mof/36525/
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A simple chemical twist turns plastic waste into a carbon-soaking sponge
April 14, 2022
Plastic pollution and industrial carbon emissions are two of the most pressing environmental challenges the modern world faces. And researchers at Rice University have come up with an innovative solution to tackle both at the same time. By chemically treating plastic waste, they have turned it into an ultra-porous material that can soak up carbon dioxide.
The particles could be used in industrial and power plant smoke stacks to capture carbon dioxide from flue gases. “It is a win-win,” says professor of chemistry James M. Tour. “Two trash problems work together to solve each other. You’re essentially taking something of lower value and using it to make something of higher value.”
Most of the plastic waste produced in the world today ends up in landfills or littering the environment. Conventional mechanical recycling methods to recycle plastic typically give lower-quality materials that are used to make low-value products. Another technique called pyrolysis that heats up plastic waste gives waxes and oils and extremely low-value carbon products.
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Scalable Method for Porous Graphene Membranes for CO2 Capture
Apr 17 2025
https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=41358
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Carbon Capture Reimagined: New Material Removes CO₂ From Air Like a Tree
The concept may sound futuristic: at ETH Zurich, researchers from multiple disciplines are collaborating to combine conventional materials with microorganisms like bacteria, algae, and fungi. Their shared goal is to create living materials that gain useful properties through microbial metabolism—“such as the ability to bind CO₂ from the air by means of photosynthesis,” explains Mark Tibbitt, Professor of Macromolecular Engineering at ETH Zurich.
Now, an interdisciplinary team led by Tibbitt has brought this idea to life. They successfully embedded photosynthetic bacteria, known as cyanobacteria, into a printable gel, creating a material that is alive, capable of growing, and actively capturing carbon from the atmosphere. The team introduced their “photosynthetic living material” in a recent study published in Nature Communications.
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Using Sunlight to Alleviate Global Warming: Breakthrough in Decomposing CO2 With High Efficiency
Scientists find a way to efficiently use visible light from the sun to break down CO2, open doors to novel means of alleviating global warming.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from human activities have risen drastically over the last century and a half and are seen as the primary cause of global warming and abnormal weather patterns. So, there has been considerable research focus, in a number of fields, on lowering our CO2 emissions and its atmospheric levels. One promising strategy is to chemically break down, or ‘reduce,’ CO2 using photocatalysts — compounds that absorb light energy and provide it to reactions, speeding them up. With this strategy, the solar-powered reduction of CO2, where no other artificial source of energy is used, becomes possible, opening doors to a sustainable path to a sustainable future.
A team of scientists led by Drs. Shinji Kawasaki and Yosuke Ishii from Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan, have been at the forefront of efforts to achieve efficient solar-energy-assisted CO2 reduction. Their recent breakthrough is published in Nature’s Scientific Reports.
Their research began with the need to solve the limited applicability problem of silver iodate (AgIO3), a photocatalyst that has attracted considerable attention for being useful for the CO2 reduction reaction. The problem is that AgIO3 needs much higher energy than that which visible light can provide to function as an efficient photocatalyst, and visible light is the majority of solar radiation.
Scientists have attempted to work around this efficiency problem by combining AgIO3 with silver iodide (AgI), which can efficiently absorb and utilize visible light. However, AgIO3-AgI composites have complicated synthesis processes, making their large-scale manufacturing impractical. Further, they don’t have structures that offer efficient pathways for the transfer of photoexcited electrons (electrons energized by light absorption) from AgI to AgIO3, which is key to the composite’s catalytic activity.
https://scitechdaily.com/using-sunlight-to-alleviate-global-warming-breakthrough-in-decomposing-co2-with-high-efficiency/
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Breakthrough Sees Development of Light-Emitting Solid Carbon From CO2 Gas
44.01 secures $5M to turn billions of tons of carbon dioxide to stone. Reducing global greenhouse gas emissions is an important goal, but another challenge awaits: lowering the levels of CO2 and other substances already in the atmosphere. One promising approach turns the gas into an ordinary mineral through entirely natural processes; 44.01 hopes to perform this proce…
https://science-atlas.com/technology/breakthrough-sees-development-of-light-emitting-solid-carbon-from-co2/
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Small, Shapeshifting Catalytic Nanoparticles Steer Carbon Dioxide Conversion
August 7, 2025
First-of-its-kind multimodal study reveals that smaller catalytic nanoparticles transform while converting carbon dioxide, unlike their larger counterparts
UPTON, N.Y. — Researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered that the size of catalytic nanoparticles determines how their shape and structure transform during chemical reactions. With insights into the nanoparticles’ atomic-scale behavior as they convert carbon dioxide into useful fuel — and a better understanding of how structural changes impact catalytic performance — researchers are newly positioned to design more effective catalysts for industrial applications.
Catalysts are substances that speed up chemical reactions. Though they may temporarily shapeshift to accelerate chemical transformations, they are not permanently altered, enabling them to facilitate subsequent reactions. In a new multimodal study, recently published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Brookhaven researchers leveraged several powerful techniques to characterize a catalyst made up of cobalt oxide nanoparticles that sit atop a cerium oxide base. In contrast to commonly used catalyst ingredients, like platinum or palladium, cobalt and cerium are significantly more abundant and less expensive.
“We previously found that this cobalt-cerium oxide nanocatalyst system behaved differently when the cobalt-containing nanoparticles were smaller, but we didn’t know why,” said Kaixi Deng, first author on the paper who conducted this research at Brookhaven Lab while he was a graduate student at Stony Brook University. Deng is now a postdoctoral researcher at DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory.
In some cases, the nanoparticles catalyzed the conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide. Other times, the reaction yielded methane — and sometimes the researchers observed a combination of both products.
“It’s important to control the morphology of the catalyst so reactions can yield the desired products, or ratio of products,” explained Jose Rodriguez, leader of the Catalysis: Reactivity and Structure group in Brookhaven’s Chemistry Division and co-lead author on the paper. “That’s how we optimize catalysts and make them more efficient for different applications.”
The research team expected the interface between cobalt and cerium oxide to play an important role in this behavior, and they used standard techniques in catalysis science, like in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and infrared spectroscopy, to start exploring this hypothesis.
“There was still an important part missing,” said Deng. “That’s why we wanted to take more direct measurements of this interface — ones that could show us what was happening during chemical reactions.”
https://www.bnl.gov/newsroom/news.php?a=122531
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Room Temperature Conversion of CO2 to CO: A New Way to Synthesize Hydrocarbons
November 2, 2020
New method could potentially reduce carbon dioxide emission into the atmosphere and slash costs of chemical manufacturing.
https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2020/11/room-temperature-conversion-co2-co-new-way-synthesize-hydrocarbons
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Coffee grounds recycled as carbon capture material
September 8, 2015
Coffee grounds are not exactly noxious despoilers of the environment,
but many millions of tons of them are generated every year and simply
disposed of with other vegetable matter and food waste. Now, researchers
have devised a way to utilize this innocuous waste product to get rid of a much
more dangerous one. By modifying used coffee grounds into a
carbon capture material, the new product may provide a simple, inexpensive way to
remove a prolific
and harmful greenhouse gas from the atmosphere.
http://www.gizmag.com/coffee-carbon-capture-methane/39299/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
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Photosynthetic living material uses bacteria to capture CO₂ in two different ways
June 19, 2025
Researchers
are developing a living material that actively extracts carbon dioxide
from the atmosphere. Photosynthetic cyanobacteria grow inside it,
forming biomass and solid minerals and thus binding CO2 in two different
manners.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-photosynthetic-material-bacteria-capture-ways.html
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MIT’s super carbon Capture tech is 6 times faster, 20% cheaper than rivals
May 21, 2025
This novel carbon capture system eradicates the common trade-off faced by carbon capture systems to boost overall efficiency.
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/mits-carbon-capture-tech-6x-faster
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Nanofiltration approach can solve a bottleneck for CO₂ capture and conversion
May 20, 2025
In
the quest to combat climate change, the need for efficient carbon
capture and conversion technologies has never been more urgent. One
promising solution that is gaining traction in the scientific community
is the use of nanofiltration technology. Nanofiltration, a type of
membrane filtration that operates on a nanometer scale, has the
potential to address a critical bottleneck in the process of capturing
and converting carbon dioxide (CO₂).
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/nanofiltration-approach-can-solve-a-bottleneck-for-co-8322-capture-and-conversion
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Sunlight-powered system mimics plants to power carbon capture
May 12, 2025
Current
methods of capturing and releasing carbon are expensive and so
energy-intensive they often require, counterproductively, the use of
fossil fuels. Taking inspiration from plants, Cornell University
researchers have assembled a chemical process that can power carbon
capture with an energy source that's abundant, clean and free: sunlight.
The
research could vastly improve current methods of carbon capture -- an
essential strategy in the fight against global warming -- by lowering
costs and net emissions.
In the study, researchers found that
they can separate carbon dioxide from industrial sources by mimicking
the mechanisms plants use to store carbon, using sunlight to make a
stable enol molecule reactive enough to "grab" the carbon. They also
used sunlight to drive an additional reaction that can then release the
carbon dioxide for storage or reuse. It's the first light-powered
separation system for both carbon capture and release. Graduate student
Bayu Ahmad is first author.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250512153400.htm
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Catalytic Combo Converts CO2 to Solid Carbon Nanofibers
January 11, 2024
https://www.bnl.gov/newsroom/news.php?a=121635
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New method stores high-density methane in graphene-coated nanoporous carbon
June 27, 2025
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/new-method-stores-high-density-methane-in-graphene-coated-nanoporous-carbon
____________________________________
Solving the mystery of an ancient enzyme could lead to new carbon capture strategies
June 27, 2025
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have discovered important new clues in the mystery of how an ancient enzyme can turn atmospheric carbon into biomolecules, a natural process that could be helpful in developing new methods for converting greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into useful chemicals.
As deforestation and the use of fossil fuels cause atmospheric gases, like carbon dioxide (CO2), to rise to unprecedented levels, many scientists have turned to ancient biology searching for solutions to combat the imbalance of these gases in the atmosphere. From the beginning of life on Earth microscopic organisms have found ways to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) into useful biomolecules.
These organisms use specialized biological catalysts, or enzymes, to "fix" these gases into molecular building blocks. Scientists have been particularly interested in understanding how one special Ni-containing ancient enzyme—acetyl-CoA synthase (ACS)—takes in carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide and converts them into acetyl-CoA, which is a key biomolecule that metabolizes sugars, lipids, and proteins inside cells.
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-mystery-ancient-enzyme-carbon-capture.html
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Nanostructure Combines Copper, Gold and Silver To Give Carbon Capture and Utilization a Boost
____________________________________
New Technology Keeps Surfaces Sterile With Silver and Electricity
March 25, 2025
Metals
like silver, gold and copper can kill bacteria and viruses. An electric
current can also eliminate microorganisms. A team of U of A researchers
combined the two approaches and created a new type of antimicrobial
surface.
“It is a synergistic effect,” said physicist Yong Wang,
one of the lead researchers on the project. “It’s not like 1+1=2. When
we combine the two, it’s much more effective.”
In lab tests, the
new technology, which uses thin nanowires of silver to carry a
microampere electric current, eliminated all the E. coli bacteria on
glass surfaces.
https://news.uark.edu/articles/77049/new-technology-keeps-surfaces-sterile-with-silver-and-electricity
____________________________________
Eco-Friendly Alchemy: Turning Waste Into Silver Using Everyday Oils
Silver is becoming harder to mine, but researchers in Finland have found a creative and eco-friendly way to recover it from waste using common fatty acids and hydrogen peroxide.
These mild, green solvents not only dissolve silver efficiently but also allow for easy recycling of the acids themselves.
https://scitechdaily.com/eco-friendly-alchemy-turning-waste-into-silver-using-everyday-oils/
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Cheap Catalyst Turns Acids Into Pharmaceutical Gold
Photoactivated ketones show strong potential as hydrogen atom transfer photocatalysts, enabling the activation of carboxylic acids and the formation of new C–C, C–S, and C–Cl bonds.
Carboxylic acids are common components in bioactive compounds and serve as widely available building blocks in organic synthesis. When transformed into carboxy radicals, these acids can initiate the formation of valuable carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds, a key step in the creation of new materials and pharmaceutical agents. Despite their utility, few existing methods rely on cost-effective catalysts.
Addressing this gap, a team from WPI-ICReDD and the University of Shizuoka developed a straightforward hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) strategy that selectively converts carboxylic acids into carboxy radicals. This method employs xanthone, a commercially available and inexpensive organic ketone, as the photocatalyst. The study was recently published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
https://scitechdaily.com/cheap-catalyst-turns-acids-into-pharmaceutical-gold/
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Scientists Turn Discarded Wood Waste Into Valuable Chemicals
A new enzyme can turn lignin waste into valuable chemicals using green, hydrogen peroxide-based processing, offering a cleaner, sustainable alternative to petroleum-based methods.
Approximately 98% of lignin, a by-product of forestry derived from plants, is currently discarded. However, a newly discovered enzyme may enable the efficient extraction of valuable molecules from this waste using environmentally friendly, green chemistry methods.
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-turn-discarded-wood-waste-into-valuable-chemicals/
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Using lightning to make ammonia out of thin air
____________________________________
Liquid laundry additive turns clothes into air purifiers
October 1, 2012
A laundry additive created by researchers from the University of
Sheffield and the London College of Fashion turns clothing into a
photocatalytic material that can help remove nitrogen oxides (NOx) from
the air. One of the most prominent air pollutants, nitrogen oxides are
emitted from the exhausts of ICE-powered vehicles and aggravate asthma
and other respiratory diseases. The researchers claim one person getting
around town in clothing treated with the additive for a day would be
able to remove roughly the same amount of nitrogen oxides produced by
the average family car each day.
http://www.gizmag.com/catclo-laundry-additive-air-purifying-clothing/24371/
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New hydrogel nanocomposite treatments turn water waste to fertilizer
Jun 11, 2025
Novel
nanocomposites remove and recover nutrients from wastewater,
subsequently upcycling them as agricultural fertilizers or as
biorefinery feedstocks, while simultaneously mitigating the occurrence
of harmful algal blooms.
https://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-news3/newsid=67033.php
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Double-Duty: New Catalyst Generates Hydrogen Fuel While Cleaning Up Wastewater
Turning Wastewater into Hydrogen Fuel with Sunlight
Hydrogen is a pollution-free energy source when it’s extracted from water using sunlight instead of fossil fuels. But current strategies for “splitting” or breaking apart water molecules with catalysts and light require the introduction of chemical additives to expedite the process. Now, researchers reporting in ACS ES&T Engineering have developed a catalyst that destroys medications and other compounds already present in wastewater to generate hydrogen fuel, getting rid of a contaminant while producing something useful.
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Study shows using oat hulls for power has considerable benefits to the environment and human health
September 25, 2015
Biomass
burning sometimes gets a bad rap. That's because many associate the
burning of living and dead vegetation with human-caused fires and
clearing of land that release unhealthy particles and gases that spur
global warming.
But what if you burned
biomass in a controlled environment, such as in a power plant, that at
least partially replaces using a fossil fuel? Would there be
demonstrable environmental and health benefits?
In a
new study, researchers at the University of Iowa report that burning oat
hulls had considerable benefits to the environment as well as to human
health. The study examined the practices at the UI Power Plant, where
technicians have burned a mix of oat hulls and coal for more than a
decade. The researchers found a 50-50 oat hulls-coal mix, when compared
to burning only coal, reduced fossil carbon-dioxide emissions by 40
percent and significantly reduced the release of particulate matter,
hazardous substances, and heavy metals.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-oat-hulls-power-considerable-benefits.html#jCp
____________________________________
Banana fibre can fix marine oil spills, says study
http://www.scidev.net/global/farming/news/banana-fibre-can-fix-marine-oil-spills-says-study.html
____________________________________
Banana peel can purify water, say scientists
http://www.scidev.net/global/pollution/news/banana-peel-can-purify-water-say-scientists.html
____________________________________
Banana compost could boost crop yields, a study finds
____________________________________
Scientists can now remove nanoplastics from our water with 94% efficiency
March 14, 2024
University
of Waterloo researchers have created a new technology that can remove
harmful nanoplastics from contaminated water with 94% efficiency. The
study, "Utilization of epoxy thermoset waste to produce activated carbon
for the remediation of nano-plastic contaminated wastewater," was
published in the journal Separation and Purification Technology...
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-03-scientists-nanoplastics-efficiency.html
____________________________________
Harmful 'forever chemicals' removed from water with new electrocatalysis method
March 5, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-chemicals-electrocatalysis-method.html
____________________________________
Scientists are using bacteria to remove harmful contaminants from our water. Here's how.
January 10, 2019
https://www.ehn.org/scientists-are-using-bacteria-to-remove-harmful-contaminants-from-our-water-heres-how-2625517276.html
John
Coates' laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, hums with
activity. Negative 80-degree freezers whirr, liquid nitrogen bubbles,
grad students meticulously measure and mix complicated concoctions. But
all of this is nothing compared with the commotion going on at a
microscopic level.
The Coates lab is growing many different kinds
of bacteria, multiplying in petri dishes at mind-boggling rates. But
these bacteria aren't out to harm people or animals. In fact, quite the
opposite — they're hard at work breaking down a dangerous chemical that
pollutes waterways across the United States.
The chemical, called
perchlorate, comes from rocket fuel, munitions and fireworks. It's
dangerous to humans because it can impair thyroid function. It can also
affect the thyroid in freshwater animals like fish and amphibians, even
altering gonad development in some animals. But certain bacteria,
including several species of Dechloromonasand Azospira, have evolved to
use perchlorate to make energy-storing molecules. In the process, they
turn it into harmless chloride and oxygen.
Coates is just one of
many scientists across the globe who are working to harness the ability
of various bacteria to remove harmful pollutants from water. This is no
easy task. There are thousands of different pollutants — industrial
chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, metals and more — and no
one microbe can break down all. Also, because bacteria need special
conditions to survive, it can be difficult to incorporate them into
water treatment systems.
In spite of these challenges, Coates
sees a future full of possibility. "It's really just a question of
sitting down and spinning your brain around all the cool, novel aspects
of these organisms and then asking where can we apply this?" he says.
Perchlorate decon
Perchlorate
is mostly used in rocket fuels and munitions. Improper storage or
disposal of rockets or debris may contaminate the environment. Through
leaks or explosions, perchlorate can also pollute waterways near
manufacturing plants. It's water soluble and chemically stable, so it
can persist in ground and surface water for decades.
And that's
bad news for people whose drinking water comes from contaminated
sources, especially pregnant women and children. Perchlorate has been
shown to impair thyroid function; proper thyroid function is essential
for normal brain development during the prenatal period and during
childhood.
When Coates submitted his first academic paper on
perchlorate-degrading bacteria in 1998 (it was published in 1999), there
were only a few bacterial species known to be capable of performing
this feat. Coates wanted to see if there were more.
"It turns out
that the microorganisms that use perchlorate are essentially ubiquitous
— they're not difficult to find. And you can culture them fairly
readily. To remediate perchlorate, you just needed to create specific
conditions," he says.
The way to do this is to use something
called a bioreactor — a home for bacteria that provides all the
nutrients and minerals they need to thrive. It's similar to a fermenting
tank for beer, except instead of yeast converting sugars into alcohol
and carbon dioxide, perchlorate-destroying bacteria turn dangerous
perchlorate into harmless chloride and oxygen. Contaminated ground or
surface water gets pumped into the bioreactors, which are full of these
bacteria. Once the bacteria have broken down the perchlorate, the water
is filtered and sterilized to remove bacteria. The decontaminated water
can then be sent to consumers or pumped back into the ground.
Thanks
to discoveries made by Coates and a legion of other scientists,
perchlorate-decontaminating bioreactors have been applied in the real
world with great success. Large-scale perchlorate bioreactors are now at
work cleaning contaminated water at several sites in California,
Kansas, Texas and Utah. These bioreactors are astonishingly efficient:
The bioreactor-based groundwater treatment plant in Rialto, California,
for example, is capable or decontaminating 2,000 gallons (over 7,500
liters) of perchlorate-polluted water per minute — that's more than a
billion gallons (over 3.7 billion liters) a year. In fact, Coates says
that the bacterial removal of perchlorate represents one of the
largest-scale bioremediation projects in the world.
Converting uranium
Implementing
bioreactor technologies isn't always so straightforward, even when the
bioreactor performs well in the lab. A bioreactor designed by Bruce
Rittmann, the director of the Swette Center for Environmental
Biotechnology at Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute, was
initially used to remove water contaminants like perchlorate and
trichloroethene, but can also be used to remove uranium and other metals
from water. This kind of contamination can occur around uranium mines
and mills, especially older abandoned ones. In people, drinking water
contaminated with uranium can cause kidney damage; uranium is also toxic
to fish, decreasing their reproductive success.
The bacteria in
the bioreactor can't destroy the uranium, but they can convert it to a
form that separates from water. Once the uranium comes out of the
solution, it's much easier to remove —think about the difference between
taking a sugar cube out of a glass of water and trying to remove the
sugar once it's dissolved. In tests, Rittmann's bioreactor removed about
95 percent of the uranium from a contaminated water supply.
Rittmann
says it would be relatively straightforward to construct a bioreactor
system in currently operational mines that already have some sort of
water treatment system in place. However, cleaning up abandoned mines
would be more difficult, since they have no such infrastructure. There
are about 4,000 abandoned uranium mines in America's western states.
This
technology, Rittmann says, can be applied not just to water
contaminated by uranium mines but also to wastewater from precious metal
mines, including silver, gold and palladium. "In these cases, the
materials that we produce — the solids these microbes remove from the
water — are really valuable. We're working on the development of this
technology not only to remove pollutants but to generate high value.
It's a good deal," he says.
Beyond the bioreactor
What if
we want to break down pollutants in places where building bioreactors
isn't feasible, like in runoff from agricultural fields contaminated
with pesticides? Colin Scott, head of the Biocatalysis & SynBio Team
at Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organization (CSIRO), may have an answer.
Bacteria make enzymes,
and it's these enzymes that do the dirty work of actually breaking down
pollutants. So, Scott and his team are experimenting with bacterial
enzymes to decontaminate water systems polluted with pesticides and
herbicides. Enzymes aren't alive, so they don't need nutrients, which
means they can be used in places that bacteria won't survive. They can't
reproduce or adapt, so won't multiply and disturb delicate ecosystems.
"Enzymes
themselves are terrific because they're really specific for the thing
that you want them to do, so they don't have any other effects. And
they're also biodegradable, so they don't persist in the environment,"
says Scott.
Such enzymes are not yet used on a large scale, but
they've been successful in field tests. For example, a bacterial enzyme
called OP-A is capable of breaking down organophosphate insecticides,
which have been linked to deficits in attention, coordination and
memory, especially in agricultural workers. In field trials, the OP-A
enzyme reduced levels of the controversial pesticide chlorpyrifos —
linked to impaired brain development in children — in contaminated field
runoff by 99 percent in just eight hours. (Since these tests, the
researchers say they have developed an improved version of OP-A, known
as A900.)
The specificity of enzymes is both their brilliance and
their downfall. On one hand, high specificity means that enzymes aren't
likely to produce unwanted side effects, like harming plants or
animals. On the other hand, there are thousands of different pollutants,
which means we'll need a lot of different enzymes.
After an
appropriate enzyme has been identified, scientists have to figure out
how to cost-effectively mass produce it. Since enzymes usually
biodegrade quickly, scientists have to make sure the enzyme stays intact
long enough to do its job. They also have to run safety studies to make
sure that whatever components the enzymes break the pollutant down into
aren't also toxic.
A long way to go
There's still a lot
of work to be done. At the science level, we need to identify and
characterize bacteria that can break down specific pollutants. Although
bacteria for degrading or removing contaminants like perchlorate,
uranium and certain pesticides are well understood, as-yet undiscovered
bacteria may be important in dealing with emerging water pollutants such
as PFAS, which can cause immune system dysfunction and cancer, as well
as pharmaceuticals, the effects of which are not yet fully understood.
Other
hurdles are policy based. It's often not a question of whether to use
bioremediation or alternative techniques, but whether to do anything at
all. Many contaminants — including several pesticides, cyanotoxins and
solvents — are monitored by the EPA, but not regulated. Without set
limits for acceptable amounts of these chemicals in drinking water,
there's no incentive for anyone to spend money to get rid of them. Even
though bioremediation may be cheaper than the alternatives, in the short
term, it's still more expensive than doing nothing. And for many
pollutants — including many pesticides — there's currently a whole lot
of nothing being done.
But with the continued work of scientists and stricter water quality standards, bacteria could be a public health game-changer.
"These bugs are amazing," says Coates. "What limits us is our imagination rather than the organisms' abilities."
____________________________________
Optimized
carbonization of coffee shell via response surface methodology: A
circular economy approach for environmental remediation
2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749123020201
____________________________________
Coffee grounds modified zero-valent iron for efficient heavy metal removal
December 2023
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376121030_Coffee_grounds_modified_zero-valent_iron_for_efficient_heavy_metal_removal
____________________________________
Jack Bean Development in Multimetal Contaminated Soil Amended with Coffee Waste-Derived Biochars
2022
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/10/10/2157
____________________________________
How to Compost With Coffee Grounds to Benefit Your Garden
05/16/23
Using Coffee Grounds Directly in Soil vs. Composting Them
https://www.thespruce.com/coffee-grounds-compost-7495511
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The use of spent coffee grounds and spent green tea leaves for the removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solutions
May 2021
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351356680_The_use_of_spent_coffee_grounds_and_spent_green_tea_leaves_for_the_removal_of_cationic_dyes_from_aqueous_solutions
____________________________________
Environmental remediation by tea waste and its derivative products: A review on present status and technological advancements
2022 Apr 5
Abstract
The
rising consumption of the popular non-alcoholic beverage tea and its
derivative products caused massive growth in worldwide tea production in
the last decade, leading to the generation of huge quantities of waste
tea residues every year. Most of these wastes are usually burnt or
disposed in landfills without proper treatment which results in serious
environmental issues by polluting water, air and soil. In the recent
times, 'waste to wealth' is a fast-growing concept for environment
friendly sustainable development. Utilization of the large amount of tea
wastes for the production of low-cost adsorbents to reduce the expenses
of water and wastewater treatment can be a sustainable way of
management of these wastes which at the same time will improve circular
economy also. This review endeavours to evaluate the potential of both
raw and modified tea wastes towards the adsorption of pollutants from
wastewater. The production of various adsorptive materials such as
biochar, activated carbon, nanocomposites, hydrogels, nanoparticles from
tea wastes are summarized. The advancements in their applications for
the removal of different emerging contaminants from wastewater as well
as potable water, air and soil are exhaustively reviewed. The outcome of
the present review reveals that tea waste and its derivatives are
appropriate candidates to be used as adsorbents that show tremendous
effectiveness in cleaning the environment. This article will provide the
readers with an in-depth knowledge on the sustainable utilization of
tea waste as adsorbent materials and will assist them to explore this
abundant cheap waste biomass for environmental remediation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35395270/
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Analysis of Nicotine in Mushrooms
https://eurl-pesticides.eu/library/docs/srm/meth_NicotineMushrooms_CrlFvCrlSrm.pdf
____________________________________
Food
wastes clean water wastes: melon peel peroxidase isolation and
immobilization onto magnetite nanoparticles for phenol removal
30 October 2023
Abstract
In this study, melon peel waste was utilized to isolate peroxidase
enzyme through three-phase portioning (TPP) and subsequently immobilized
onto magnetite nanoparticles for effective bioremediation of phenol
pollutants from water. The optimization of TPP parameters ensured
maximum activity recovery and enzyme purity. Magnetite nanoparticles
were synthesized and used as a substrate for immobilizing the isolated
peroxidase, achieving an activity recovery of 157% and a purification
fold of 5.2. Protein homogeneity testing confirmed the purity of the
peroxidase enzyme. The magnetite nanoparticles had an average diameter
of 62 nm, and the immobilization efficiency reached 93% at pH 8 with an
enzyme/nanoparticles v/v ratio of 1:9. The immobilized peroxidase
demonstrated the ability to degrade 57% of phenol within 3 h and
retained 30% relative activity even after five catalytic cycles. This
immobilized melon peel peroxidase on magnetite nanoparticles proves to
be a robust, enduring, and reusable biocatalyst with potential for
various applications, especially in bioremediation processes.
https://chembioagro.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40538-023-00494-5
____________________________________
Evaluation
of orange peel for biosurfactant production by Bacillus licheniformis
and their ability to degrade naphthalene and crude oil
2016 Feb 4
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4742421/
____________________________________
Activated
carbon derived from waste orange and lemon peels for the adsorption of
methyl orange and methylene blue dyes from wastewater
2022 Jul 10
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9363969/
____________________________________
Orange Peels as a Sustainable Material for Treating Water Polluted with Antimony
Feb 2021
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348938610_Orange_Peels_as_a_Sustainable_Material_for_Treating_Water_Polluted_with_Antimony
____________________________________
7 Easy Ways To Use Orange Citrus Peels For Cleaning
7 Easy Ways to Harness the Power of Orange Citrus Peels for Cleaning
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
2. Garbage Disposal Freshener
3. Microwave Cleaner
4. Stovetop Cleaner
5. Air Freshener
6. Refrigerator Deodorizer
7. Chrome and Metal Polish
https://alisonsnotebook.com/orange-citrus-peels-for-cleaning/
____________________________________
Modification of Poly(lactic acid) with Orange Peel Powder as Biodegradable Composite
2022
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/19/4126
____________________________________
Modified Orange Peel Waste as a Sustainable Material for Adsorption of Contaminants
2023 Jan 27
https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9922011/
____________________________________
A critical review with emphasis on recent pieces of evidence of Moringa oleifera biosorption in water and wastewater treatment
2022 May 18.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9252946/
______________
Bioremediation of Waters Contaminated with Heavy Metals Using Moringa oleifera Seeds as Biosorbent
2013
https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/45214
____________________________________
Bioremediation of Turbid Surface Water Using Seed Extract from Moringa oleifera Lam. (Drumstick) Tree
15 February 2010
https://currentprotocols.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9780471729259.mc01g02s16
____________________________________
Assessing the Usefulness of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract as a Biostimulant to Supplement Synthetic Fertilizers: A Review
2022 Aug 26
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9459878/
____________________________________
A
comprehensive review on Moringa oleifera nanoparticles: importance of
polyphenols in nanoparticle synthesis, nanoparticle efficacy and their
applications
19 February 2024
https://jnanobiotechnology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12951-024-02332-8
____________________________________
A novel approach for removing microplastics from water
September 12, 2023
Texas A&M AgriLife study shows fungal isolates can remediate potentially harmful microplastics in aqueous environment
https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2023/09/12/a-novel-approach-for-removing-microplastics-from-water/
____________________________________
Pollution Solution: New Device Can Capture 99.9% of Microplastics in Water Using Wood Dust
August 21, 2023
https://scitechdaily.com/pollution-solution-new-device-can-capture-99-9-of-microplastics-in-water-using-wood-dust/
____________________________________
NUS physicists utilise hair fluorescence to repurpose human hair waste
30 June 2023
Activating
the fluorescent properties of our hair using heat could convert human
hair waste into a functional material for steganography and pollution
detection
https://news.nus.edu.sg/utilising-fluorescence-to-repurpose-hair-waste/
____________________________________
Researchers gain ground on turning chicken feathers into water filters
Technology boosts potential for low-cost, sustainable solution to contaminated water.
July 10, 2023
https://www.feedstuffs.com/nutrition-and-health/researchers-gain-ground-on-turning-chicken-feathers-into-water-filters
____________________________________
Scientists Use Chicken Feathers To Generate Clean Energy
October 20, 2023
Researchers are using chicken feathers to make fuel cells more cost-effective and sustainable.
https://www.technologynetworks.com/applied-sciences/news/scientists-use-chicken-feathers-to-generate-clean-energy-380131
____________________________________
Adding crushed rock to farmland pulls carbon out of the air, field test shows
25 October 2023
https://techandsciencepost.com/news/earth/adding-crushed-rock-to-farmland-pulls-carbon-out-of-the-air-field-test-shows/
____________________________________
Korean Nanomaterial Could Enable Eco-Friendly Fine Dust Reduction
November 20, 2023
https://www.letstalkmaterials.com/in-the-news/korean-researchers-develop-nanomaterial-to-enable-eco-friendly-removal-of-fine-dust-precursors/
____________________________________
Soil Xenobiotics and Their Phyto-chemical Remediation
16 February 2017
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-47744-2_18
____________________________________
Overview of Soil Xenobiotics and their Biological Remediation Strategies
January 2024
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377547029_Overview_of_Soil_Xenobiotics_and_their_Biological_Remediation_Strategies
____________________________________
Rhizoremediation of Heavy Metal- and Xenobiotic-Contaminated Soil: An Eco-Friendly Approach
2020
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-15-5901-3_5
____________________________________
Recent Strategies for Bioremediation of Emerging Pollutants: A Review for a Green and Sustainable Environment
2022 Aug 19
Abstract
Environmental
pollution brought on by xenobiotics and other related recalcitrant
compounds have recently been identified as a major risk to both human
health and the natural environment. Due to their toxicity and
non-biodegradability, a wide range of pollutants, such as heavy metals,
polychlorinated biphenyls, plastics, and various agrochemicals are
present in the environment. Bioremediation is an effective cleaning
technique for removing toxic waste from polluted environments that is
gaining popularity. Various microorganisms, including aerobes and
anaerobes, are used in bioremediation to treat contaminated sites.
Microorganisms play a major role in bioremediation, given that it is a
process in which hazardous wastes and pollutants are eliminated,
degraded, detoxified, and immobilized. Pollutants are degraded and
converted to less toxic forms, which is a primary goal of
bioremediation. Ex situ or in situ bioremediation can be used, depending
on a variety of factors, such as cost, pollutant types, and
concentration. As a result, a suitable bioremediation method has been
chosen. This review focuses on the most recent developments in
bioremediation techniques, how microorganisms break down different
pollutants, and what the future holds for bioremediation in order to
reduce the amount of pollution in the world.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9413587/
____________________________________
Green Remediation Best Management Practices: Bioremediation
2021
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-04/gr_factsheet_bioremediation.pdf
____________________________________
Chapter 1 - Bioremediation: A green technology for environmental cleanup
2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780323961134000044
____________________________________
Bioremediation: a tool for cleaning polluted environments
2008
https://www.academia.edu/31189522/Bioremediation_a_tool_for_cleaning_polluted_environments
____________________________________
Bioremediation techniques–classification based on site of application: principles, advantages, limitations and prospects
2016 Sep 16
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5026719/
____________________________________
Phytoremediation, Bioaugmentation, and the Plant Microbiome
November 18, 2022
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.2c05970
____________________________________
Bioremediation of contaminated soils
2021
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128202029000228
____________________________________
Cleaning up with genomics: applying molecular biology to bioremediation
01 October 2003
https://www.nature.com/articles/nrmicro731
____________________________________
Genetically Modified Organisms for Bioremediation: Current Research and Advancements
12 December 2021
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-86169-8_7
____________________________________
Biological remediation of acid mine drainage: Review of past trends and current outlook
2020
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9488087/
____________________________________
Bioremediation: an emerging effective approach towards environment restoration
28 February 2020
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42398-020-00099-w
____________________________________
Bioremediation – Definition, Types, Application
July 8, 2023
https://microbiologynote.com/bioremediation/
____________________________________
BOX 2-1 KEY TERMS FOR UNDERSTANDING BIOREMEDIATION
Microorganism:
An organism of microscopic size that is capable of growth and
reproduction through biodegradation of "food sources," which can include
hazardous contaminants.
Microbe: The shortened term for microorganism.
Oxidize:
The transfer of electrons away from a compound, such as an organic
contaminant. The coupling of oxidation to reduction (see below) usually
supplies energy that microorganisms use for growth and reproduction.
Often (but not always), oxidation results in the addition of an oxygen
atom and/or the loss of a hydrogen atom.
Reduce: The transfer of electrons to a compound, such as oxygen, that occurs when another compound is oxidized.
Electron
acceptor: The compound that receives electrons (and therefore is
reduced) in the energy-producing oxidation-reduction reactions that are
essential for the growth of microorganisms and bioremediation. Common
electron acceptors in bioremediation are oxygen, nitrate, sulfate, and
iron.
Electron donor: The compound that donates electrons (and
therefore is oxidized). In bioremediation the organic contaminant often
serves as an electron donor.
Primary substrates: The electron
donor and electron acceptor that are essential to ensure the growth of
microorganisms. These compounds can be viewed as analogous to the food
and oxygen that are required for human growth and reproduction.
Aerobic respiration: The process whereby microorganisms use oxygen as an electron acceptor.
Anaerobic
respiration: The process whereby microorganisms use a chemical other
than oxygen as an electron acceptor. Common "substitutes" for oxygen are
nitrate, sulfate, and iron.
Fermentation: The process whereby
microorganisms use an organic compound as both electron donor and
electron acceptor, converting the compound to fermentation products such
as organic acids, alcohols, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.
Cometabolism:
A variation on biodegradation in which microbes transform a contaminant
even though the contaminant cannot serve as the primary energy source
for the organisms. To degrade the contaminant, the microbes require the
presence of other compounds (primary substrates) that can support their
growth.
Reductive dehalogenation: A variation on biodegradation
in which microbially catalyzed reactions cause the replacement of a
halogen atom on an organic compound with a hydrogen atom. The reactions
result in the net addition of two electrons to the organic compound.
Intrinsic
bioremediation: A type of bioremediation that manages the innate
capabilities of naturally occurring microbes to degrade contaminants
without taking any engineering steps to enhance the process.
Engineered
bioremediation: A type of remediation that increases the growth and
degradative activity of microorganisms by using engineered systems that
supply nutrients, electron acceptors, and/or other growth-stimulating
materials.
Variations on Basic Metabolism
In addition
to microbes that transform contaminants through aerobic respiration,
organisms that use variations on this basic process have evolved over
time. These variations allow the organisms to thrive in unusual
environments, such as the underground, and to degrade compounds that are
toxic or not beneficial to other organisms.
Anaerobic
Respiration. Many microorganisms can exist without oxygen, using a
process called anaerobic respiration. In anaerobic respiration, nitrate
(NO3-), sulfate (SO42-), metals such as iron (Fe3+) and manganese
(Mn4+), or even CO2 can play the role of oxygen, accepting electrons
from the degraded contaminant. Thus, anaerobic respiration uses
inorganic chemicals as electron acceptors. In addition to new cell
matter, the byproducts of anaerobic respiration may include nitrogen gas
(N2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), reduced forms of metals, and methane
(CH4), depending on the electron acceptor.
National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 1993. In Situ Bioremediation: When
Does it Work?. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
https://doi.org/10.17226/2131.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/2131/chapter/4#20
____________________________________
Current and Future Bioremediation Applications : Bioremediation from a Practical and Regulatory Perspective
04 August 2016
References
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-662-49875-0_22
____________________________________
Principles of Phytoremediation
20 March 2020
Abstract
Phytoremediation,
a form of bioremediation, is one viable option for removing pollution
from contaminated soil and water. Bioremediation was developed as an
inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and sustainable alternative to
traditional chemical and physical pollution remediation methods.
Bioremediation began with the use of bacteria and later other
microorganisms, to extract or degrade inorganic and organic contaminants
in soil and water in situ. It then evolved to other applications in
combination with traditional chemical and physical remediation methods.
Phytoremediation was came about from basic research studies on the
physiology of halophytic and hyperaccumulating plants. At first, plants
provided successful for extracting salts, metals, and radionuclides from
soil and water. Further, studies discovered that plant roots and the
rhizosphere were capable of extracting or degrading organic pollutants
such as pesticides and petrochemicals. The in situ case studies
showcased in this book demonstrate how phytoremediation is a sustainable
means of pollution remediation in economically emerging countries and
is consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-00099-8_1
____________________________________
Soil and Groundwater Remediation Technologies: A Practical Guide
April 2020
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339938808_Soil_and_Groundwater_Remediation_Technologies_A_Practical_Guide
____________________________________
Five ways scientists can make soil less dirty
May 23, 2016
https://www.anl.gov/article/five-ways-scientists-can-make-soil-less-dirty
It
may be hard to imagine, but soil gets dirty. Soil can become
contaminated with oil, grease, heavy metals or pesticides through urban
and agricultural runoff as well as industrial spills or precipitation.
The
clean-up process involves more than a broom and a dust pan. Soil must
undergo remediation — the process of removing pollutants and
contaminants from the ground.
Several different remediation
processes are available, varying in efficiency, cost and sustainability
for specific site conditions. When officials suspect a site is
contaminated, they conduct an assessment to determine the pollutant, the
extent of contamination and the appropriate method to remediate the
soil.
The Applied Geosciences and Environment Management Program
at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory evaluates
potentially contaminated sites and applies remediation methods, such as
those described below, that are both efficient and environmentally
friendly by reducing secondary impacts — such as emissions from trucks
that transport soil to a treatment facility.
Air Sparging
Air
sparging, also referred to as soil venting, involves injecting air into
the soil or groundwater. The air moves horizontally and vertically
through the soil, causing the contaminants to evaporate into a gas. This
method works best for contaminants that easily evaporate, such as crude
oil.
Air sparging is an example of an in-situ remediation
method, in which the contaminated soil does not need to be removed. In
situ methods tend to be more environmentally friendly than those that
are ex situ, where the soil is first removed and then treated at the
surface, said Lorraine LaFreniere, an Argonne geological engineer who
leads Argonne’s Applied Geosciences and Environment Management program.
“In
in situ methods, you’re not bringing any of the contaminants to the
surface,” LaFreniere said. “You have the advantage of not exposing
anybody to the contamination or the remediation process itself.”
Air Stripping
Air
stripping is an ex situ method specifically for water, in which
contaminated groundwater is collected and filtered through a machine
called an air stripper.
The groundwater goes into the top of the
machine and cascades to the bottom as fine droplets, while air enters
from the bottom and is forced upward. The air strips away the
contaminants as it rises through the droplets and exits through an
opening at the top.
Determining whether to use an in situ or ex
situ process depends on how the contamination is distributed throughout
the soil and to what depth, researchers said. For example, if the
contaminated soil is buried under clean soil, the clean soil would have
to first be removed.
Enhanced Biodegradation
Nature itself
tries to help eliminate soil contaminants through a naturally occurring
process called biodegradation. Certain microorganisms in the soil feed
on contaminants, such as tar deposits.
Argonne researchers, in
collaboration with other scientists, found that injecting zero-valent
iron — iron in its elemental form — into the soil accelerates natural
biodegradation.
“We injected slurry mixtures of zero-valent iron
and organic matter into soils and observed that it speeds up the process
considerably,” LaFreniere said.
Phytoremediation
Trees offer
shade on a sunny day, but they can also remove contaminants from soil
through phytoremediation. Trees and other deep-rooted plants absorb
contaminants in soil and incorporate the contaminants into their
tissues; plants also “breathe” volatile contaminants to the atmosphere,
where they dissipate.
“Plants process a lot of water during
photosynthesis to get the nutrients they need,” said Cristina Negri, an
Argonne agronomist and environmental engineer in the Energy Systems
Division. “What we’re doing is exploiting this natural process and
using plants as pumps to remove contaminants.”
Plant-based
remediation is good for contaminants, such as carbon tetrachloride, a
chemical that was primarily used as a fumigant and dry cleaning agent
until it was banned in the 1970s as harmful to human health.
Argonne
researchers are also using trees to monitor their progress when using
phytoremediation. The scientists measure the amount of contaminants in
samples of branches and tree cores to assess how much has been removed.
Soil Vapor Extraction
Sometimes, all you need is a really big vacuum.
The
soil vapor extraction method applies a vacuum to the soil to induce air
flow and get soil vapors moving. Researchers collect the contaminated
vapors in extraction wells and treat them above ground.
This is a
useful remediation method when the contaminants are already in a
vaporous state or are liquids that readily evaporate, such as methane
and propane. These vapors can make their way into homes and businesses
and may cause people to become ill.
“We’re trying to develop new
testing and treatment techniques to best remove contaminants and keep
people safe,” LaFreniere said. “As we’re remediating, we’re also
assessing the methods and technologies that we’re using.”
Funding
for LaFreniere and Negri’s research comes from the U.S. Department of
Energy’s Office of Environmental Management, the Commodity Credit
Corporation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
____________________________________
Recent Developments in Microbe–Plant-Based Bioremediation for Tackling Heavy Metal-Polluted Soils
2021 Dec 23
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8733405/
Plant-Based Bioremediation
Plants
are used for bioremediation either alone or in combination with
microbes (Ramos et al., 2005) instead of depending on microbes and their
efficacy in achieving bioremediation of any contaminated medium. The
application of green plants to clean up any contaminated medium or
surface is not a novel concept. Plants were proposed for treating the
wastewater around 300 years ago (Hartman, 1975). Presently a number of
plant species such as Amaranthus spinosus, A. hypochondriacus
Chrysopogon zizanioides, Brassica juncea, Ricinus communis, Chromolaena
odorata, Ageratum conyzoides, Ipomoea carnea, Prosopis juliflora,
Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, Fagopyrum esculentum,
Odontarrhena chalcidica, Tagetes patula, T. erecta, and Odontarrhena
chalcidica, have been identified which helpremediate HM contaminated
soil (Bauddh and Singh, 2012; Bauddh and Singh, 2015; Huang et al.,
2019; Chen et al., 2020a; Raza et al., 2020; Biswal et al., 2021; Cui et
al., 2021; Gonzaga et al., 2021; Nugroho et al., 2021; Singh et al.,
2021). In addition, plants like Nicotiana tabacum, Arabidopsis thaliana,
Beta vulgaris and Sedum alfredii have been genetically modified with
suitable bacterial genes from Caenorhabditis elegans, Saccharomyces
cerevisiae, Streptococcus thermophilus, Pseudomonas fuorescens and
employed for remediating the targeted contaminants (Daghan et al., 2013;
Liu et al., 2015a; Wang et al., 2019; Nedjimi, 2021). For instance,
mercury (Hg) reductase bacterial genes, e.g., merA and merB have been
applied in plants for the detoxification of methyl-Hg (Li et al.,
2020a). In addition, various biostimulators, such as manure and organic
amendments (e.g., various plant biochar, biosolids, and litter) are used
in this plant-based bioremediation. Use of different chelators such as
citric acid, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA),
[S,S]-ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS),
ethylenediamine-di-o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (EDDHA),
diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), ethylene glycol tetraeacitic
acid (AGTA), nhydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), fulvic
acids, salicyclic acid, and tartaric acid control metal sorption, and
precipitation through the formation of metal chelate complexes, which
consequently enhance the bioavailability of these metals and also
improve phytoextraction efficiency (Caporale and Violante, 2016; Acuña
et al., 2020; Saleem et al., 2020). The addition of chelates in soils
can move more metals into soil solution via the suspension of
precipitated compounds and desorption of sorbed species. Plants can also
naturally produce various phytosiderophores, organic acids, and
carboxylates, which can enhance metal mobility, solubility, and
bioavailability in soils, thus increasing the phytoremediation potential
of plants (Vithanage et al., 2012; Gupta and Singh, 2017). For
instance, Miscanthus sinensis can detoxify Al by producing various
phytosiderophores such as citric acid, malic acid, and chlorogenic acid
and stored the metal in cell walls (Haruma et al., 2019).
Plant-based
bioremediation is considered a potential tool for the accumulation,
transformation, and immobilization of a low level of contaminants (Rayu
et al., 2012). The mechanisms behind plants facilitate the reclamation
of the polluted soils and groundwater are presented in Table 1. The
approach of plant-based bioremediation has several merits such as
cost-effectiveness, public acceptance, and the ability to remove
inorganic and organic contaminants simultaneously. In a study, mixed
mercury-trichloroethylene (Hg-TCE) pollutants are removed by transgenic
alfalfa plants pKHCG co-expressing human P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) genes and
glutathione S-transferase (GST; Zhang et al., 2013). A major synergistic
effect caused by simultaneous expression of CYP2E1 and GST leads to
increased accumulation and resistance of heavy metal–organic complex
pollutants. Another study by Tammam et al. (2021) found that the plant
Glebionis coronaria can eliminate Pb from the contaminated soil. It is
also recorded that the foliar spray of Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and
gibberellic acid (GA3) enhanced the growth significantly and increase
the phytostabilization capacity of the studied plant. The application of
bamboo biochar with the Salix psammophila to remediate the multi-metal
contaminated soil, enhance the translocation factor (TF) and
bioconcentration factors (BCF) of Cd, Cu and Zn (Li et al., 2021a). The
higher TF for Zn (TF > 1) and BCF for Cd (BCF > 1) makes S.
psammophila a potential candidate for the phytoremediation in BBC
amendment soil. Recently several studies found that the application of
nanoparticles such as Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs), nano-TiO2 particles,
nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), salicylic acid nanoparticles (SANPs)
and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles along with plants Zea mays,
Glycine max, Isatis cappadocica, Lolium perenne, Boehmeria nivea and
Raphanus sativus enhance the growth and phytoextraction of HMs Cd and Pb
(Khan and Bano, 2016; Singh and Lee, 2016; Gong et al., 2017; Souri et
al., 2017; Huang et al., 2018; Hussain et al., 2019).
____________________________________
Soil washing for the remediation of dioxin-contaminated soil: A review
2021
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389421017325
Introduction
Sites
contaminated with polychlorinated aromatic compounds are a worldwide
problem. One of the most noticeable group of soil contaminants is
polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (or PCDD/Fs or
dioxins) (Kulkarni et al., 2008, Haglund, 2007). In fact, PCDD/Fs, which
are compounds of similar physico-chemical properties and molecular
structures, are one of the most toxic human-made chemicals (Alaee,
2016). Their stability, easy accumulation, and persistence in the
environment along with their ability to cause adverse health effects,
such as wasting syndrome (Seefeld et al., 1984), immunotoxicity (Rhile
et al., 1996), teratogenicity (Mimura et al., 1997), dysfunctional
immune and reproductive systems, and various types of cancers (Steenland
et al., 2004), make them a potential threat to human wellbeing.
PCDD/Fs’
biodegradation is slow, and their half-life in soil is estimated to be
ten years (Habe et al., 2002, Lin et al., 2018). They also have very low
vapor pressure, making them hardly evaporate into the air (Eitzer and
Hites, 1988). The water solubility of PCDD/Fs is very low (e.g. 1.93 ×
10−3 and 0.75 × 10−7 mg/L for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
(2,3,7,8-TCDD) and octachlorodibenzodioxin (OCDD) at 25 ℃, respectively)
since they are non-polar and hydrophobic compounds with high
octanol-water partitioning coefficients; therefore, mostly PCDD/Fs
accumulate in soil particles (Atsushi and Yoshihisa, 2008). The
hydrophobicity of dioxins is proportional to the number of chlorine
atoms present on the molecule.
Currently, available remediation
technologies for dioxin-contaminated soil can be classified as thermal
(Lee et al., 2008), physical/chemical (Rathna et al., 2018), and
biological remediation (Huang et al., 2018, Tran et al., 2020). The
selection of a treatment for a specific site mostly depends on PCDD/F
removal efficiency, soil detoxification, and cost. Soil
washing/extraction is a physicochemical remediation process that has
been widely studied in recent years due to its high removal efficiency,
ease in operation, and cost-effectiveness. Soil washing uses physical
forces (e.g., generated by propellers/impellers) and liquid solvents
(chemical extraction) to remove contaminants from soil (Cheng et al.,
2017). Physical separation in soil washing can help separate fine
particles (clay and silt), which often have a larger surface area and
thus higher PCDD/F concentrations, from coarse particles (sand and
gravel) (Jonsson et al., 2010). When in contact with soil particles,
physical forces can break them down, facilitating contaminant removal.
Rotating mixer, ultrasonic basin, mechanical stirrer, and flotation
machine are usually employed for physical separation. Physical
separation can also be combined with chemical extraction to enhance the
remediation efficiency for dioxin-contaminated soil.
Being
hydrophobic makes PCDD/Fs more soluble in organic solvents than in water
(Guemiza et al., 2017a), making organic solvents such as ethanol,
2-propanol, acetone were the earliest reagents used for extracting
dioxins from the soil. The dioxin removal efficiencies range from 75% to
90% for ethanol (Jonsson et al., 2010, Meguro et al., 2008). For
example, Jonsson et al. (2010) indicated that at high initial PCDD/F
concentrations of 2300–8100 pg-Toxicity Equivalent (TEQ)/kg, the
treatment efficiencies were 81–85% after 10 wash cycles with 75%
ethanol. Recently, the use of surfactants or organic matters such as
humic acid, compost, edible oils has shown to be feasible to extract
hydrophobic compounds from soil (Guemiza et al., 2017a). These additives
help increase the solubility of dioxins in the washing liquid.
Surfactants such as Brij 35, Tween 80, Triton X100, and Sodium dodecyl
sulfate (SDS) have been studied for PCDD/F soil washing (Reynier et al.,
2014, Binh et al., 2016). At an initial PCDD/F concentration of 6289
ng-TEQ/kg, the obtained removal efficiencies were 25%, 72%, 70%, and 74%
for Brij 35, SDS, Tween 80, and Triton X100, respectively. Also, Vu et
al. (2017) reported 80–95% removal of dioxins from highly contaminated
soil when it was washed by fish oil and compost tea.
Recently,
two prominent review articles have been published on soil washing
treatment of hydrophobic organic pollutants (Trellu et al., 2016,
Mousset et al., 2014). Trellu et al. (2016) summarized soil
washing/flushing technologies for soil contaminated with
polychlorobiphenyls (PCB), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and
petroleum hydrocarbons, as well as the treatment of the washed solution.
This study, unlike many others, described the treatment of the washed
solution in detail. Yet, soil washing was only briefly described.
Mousset et al. (2014) reviewed the use of cyclodextrins in comparison
with other surfactants, cosolvents and agents for the removal of
hydrophobic pollutants from contaminated soil. This study mostly focused
on cyclodextrins and its properties, advantages and uses in soil
washing. Other solvents and surfactants were also involved but only for
the comparison with the efficiency and outstanding properties of
cyclodextrins. These studies, however, have indicated that soil washing
technology is a robust and environmentally friendly treatment with ease
in operation and maintenance. A review on PCDD/F soil washing has not
existed. Also, a detailed summary of physical washing techniques has not
been available in the literature. Further, the cost feasibility of soil
washing has rarely been summarized. Our review article aimed at
bridging these gaps.
In this review, a description of physical
washing devices and chemical extraction processes (using solvents,
surfactants and edible oils) for PCDD/F soil washing was provided. The
advantages and limitations of each technology for PCDD/F soil washing
were presented. Particularly, cost feasibility, one of the most crucial
factors for upscaling a treatment technology, was given.
____________________________________
Metal contamination and bioremediation of agricultural soils for food safety and sustainability
23 June 2020
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-020-0061-y
____________________________________
The Environmental Remediation Site-Cleanup Process For Hazardous Waste Disposal
Jun 22, 2021
https://mcfenvironmental.com/the-environmental-remediation-site-cleanup-process-for-hazardous-waste-disposal/
____________________________________
The Rundown: So you want to clean up a brownfield. Here's how.
Feb. 1, 2017
https://www.oregonmetro.gov/news/rundown-so-you-want-clean-brownfield-heres-what-do
____________________________________
Soil and brownfield bioremediation
2017 Aug 22
Bioaugmentation
Introducing
specific microorganisms to decontaminate the soils when indigenous
microbes are not efficient is considered a more acceptable approach to
remediate the contaminated soils. However, the strains for
bioaugmentation should ideally have (i) superior ability to degrade the
target contaminants, (ii) easy to cultivate, (iii) fast growth, (iv)
tolerance to the high concentration of contaminant and (v) ability to
survive in a wide range of environmental conditions/stressors.
Bioaugmentation has been proven to be successful for a wide range of
pollutants including pesticides such DDT, lindane, endosulfan,
pentachlorophenol (PCP), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and total
petroleum hydrocarbons (Abhilash et al., 2011; Saez et al., 2014; Wang
et al., 2014; Chen et al., 2015; Kuppusamy et al., 2016a,b). However,
predation, competition and toxins in soils can negatively affect the
survival of introduced microbes. In such cases, bioaugmentation using
immobilized cells in carrier materials or preadapted strains to the
problem soil conditions may prove to be advantageous regarding enhancing
their survival in soils.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5609233/
____________________________________
Sustainable remediation and redevelopment of brownfield sites
28 March 2023
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-023-00404-1
____________________________________
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Sources, Toxicity, and Remediation Approaches
2020 Nov 5
Abstract
Polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread across the globe mainly due
to long-term anthropogenic sources of pollution. The inherent
properties of PAHs such as heterocyclic aromatic ring structures,
hydrophobicity, and thermostability have made them recalcitrant and
highly persistent in the environment. PAH pollutants have been
determined to be highly toxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, and
immunotoxicogenic to various life forms. Therefore, this review
discusses the primary sources of PAH emissions, exposure routes, and
toxic effects on humans, in particular. This review briefly summarizes
the physical and chemical PAH remediation approaches such as membrane
filtration, soil washing, adsorption, electrokinetic, thermal,
oxidation, and photocatalytic treatments. This review provides a
detailed systematic compilation of the eco-friendly biological treatment
solutions for remediation of PAHs such as microbial remediation
approaches using bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, and co-cultures. In
situ and ex situ biological treatments such as land farming,
biostimulation, bioaugmentation, phytoremediation, bioreactor, and
vermiremediation approaches are discussed in detail, and a summary of
the factors affecting and limiting PAH bioremediation is also discussed.
An overview of emerging technologies employing multi-process
combinatorial treatment approaches is given, and newer concepts on
generation of value-added by-products during PAH remediation are
highlighted in this review.
Microbial Remediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Pollution
As
per Kuppusamy et al. (2017), biological methods have gained wide
attentions for PAH remediation, followed by integrated methods, chemical
oxidation, and physical methods. Among all biological methods for PAH
remediation, usage frequency of natural attenuation, bioaugmentation,
and biostimulation is highest (∼33%), followed by bioreactors (22%),
phytoremediation/rhizoremediation (22%), composting (13%), biopiles
(4%), enzyme-mediated bioremediation (2%), vermiremediation (2%), and
others (2%) (Kuppusamy et al., 2017). Moreover, the second most
attractive integrated methods are applied in the subsequent order, i.e.,
biological–biological (42%), chemical–biological (27%),
physical–chemical (21%), physical–chemical–biological (5%), and
thermal–chemical methods (5%) (Kuppusamy et al., 2017). Microbial PAH
remediation (bioaugmentation and biostimulation) deals with separate or
combined application of specific microbes such as bacteria, archaea,
fungi, and algae. However, bacteria- and fungi-assisted degradation has
been widely studied.
Bacteria
Bacteria have unique
metabolic versatility for degradation of PAH pollutants (Ma and Zhai,
2012). During bacterial aerobic PAH degradation, the oxygen works as the
final electron acceptor and also as a co-substrate for the
hydroxylation and oxygen-mediated cleavage of the aromatic ring (Chen et
al., 2016), whereas bacterial anaerobic PAH degradation utilizes an
entirely diverse approach to break and open the aromatic ring depending
on the reductive reaction type and alternative final electron acceptors
(Ghosal et al., 2016; Dhar et al., 2020). Chiefly, the bacteria perform
aerobic PAH degradation using oxygenase-facilitated metabolism
(comprising monooxygenase and dioxygenase enzymes). The first step in
the aerobic PAH degradation is the hydroxylation of the aromatic ring
through dioxygenase enzymes and formation of the cis-dihydrodiol, which
ultimately oxidized to diol intermediates with the help of dehydrogenase
enzymes.
These diol intermediates finally break open through the
action of intra diol or extra diol ring-breaking dioxygenases via
either ortho-cleavage or meta-cleavage pathway, able to form
intermediates such as catechol, gentisic acids, and protocatechuic acid,
which finally transform to tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates
(Mallick et al., 2011). Dioxygenase is the multi-enzyme complex usually
comprising of reductase, ferredoxin, and terminal oxygenase subunits
(Mallick et al., 2011; Ghosal et al., 2016; Wu et al., 2020). Bacteria
also strategize PAH degradation by the cytochrome P450-assisted pathway
with the formation of trans-dihydrodiols or anaerobically under nitrate-
and sulfate-reducing conditions (Lu et al., 2011; Mallick et al., 2011;
Yang et al., 2020). Although aerobic PAH degradation is conventional
and preferable, anaerobic PAH degradation is gaining more attentions
nowadays due to the presence of anoxic conditions in diverse
environmental niches such as phreatic zone, deep aquatic sediment, and
water-flooded soil (Ghosal et al., 2016; Dhar et al., 2020).
The
aerobic and anaerobic bacterial species have been reported extensively
in the literature for the degradation of LMW and HWM PAHs through pure
cultures, consortia, and mixed bacterial culture approaches (Table 2).
The enhanced or complete PAH degradation can be achieved by mixed
bacterial cultures and bacterial consortia as results of collaborative
catabolic activities of participants and possibly presence of diverse
degradation pathways. Therefore, most of the recent studies emphasized
on mixed bacterial culture- and consortia-assisted PAH degradation
(Vaidya et al., 2018; Haleyur et al., 2019; Patel et al., 2019).
Degradation by immobilized bacteria and genetically modified bacteria is
also a considerable approach (Peng X. et al., 2018). One of the major
difficulties for degradation in soil/sediment is a dispersion of
inoculum; it is easy for surface soil, however, challenging for
subsurface soil due to limited microbial transport as cells adhere
strongly to soil organic matter.
TABLE 2
Polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation under aerobic and anaerobic
conditions using bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, and co-cultures.
Inoculum PAHs used in the study Degradation condition Degradation (%) References
Bacteria
Mixed
bacterial cultures DAK11: Pseudomonas aeruginosa DAK11.1, Pseudomonas
stutzeri DAK11.2, Achromobacter sp. DAK11.3, and Chelatococcus sp.
DAK11.4 Naphthalene, Phenanthrene, Fluoranthene, and Pyrene Liquid
medium Aerobic 75, 86, 76, and 76 Patel et al., 2018
Immobilized
Pseudomonas taiwanensis PYR1 and Acinetobacter baumannii INP1 on cinder
beads Pyrene and Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene Petroleum-contaminated
soil Aerobic 71 and 81% Huang et al., 2016
Bacterial
community 16 Priority PAHs In situ Windrows of 5,000 tons polluted
soil Aerobic 85% total PAHs Lors et al., 2012
Microbial
community associated with anaerobic sediment 16 Priority PAHs (with
nitrate and sulfate) Sediment Anaerobic 37, 21, and 28% Yang et
al., 2020
Extremophiles
Halophilic consortia
Qphe-SubIV Halomonas strain and unculturable strain belonging to the
genus Marinobacter Phenanthrene Liquid medium (5% NaCl) Aerobic
>90% Dastgheib et al., 2012
Acidophilic Stenotrophomonas
maltophilia AJH1 Anthracene, Phenanthrene, Naphthalene, Fluorene,
Pyrene, Benzo(e)pyrene, and Benzo(k)fluoranthene Liquid medium (pH 2)
Aerobic 91, 90, 96, 95, 86, 82, and 79% Arulazhagan et al., 2017
Thermophilic
Mix culture: Aeribacillus pallidus U2, Bacillus axarquiensis UCPD1,
Bacillus siamensis GHP76, and Bacillus subtilis subsp. inaquosorum
U277 Anthracene, Fluorene, Phenanthrene, and Pyrene Liquid medium
At 50°C Aerobic 96, 86, 54, and 71% Mehetre et al., 2019
Archaea
Indigenous
halophilic archaean Haloferax elongans, Halobacterium noricense,
Haloferax larsenii, Halobacterium salinarum, and Halobacterium sp.
Phenanthrene Soil and liquid medium Aerobic 28, 29, 28, 37, and
22% Al-Mailem et al., 2017
Haloarchaea strains: Ten strains of
Haloferax sp. Naphthalene, Anthracene, Phenanthrene, Pyrene, and
Benzo(a)anthracene Hypersaline petroleum produced water (20% NaCl)
Aerobic 20–80% Bonfá et al., 2011
Ligninolytic fungi
Candida tropicalis NN4 Indeno[1,2,3-cd] pyrene Liquid medium Aerobic 91% Ojha et al., 2019
Fungal
mycelia: Armillaria mellea, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus eryngii, and
Stropharia ferii Anthracene and Benzo(a)pyrene Contaminated soil
Aerobic 95 and 50% Baldantoni et al., 2017
Non-ligninolytic fungi
Cladosporium
sp. CBMAI 1237 Anthracene, Acenaphthene, Fluorene, Phenanthrene,
Fluoranthene, and Pyrene Liquid medium Aerobic 71, 78, 70, 47, 52,
and 62% Birolli et al., 2018
Lasiodiplodia theobromae Benzo(a)pyrene Garden soil Aerobic 92% Wang et al., 2014
Algae
Selenastrum
capricornutum and Scenedesmus acutus Benzo(a)pyrene Liquid medium
Aerobic 99 and 95% De Llasera et al., 2016
Rhodomonas baltica Phenanthrene, Fluoranthene, and Pyrene Liquid medium Aerobic 70% Arias et al., 2017
Co-cultures
Bacterial–fungal
consortium: Serratia marcescens L-11, Streptomyces rochei PAH-13, and
Phanerochaete chrysosporium VV-18 Fluorene, Anthracene, Phenanthrene,
and Pyrene 100 g soil in pot, Aerobic 98, 66, 90, and 55%
Sharma et al., 2016
Bacterial–algal synergy: Chlorella sp. MM3 and
Rhodococcus wratislaviensis 9 Phenanthrene, Pyrene, and
Benzo(a)pyrene Soil slurry Aerobic 100% Subashchandrabose et
al., 2019
Open in a separate window
The immobilization of
delivering inoculum microbes can serve the solution by increasing shelf
life and activities of microbes in the soil system (Mrozik and
Piotrowska-Seget, 2010). Huang et al. (2016) reported enhanced pyrene
and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene degradation (71 and 81%) in
petroleum-contaminated soil using immobilized Pseudomonas taiwanensis
PYR1 and Acinetobacter baumannii INP1 on cinder beads. Immobilization
provides biological stability to inoculum microbes, protection from
suboptimum substandard environmental conditions, and reduced competition
with indigenous microbes (Mrozik and Piotrowska-Seget, 2010). Apart
from mesophilic bacteria, bacterial extremophiles such as halophilic,
acidophilic, and thermophilic have also been reported for PAH
degradation (Table 2). Application of thermotolerant and thermophilic
bacteria for PAH degradation is beneficial, as elevated temperature
causes increased diffusion of PAHs by decreasing viscosity, ultimately
increasing the bioavailability of PAHs (Mehetre et al., 2019). Over the
last decade, bacterial community analysis (Muangchinda et al., 2018;
Yang et al., 2020), biochemical pathways in bacteria for PAH degradation
(Chen et al., 2016; Vaidya et al., 2017), degradation-associated
bacterial genes (Peng T. et al., 2018; Sangkharak et al., 2020), enzyme
systems (Chen et al., 2016; Wu et al., 2020), and gene regulation of PAH
degradation processes (Kan et al., 2020; Wu et al., 2020) have been
researched enormously.
Archaea
Extreme environmental
habitats, particularly saline regions, are most vulnerable to petroleum
pollution due to their close connection with oil industries, which
mostly release many pollutants, including PAHs, and demand extremophiles
rather than conventional microorganisms for bioremediation (Dastgheib
et al., 2012). Over the past few years, archaea have drawn the attention
of researchers for PAH bioremediation, although few research studies
have been reported (Table 2). The degradation pathways and mechanisms
behind bioremediation via archaea have not been extensively studied like
bacteria (Khemili-Talbi et al., 2015). Khemili-Talbi et al. (2015)
isolated biosurfactant-producing halophilic arhaeon Natrialba sp. C21
from oil-polluted saline water for degradation of phenol, naphthalene,
and pyrene at very high salinity conditions (25% NaCl). They also
attempted to find the degradation pattern via enzyme assays such as
catechol 1,2-dioxygenase, catechol 2,3-dioxygenase, protocatechol
3,4-dioxygenase, and protocatechol 4,5-dioxygenase. The maximum activity
of catechol 1,2-dioxygenase indicated that degradation occurred via the
ortho-cleavage pathway.
Fungi
Mycoremediation of PAHs has
been widely reported in the past several years with numerous fungal
species. Unlike bacteria, all fungi do not utilize PAHs as a sole source
of carbon; rather, they co-metabolize the PAHs and generate a range of
oxidized products including CO2. The fungi execute monooxygenase
enzyme-mediated PAH degradation (Gupta and Pathak, 2020). Mainly two
types, i.e., ligninolytic fungi (white-rot fungi) and non-ligninolytic
fungi, have been reported in the literature for LMW and HMW PAH
bioremediation (Table 2). Ligninolytic fungi produce enzymes such as
lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase, and laccases for degradation of
lignin present in the wood and simultaneously oxidize the PAHs and
convert into diphenol intermediates that eventually oxidize into
quinones (Aydin et al., 2017). Ligninolytic enzymes generate
water-soluble polar products after catalytic cleavage of aromatic
compounds, which are eventually available for fungal metabolism and soil
microflora present in the vicinity (Gupta and Pathak, 2020).
On
the other hand, non-ligninolytic fungi produce cytochrome P450
monooxygenase-like enzymes, which oxidize the PAHs and lead to form
arene oxide and water; further, arene oxides through non-enzymatic
rearrangement form phenols, which conjugate with xylose, gluconeric
acid, and glucose (Cerniglia and Sutherland, 2010; Ghosal et al., 2016).
Some fungal species are also capable of producing biosurfactants in
order to overcome the hindrance of less soluble HMW PAHs, which resulted
in better degradation (Ojha et al., 2019). Limited studies have been
reported on the mechanisms and pathways involved in the breakdown of
PAHs through mycoremediation (Aydin et al., 2017; Agrawal et al., 2018).
Direct fungi application in the field has many limitations including
inadequate biomass growth, huge biomass handling difficulties, lack of
application methodologies, and bulk degrading enzyme production, which
can be overcome by oxidative fungal enzyme-mediated PAH bioremediation
(Harms et al., 2011).
Algae
Algae, the primary producers
in coastline and estuarine ecosystems, may have a significant role in
PAH bioremediation within aquatic ecosystems. Alga-mediated effective
PAH removal occurs through cellular biodegradation and/or
bioaccumulation (Ke et al., 2010). PAH biodegradation employs both
monooxygenase and dioxygenase enzymatic pathways and produces
hydroxylated and dihydroxylated intermediates, respectively, depending
on the algal type (Chan et al., 2006). Microalgae (Cyanobacteria) are
freshwater unicellular green alga, have gained huge attention for its
ubiquitous occurrence, easy to propagate, and most prominent efficiency
of degrading HMW PAHs (Ke et al., 2010; De Llasera et al., 2016). Few
reports on alga-based PAH bioremediation are listed in Table 2. Many
alga-based PAH removal studies at the laboratory or microcosm scale have
been reported in the literature, although large- or field-scale
alga-mediated PAH remediation remains to be uncovered and requires
scientific attention to develop successful strategies.
Co-cultures
Co-culturing
approaches such as bacterial–fungal co-cultures, fungal–algal synergy,
and bacterial–algal synergy are proven as the most efficient bioremedial
approaches at the laboratory as well as large-scale applications
(Sharma et al., 2016; Subashchandrabose et al., 2019; Table 2). During
aerobic degradation, algae supply oxygen to enhance degradation. The
bacterial–algal synergy is more advantageous over bacterial consortia
and bacterial–fungal co-cultures because algae provide various extra
polymeric and lightweighted compounds (consist of lipids, proteins,
nucleic acids, fermentation products, etc.), which promote bacterial
and/or fungal growth and thus enhance PAH degradation (Kuppusamy et al.,
2017).
Microbial Enzyme-Mediated Bioremediation
Microbial
enzyme-mediated bioremediation involves the use of isolated enzymes
from bacteria, fungi, and other living organisms for PAH removal. The
enzymatic action is extremely efficient and selective due to higher
reaction rates and the capability to catalyze reactions at a wide range
of temperature and pH. Oxygenase, dehydrogenase, lignin peroxidase,
manganese peroxidase, laccases, and phenoloxidases are enzymes
responsible for PAH oxidation as mentioned in above subsections (Mohan
et al., 2006). The oxidative enzymes from fungi are more efficient
because they are less substrate-specific enzymes (Harms et al., 2011;
Gupta and Pathak, 2020). Zhang et al. (2020) isolated novel manganese
peroxidase gene from Cerrena unicolor BBP6 and cloned into Pichia
pastoris, which had various dye-decolorizing ability along with 80 and
91% of fluorene and phenanthrene degradation activity within 24 h, and
the highest recombinant enzyme expression was 154.5 Unit.L–1. The only
drawback of this method is cost related to production, extraction, and
purification of enzymes (Kuppusamy et al., 2017).
Strategies for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Bioremediation
Land
farming is a cost-effective and safe treatment for polluted land, in
which the native microbiome at a polluted site is stimulated for PAH
degradation via improving aeration, moisture, and nutrient levels so
that the connection of microbes is improved with pollutants and
nutrients (Agnello et al., 2016; Kuppusamy et al., 2017). The reduction
rate is much higher for LMW PAHs (2–3 rings) than HMW PAHs (4–6 rings),
and this method is applied usually for a thin layer of land surface (Das
and Das, 2015; Silva-Castro et al., 2015; García-Sánchez et al., 2018).
This simple method requires less maintenance, nearly no cleanup
obligations, and slight monitoring efforts. Limitations are slow
degradation rate after initial rapid degradation rate due to the
concentration gradient of pollutants, affected only superficial 10–35-cm
accessible soil layer, and largely influenced by surrounding
uncontrollable and unintentional conditions like heavy rainfall (Gan et
al., 2009).
Natural attenuation method enhances the degradation
capacities of innate microbiome by improving aeration, moisture, and
nutrient levels. If natural attenuation is performed on polluted land,
then it is a good example of land farming method. Chikere et al. (2017)
reported 98% total petroleum hydrocarbon and 85% poly aromatic
hydrocarbon degradation by enhanced natural attenuation in crude
oil-polluted field-scale bioremediation after. The enhanced natural
attenuation was processed by nutrient addition (N:P:K ratio 2:1:1),
tilling, periodic water irrigation, and intermittent turning of soil to
make sure there was uniform aeration (Chikere et al., 2017).
Biostimulation
is a remediation method in which the activities of indigenous microbes
can be encouraged by the addition of nutrients (N,P,S, and K), slow/fast
releasing fertilizers, organic wastes, humic acid, and/or terminal
electron acceptor. It is basically used to overcome limitations of
microbial growth and activities. Different combinations of macro- and
micro- nutrients are used to enhance PAH degradation (Das and Das,
2015). Patel et al. (2019) tested NPK fertilizer, urea fertilizer, and
AS fertilizer as biostimulating agents to enhance phenanthrene and
fluoranthene degradation by mixed bacterial cultures. Biostimulation can
also be performed through an adaptation approach in which high
pre-exposure of target pollutants are applied for adaptation of
selective organisms having the capacity to survive and utilize target
pollutants (Mohan et al., 2006).
A new era of nanobiotechnology
leads to the development of a more competitive biostimulation approach
for rapid PAH remediation based on the use of nanofertilizers and
nanominerals, which enable broader distribution of nutrients in deeper
soil (Kuppusamy et al., 2017). A time interval study conducted by Bianco
et al. (2020) on the effects of anaerobic biostimulation such as
digestate, fresh organic fraction of solid municipal waste, and
combination of micro-/macronutrients (ratio of soil and biostimulants
was 10:1) on the degradation of the four PAH mixture (200 mg.kg–1 of
anthracene, phenanthrene, pyrene, and fluoranthene) in marine sediment
at 37°C and 130 rpm confirmed biostimulation efficiency for PAH
degradation (55%) compared to control without any supplementation (12%).
The application of digestate and organic waste as biostimulants during
degradation signifies the economic perspective as well as encourages the
renewable remediation strategy (Bianco et al., 2020). Blood meal is a
dark-colored complex non-toxic liquid of animal origin, which acts as a
slow releasing fertilizer and is rich with lysine, valine, leucine,
tryptophan, and histidine. Recently, biostimulation using blood meal
along with weekly soil plowing was studied for in situ bioremediation of
dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)- and PAH-polluted farmland soil
(Wang et al., 2017).
Composting is one of the most preferable and
cost-effective remediation methods for pollutant degradation in soil,
which improves soil organic content and soil fertility, and it is one
type of biostimulation in which organic content is added (Chen et al.,
2015). Composting remediation is more successful for 3- and 4-ring PAHs
than 5- and 6-ring PAHs, as higher ring PAHs may negatively affect the
microbial activities of compost and their natural bioavailability was
low (Gan et al., 2009; Guo et al., 2020). The compost bulking agents
such as spent mushroom, soot waste, agricultural wastes, maple leaves,
cow manure, pig manure, activated sludge, etc., can be used in PAH
degradation that support the enhancement of microbial population and
raise the required temperature for degradation (Mohan et al., 2006;
Shah, 2014; Das and Das, 2015). Guo et al. (2020) studied biodegradation
of PAHs in polluted sewage sludge by a co-composting method using green
forest waste. The experiments were performed with three different
rations of sewage sludge and green forest waste. PAH degradation (75.2%)
was highest in ratio 3:2, followed by ratio 3:1 (70.7%) and ratio 3:3
(62.4%) after 50 days of composting in compost windrows (1.5 m width ×
1.2 m height × 10 m length).
Bioaugmentation is the introduction
of inoculum of pollutant-degrading single microorganisms or group of
microorganisms to achieve optimum degradation and sometimes to improve
the catabolic capacities of indigenous microbes (Das and Das, 2015). It
is effective, rapid, easily publicly adaptable, easily applicable, and
versatile alternative for PAH degradation; nevertheless, unpredictable
(Kong et al., 2018). Application of the bioaugmentation strategy for PAH
degradation may include bacteria, archaea, fungi, and algae as pure
cultures as well as mixed cultures; detailed description is presented in
the section Microbial Remediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon
Pollution (Ghosal et al., 2016). The degradation of PAHs by
microorganisms occurs in the presence of oxygen and in the absence of
oxygen, which are called aerobic degradation and anaerobic degradation,
respectively. In anaerobic biodegradation, microbes use other substances
such as nitrate, sulfate, iron, manganese, and carbon dioxide as
electron exchanger during degradation and produce carbon dioxide and
methane as the final products. Anaerobic biodegradation is helpful to
remediate the deep underground soil where oxygen is absent or very low
(Gan et al., 2009).
Bioreactor is an ex situ controlled system
for efficient PAH degradation; addition of non-ionic surfactants,
bioaugmentation with useful microbes, and/or biostimulation with
additional nutrients enhance PAH bioremediation process in bioreactors
(Mohan et al., 2006). Soil column and soil slurry bioreactors degrade
effectively the soil-bound contaminants under controlled and optimized
conditions. The continuous fed batch reactors (anaerobic-anoxic-aerobic,
5 L each) were proved to be potential for 300 mg.L–1 of naphthalene
degradation (99%) in influent wastewater from coke oven industry along
with sulfate and ammonical nitrogen as biostimulants and cow dung slurry
as inoculum by Yadu et al. (2019). Forján et al. (2020) designed a
pilot- scale soil slurry bioreactor for PAH-polluted factory soil in
which dissolved oxygen (8 mg/L), pH (∼8), and temperature (28°C) probes
were constantly controlled. Soil slurry bioreactor was prepared by
combined approach of biostimulation (C:N:P ratio of 100:10:1) and
bioaugmentation using Rhodococcus erythropolis, which reported 89.3,
79.7, 72.0, and 82.1% degradation of 2-ring, 3-ring, 4–6-ring, and total
PAHs, respectively, after 15 days of bioreactor process (Forján et al.,
2020).
Phytoremediation is an in situ method in which the plants
are used to remove PAHs or to convert them into less harmful components
in soil, sediment, surface water, and groundwater (Das and Das, 2015).
Plants remediate the organic pollutants by different mechanisms such as
phytoextraction (withdrawal of pollutants from soil),
phytovolatilization (atmospheric release of volatile pollutants from
soil via plant organs), and phytodegradation (degradation of pollutants
by enzymes released from plant and/or plant-associated microbes)
(García-Sánchez et al., 2018). Plants help in soil aeration by
increasing permeability and by cracking soil masses, which favor PAH
aerobic biodegradation (Gitipour et al., 2018).
During
phytoremediation, plants resist easily a range of environmental assaults
due to their sessile characteristic. Plants are selected ideally based
on their quality to grow at a polluted site and growth time, biomass
productivity, ability to support active soil microbial population,
capability to degrade pollutants, and capability to adapt to
environmental conditions (Cook and Hesterberg, 2013). Economic viewpoint
suggests phytoremediation with grass is preferable due to less
maintenance, low nutrient requirements, robust growth, tolerance for
sought, acidic and, cold conditions, and their very fibrous root system,
which may help enhance soil microbial activities (Gan et al., 2009;
Cook and Hesterberg, 2013).
He and Chi (2019) investigated
phytoremediation capabilities of two submerged aquatic plants,
Vallisneria spiralis and Hydrilla verticillata, in PAH-polluted
sediments at pilot scale. The experiment was conducted for 108 days, and
results indicated that dissipation of phenanthrene and pyrene was
highest in sediment planted with V. spiralis (85.9 and 79.1%), followed
by sediment planted with H. verticillata (76.3 and 64.6%) and unplanted
sediment (76.3 and 64.6%). Higher dissipation of phenanthrene and pyrene
in planted sediments was due to plant-supported biodegradation and
plant uptake (He and Chi, 2019). Phytoremediation of soil polluted by
fly ash PAHs using willows of Salix × smithiana Willd (checked) was used
to remove 50.9% PAHs after 3 years of treatment (checked), which was
higher as compared to 9.9% ash PAH removal by natural attenuation in
soil (Košnáø et al., 2020).
Rhizoremediation is one specific
subset of phytoremediation, in which plant-associated rhizosphere
microorganisms are used for treatment of polluted soils (Das and Das,
2015). Rhizoremediation is more intensive for PAH degradation and a key
of successful rhizoremediation is dependent on the appropriate
partnership of plant and microbes that have degradation capabilities
(Agnello et al., 2016; Eskandary et al., 2017). Plants provide the huge
root surface area for microbial growth and remediate pollutants
approximately 10–15 m deep in the soil (Bisht et al., 2015). In
rhizoremediation, plant roots supply the nutrients for growth and
activities of PAH-degrading microbes in the form of carbohydrates, amino
acids, flavonoids, and organic acids, whereas microbes compensate by
supporting the plants to conquer against stress generated due to
pollutants and reduce the phytotoxicity (Bisht et al., 2015; Eskandary
et al., 2017). Kong et al. (2018) conducted field-scale PAH degradation
study (3 m × 1.2 m, 0.4 m depth, and 5 tons soil) for 175 days in aged
polluted soil of 50-year-old coking plants.
Comparison of four
different methods indicated that microbe-associated phytoremediation
(Rhodococcus ruber Em1 associated with Orychophragmus violaceus) was
superlative among natural attenuation, bioaugmentation (Rhodococcus
ruber Em1), and phytoremediation (Orychophragmus violaceus). R. ruber
Em1 combined with O. violaceus significantly enhanced the removal of 16
PAHs, 54% as compared to 18, 30, and 36% in other methods. The removal
of HMW PAHs with 4–6 rings were much greater by microbe-associated
phytoremediation methods (55%) as compared to natural attenuation (10%)
and phytoremediation (20%) (Kong et al., 2018). García-Sánchez et al.
(2018) also compared four different PAH bioremediation approaches via
pot experiments with 5 kg of aged polluted soil for 180 days. They found
a microbe-associated phytoremediation approach using maize plants along
with white rod fungi and indigenous microorganisms as the most
beneficial for removal of LMW, HMW, and total 16 PAHs as compared to
other approaches, i.e., natural attenuation, myco-augmentation using
white rod fungi Crucibulum leave, and phytoremediation using maize
plants (García-Sánchez et al., 2018).
The advantages of
phytoremediation and rhizoremediation as compared with other approaches
are that they preserve the natural conditions of the soil, energy is
derived primarily from sunlight, high level of microbial biomass in the
soil can be achieved, and both are cost-effective and
environment-friendly methods. The major drawbacks of both methods are
the site where plants cannot grow, large land requirement, limited
remediation depth, only applicable for low-level polluted site (plant
tolerance level), highly dependent on climate and seasonal conditions,
disposal of accumulated PAHs from plant parts, unknown effects of
biodegradation products, risk for pollutants to enter the food chain,
and uncertainty in treatment duration prediction (Gan et al., 2009;
Bisht et al., 2015; Gitipour et al., 2018).
Vermiremediation is
used as individual and combined with microbes or plants for PAH removal
from fine soil (pores size < 0.1 μm). PAHs in pores of fine soil are
not bioavailable and bioaccessible for degrading bacteria (size 1–10 μm)
and plant root hairs (size 15–17 μm). During vermiremediation,
burrowing actions of earthworms enlarge the soil pore size; therefore,
degrading microbes and plant root can penetrate into the soil, able to
grow and finally able to degrade hidden PAHs (Kuppusamy et al., 2017).
Earthworms also remove PAHs from the soil by either dermal absorption or
intestinal digestion that biotransform or biodegrade into harmless
compounds (Sinha et al., 2008). Benefits of vermiremediation include
improvement of physical/biological soil quality, excretion of nutritive
constituents as vermicasts, and proliferation of beneficial soil
microorganisms (Rorat et al., 2017). Earthworms reproduce speedily using
less or no energy, which possibly enhance PAH removal in a short time
duration, proving vermiremediation to be very cost-effective,
eco-friendly, and sustainable (Sinha et al., 2008). The addition of
earthworms Eisenia andrei in sewage sludge bioreactor after
precomposting had led to higher PAH removal (86, 58, and 62% under three
different pre-composting processes) after 5 weeks (Rorat et al., 2017).
The only drawback of vermiremediation is that it is applicable for low
and medium polluted sites, where earthworms are able to survive and grow
(Kuppusamy et al., 2017).
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oil/water separation
2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1383586623013424
____________________________________
Superhydrophobic magnetic sorbent via surface modification of banded iron formation for oily water treatment
30 June 2022
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15187-6
____________________________________
High-performance hydrophobic magnetic hydrotalcite for selective treatment of oily wastewater
2021 Nov 29
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34738879/
____________________________________
High-speed magnetic control of water transport in superhydrophobic tubular actuators
21 October 2022
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41427-022-00431-2
____________________________________
Droplet-based nanogenerators for energy harvesting and self-powered sensing
17th August 2021
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2021/nr/d1nr05386h
____________________________________
Magnetoswitchable
Controlled Hydrophilicity/Hydrophobicity of Electrode Surfaces Using
Alkyl-Chain-Functionalized Magnetic Particles: Application for
Switchable Electrochemistry
September 29, 2004
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/la048476%2B
____________________________________
Facile Surface Functionalization of Hydrophobic Magnetic Nanoparticles
August 20, 2014
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ja5060324
____________________________________
Magnetic
nanofluid based on hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent for efficient and
rapid enrichment and subsequent determination of cinnamic acid in juice
samples: Vortex-assisted liquid-phase microextraction
2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0039914023003326
____________________________________
Bifunctional hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents for selective recovery of Sm and Co from waste SmCo permanent magnets
2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1226086X23005919
____________________________________
Magnetic
hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents for orbital shaker-assisted
dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (MAGDES-OS-DLLME) -
Determination of nickel and copper in food and water samples by FAAS
2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889157523007172
____________________________________
Aptamer functionalized magnetic hydrophobic polymer with synergetic effect for enhanced adsorption of alternariol from wheat
2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030881462302174X
____________________________________
Fundamentals of magnet-actuated droplet manipulation on an open hydrophobic surface
2009 Mar 9
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2932710/
____________________________________
Water droplets become hydrobots by adding magnetic beads
June 3, 2021
https://phys.org/news/2021-06-droplets-hydrobots-adding-magnetic-beads.html
____________________________________
Hydrophobic Drug-Loaded PEGylated Magnetic Liposomes for Drug-Controlled Release
18 May 2017
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s11671-017-2119-4
____________________________________
Magnetically responsive hydrophobic pockets for on–off drug release
2021
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468519421002822
____________________________________
Hydrophobic
magnetic nanoparticle assisted catanionic surfactant supramolecular
solvent microextraction of multiresidue antibiotics in water samples
July 2021
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352352082_Hydrophobic_magnetic_nanoparticle_assisted_catanionic_surfactant_supramolecular_solvent_microextraction_of_multiresidue_antibiotics_in_water_samples
____________________________________
Liquid-liquid
microextraction with hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent followed by
magnetic phase separation for preconcentration of antibiotics
2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0039914022006646
____________________________________
An
air-assisted dispersive liquid phase microextraction method based on a
hydrophobic magnetic deep eutectic solvent for the extraction and
preconcentration of melamine from milk and milk-based products
2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814623011913
____________________________________
Fabrication of hydrophobic and magnetic cellulose aerogel with high oil absorption capacity
2013
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167577X1301450X
____________________________________
Non-expensive hydrophobic and magnetic melamine sponges for the removal of hydrocarbons and oils from water
2019
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1383586618338693
____________________________________
Rapid Magnetic Catch-and-Release Purification by Hydrophobic Interactions
July 2, 2009
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/la901351s
____________________________________
Recovery
of rare earth metal oxides from NdFeB magnet leachate by hydrophobic
deep eutectic solvent extraction, oxalate stripping and calcination
2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304386X23001925
____________________________________
Silica
Removal Using Magnetic Iron-Aluminum Hybrid Nanomaterials:
Measurements, Adsorption Mechanisms, and Implications for Silica Scaling
in Reverse Osmosis
2019 Oct 29
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31621307/
____________________________________
Magnetic nanoparticles draw solution for forward osmosis: Current status and future challenges in wastewater treatment
2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213343722018280
____________________________________
Effectiveness
and mechanisms of electromagnetic field on reverse osmosis membrane
scaling control during brackish groundwater desalination
2021
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1383586621015306
____________________________________
Desalination
of saline water via forward osmosis using magnetic nanoparticles
covalently functionalized with citrate ions as osmotic agent
2020 Dec 22
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33332242/
____________________________________
Thermoresponsive Magnetic Nanoparticles for Seawater Desalination
October 17, 2013
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/am403719s
____________________________________
Removal of microplastics from water by magnetic nano-Fe3O4
2021
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969721049135
____________________________________
World's Strongest Magnet!
Mar 14, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0amdIcZt5I
____________________________________
Energy harvesting
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_harvesting
Energy harvesting (also known as power harvesting or energy scavenging) is the process by which energy is derived from external sources (e.g. solar power,
thermal energy, wind energy, salinity gradients, and kinetic energy),
captured, and stored for small, wireless autonomous devices, like those
used in wearable electronics and wireless sensor networks.
Energy harvesters provide a very small amount of power for low-energy
electronics. While the input fuel to some large-scale generation costs
money (oil, coal, etc.), the energy source for energy harvesters is
present as ambient background and is free. For example, temperature
gradients exist from the operation of a combustion engine and in urban
areas, there is a large amount of electromagnetic energy in the
environment because of radio and television broadcasting.
Piezoelectric
The piezoelectric effect converts mechanical strain
into electric current or voltage. This strain can come from many
different sources. Human motion, low-frequency seismic vibrations, and
acoustic noise are everyday examples. Except in rare instances the
piezoelectric effect operates in AC requiring time-varying inputs at
mechanical resonance to be efficient.
Most piezoelectric electricity sources produce power on the order of
milliwatts, too small for system application, but enough for hand-held
devices such as some commercially available self-winding wristwatches.
One proposal is that they are used for micro-scale devices, such as in a
device harvesting micro-hydraulic energy. In this device, the flow of
pressurized hydraulic fluid drives a reciprocating piston supported by
three piezoelectric elements which convert the pressure fluctuations
into an alternating current.
____________________________________
Preparation on transparent flexible piezoelectric energy harvester based on PZT films by laser lift-off process
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924424712006516
The piezoelectric energy generation properties of transparent flexible devices (TFD) based on PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT) films, which were fabricated by laser lift-off (LLO) process, were studied for a piezoelectric energy harvester. Through the introduction of indium-tin-oxide (ITO) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates, TFDs were implemented, respectively. The TFDs based on PZT films generated an AC-type output signal and output power of 8.4 nW/cm2, at periodically bending and releasing motion. In addition, inverted output signals were observed when the manufactured TFDs were connected to the measuring equipment in reverse and were bended to the reverse direction, demonstrating that the generating signals originated from the piezoelectric effect of TFDs. The experimental results clearly showed that the TFDs based PZT film have potential for use in next generation of electronic devices applications such as flexible devices, transparent electronics, and energy harvester.
____________________________________
Scientists use shape-fixing nanoreactor to make a better fuel cell catalyst
May 11, 2015
____________________________________
Laser-machined piezoelectric cantilevers for mechanical energy harvesting
In this study, we report results on a piezoelectric- material-based
mechanical energy-harvesting device that was fabricated by combining
laser machining with microelectronics packaging technology. It was found
that the laser-machining process did not have significant effect on the
electrical properties of piezoelectric material. The fabricated device
was tested in the low-frequency regime of 50 to 1000 Hz at constant
force of 8 g (where g = 9.8 m/s2). The device was found to
generate continuous power of 1.13 muW at 870 Hz across a 288.5 kOmega
load with a power density of 301.3 muW/cm3.
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4626918&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fiel5%2F58%2F4626908%2F04626918.pdf%3Farnumber%3D4626918
____________________________________
Bismuth-Ferrite Piezoelectric Material Opens New Roads for Energy Generation
November 15, 2009
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/bismuth-ferrite-piezoelectric-material-opens-new-roads-for-energy-generation-20091115/#.VSIYCeG-2zk
____________________________________
Chinese Scientists Find Alternative to Lead-Containing Mainstream Piezoelectric Material
April 2, 2012
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/zinc-oxide-vanadium-piezoelectric-20120402/#.VSIYEOG-2zk
____________________________________
Energy-Saving Thermoelectric Material Made From Dirt
November 29, 2012
A team of researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new type of thermoelectric
material by using common materials found in dirt. The researchers
developed this material using what they know about tetrahedrites, one of
the most abundant minerals on Earth.
MSU Professor of Chemical
Engineering, Donald Morelli, and his team figured out how to synthesize
compounds that have the same chemical composition as natural minerals
and closely mimic tetrahedrites. By modifying the composition,
researchers have been able produce even more efficient thermoelectric
material.
Why is this important? Themoelectric energy needs to be
more efficient to be a viable energy source. For example, if
thermoelectric was more efficient, the heat generated by a car engine
that travels through the tail pipe could then be converted into actual
electricity. By tweaking the composition, researchers are coming closer
to making this a reality.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/thermoelectric-material-dirt-20121129/
____________________________________
Proof-of-Concept Piezoelectric Generators Used to Recover Energy from Wind
November 24, 2009
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/andreopoulos-piezoelectric-wind-power-20091124/#.VSIbWOG-2zk
____________________________________
Scientists harvest energy from beam's self-induced, self-sustaining vibrations in airflow
July 27, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-07-scientists-harvest-energy-self-induced-self-sustaining.html#jCp
____________________________________
New Piezo Crystals Harness Sound Waves to Generate Hydrogen Fuel
03/17/10
http://inhabitat.com/new-piezo-crystals-harness-sound-waves-to-generate-hydrogen-fuel/
____________________________________
Fuel-free nanomotor is powered by ultrasound and magnetic fields
Jun 26, 2015
Nanoscale motors, like their macroscale
counterparts, can be built to run on a variety of chemical fuels, such
as hydrogen peroxide and others. But unlike macroscale motors, some
nanomotors can also run without fuel, instead being powered by either
magnetic or acoustic fields. In a new paper, researchers for the first
time have demonstrated a nanomotor that can run on both magnetic and
acoustic fields, making it the first magneto-acoustic hybrid fuel-free
nanomotor.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-fuel-free-nanomotor-powered-ultrasound-magnetic.html?utm_source=menu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=item-menu
____________________________________
Ear-Piercing Sounds Harvested for Energy
Dec 6, 2013
http://news.discovery.com/tech/alternative-power-sources/ear-piercing-sounds-harvested-for-energy-131206.htm
____________________________________
Engineering students use sound waves to put out fires
Mar 26, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-03-students.html
____________________________________
German student creates electromagnetic harvester that gathers free electricity from thin air
February 12, 2013
A German student has built an
electromagnetic harvester that recharges an AA battery by soaking up
ambient, environmental radiation. These harvesters can gather free
electricity from just about anything, including overhead power lines,
coffee machines, refrigerators, or even the emissions from your WiFi
router or smartphone.
http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/148247-german-student-creates-electromagnetic-harvester-that-gathers-free-electricity-from-thin-air
____________________________________
New technique for generating electricity from mechanical vibrations
Nov 12, 2014
http://www.gizmag.com/mechanical-vibration-generate-electricity/34701/
____________________________________
New Cell Phone Charging System Harvests Energy from Vibrations
02/28/14
http://inhabitat.com/university-of-wisconsin-develops-cell-phone-charging-system-that-harvests-energy-from-vibrations/
____________________________________
Pavegen looking to harness energy from pedestrian footsteps
May 28th, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-pavegen-harness-energy-pedestrian-footsteps.html#nRlv
____________________________________
Portland to generate electricity within its own water pipes
February 17, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/portland-lucidpipe-power-system/36130/
______________
Shape-shifting nanoprobes report on internal body conditions using magnetic fields
April 5, 2015
Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have developed a new type of shape-shifting nanoprobe that can perform high-resolution remote biological sensing not possible with current technology. Around one-tenth the size of a single red blood cell, the nanoprobes are designed to provide feedback on internal body conditions by altering their magnetic fields in response to their environment. The researchers predict wide-spread applications for the nanoprobes in the fields of chemistry, biology, engineering and, one day, to aid physicians in high-accuracy clinical diagnostics.
http://www.gizmag.com/nanoprobes-nist-gem-biosensing-magnetic-fields/36803/
____________________________________
Study Confirms Magnetic Properties of Silicon Nano-Ribbons
October 24, 2012
http://www.bangscience.org/2012/10/study-confirms-magnetic-properties-of-silicon-nano-ribbons/
____________________________________
Heat makes electrons spin in magnetic superconductors
4/24/2015
http://article.wn.com/view/2015/04/24/Heat_makes_electrons_spin_in_magnetic_superconductors_Univer/
____________________________________
Scientists fabricate hexagonal silicon, potentially leading to light-emitting semiconductors
August 18, 2015
Virtually
all semiconductors used in today's electronic devices are made of
silicon having a cubic crystal structure, as silicon naturally
crystallizes in the cubic form. In a new study, researchers have
fabricated silicon in a hexagonal crystal structure, which is expected
to exhibit novel optical, electrical, superconducting, and mechanical
properties compared with cubic silicon.
http://phys.org/news/2015-08-scientists-fabricate-hexagonal-silicon-potentially.html#jCp
____________________________________
Researchers prove magnetism can control heat, sound
May 28th, 2015
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-magnetism.html
____________________________________
Ultrafast heat conduction can manipulate nanoscale magnets
June/8/2015
Researchers
at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have uncovered
physical mechanisms allowing the manipulation of magnetic information
with heat. These new phenomena rely on the transport of thermal energy,
in contrast to the conventional application of magnetic fields,
providing a new, and highly desirable way to manipulate magnetization at
the nanoscale.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-ultrafast-nanoscale-magnets.html#jCp
____________________________________
Magnetostrictive resonators as sensors and actuators
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924424712007509
Two types of magnetostrictive resonators – magnetostrictive
microcantilever (MSMC) and magnetostrictive particle (MSP) – have been
introduced as sensor platforms. Their principles and advantages as
sensor platforms are discussed along with the materials selection. A
detailed and complete comparison between the MSMC and MSP is given. It
is concluded that for the resonators with the same size, an MSP exhibits
a higher sensitivity and has a much higher resonant frequency. For the
resonators with the same resonant frequency, MSMCs exhibit a much higher
sensitivity and have a much smaller size than MSPs. Using antibody as
the sensing element, MSP biosensors for in situ detection of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes
are developed and characterized. These biosensors exhibit a high
performance. For example, the MSP-antibody biosensors of
1 mm × 0.3 mm × 15 μm exhibit a detection limit less than 100 cfu/ml for
in situ detection of bacterial cell in water. A new type actuator is
introduced using MSPs. The MSP actuator is operated using AC magnetic
field with a frequency close to, but different than, its resonant
frequency. The MSP actuator exhibits an unlimited displacement, and its
moving direction is controlled by the operating frequency used.
____________________________________
Levitating Magnet May Yield New Approach to Clean Energy
http://engineering.columbia.edu/levitating-magnet-may-yield-new-approach-clean-energy
Achieving nuclear fusion in the laboratory has been a cherished goal of physicists and energy researchers for more than 50 years. That’s because it offers the possibility of nearly endless supplies of energy with no carbon emissions and far less radioactive waste than that produced by today’s nuclear plants, which are based on fission, the splitting of atoms (the opposite of fusion, which involves fusing two atoms together). But developing a fusion reactor that produces a net output of energy has proved to be more challenging than initially thought.
____________________________________
Cleaner Fuel Cells on the Way from Moscow
January 1, 2016
A European research team has been working on
ion-exchange membranes that convert energy created by chemical
reactions. These membranes are based on amphiphilic compounds, and are
synthetic. This has great implications for the use of clean fuel cells.
The team, comprised of Russian, French and German scientists, have
been collaborating to create this process that can be possibly used in
fuel cells. The study was conducted at the Moscow Institute of Physics
and Technology, at the Laboratory of Functional Organic and Hybrid
materials.
Batteries produce energy by utilizing the reaction of oxidizing and
reducing agents. The batteries’ lifespan is complete when both the
agents are consumed. When an accumulator is used, electric energy can be
stored in packets.
http://www.greenoptimistic.com/moscow-clean-fuel-cells/
____________________________________
A new idea for rapid generation of strong magnetic fields using laser pulses
March 25, 2020
https://phys.org/news/2020-03-idea-rapid-strong-magnetic-fields.html
____________________________________
Coherent ultrafast magnetism induced by femtosecond laser pulses
31 May 2009
https://www.nature.com/articles/nphys1285
____________________________________
Space-confined fabrication of hydrophobic magnetic carbon nanofibers for lightweight and enhanced microwave absorption
2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0008622322004316
____________________________________
Exploiting disorder to harvest heat energy: The potentialities of 2D magnets for thermoelectric applications
April 30, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-04-exploiting-disorder-harvest-energy-potentialities.html
____________________________________
MilliMobile is a tiny, self-driving robot powered only by light and radio waves
September 27, 2023
https://techxplore.com/news/2023-09-millimobile-tiny-self-driving-robot-powered.html
____________________________________
New compact chips can convert light into microwaves
March 6, 2024
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-03-compact-chips-microwaves.html
____________________________________
How light can vaporize water without the need for heat
April 23, 2024
Surprising
“photomolecular effect” discovered by MIT researchers could affect
calculations of climate change and may lead to improved desalination and
drying processes.
https://news.mit.edu/2024/how-light-can-vaporize-water-without-heat-0423
____________________________________
Singularity vs 100,000 Lumens
2022
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AA-vYH3TqG4
____________________________________
The Whitest Thing In The Universe
July 1, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yoWnoWylpZI
____________________________________
Ultrablack thin-film coating could make next-gen telescopes even better
March 12, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-ultrablack-thin-coating-gen-telescopes.html
____________________________________
Sunrise to sunset, a new window coating blocks heat, not view
April 2, 2024
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-04-sunrise-sunset-window-coating-blocks.html
____________________________________
Turning glass into a 'transparent' light-energy harvester
January 26, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-glass-transparent-energy-harvester.html
____________________________________
How to make bright quantum dots even brighter
January 31, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-bright-quantum-dots-brighter.html
____________________________________
New techniques for making qubits out of erbium
February 8, 2024
Qubits
are the building block for quantum technology, and finding or building
qubits that are stable and easily manipulated is one of the central
goals of quantum technology research. Scientists have found that an atom
of erbium—a rare-earth metal sometimes used in lasers or to color
glass—can be a very effective qubit.
https://phys.org/news/2024-02-techniques-qubits-erbium.html
____________________________________
Scientists use laser light to achieve quantum states at room temperature, a first
2024
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/scientists-use-laser-light-to-achieve-quantum-states-at-room-temperature-a-first/ar-BB1loFYH
____________________________________
Quantum behavior at room temperature: When laser light makes materials magnetic
April 10, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-04-quantum-behavior-room-temperature-laser.html
____________________________________
Quantum breakthrough when light makes materials magnetic
April 10, 2024
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240410112818.htm
____________________________________
Capturing greenhouse gases with the help of light
January 12, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-capturing-greenhouse-gases.html
____________________________________
Team develops light-powered catalyst to make hydrogen
January 10, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-team-powered-catalyst-hydrogen.html
______________
Phononic switching of magnetization by the ultrafast Barnett effect
10 April 2024
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07200-x
____________________________________
Magnetic diffusion
Magnetic
diffusion refers to the motion of magnetic fields, typically in the
presence of a conducting solid or fluid such as a plasma. The motion of
magnetic fields is described by the magnetic diffusion equation and is
due primarily to induction and diffusion of magnetic fields through the
material. The magnetic diffusion equation is a partial differential
equation commonly used in physics. Understanding the phenomenon is
essential to magnetohydrodynamics and has important consequences in
astrophysics, geophysics, and electrical engineering.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_diffusion
____________________________________
Lasers make magnets behave like fluids
April 18, 2019
https://phys.org/news/2019-04-lasers-magnets-fluids.html
____________________________________
Laser-assisted bending by magnetic force
24 July 2017
https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1049/joe.2017.0145
____________________________________
Making a superconductor liquid–solid out of the vacuum with hundred-exatesla-strong magnetic fields
January 18, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-superconductor-liquidsolid-vacuum-exatesla-strong.html
____________________________________
A comparison of technologies for remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils
2016
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0375674216303818
____________________________________
Remediation of metal contaminated soil with mineral-amended composts
2007
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749107000772
____________________________________
Archaea
Archaea (/ɑːrˈkiːə/ ar-KEE-ə; sg.: archaeon /ɑːrˈkiːən/ ar-KEE-ən) is a domain of single-celled organisms. These microorganisms lack cell nuclei and are therefore prokaryotic. Archaea were initially classified as bacteria, receiving the name archaebacteria (in the Archaebacteria kingdom), but this term has fallen out of use.
Archaeal cells have unique properties separating them from the other two domains, Bacteria and Eukaryota. Archaea are further divided into multiple recognized phyla. Classification is difficult because most have not been isolated in a laboratory and have been detected only by their gene sequences in environmental samples. It is unknown if these are able to produce endospores.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaea
____________________________________
List of Archaea genera
Phylogeny
Phylum "Microcaldota"
Phylum "Undinarchaeota"
Phylum "Altarchaeota"
Phylum "Iainarchaeota"
Phylum "Micrarchaeota"
Phylum "Huberarchaeaota"
Phylum "Aenigmatarchaeota"
Phylum "Nanohalarchaeota"
Phylum "Nanoarchaeota"
Phylum "Asgardaeota"
Phylum "Thermoproteota"
Phylum "Hadarchaeota"
Phylum Methanobacteriota_B
Phylum "Hydrothermarchaeota"
Phylum "Methanobacteriota"
Phylum "Thermoplasmatota"
Phylum "Halobacteriota"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Archaea_genera
____________________________________
Monera
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monera
____________________________________
The growing tree of Archaea: new perspectives on their diversity, evolution and ecology
04 August 2017
https://www.nature.com/articles/ismej2017122
____________________________________
Archaea vs. Bacteria: What Are the Differences?
December 16, 2022
https://www.treehugger.com/archaea-vs-bacteria-5190902
____________________________________
Archaea as a Model System for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
2023 Jan 6
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9855744/
____________________________________
BP's Archaea Energy achieves major milestone, brings online first of its kind renewable natural gas plant
Oct 4, 2023
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/bps-archaea-energy-achieves-major-130000104.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9kdWNrZHVja2dvLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAKvjmMsgxCilNc9fy2mDSKDR3zJ71SJoJLxxXYl2iSVB3BuGezbJ9-EmJHjr0BveB5Nma0YIu4aUtKg-FNA0JSxu9Pqy3Pj9mPw3UFYWuRzlkxIiYgsSgWmbVWyScjL-zVkui13fO1R7XsI0mGQSHR2f9fFUKRju94v7OW2vNW1l
____________________________________
Diversity and Niche of Archaea in Bioremediation
2018
https://downloads.hindawi.com/journals/archaea/2018/3194108.pdf
____________________________________
Archaea in artificial environments: Their presence in global spacecraft clean rooms and impact on planetary protection
2010 Aug 12
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3105705/
____________________________________
Archaea in biogeochemical cycles
2013 Jun 26
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23808334/
____________________________________
Bioaugmentation with Mixed Hydrogen-Producing Acetogen Cultures Enhances Methane Production in Molasses Wastewater Treatment
01 August 2018
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/archaea/2018/4634898/
____________________________________
The Role of Methanogens in Waste Water Treatment
As
one of the most diverse groups of Archaea known to date, the
Methanogens represent the euryarchaeota order which gains energy via
methane production. The methanogens utilize the metabolic process of
methanogenesis, which is the methane production pathway that converts
carbon dioxide and other bacterial waste products into methane.
Methanogens have become the focus of recent literature due to their
large contribution to global methane emissions as well as their role in
wastewater treatment. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that has a
global warming potential of 25 in a 100 year time frame and is estimated
to account for 20% of the total radiative forcing from all greenhouse
gases (Wang et al., 2011). The recent increase in methane emissions,
from natural systems such as wetlands as well as landfills and
agricultural cattle, has made understanding methanogens crucial to
global climate change. Although methane emissions have negative
environmental impacts, the use of methanogens can be use in reducing
wastewater and the pollution of water systems across the world.
Methanogens help break down organic material that would otherwise
pollute water sources and lead to environmental degradation. The
construction of wetland systems in developing countries has been adopted
as a low cost and highly effective method of reducing nutrient
concentrations and degrading organic compounds in agricultural as well
as urban wastewaters (Johansson, et al., 2004). The balance of these two
impacts is vitally important for the future.
https://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/The_Role_of_Methanogens_in_Waste_Water_Treatment
____________________________________
ANME-1 archaea may drive methane accumulation and removal in estuarine sediments
2021 Jan 18
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33462984/
____________________________________
Energy Metabolism during Anaerobic Methane Oxidation in ANME Archaea
2017 Mar 17
Abstract
Anaerobic
methane oxidation in archaea is often presented to operate via a
pathway of “reverse methanogenesis”. However, if the cumulative
reactions of a methanogen are run in reverse there is no apparent way to
conserve energy. Recent findings suggest that chemiosmotic coupling
enzymes known from their use in methylotrophic and acetoclastic
methanogens—in addition to unique terminal reductases—biochemically
facilitate energy conservation during complete CH4 oxidation to CO2. The
apparent enzyme modularity of these organisms highlights how microbes
can arrange their energy metabolisms to accommodate diverse chemical
potentials in various ecological niches, even in the extreme case of
utilizing “reverse” thermodynamic potentials.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5371075/
____________________________________
UASB
performance and electron competition between methane-producing archaea
and sulfate-reducing bacteria in treating sulfate-rich wastewater
containing ethanol and acetate
2013
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960852413005233
____________________________________
Methanogenic archaea: ecologically relevant differences in energy conservation
30 June 2008
https://www.nature.com/articles/nrmicro1931
____________________________________
Halophilic archaea and their potential to generate renewable fuels and chemicals
2020 Dec 16
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7897274/
____________________________________
Methane emission reduction oriented extracellular electron transfer and bioremediation of sediment microbial fuel cell: A review
2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723011245
____________________________________
Methanotrophs: Methane Mitigation, Denitrification and Bioremediation
16 February 2017
Abstract
Methanotrophs
are bacteria capable of using methane as a carbon source. They can
lower atmospheric methane emissions, remove N in environmental and
wastewater treatment systems and even transform organic pollutants in
soils. Methanotrophic methane mitigation technologies have been
demonstrated beyond the laboratories as adaptable field-scale systems
that may be engineered to meet site-specific climatic variations and
ensure minimal atmospheric methane emission. In agricultural sediments
and soils, methanotrophs sequester methane but are affected by
fertiliser applications, while in wastewater treatment systems they can
lower the costs associated with N removal. Finally, the methanotrophs
are particularly appealing as bioremediation agents in
methane-containing environments, as their primary enzymes have a broad
substrate range that can transform various hydrocarbons, including
aromatic compounds and halogenated aliphatics. These diverse bacteria
are an important global methane sink and this importance is set to
increase as anthropogenic emissions increase over the coming decades.
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-49727-3_2
____________________________________
A microbe that uses crude oil to make methane
22 December 2021
A
microorganism that dwells in an underground oil reservoir has been
found to degrade various petroleum compounds and use them to produce
methane through a previously unreported biochemical pathway.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-03729-3
____________________________________
Genome sequencing of rumen bacteria and archaea and its application to methane mitigation strategies
2013
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23739466/
____________________________________
Functions of bacteria and archaea participating in the bioconversion of organic waste for methane production
2020
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969720365372
____________________________________
Diversity and Evolution of Methane-Related Pathways in Archaea
June 27, 2022
https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-micro-041020-024935
____________________________________
Wide diversity of methane and short-chain alkane metabolisms in uncultured archaea
04 March 2019
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-019-0363-3
____________________________________
A mixed consortium of methanotrophic archaea and bacteria boosts methane-dependent selenate reduction
2020
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969720328278
____________________________________
Role and regulation of anaerobic methane oxidation catalyzed by NC10 bacteria and ANME-2d archaea in various ecosystems
2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935122025014
____________________________________
Diverse methylotrophic methanogenic archaea cause high methane emissions from seagrass meadows
February 14, 2022
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2106628119
____________________________________
Biochar decreases methanogenic archaea abundance and methane emissions in a flooded paddy soil
2020
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969720354875
____________________________________
Coal
methanogenesis: a review of the need of complex microbial consortia and
culture conditions for the effective bioconversion of coal into methane
10 February 2017
https://annalsmicrobiology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1007/s13213-017-1255-5
____________________________________
Methanogenic Archaea Can Produce Methane in Deliquescence-Driven Mars Analog Environments
08 January 2020
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-56267-4
____________________________________
Anaerobic Oxidation of Methane Coupled with Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Fuels Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation
November 13, 2020
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.0c02664
____________________________________
Archaea and the nitrogen cycle
08 August 2017
https://microbiologysociety.org/publication/past-issues/archaea/article/archaea-and-the-nitrogen-cycle.html
____________________________________
Ammonia-oxidizing archaea involved in nitrogen removal
2009
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0043135409000499
____________________________________
Study Forecasts Tile Drainage and Crop Rotation Changes for Nitrogen Loss
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
02 March 2023
https://www.enn.com/articles/72081-study-forecasts-tile-drainage-and-crop-rotation-changes-for-nitrogen-loss
____________________________________
Ammonia-oxidizing archaea are integral to nitrogen cycling in a highly fertile agricultural soil
01 June 2021
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43705-021-00020-4
____________________________________
Non-negligible roles of archaea in coastal carbon biogeochemical cycling
2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0966842X2200316X
____________________________________
Catalytic combo converts CO₂ to solid carbon nanofibers while offsetting emissions
January 11, 2024
Scientists
at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory
and Columbia University have developed a way to convert carbon dioxide
(CO2), a potent greenhouse gas, into carbon nanofibers, materials with a
wide range of unique properties and many potential long-term uses.
Their strategy uses tandem electrochemical and thermochemical reactions
run at relatively low temperatures and ambient pressure.
As the
scientists describe in the journal Nature Catalysis, this approach could
successfully lock carbon away in a useful solid form to offset or even
achieve negative carbon emissions.
"You can put the carbon
nanofibers into cement to strengthen the cement," said Jingguang Chen, a
professor of chemical engineering at Columbia with a joint appointment
at Brookhaven Lab who led the research. "That would lock the carbon away
in concrete for at least 50 years, potentially longer. By then, the
world should be shifted to primarily renewable energy sources that don't
emit carbon."
As a bonus, the process also produces hydrogen gas (H2), a promising alternative fuel that, when used, creates zero emissions.
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-01-catalytic-combo-solid-carbon-nanofibers.html
____________________________________
Florida researchers are studying 'plant diamond' for carbon capture secrets
December 14, 2023
https://phys.org/news/2023-12-florida-diamond-carbon-capture-secrets.html
____________________________________
Curved carbon nanotubes enhance electrocatalysts for carbon neutrality
February 7, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-02-carbon-nanotubes-electrocatalysts-neutrality.html
____________________________________
Finding new chemistry to capture double the carbon
April 8, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-04-chemistry-capture-carbon.html
____________________________________
Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough; Powering Electric Vehicles; Carbon Capture | 60 Minutes Full Episodes
Jul 22, 2023
Scott
Pelley's January report on the breakthrough in nuclear fusion made by
scientists at the National Ignition Facility; From May, Bill Whitaker's
story on how companies are developing lithium extraction for electric
car batteries in California’s Imperial Valley. And from April,
Whitaker's visit to Iceland, where carbon dioxide is captured from the
air and buried underground as part of groundbreaking new technology to
slow climate change.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZejZxjvFng
____________________________________
Research lights up process for turning CO₂ into sustainable fuel
March 25, 2024
Researchers
have successfully transformed CO2 into methanol by shining sunlight on
single atoms of copper deposited on a light-activated material, a
discovery that paves the way for creating new green fuels.
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-03-co8322-sustainable-fuel.html#google_vignette
____________________________________
Copper-based catalysts efficiently turn carbon dioxide into methane
September 25, 2023
https://phys.org/news/2023-09-copper-based-catalysts-efficiently-carbon-dioxide.html
____________________________________
Why Solid Carbon is the Future of Energy Storage
Feb 22, 2024
Energy
storage is a huge sector, and growing at a rapid pace - largely due to
the mass rollout of renewable energy. Lithium-ion batteries have a part
to play in all of this, but they come with their own set of problems,
including cost and the use of rare earth materials. This is why I am so
interested in thermal batteries - using heat to store energy instead of
chemical bonds. Antora energy have an incredible new way of doing this
with solid carbon blocks and thermo-photovoltaic panels. So, I got in
contact with them!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwDly9pjSJg
____________________________________
Enhancing the CO2 capturing ability in leaf via xenobiotic auxin uptake
2020
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969720345617
____________________________________
Researchers develop minimal nanozymes with carbon dioxide capture capacity
September 26, 2023
https://phys.org/news/2023-09-minimal-nanozymes-carbon-dioxide-capture.html
____________________________________
A catalyst for converting carbon dioxide, the main cause of global warming, into ethylene using vitamin C
March 29, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-catalyst-carbon-dioxide-main-global.html#google_vignette
____________________________________
Research highlights a dangerous overreliance on future CO₂ removal
February 1st, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-02-highlights-dangerous-overreliance-future.html
____________________________________
Improved remediation of co‑contaminated soils by heavy metals and PAHs with biosurfactant‑enhanced soil washing
2022
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-07577-7.pdf
____________________________________
Remediation techniques for elimination of heavy metal pollutants from soil: A review
2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935122012452
____________________________________
A review of green remediation strategies for heavy metal contaminated soil
25 November 2020
Abstract
Heavy metals and metalloids can accumulate in soil, with potentially toxic effects to
human health and ecosystems, threatening the sustainable use and management of soil
resources. Although a number of remediation technologies, such as Solidification/
Stabilization (S/S), soil washing, electrokinetic remediation and chemical oxidation/
reduction can be applied for the immobilization, removal or detoxification of heavy
metals in soil, the environmental, social and economic impacts associated with these
conventional approaches hinder their overall sustainability. More attempts have been
made to maximize the ‘net environmental benefit’ in various ways, including recov-
ering resources, embracing nature-based solutions (NBS), and saving energy with
the emergence and development of the ‘green and sustainable remediation’ (GSR)
movement. This review critically discusses these green remediation strategies, and
the novel soil amendments being utilized in these sustainable approaches. Iron-
based amendments are the most promising candidates in green remediation due to
the highest stabilization performances for both oxyanions and metallic cations as
well as relatively low disturbance to soil. In comparison, waste-derived materials
suffer from risks of contaminant release in the long run, reducing the overall sustain-
ability despite their low costs. It has been found that phytoremediation and green
amendment- based S/S are typically the ‘greenest’ remediation strategies, but wise
decisions should be made on the basis of case-specific sustainability assessment re-
sults. Finally, it is proposed that integration of several green remediation techniques
may have a synergistic effect on remediation efficiency.
https://bsssjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/sum.12717
____________________________________
Heavy Metals in Contaminated Soils: A Review of Sources, Chemistry, Risks and Best Available Strategies for Remediation
2011
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2011/402647/
____________________________________
Remediation of metal contaminated soil with mineral-amended composts
2007
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749107000772
____________________________________
Organic Acids for the In Situ Remediation of Soils Polluted by Heavy Metals: Soil Flushing in Columns
April 2001
Abstract
To compare the soil remediation effectiveness of saltsof weak organic acids with strongchelating agents, three soils of different textures,all polluted by heavy metals, were washed in a column,at optimum pH, with salts of weak organic acids,namely, citrate, tartarate or oxalate + citrate orchelating agents (EDTA or DTPA). For the clay loam,Cr, Mn, Hg and Pb were removed by citrate andtartarate at levels of 43 to 45, 37 to 41, 91 to 92and 75%, respectively. EDTA and DTPA effectivelyleached only Pb after 20 pore volumes. For the loam,citrate leached 98 and 89% of Cd and Pb after 20 porevolumes, respectively, while tartarate leached out 91and 87% of Cd and Pb. EDTA and DTPA removed 93 to97% of these metals after 20 pore volumes. For thesandy clay loam, 84 to 91, 73 to 84, 56 to 70 and 72to 81% of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were removedrespectively, by citrate and tartarate. EDTA and DTPAremoved 93 to 97% of these metals after 20 porevolumes. An in situ soil remediation simulation wasalso tested using the sandy clay loam in a tub. After 12 hr of retention, the citrate solution washed 81, 82,73 and 90%, of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, respectively, aftersix pore volumes. EDTA and DTPA effectively removedall heavy metals, except for Hg, but also extractedlarge quantities of soil nutrients and pollute thesoil by being adsorbed on the soil particles. Thesalts of citrate and tartarate effectively removed theheavy metals from the three polluted soils whileleaching little macro-nutrients and improving soilstructure. Each soil reached C and B levels ofsoil-clean-up criteria after 10 to 20 pore volumes andwithin 10 to 15 hr of flushing.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1005251915165
____________________________________
Remediation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils with Soil Washing: A Review
2022
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/20/13058
____________________________________
A critical review on soil washing during soil remediation for heavy metals and organic pollutants
03 February 2021
Abbreviations
- 2,4-D:
-
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid
- ADBAC:
-
Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride
- As:
-
Arsenic
- Brij-35:
-
Poly(oxyethylene)23 dodecyl ether
- Cd:
-
Cadmium
- CETSA:
-
Carboxyalkylthiosuccinic acid
- CMC:
-
Critical micelle concentration
- CMCD:
-
Carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin
- Co:
-
Cobalt
- COCs:
-
Chlorinated organic compounds
- CPC:
-
Cetylpyridinium chloride
- Cr:
-
Chromium
- Cs:
-
Cesium
- CTAB:
-
Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide
- Cu:
-
Copper
- EDDS:
-
[S,S]-ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid
- EDTA:
-
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
- EDTMP:
-
Ethylenediamine tetra (methylene phosphonic acid)
- GCA:
-
Glucomonocarbonic acid
- GLDA:
-
N,N-Bis(carboxymethyl)-l-glutamic acid
- HAs:
-
Humic acids
- Hg:
-
Mercury
- HIDs:
-
3-Hydroxy-2,2′-iminodisuccinic acid
- HOCs:
-
Hydrophobic organic contaminants
- LMMOAs:
-
Low molecular mass organic acids
- ISA:
-
Iminodisuccinic acid
- MA/AA:
-
Copolymer of maleic and acylic acid
- NAPLs:
-
Nonaqueous phase liquids
- Ni:
-
Nickel
- NTA:
-
Nitilotriacetic acid
- OCPs:
-
Organochlorine pesticides
- PAA:
-
Polyacrylic acid
- PAHs:
-
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
- PASP:
-
Polyaspartic acid
- Pb:
-
Lead
- PCBs:
-
Polychlorinated biphenyls
- POPs:
-
Persistent organic pollutants
- SDBS:
-
Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate
- SDS:
-
Sodium dodecyl sulfate
- TPHs:
-
Total petroleum hydrocarbons
- Tween-80:
-
Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate
- TX-100:
-
Triton X-100
- V:
-
Vanadium
- VFAs:
-
Volatile fatty acids
- Zn:
-
Zinc
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https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13762-021-03144-1
____________________________________
Soil remediation time to achieve clean-up goals II: Influence of natural organic matter and water contents
2006 Jan 9
Abstract
This work reports a relatively rapid procedure for the forecasting of the remediation time (RT) of sandy soils contaminated with cyclohexane using vapour extraction. The RT estimated through the mathematical fitting of experimental results was compared with that of real soils. The main objectives were: (i) to predict the RT of soils with natural organic matter (NOM) and water contents different from those used in experiments; and (ii) to analyse the time and efficiency of remediation, and the distribution of contaminants into the soil matrix after the remediation process, according to the soil contents of: (ii1) NOM; and (ii2) water. For sandy soils with negligible clay contents, artificially contaminated with cyclohexane before vapour extraction, it was concluded that: (i) if the NOM and water contents belonged to the range of the prepared soils, the RT of real soils could be predicted with relative differences not higher than 12%; (ii1) the increase of NOM content from 0% to 7.5% increased the RT (1.8-13 h) and decreased the remediation efficiency (RE) (99-90%) and (ii2) the increase of soil water content from 0% to 6% increased the RT (1.8-4.9 h) and decreased the RE (99-97%). NOM increases the monolayer capacity leading to a higher sorption into the solid phase. Increasing of soil water content reduces the mass transfer coefficient between phases. Concluding, NOM and water contents influence negatively the remediation process, turning it less efficient and more time consuming, and consequently more expensive.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16406487/
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Combined technologies for the remediation of soils contaminated by organic pollutants. A review
11 February 2022
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https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10311-022-01407-y
____________________________________
Soil Reclamation and Remediation of Disturbed Lands
https://geo.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Soil_Science/Digging_into_Canadian_Soils%3A_An_Introduction_to_Soil_Science/03%3A_Digging_Deeper/3.03%3A_Soil_Reclamation_and_Remediation_of_Disturbed_Lands
Remediation Strategies
Remediation
strategies for contaminated soil can be broadly classified as
biological, chemical, or physical (Table 16.2). Many are a combination
of more than one type, and can be applied either ex situ or in situ. Ex
situ methods involve excavating the soil from the impacted zone and
treating the soil either on or off site. In situ methods treat the
contaminated soil in place. Contaminated sites often have contaminated
surface and ground waters that may require different or complementary
remediation strategies.
Table 16.2. Common remediation strategies for contaminated soils
Type Category Common contaminants Location
Biological Bioremediation, land farming, engineered biopiles or windrows Petroleum hydrocarbons
Bioventing Petroleum hydrocarbons In situ
Phytoremediation (rhizodegradation, phytoextraction,
phytodegradation, phytostabilization, phytoextraction) Petroleum
hydrocarbons, other organic contaminants, metals Generally in situ
Slurry phase reactors or lagoons Various organics Ex situ
Chemical Chemical oxidation / reduction Organics, inorganics Either
Neutralization Acids, bases Either
Physical Soil vapour extraction (SVE) Volatile organics (gasoline) In situ
Soil flushing, soil washing, dual phase extraction in ground water Organics, inorganics Either
Solidification, stabilization Organics, inorganics Either
Electrokinetic separation Organics, inorganics Either
Thermal desorption Organics Either
Incineration Organics Ex situ
Vitrification Organics, inorganics Either
Bioremediation
is a biological treatment that uses soil microorganisms to treat
contaminants. It can use natural biodegradation processes, or enhance
them by adding commercial or other microbial preparations
(bioaugmentation), or adding nutrients such as nitrogen or phosphorus
and/or electron acceptors such as oxygen (biostimulation).
Bioremediation strategies focus on microbial degradation of organic
contaminants, although microbial induced chemical changes of inorganic
chemicals can be considered bioremediation, such as converting more
toxic chromium to the less toxic chromium.
Bioremediation can be
applied in various technologies, such as landfarms, biopiles, or
engineered reactors. Bioventing is an in situ treatment that enhances
microbial degradation of contaminants through enhanced aeration in the
contaminated zone. Use of plants to remove (phytoextraction), stabilize
(phytostabilization), or destroy (phytodegradation) contaminants is a
biological treatment called phytoremediation. Rhizosphere bacteria can
play an important role in biodegradation of organic contaminants during
phytoremediation (rhizodegradation).
Chemical treatments can be
used to convert contaminants to non-hazardous or less toxic chemicals,
or to forms which are less mobile, more stable, or inert. Chemical
oxidation using hydrogen peroxide, ozone, or permanganate can destroy
compounds such PAHs, and is best for liquids such as ground water or
soil slurries. Chemical reduction can convert toxic chromium to less
toxic chromium and degrade some chlorinated organic solvents such as
trichlorothene. Neutralization involves adding materials to adjust the
pH of highly acidic or caustic soil.
Physical treatments use
properties of the contaminant or contaminated medium to separate or
immobilize the contaminant. Chemical additives can improve removal
efficiencies. In situ, soil vapour extraction creates a vacuum in the
vadose zone, draws vapours into an extraction well, then treats or
destroys them above ground. Soil flushing occurs in situ, where the
contaminated zone is treated with a solution, and mobilized contaminants
are brought to the surface for disposal, treatment, or re-circulation.
Treatment solutions can be water, basic, acidic, chelating or
complexing, reducing, co-solvents, or surfactants. Dual phase extraction
involves installation of piping to ground water and vacuum extraction
of water and organic contaminants such as petroleum hydrocarbons. Soil
washing is done ex situ and may involve separating soil fines (silt,
clay) from coarse material thereby reducing the total mass and volume
that needs to be treated.
Solidification and stabilization
prevent or slow release of contaminants from soil by treatment with
binding agents such as cement or asphalt. The soil may be treated with a
material that will reduce contaminant solubility and mobility. For
example, phosphate based materials often reduce mobility of lead, by
converting lead into insoluble lead phosphate compounds. Hydrogen
sulphide can convert many metals into insoluble respective pyrites.
Electrokinetic
separation sends a low intensity direct current through the soil to
separate metals, radionuclides, and organic contaminants. Positively
charged species migrate to the cathode, and negatively charged species,
such as inorganic and organic anions, migrate to the anode.
Thermal
treatments are mainly used to remediate organic contaminants. Thermal
desorption is typically ex situ, with heat applied to soil to evaporate
or vapourize contaminants which are collected, treated, or destroyed.
Temperatures of 90 to 320°C are required to treat volatile organic
contaminants such as fuel components, 320 to 540°C to treat
semi-volatile organics such as PAHs, PCBs, and lubricants. Incineration
involves heating soil ex situ to 870 to 1370°C to destroy organic
contaminants. Vitrification heats soil to 1400 to 2000°C to melt silica
and convert it to stable glass and crystalline solids. Heat may be
generated by electrodes and electrical resistance or plasma arc
technology. Organic contaminants are volatilized, trapped, and treated
or destroyed and inorganic contaminants, including radionuclides, are
encased.
____________________________________
Soil Cleanup Criteria
https://dep.nj.gov/srp/guidance/scc/
____________________________________
How Heat Can Enhance In-Situ Soil and Aquifer Remediation
1997
https://www.epa.gov/remedytech/how-heat-can-enhance-situ-soil-and-aquifer-remediation
____________________________________
Bioaugmentation as a strategy for cleaning up of soils contaminated with aromatic compounds
2009
Summary
The
contamination of soil with aromatic compounds is of particular
environmental concern as they exhibit carcinogenic and mutagenic
properties. One of the methods of their removal from soil is
bioaugmentation, defined as a technique for improvement of the
degradative capacity of contaminated areas by introduction of specific
competent strains or consortia of microorganisms. The efficiency of
bioaugmentation is determined by many abiotic and biotic factors
discussed in this paper. The first include chemical structure,
concentration and availability of pollutants as well as physico-chemical
properties of soil. In turn, among biotic factors the most important is
the selection of proper microorganisms that can not only degrade
contaminants but can also successfully compete with indigenous
microflora.
Several strategies are being developed to make
augmentation a successful technology particularly in soils without
degrading indigenous microorganisms. These approaches involve the use of
genetically engineered microorganisms and gene bioaugmentation. The
enhancement of bioaugmentation may be also achieved by delivering
suitable microorganisms immobilized on various carriers or use of
activated soil.
Introduction
Industrial production of
chemicals as well as their inappropriate use, improper disposal and
accidental leakage has resulted in contamination of many areas. Among
man-made substances that cause ecotoxicological problems are a variety
of aromatic compounds such as halogenated aromatic compounds, polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and BTEX compounds (benzene, ethylbenzene,
toluene and three isomers of xylene). The main sources of these toxic
substances are oil refineries, gas stations, use of wood preservatives
and agrochemicals, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. The
presence of these chemicals in the environment poses serious risks to
human health due to their toxicity, mutagenic and carcinogenetic
properties and ability to accumulate through the food chain. Most
aromatic compounds are recalcitrant, persistent and remain in the
environment for long periods of time (Budavari 1996).
There are
many methods for the removal of these pollutants from soils. They
involve both physico-chemical and biological approaches. Although the
first ones are more effective than biological methods they are expensive
and require high energy demand and consumption of many chemical
reagents. This is a reason why use of microorganisms capable of
degrading toxic compounds known as bioremediation has become an
attractive technology (Hamdi et al. 2007). One of the in situ
bioremediation strategies is bioaugmentation, which improves the
biodegradative capacities of contaminated sites by introduction of
single strains or consortia of microorganisms with desired catalytic
capabilities. Moreover, genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs)
exhibiting enhanced degradative capabilities encompassing a wide range
of aromatic hydrocarbons have also potential for soil bioaugmentation.
Its place among bioremediation categories is depicted in Figure 1.
Table 3. Carriers used for delivering of microorganisms to soil for bioaugmentation purposes.
Carriers Microorganisms Pollutants degraded References
κ-Carrageenan Pseudomonas sp. UG30 Pentachlorophenol Cassidy et al. (1997)
κ-Carrageenan/gelatin gel Microbial consortium 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol Gardin and Pauss (2001)
Polyvinyl alcohol Hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria Diesel oil Cunningham et al. (2004)
Polyurethane foam Rhodococcus sp. F92 Various petroleum products Quek et al. (2006)
Chitin, chitosan Hydrocarbon-degrading strain Crude oil Gentili et al. (2006)
Chitosan Pseudomonas putida BCRc14349 Phenol, trichloroethane Chen et al. (2007)
Alginate, agar, polyacrylamide Pseudomonas fluorescens-CS2 Ethylbenzene Parameswarappa et al. (2008)
Zeolite, activated carbon Hydrocarbon-degrading microbial consortium Crude oil Liang et al. (2009)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944501309000585
____________________________________
A new approach to cleaning heavy metals out of soil
June 4, 2019
https://engineering.stanford.edu/magazine/article/new-approach-cleaning-heavy-metals-out-soil
When poisonous heavy metals like lead and cadmium escape from factories or mines, they can pollute the nearby soil.
With
no easy ways to remove these contaminants, fields must be cordoned off
to prevent these toxins from entering the food chain where they threaten
human and animal health.
According to the Environmental
Protection Agency, heavy metals have been found at thousands of
locations nationwide. While some have been cleaned up through a
combination of federal, state and private efforts, the need remains for
new technologies to address heavy metal contamination
Now a research team led by Stanford materials scientist Yi Cui
has invented a way to wash heavy metals from contaminated soils using a chemical process that’s a bit like brewing coffee.
As they describe
in
Nature Communications, the researchers started by rinsing contaminated
soil with a mixture of water and a chemical that attracts heavy metals.
When that mixture percolates through the soil, the chemical pulls heavy
metals loose. The team members then collected this toxic brew and ran it
through an electrochemical filter that captured the heavy metals out of
the water. In this way they cleansed the soil of heavy metals and
recycled the water and chemical mixture to percolate through more
contaminated ground.
“This is a new approach to soil cleanup,”
said Cui, who is a professor of materials science and engineering and
photon science. “Our next step is a pilot test to make sure that what
works in the lab is practical in the field, and to figure out how much
this process will cost.”
So far, his team has cleansed soils
contaminated with lead and cadmium, two prevalent and dangerous toxins,
as well as with copper, which is only dangerous in high concentrations.
Cui believes this process of chemical cleansing and electrochemical
filtering will work with other dangerous heavy metals like mercury and
chromium, but further lab experiments are needed to demonstrate that.
____________________________________
Remediation Technologies for Cleaning Up Contaminated Sites
2021
https://19january2021snapshot.epa.gov/remedytech/remediation-technologies-cleaning-contaminated-sites_.html
____________________________________
Use of surfactants for the remediation of contaminated soils: A review
2014
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389414009911
____________________________________
Remediation of hexavalent chromium contaminated soil by biochar-supported zero-valent iron nanoparticles
2016
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389416306719
____________________________________
Review of Remediation Technologies for Cadmium in soil
2021
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348810635_Review_of_Remediation_Technologies_for_Cadmium_in_soil
____________________________________
Remediation Technology for Copper Contaminated Soil: A Review
2018
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337610519_Remediation_Technology_for_Copper_Contaminated_Soil_A_Review
____________________________________
A review on remediation technologies for nickel-contaminated soil
2019
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330504565_A_review_on_remediation_technologies_for_nickel-contaminated_soil
____________________________________
Remediation of cadmium-contaminated soil: GLDA-assisted extraction and sequential FeCl3–CaO-based post-stabilization
2023
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) contamination of farmland soils is a growing concern because of its highly toxic impact on ecosystems and human health. Chelator-assisted washing and chemical immobilization are effective remediation strategies for Cd-contaminated soils. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) has traditionally been used for soil washing, but its persistence in the environment and subsequent toxicity have raised significant ecological concerns. Consequently, biodegradable chelators have gained increasing attention as eco-friendly alternatives to the persistent chelator, EDTA. Therefore, this study evaluated the performance and efficacy of three biodegradable chelators: L-glutamate-N,N′-diacetic acid (GLDA), methylglycine-diacetic acid (MGDA), and 3-hydroxy-2,2′-iminodisuccinic acid (HIDS) in comparison to EDTA for remediating a real Cd-contaminated agricultural soil. The influence of treatment parameters, including chelator variants, washing time, chelator concentration, solution pH, and liquid-to-soil ratio (L/S) on Cd extraction was studied and optimized to attain the maximum removal rate. Following chelator-assisted washing, the efficacy of a stabilization preference combining FeCl3 and CaO in reducing the leaching potential of residual Cd in chelator-washed soil residues was also investigated. GLDA demonstrated comparable Cd extraction efficiency to EDTA, and the Cd extraction efficiency was found to be positively correlated with the soil washing parameters. However, under the optimized conditions (chelator concentration: 10 mmol L−1; washing time: 3 h; solution pH: 3; L/S ratio: 10:1), GLDA exhibited a higher Cd extraction rate than EDTA or the other chelators. Furthermore, a post-treatment process incorporating FeCl3 and CaO substantially diminished the water-leachable Cd content in the resultant soil residues. The proposed remediation strategy, which combines chemically assisted washing and stabilization, could be a practical option for extracting bulk Cd from soil and reducing the leaching potential of residual Cd.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653523028242
____________________________________
Remediation of Lead Contaminated Soils by Stabilization/Solidification
January 2002
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1012977829536
____________________________________
Remediation of lead-contaminated soil by washing with choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents
2022
Introduction
Lead-contaminated soil has attracted much attention as a typical heavy metal contaminated soil (Landrot and Khaokaew, 2018, Sun et al., 2019). And the formation of lead-contaminated soil was mainly attributed from natural (Zhang et al., 2020, Zhang et al., 2020) and human activities (Wu et al., 2016, Yoo et al., 2016). Lead compounds will exist in the soil for a long time, and cause serious harm to human health (Wei and Yang, 2010). Lead poisoning in particular affects the normal development of children (Mathee et al., 2018). Therefore, the research on the lead-contaminated soil remediation methods is of great significance to human and environment (Huang et al., 2021).
The main remediation methods for heavy mental-contaminated soil mainly include engineering methods (Li et al., 2020), physical and chemical methods (Zeng et al., 2020, Zhao et al., 2020), and biological methods (Gidudu and Chirwa, 2020). Engineering methods mainly refer to the application of machinery to cover up or transfer contaminated soil to achieve the purposes of soil remediation. Engineering measures mainly include soil dumping, soil replacement, top soil removal, additional soil and deep ploughing, which are characterized by being relatively simple and stable, and especially widely used in the soil remediation. However, the use of engineering measures can result in the physicochemical changes in the soil (Zhang et al., 2020, Zhang et al., 2020). The physi-chemical remediation methods refer to the soil remediation by combining physics and chemistry (Zhao et al., 2021). And the physi-chemical remediation technologies mainly include electrokinetic remediation (Nasiri et al., 2020, Xu et al., 2020), solidification/stabilization (Han et al., 2020), soil improvement (Lu et al., 2020), and washing technologies (Park et al., 2021, Peng et al., 2021, Zhu et al., 2015). Although these technologies are simple and effective, they tend to be costly and can result in secondary pollution (Bolan et al., 2014). Chemical washing is also used for remediate contaminated soil with heavy metals. The inorganic acid (Luo et al., 2018, Xing et al., 2021) chelating agents, surfactants (Mao et al., 2015), organic acid (Cheng et al., 2020) and inorganic salts were used as chemical agents. And they were usually applied to remediate contaminated soil by heavy metals (Dermont et al., 2008, Hu et al., 2021). However, there is still a need to determine an effective and environmentally friendly chemical reagents for soil remediation (Ke et al., 2020, Li et al., 2021, Wan et al., 2021). Citric acid, oxalic acid and tartaric acid were usually combined with EDTA (Gluhar et al., 2020), ethylenediamine tetra (methylene phosphonic acid) and polyacrylic acid (Feng et al., 2020) used to extract heavy metals from the contaminated soil.
Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are a novel liquid similar with ionic liquid synthesized by two or more compounds with different melting points (Almeida et al., 2020, Hayyan et al., 2010). Usually it can be synthesized by mixing hydrogen bond donor (HBA) with hydrogen bond acceptor (HBD) (Bi et al., 2020, Hayyan et al., 2013a). The functional DESs obtained through the mixing natural plant derivatives (citric acid, glucose and fructose) with choline chloride has been investigated previously (Hayyan et al., 2012, Hayyan et al., 2013b). And DESs are also considered to be a novel and green solvents due to their excellent properties negligible volatility, non-flammability, nontoxicity, biodegradability, and thermal stability (Tome et al., 2018, Warminska et al., 2021). Hydrogen bonding is a key process for the formation of DESs and allows the creation of supramolecular structures between components identified from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. DESs have been widely used in electrochemistry (Li et al., 2016), sewage treatment (Soylak and Koksal, 2019), dissolving metal salts (Habibi et al., 2013), and separating harmful metals from various substances (Altunay et al., 2020, Bakkar, 2014, Mukhopadhyay et al., 2016a), due to its low toxicity, biodegradability, simple preparation and low price (Abbott et al., 2007). Recent studies have found that DESs had achieved good results in remediating soil contaminated by heavy metals (Habibollahi et al., 2019, Matong et al., 2017, Mukhopadhyay et al., 2016a). DESs are easily degraded by environmental factors when they are in the natural environment (Tang et al., 2021, Warminska et al., 2021). However, DESs are with high viscosity, which results in that it is very difficult to be recycled after remediation. In our previous research, choline chloride with ethylene glycol and water to synthesize diluted DESs and combining with EDTA-2Na can remove more than 95% of lead from lead-contaminated soil (Huang et al., 2021). However, DESs are seldom directly used for the decontamination of polluted soil.
The present research synthesized DESs through the mixing of HBDs such as ethylene glycol, urea, propylene glycol, glycerin, and malonic acid with the HBA choline chloride. These DESs were used in the present research for the lead-contaminated soil remediation. The optimal HBD was determined by comparing Pb extraction rate among the different DESs used. In addition, the effects of influence factors such as temperature, liquid-solid (L/S) ratio, water-DESs volume ratio, stirring speed, and choline chloride-malonic acid (Ch-M) molar ratio on Pb extraction were investigated and response surface analysis was also conducted. Moreover, the analysis of the DESs and soil were conducted before and after remediation to characterize the reaction mechanism. Finally, in order to illustrate the practical feasibility of the proposed remediation technique, the cost and application in real contaminated soil had been analyzed.
Section snippets
Sample preparation and regents
Soil samples were taken from the top soil of cultivated in Shanghai,
China (31°12′N, 121°39′E). The soil samples were naturally dried and
passed through a 0.18 mm sieve before being stored. Determination of
lead content of soil samples was 22.87 mg·kg−1 (CHN, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, 2017). Then, 23.98 g Pb(NO3)2
was dissolved in water and mixed with 1 kg soil samples to prepare
lead-contaminated soil. After 60 days of solidification, the Pb
concentration in the simulated
DESs screening
Th Ch-M and soil reaction system was the lowest pH values among all the evaluated DESs of 1.32 (Table S2). In Fig. 2, the five DESs (Ch-U, Ch-E, Ch-P, Ch-M, and Ch-G) were diluted with water and the solutions were used as washing agents for screening. Besides for Ch-M, the other DESs have little effect on the removal of Pb from the contaminated soil. This result can be attributed to the fact that the extraction of Pb from soil is strongly dependent on the pH (Table S2) of a solution
Conclusions
The current research has confirmed that diluted DESs (Ch-M) can be used for lead-contaminated soil remediation. The viscosity and cost of Ch-M could be reduced though diluted with water, and FT-IR analysis confirmed the effectiveness of the method. According to the FT-IR and HRMS analysis indicated that the carboxyl groups and hydrogen bonds in Ch-M chelate, resulting in the dissolving of Pb(NO3)2 and the formation of [Pb‧Chcl‧COOH], [Ch‧Pb], and other complex ions. Extraction temperature, L/S
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0957582022000441
____________________________________
Remediation of mercury contaminated soil, water, and air: A review of emerging materials and innovative technologies
2019
Abstract
Mercury
contamination in soil, water and air is associated with potential
toxicity to humans and ecosystems. Industrial activities such as coal
combustion have led to increased mercury (Hg) concentrations in
different environmental media. This review critically evaluates recent
developments in technological approaches for the remediation of Hg
contaminated soil, water and air, with a focus on emerging materials and
innovative technologies. Extensive research on various nanomaterials,
such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), nanosheets and magnetic nanocomposites,
for mercury removal are investigated. This paper also examines other
emerging materials and their characteristics, including graphene,
biochar, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks
(COFs), layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as well as other materials such
as clay minerals and manganese oxides. Based on approaches including
adsorption/desorption, oxidation/reduction and
stabilization/containment, the performances of innovative technologies
with the aid of these materials were examined. In addition, technologies
involving organisms, such as phytoremediation, algae-based mercury
removal, microbial reduction and constructed wetlands, were also
reviewed, and the role of organisms, especially microorganisms, in these
techniques are illustrated.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412019324754
____________________________________
Versatile Process for the Preparation of Nanocomposite Sorbents: Phosphorus and Arsenic Removal
June 2020
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342187173_Versatile_Process_for_the_Preparation_of_Nanocomposite_Sorbents_Phosphorus_and_Arsenic_Removal
____________________________________
Advanced techniques to remove phosphates and nitrates from waters: a review
13 April 2021
Abstract
At
high levels, phosphates and nitrates from mineral fertilizers and
wastewaters are contaminating natural waters, leading, for example, to
eutrophication and death of many living species. This requires
remediation techniques such as physical, chemical, biological methods,
and nano-techniques. For instance, microbes such as Bacillus subtilis,
Pseudomonas, Achromobacter, Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris
allow denitrification and can remove 55% of phosphates. Removal can be
done also using adsorbents produced from wastes and bio-sorbents. Here
we compare the methods to remove phosphates and nitrates in waters.
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https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10311-021-01239-2
____________________________________
Asymmetrical
alternating current electrochemically-mediated washing method for
sustainable remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated soil
2022 May 6
Abstract
The
demands for genuine remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil have
triggered extensive studies in the soil washing method. However,
numerous soil washing methods show poor sustainability for target soil,
due to the tremendous cost, hidden secondary pollution and severe soil
deterioration. Here, an asymmetrical alternating current
electrochemically-mediated remediation platform (ACRP) is developed by
fabricating an amidoxime-functionalized electrode (Ami-electrode). The
real soil contaminated with 1200 mg/kg Cr(VI) is remediated efficiently
to less than safety level (30 mg/kg), meanwhile no exorbitant soil
nutrient loss is observed and no secondary pollution occurs.
Furthermore, the consumption of washing effluents for the ACRP method is
24 times lower than the traditional washing method. Ami-electrode with
asymmetrical alternating current promote the electrocatalytic efficiency
by inhibiting the Coulomb repulsion between Cr(VI) species and cathode.
With the aid of Ami-electrode and positive bias, Cr(VI) species in
effluents are adsorbed on chelating site. By subsequent negative bias,
Cr element is reduced and recycled in the less hazardous form of
amorphous Cr(III) hydroxide, and effluents are regenerate concurrently
in a cyclic system. Durability experiment and cost calculation verify
the exceptional sustainability and feasibility for remediation
practices. This work provides a sustainable remediation method for
Cr(VI)-contaminated soil, and then paves the way to develop
electrochemically soil remediation platform for practical applications.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35716559/
____________________________________
Remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil by asymmetrical alternating current electrochemistry
04 June 2019
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-10472-x
____________________________________
Remediation
of soils contaminated by hydrophobic organic compounds: How to recover
extracting agents from soil washing solutions?
2020
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389420321270
____________________________________
Soil washing for the remediation of dioxin-contaminated soil: A review
2021 Jul 30
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34396961/
____________________________________
Application
of biochar-based materials for remediation of arsenic contaminated soil
and water: Preparation, modification, and mechanisms
2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213343722011654
____________________________________
Arsenic immobilization through regulated ferrolysis in paddy field amendment with bismuth impregnated biochar
2018
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969718331589
____________________________________
Synthesis
and characterization of a novel magnetic calcium-rich nanocomposite and
its remediation behaviour for As(III) and Pb(II) co-contamination in
aqueous systems
2019
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969719351149
____________________________________
Removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater: a comprehensive and critical review
08 July 2021
Magnetic adsorbents
Magnetic adsorbents are a specific material matrix that hosts iron particles (usually magnetic nanoparticles, such as Fe3O4). The base material could be carbon, CS, polymers, starch, or biomass. As illustrated in Fig. 2,
the adsorption process is affected by the magnetic field, surface
charge, and redox activity characteristics. They showed low-cost,
easy-synthesis, extraordinary surface charge, and reusability. Many
magnetic adsorbents were proposed in the literature, such as zero-valent
iron nanoparticles (ZVI NPs), iron oxides (hematite (α-Fe2O3), maghemite (γ-Fe2O3), magnetite (Fe3O4)),
and spinel ferrites. The mechanism and kinetics of the sorption process
rely on several parameters, such as surface morphology and adsorbent
magnetic behavior. They are also affected by experimental conditions
such as pH, irradiation time, adsorbent concentration, wastewater
temperature, and the initial dosage of pollutants. The presence of iron
particles in adsorbent is very efficient in metal ions removal from
effluent.
Some studies have focused on coating Fe3O4 particles for removing heavy metal ions. Co-precipitation, high-gravity technology, and grafting are the most commonly used methods. The grafting method was considered a preferable choice because it is flexible and straightforward. However, it strongly depends on the active hydroxyl on the surface of Fe3O4 particles and the number of active functional groups. The produced adsorbents were not adequately cyclic stable, which is a barrier facing the commercialization of this method. Additional details about different magnetic adsorbents can be found in Supplementary Table 5.
Biosorbents
The most recent research studies in using biosorption for wastewater treatment are listed in Supplementary Table 6. The presence of numerous functional groups (i.e., carboxyl, amino, hydroxyl, phosphate, thiol, etc.) on the surface expedite the biosorption process. Generally, the interaction between pollutants and the surface of biosorbent can occur through electrostatic interaction, aggregation, complexation/coordination, microprecipitation, ion exchange, reduction, or oxidation. The solution pH affects the biosorbent surface charge density and ionization of functional groups located on the biosorbent surface. When pH is low, cations are almost stable and can be bonded to the biosorbent surface. On the other hand, at higher pH values, the solubility of metal cations decreases with the possibility of a precipitation phenomenon.
The biosorbent amount is a vital factor affecting the removal efficiency due to offering more vacant biosorption sites. The biosorbent capacity could increase at higher temperatures due to decreased solution viscosity, reduction in Gibb’s free energy, and bond rupturing. These reasons increase the collision frequency (mobility and kinetic energy) between biosorbent and metal ions and enhance the biosorbent active sites, leading to a higher affinity. In turn, the bonding force between biosorbent and pollutants could decline at higher temperatures, and thus the biosorbent sorption uptake reduces. It was elucidated that the removal efficiency increases as the mixing agitation rate increases.
Metal-organic frameworks adsorbents
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are generally synthesized via reticular synthesis in which metal ions are strongly bonded to organic linkers. Researchers proposed thousands of MOFs. It was noticed that most of the organic ligands used to form many MOFs are very expensive and toxic. Zirconium-MOFs family (such as UiO-66) is promising nanostructure materials for sorption applications due to the easy incorporation of functional groups and hydrolytic-thermal stability such as amine, carboxylic, hydroxyl, and oxygen or by using the cross-linking method. Composite-based MOF adsorbents could obtain further enhancement in the adsorption capacity of MOFs. Supplementary Table 7 lists the uptake of different MOFs towards several heavy metal ions in wastewater.
Despite the exciting features of MOFs and their good capability to remove heavy metal ions, they have micropores (i.e., tiny pores) inaccessible for some target metals. Also, most of them have low stability in water. Mn, Fe, and Cu have been used to form MOFs, but most of them resulted in poor chemical stability. Therefore, further research is still needed to tune the MOFs’ structure and scale up these materials to implement them into industrial wastewater applications. Moreover, different functionalization methods should be proposed and applied to enhance MOFs’ stability and sorption kinetics.
Membrane-based filtration and separation
Over
the years, technological advancement in membrane development has led to
an increase in the use of membranes for filtration and extraction of
heavy metal ions from wastewater. A simplified schematics for different
membrane-based filtration processes is illustrated in Fig. 3a–c, while
Fig. 3d demonstrates various pollutants that can be separated by
different membrane techniques.
Ultrafiltration
Ultrafiltration
(UF) is used at low transmembrane operating pressure (TMP). Because UF
membrane pores may be larger than the heavy metal ions, additives may be
bonded to metal ions to enlarge the size of the metal ions. Therefore,
micellar enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF) and polymer enhanced
ultrafiltration (PEUF) are proposed.
MEUF is formed by bonding UF
and surfactant. MEUF has high flux and high selectivity, leading to
low-energy consumption, high removal efficiency, and less space demand.
MEUF is most suitable for wastewater whose heavy metals are in low
concentrations. In MEUF, a surfactant is mixed with wastewater in a
concentration above the critical micellar concentration (CMC). Beyond
CMC, surfactant monomers assemble and increase the creation of some
micelles in the solution. The surfactant contains a hydrophobic tail and
a hydrophilic head. The inner hydrophobic core of the micelles could
solubilize organic matters (having low molecular weight) as a
solubilizate, while the surface adsorbs counter metal ions on their
surface due to electrostatic interactions. Surfactants, whose electric
charge is the opposite of the metal ions, usually attain the highest
retentions. In this regard, polyelectrolytes (PE), cationic surfactants,
and anionic surfactants (e.g., sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)) are used
for effective heavy metals extraction.
A summary of different
studies on the MEUF process is given in Supplementary Table 8. The
performance of MEUF depends on several factors, including the added
solutes, type of surfactant, operating conditions, and kind of membrane
used.
PEUF is formed through the integration of UF and binding
polymers. The functional groups of the bonding polymers could be
sulfonate, phosphonic, carboxylated, or amine, and they are bonded via
chelating or ionic bonds58. PEUF are also known as polymer-supported,
complexation, polymer-assisted, size enhanced, and complexation enhanced
ultra-filtrations. While permitting water and un-complexed components
to permeate the membrane pores, the PEUF process blocks and extracts
polymer-bonded metal ions.
A summary of studies conducted on PEUF
is presented in Supplementary Table 9. PEUF shows effective polymer
bonding, effective extraction, ability to recover and reuse complexation
polymer of retentate, low-energy demands, and low-cost operation.
However, the choice of appropriate water-soluble polymer macro-ligands
remains the main challenge of developing this technology.
Nanofiltration
Nanofiltration (NF) is used to concentrate constituents whose molecular
weight is >1000 Da and remove solutes whose size of 0.0005–0.007 μm
with molecular weights >200 Da. Thus, the operating range of NF is between UF and reverse osmosis (RO) processes.
The NF membranes are composed of polymer composites of multiple-layer
thin-film of negatively charged chemical groups. Anti-fouling NF
membranes containing CeO2/Ce7O12 and PES were synthesized through phase inversion and used to extract Fe3+, Al3+, Co2+, Cd2+, Cu2+,
and humic acid from wastewater and reached extraction efficiency
between 94 and 98%. Other studies are presented in Supplementary Table 10.
Microfiltration
Microfiltration (MF) employs a microporous membrane to remove micron-sized particles, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, contaminants, pollutants, etc., from a solvent/fluid/solution60. MF process is also a low pressure-driven membrane process, whose membrane pores are in the range of 0.1–10 μm60. Some of the MF membranes are made of silica, ceramics, zirconia, alumina, PVC, polysulfone, PTFE, polypropylene, PVDF, polyamides, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, cellulose esters, or composite materials. The commercial application of MF is widely found in pharmaceutical and biological industries. However, the application of the MF system may be found in particle removal of the rinse water in the semiconductor industry, sterilization of beer and wine, other juices and cider clarification, and wastewater treatment60. The application of MF in heavy metal removal has not drawn enough attention because of its low removal ability. However, it has been used by modifying membrane or chemical pre-treatment of the feed solution. Depending on the mode of application, the MF process is available in two main configurations: crossflow and dead-end. Some studies on MF are summarized in Supplementary Table 11.
Reverse osmosis
RO is a
pressure-driven separation process that employs a semi-permeable
membrane (pore size 0.5–1.5 nm) to allow only smaller molecules to pass.
RO process reverses the normal osmosis process by applying pressure
(20–70 bar) >the osmotic pressure of the feed solution. The molecular
size of the solutes blocked is usually in the range of
0.00025–0.003 μm60. RO process could extract 95–99% of inorganic salts
and charged organics60. RO process is compact and attained high
rejection efficiency. However, membrane fouling and degrading are the
major drawback of RO systems60. The RO separation process was used to
extract heavy metal ions, including Ni2+, Cr6+, and Cu2+ from
electroplating wastewater, with a removal efficiency of >98.7562.
Recently, RO has been used to purify industrial wastewaters from
coster-field mining operations located in Victoria-Australia with mean
extraction efficiency of 10%, 48%, 82%, 66%, and 95% for Fe3+, Zn2+,
Ni2+, As3+, and Sb3+ respectively63. Other studies on RO heavy metals
removal are summarized in Supplementary Table 12.
Forward osmosis
Forward
osmosis (FO) is an osmosis process that requires a membrane to balance
selectivity and permeated water flux51. In FO, a semi-permeable membrane
separates a feed solution from the draw solution, as shown in Fig. 3b.
The draw solution is usually at a higher osmotic pressure compared to
the feed solution. Due to the osmotic pressure difference between the
feed and draw solutions, water transports from the feed solution to the
draw solution, thereby keeping the rejected solutes on the feed side and
treated water on the draw solution64. FO does not require hydraulic
pressure; thus, it is energy-saving. FO process is also environmentally
friendly, easy cleaning, and low fouling; therefore, it is widely used
in wastewater treatment64. Nevertheless, FO has limitations, such as
draw solution re-concentration, membrane selection challenges, internal
and external concentration polarization65. Supplementary Table 13
summarizes the use of FO, including thin-film membranes.
Electrodialysis
Electrodialysis
(ED) is used to separates ions at the expense of electric potential
difference. ED uses a series of cation exchange membranes (CEM) and
anion exchange membranes (AEM), alternatively arranged in parallel, to
separate ionic solutes51. In the ED process, the anions pass through
AEM, while cations pass through CEM. In such a case, the treated stream
(diluate) is produced from half of the ED stack channels, while the
concentrated stream is expelled from the other half, as shown in Fig.
3c. ED offers high water recovery, no phase change, no reaction, or
chemical involvement66, and can operate over a wide range of pH values.
However, ED also exhibits membrane fouling, high cost of membranes, and
demand for electric potential.
ED has been used to separate Ni2+, Pb2+, and K+
from synthetic solution through a novel ED heterogeneous CEM
(consisting of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid-based
hydrogel and PVC) to attain extraction efficiency of 96.9%, 99.9%, and
99.9% for Ni2+, Pb2+, and K+, respectively. A batch ED process was employed to recover Pb2+ and reached a maximum separation efficiency of ~100%. A pilot-scale ED system has also been used to extract Cu2+, Ni2+, and traces of Cd2+, Fe3+, Cr6+, and Zn2+, and exceeded 90% removal rate. As3+ and As5+ were removed from metallurgical effluent by ED and attained a removal efficiency of 91.38%.
Other membrane-based methods
Chemical-based separation
Chemical
methods for removing heavy metals from wastewater are mature and used
early. In this section, the chemical-based methods will be discussed,
including precipitation, coagulation-flocculation, and flotation.
Membrane distillation (MD) and liquid membrane (LM) are also used for wastewater treatment. MD is a hybrid thermally driven membrane separation process that consists of cold and hot compartments separated by a microporous hydrophobic membrane. MD allows only vapor to permeate its pores while blocking other molecules. MD exists in four configurations: direct contact MD, air gap MD, sweeping gas MD, and vacuum MD. MD process has been reported to achieve over 96% removal of Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe3+, and Fe2+, and more than 99% for As3+ and As5+.
On the other side, LM is made of a liquid phase or thin-layer organic phase, which acts as a barrier between two aqueous phases. LM is immiscible to the feed solution and retentate solution, and combined stripping and extraction processes in a single stage. LM is highly selective, relatively efficient, and can achieve specific molecular recognition. However, the membrane’s long-term stability is poor. LM process exists as a supported liquid membrane (SLM), emulsion liquid membrane (ELM), bulk liquid membrane (BLM), and polymer inclusion membrane (PIM). Among these types, the SLM process is an attractive alternative to traditional solvent extraction for heavy metal removal. SLM achieved a removal efficiency of 89% for Zn2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+.
Precipitation
Chemical
precipitation (the so-called coagulation precipitation) is broadly used
in industries and is considered one of the most effective and mature
methods. It changes the form of dissolved metal ions into solid
particles to facilitate their sedimentation. The reagent coagulation
(coagulant) precipitates metal ions by changing pH, electro-oxidizing
potential, or co-precipitation76. It is usually followed by the removal
of sediments. A simple schematic of the chemical precipitation process
is depicted in Fig. 4.
Hydroxide precipitation is broadly used
due to its relatively inexpensive, simple, and tunable pH77. It is
implemented by adding a hydroxide to the stirred wastewater to form
insoluble metal hydroxide precipitates. For example, a metal ion could
react with calcium hydroxide (lime) to produce metal hydroxide
precipitates and calcium ions as:
It was found that pH values of 9–11 improved this process efficiency.
However, a high pH value is considered a disadvantage of this method
since it requires a large dosage of precipitates. One of the most
effective hydroxide precipitates for treating inorganic effluents of
heavy metal concentration of 1000 mg/L is lime (CaO or Ca(OH)2). A summary of some hydroxide precipitation studies is presented in Supplementary Table 14. It can be seen that the majority of metals removed by this method are Zn2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, and Cr3+.
In addition to the need for the high dosage to get optimal pH, there
are some drawbacks, such as relatively large volumes of sludge leading
to dewatering, disposal issues, amphoteric, and the inhabitation of
metal hydroxide precipitation with the presence of complexing agents.
The
sulfide participation method distinguishes itself by higher removal
efficiency and lesser dissolved solids increment than the hydroxide
method. This method was reported to treat toxic heavy metal ions80.
Lower sulfide results in a higher zinc concentration in the effluent,
while higher sulfide leads to a malodor problem due to high residual
sulfide. Also, it could produce hydrogen sulfide gas which is malodorous
and toxic. For these reasons, the sulfide precipitation is recommended
to be executed at a neutral pH81. The metal sulfide precipitations could
follow Eq. (2) reaction,
Supplementary Table 15 summarizes
the metal ions removal using sulfite precipitations. The toxicity of
sulfide and its high cost are the most shortcomings.
As an
alternative method to hydroxide precipitation, carbonate precipitation
shows good effectiveness and optimum precipitation at lower pH values82.
It could be achieved using sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate. The
classical carbonates can be formed based on Eq. (3 and 4):
It
could have less sludge volume, but it could release CO2 bubbles and
needs higher reagents for efficient precipitation83. Supplementary Table
16 lists some studies concerning carbonate precipitation. It can be
seen that copper and manganese are the major metals removed by this
technology. Zinc and lead could also be removed efficiently.
Fenton reaction is usually used to improve the removal efficiency of the
chemical precipitation methods. The Fenton or Fenton-like oxidation is
used for the de-complexation of heavy metal complexes. However, the pH
is adjusted by the chemical precipitation mechanism (e.g., NaOH). Fenton
chemistry is not straightforward, and it is performed through numerous
reactions, depending upon various active intermediates, such as [FeIV O]2+ and hydroxyl radicals. The classical Fenton reaction is:
Fe3+-H2O2 (Fenton-like) and Fe0-H2O2 (advanced Fenton) are also represented as an alternative for Fe2+-H2O2. Additional detailed examples of using the Fenton-integrated chemical precipitation method are summarized in Supplementary Table 17.
Some metals are represented in small volumes in bulk wastewater, such as radionuclides. The removal of radioactive metals is listed in Supplementary Table 18.
Coagulation and flocculation
Coagulation is the destabilization of colloids by neutralizing the forces that keep them parted, while flocculation is the agglomeration of destabilized particles. Traditional coagulants are aluminum, ferrous sulfate, and ferric chloride, using to neutralization of ion charges. Flocculation bonds the particles forming large agglomerates with the help of a flocculant, such as polyaluminum chloride (PAC), polyferric sulfate (PFS), polyacrylamide (PAM), and other macromolecule flocculants. The PE were reported as one of the most practical flocculations, but the produced sludge might be toxic. The flocculants are generally not natural and non-biodegradable.
The process is illustrated in Fig. 5, including the sedimentation. Some weaknesses are toxicity and health hazardousness of inorganic coagulants, a large volume of sludge, selective for some metals and inefficient in emerging contaminants, increasingly effluent color, inefficient when using natural coagulants, and complex of scaling up. Supplementary Table 19 summarizes some of the studies conducted on coagulation-flocculation for heavy metal removal from different wastewater sources. The typical heavy metals removed by this method include Cu2+, Pb2+, and Ni2+. Other metals such as As2+, Se2+, Cr2+, Sb3+, Sb5+, Ag2+ could also be efficiently removed.
Flotation
Flotation
is used to remove various metal ions. The general schematic of the
flotation process is shown in Fig. 6. Dissolved air flotation, ion
flotation, and precipitation flotation were extensively studied. In the
dissolved air flotation, air (or gas) is fed to wastewater to generate
micro-bubbles that could attach the metal ions, developing lower density
agglomerates, leading to raising the flocs through the wastewater. The
accumulated slug at the top surface can easily be removed.
Electric-based separation
In
this section, different electrochemical methods (i.e., electrochemical
reduction (ER), EC, electroflotation (EF), and electrooxidation (EO)),
and ion exchange method are discussed.
Electrochemical treatment
In
an electrochemical system, oxidation is performed at the anode
(positive side), where electrons transfer to the cathode (negative
side), at which the reduction process occurs. These two chemical
reactions are called redox (reduction-oxidation), leading to water
purification through metal removal. For example:
Ion exchange treatment
The ion exchange method is a reversible chemical reaction used to
replace the undesirable metal ion with harmless and environmentally
friendly ones.
A heavy metal ion is removed from a wastewater solution by attaching it
to an immobile solid particle as a replacement with the solid particle
cation, as shown in Fig. 8.
The material of solid ion-exchange particles could be either natural,
e.g., inorganic zeolites, or synthetically produced, e.g., organic
resins. The ion-exchange method can remove target (some or all) heavy
metal ions, such as Pb2+, Hg2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, V4+, V5+, Cr3+, Cr4+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ from wastewater.
The ion exchange mechanism for metal removals can be explained in the
following reaction as the ion exchange particle having ion exchanger of M−EC+ (M− is the fixed anion and EC+ is the exchange cation; Na+ and H+ are frequently used as exchange cations) to exchange its cation (EC+) with the wastewater cation (WC+).
Photocatalytic-based separation
The photocatalytic process was reported as a simple process for wastewater treatment that uses light and semiconductors, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2). Three key steps are taken in this process: charged carrier photogeneration, charged carrier separation and diffusion to the photocatalyst surface, and redox reaction on the photocatalyst surface. The effluents of real soil washing wastewater were treated using an outdoor dual solar photocatalytic process of flat plate collector for the removal of 93.5% Cu2+, 99.6% Fe3+, and 99.4% Zn2+. A simulated ultraviolet (UV)–solar TiO2 photocatalysis has been used for the removal of ethylenediamine-N, N′-disuccinic acid (EDDS), and Cu2+ from wastewater (0.2 mM EDDS and 0.2–1.4 mM CuSO4) to obtain 100% conversion efficiency at 24% mineralization degree. In another study, maximum removal efficiencies of 41% Cu2+, 100% Fe3+, 100% Zn2+ and 100% EDDS were obtained from synthetic soil washing solution (3.6 × 10−1 mM EDDS, 8.0 × 10−2 mM Cu+2, 1.0 × 10−1 mM Fe+3 and 8.0 × 10−2 mM Zn+2).
Using visible light irradiation, a synthesized rhodium/antimony co-doped TiO2 nano-rod and titanate nanotube (RS-TONR/TNT) was used to extracts Pb2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and organic pollutant from wastewater with 70 and 80% degradation efficiency for dye and Bisphenol A, respectively. The photocatalytic process using CeO2/BiOIO3 composites with Ce4+/Ce3+ redox centers was used to attain 86.53% Hg2+ removal efficiency under visible light absorption and photocatalytic activity. In an aqueous solution containing As5+ and Cr6+ (concentration of 0.10 mg/L), a synthesized 3D-Fe2O3 was used to achieve nearly 100% removal rates using solar light irradiation and photocatalytic activity. A fabricated CH-GEL/ZSPNC hybrid nanocomposite ion exchanger achieved 90% Ni2+, 94.9% Zn2+, 95% Mg2+, 100% Pb2+, 90.3% Cd2+, 88.9% Cu2+ and 84% Rhodamine-B (dye) extraction efficiencies using solar light.
A fabricated CS/silver bio-nano-composites (CS/PVDC/Ag) was utilized in photocatalytic oxidation process for 97% Cu2+, 88% Pb2+, 89% Cd2+ and 77% dye removal. Although this technology shows the in site generation of reactive radicals, no chemicals used, no sludge production, it has some drawbacks. It is still on a laboratory scale, low throughput, dependent on pH, and inefficient when different metals are present.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41545-021-00127-0
____________________________________
Remediation
of ciprofloxacin in soil using peroxymonosulfate activated by
ball-milled seaweed kelp biochar: Performance, mechanism, and
phytotoxicity
April 2023
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369952493_Remediation_of_ciprofloxacin_in_soil_using_peroxymonosulfate_activated_by_ball-milled_seaweed_kelp_biochar_Performance_mechanism_and_phytotoxicity
____________________________________
Soilless remediation of the fine carbonate-rich gold-copper mine tailings
21 August 2023
Soil remediation with minimum amendments is a good strategy for tailings disposal. Carbonate-rich gold-copper mine tailings occurring alongside the Yangzi River, China, were employed as the objective in this study. They showed the characteristics of fine particles and alkaline pH with high density and low nutrition. The amendments including bacterial fertilizer (BF), polymer, peat, straw, and compound fertilizer (CF) were used for soilless remediation on the tailings. Soil quality index (SQI) involved in tailing properties and growth characteristics of ryegrass was used to optimize the combination of amendments. The results showed that the optimum amendment combination was 0.2% BF + 0.6% CF + 0.2% polymer + 10% peat and 2% straw. Tailing nutrients such as soil organic matter (5.56%), available nitrogen (93.6 mg kg−1), available phosphorus (51.7 mg kg−1), available potassium (711 mg kg−1), and ryegrass exhibited the highest germination rate and biomass level under the optimal improvement conditions. Additional environmental assessments revealed that soilless treatment of the tailings helped to convert Cu, Zn, and As into residual forms. These findings show a good strategy for tailings soil improvement and provide a promising perspective of the soilless remediation for fine carbonate-rich metal tailings.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/clen.202200337
____________________________________
Soil Remediation by Agglomeration with Petroleum Coke
2004
Objective:
Contamination
of soils with crude or refined oil products is a problem often
associated with production, refining, and distribution of petroleum
hydrocarbons. Excavation and incineration of the soil is an effective,
but expensive, technology to remediate the contaminated soil.
Bioremediation
is useful as a polishing step, but conventional manual and mechanical
techniques must be used on heavy concentrations of oil. A hot water wash
is practical only for coarse soil contaminated with light oils. This
project proposes to use petroleum coke to remediate soil heavily
contaminated with crude oil or other high molecular weight hydrocarbons.
This project will treat oily soil with finely divided petroleum coke.
The bridging liquid (oil) will be supplied by the contaminated soil. The
agglomerated fine coke and contaminant oil will be floated and removed
leaving an oil-free soil. Our studies to date using fine coal have shown
this method capable of treating soils saturated with heavy hydrocarbons
(crude oil) with oil recoveries as high as 99.9%.
The coal and
oil were recovered as a high grade fuel. The Gulf Coast region, which
has a large amount of oil contaminated soil, or has the potential to
have large amounts of oil contaminated soil because of oil spills, does
not have an abundant quantity of the type of coal best suited to soil
remediation. Petroleum coke has this type surface and should be an
excellent choice as a remediation agent. Finely divided coal or, as we
hope, finely divided coke is a material that "scrubs" the oil from the
soil and lends an adsorbent surface for the oil. The benefits of this
project will be an economical and practical solution to a type of
contamination common to the Gulf Coast with a readily available
remediating agent. Because of previous work, The University of Alabama
has a fully equipped soil remediation laboratory to carry out this
investigation.
https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/INDEX.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract_id/1162/report/0
____________________________________
The use of zero-valent iron for groundwater remediation and wastewater treatment: A review
January 2014
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259882215_The_use_of_zero-valent_iron_for_groundwater_remediation_and_wastewater_treatment_A_review
____________________________________
Overview of chosen techniques and methods for soils remediation
2015
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289193260_Overview_of_chosen_techniques_and_methods_for_soils_remediation
____________________________________
The Use of Soil Amendments for Remediation, Revitalization, and Reuse
https://www.epa.gov/biosolids/use-soil-amendments-remediation-revitalization-and-reuse
____________________________________
Microbial remediation of aromatics-contaminated soil
06 December 2016
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11783-017-0894-x
____________________________________
Cleaning Up of Contaminated Soils by Using Microbial Remediation: A Review and Challenges to the Weaknesses
2019
https://biomedgrid.com/fulltext/volume2/cleaning-up-of-contaminated-soils-by-using-microbial-remediation.000589.php
____________________________________
Microbial Cleaning for Removal of Surface Contamination
2013 Jun 3
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151772/
____________________________________
Soil bacteria can clean your drinking water
08. March 2013
Bacteria that occur naturally in soil can effectively reduce the amounts of the pesticide residue BAM in drinking water.
https://www.sciencenordic.com/biology-chemistry-denmark/soil-bacteria-can-clean-your-drinking-water/1383385
____________________________________
Bioremediation of oil contaminated soil using agricultural wastes via microbial consortium
08 June 2020
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-66169-5
____________________________________
Bioremediation of oil spills
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioremediation_of_oil_spills
____________________________________
Soil Remediation Through Microbes
03 November 2018
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-13-2420-8_6
____________________________________
Remediation Methods of Crude Oil Contaminated Soil
March 2020
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340061631_Remediation_Methods_of_Crude_Oil_Contaminated_Soil
____________________________________
Remediation of soil contaminated with crude oil using supercritical CO2
January 2010
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288126280_Remediation_of_soil_contaminated_with_crude_oil_using_supercritical_CO2
____________________________________
Recent advancements in hydrocarbon bioremediation and future challenges: a review
23 May 2022
Abstract
Petrochemicals
are important hydrocarbons, which are one of the major concerns when
accidently escaped into the environment. On one hand, these cause soil
and fresh water pollution on land due to their seepage and leakage from
automobile and petrochemical industries. On the other hand, oil spills
occur during the transport of crude oil or refined petroleum products in
the oceans around the world. These hydrocarbon and petrochemical spills
have not only posed a hazard to the environment and marine life, but
also linked to numerous ailments like cancers and neural disorders.
Therefore, it is very important to remove or degrade these pollutants
before their hazardous effects deteriorate the environment. There are
varieties of mechanical and chemical methods for removing hydrocarbons
from polluted areas, but they are all ineffective and expensive.
Bioremediation techniques provide an economical and eco-friendly
mechanism for removing petrochemical and hydrocarbon residues from the
affected sites. Bioremediation refers to the complete mineralization or
transformation of complex organic pollutants into the simplest compounds
by biological agents such as bacteria, fungi, etc. Many indigenous
microbes present in nature are capable of detoxification of various
hydrocarbons and their contaminants. This review presents an updated
overview of recent advancements in various technologies used in the
degradation and bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons, providing
useful insights to manage such problems in an eco-friendly manner.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13205-022-03199-y
____________________________________
Researchers clean up petroleum spills with plants
August 2000
https://www.purdue.edu/uns/html4ever/0006.Schwab.phyto.html
____________________________________
A comprehensive guide of remediation technologies for oil contaminated soil — Present works and future directions
2016
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X16302247
____________________________________
Bioremediation
of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) by Bioaugmentation and
Biostimulation in Water with Floating Oil Spill Containment Booms as
Bioreactor Basin
2021 Feb 24
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7956214/
____________________________________
Comparative
bioremediation of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons
co-contaminated soil by natural attenuation, phytoremediation,
bioaugmentation and bioaugmentation-assisted phytoremediation
2015
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969715308779
____________________________________
The Use of Soil Amendments for Remediation, Revitalization, and Reuse
2007
https://www.epa.gov/remedytech/use-soil-amendments-remediation-revitalization-and-reuse
____________________________________
Bioremediation: Factors, Types, Advantages, Disadvantages
August 3, 2023
https://microbenotes.com/bioremediation-types-factors/
Table of Contents
Factors Affecting Bioremediation
1. Concentration of the contaminant
2. Nutrient availability
3. Surfactants; enhancers of bioavailability
4. Characteristics of the contaminated soil
Types of Bioremediation
In Situ Bioremediation
In Situ Bioremediation Techniques
Bioaugmentation
Bio-stimulation
Bio-slurping
Bio-sparging
Bioventing
Phytoremediation
Percolation
Pump and Treat
Ex-Situ Bioremediation
Biofiltration
Biopile
Bioreactor
Composting
Land Farming
Advantages of Bioremediation
Disadvantages of Bioremediation
References
____________________________________
CONTAMINATED SOIL REMEDIATION BY SELF-CLEANING PROCESSES ACTIVATION
September 2016
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360320736_CONTAMINATED_SOIL_REMEDIATION_BY_SELF-CLEANING_PROCESSES_ACTIVATION
____________________________________
Remediation of contaminated soils using supercritical fluid extraction: a review (1994-2004)
2005
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16196410/
____________________________________
High-temperature electrothermal remediation of multi-pollutants in soil
11 October 2023
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41898-z
____________________________________
Stanford develops an experimental process to rinse heavy metals from toxic soils
June 4, 2019
Poisonous
heavy metals contaminating thousands of sites nationwide threaten to
enter the food chain, and there’s been no easy way to remove them. An
experimental chemical bath and electrochemical filter could now extract
heavy metals from the soil and leave fields safe.
https://news.stanford.edu/2019/06/04/new-process-rinses-heavy-metals-toxic-soils/
____________________________________
Sustainable soil remediation using mineral and hydrogel: field evidence for metalloid immobilization and soil health improvement
18 May 2023
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11368-023-03541-8
____________________________________
Nanotechnology in soil remediation − applications vs. implications
2020
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0147651320306540
____________________________________
Soil Remediation Applications of Nanotechnology
June 2021
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353142928_Soil_Remediation_Applications_of_Nanotechnology
____________________________________
Sustainable environmental remediation via biomimetic multifunctional lignocellulosic nano-framework
28 July 2022
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-31881-5
____________________________________
Nanobioremediation: A sustainable approach for the removal of toxic pollutants from the environment
2021
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389421030028
____________________________________
Role of biotechnology in phytoremediation
2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780323898744000212
____________________________________
How to Neutralize Cat Feces in Soil: All You Need to Know
Natural Solutions to Neutralize Cat Feces in Soil
Here's how you can naturally neutralize cat feces in soil:
Use earthworm composting bins to break down cat feces and organic
matter quickly. The worms do the work and produce nutrient-rich
castings.
Compost the cat feces with other organic matter before
applying it to the soil, but avoid fresh animal manure as it can have
harmful bacteria and parasites. Use a larger compost bin for better
breakdown.
Balance the high carbon content of cat feces by adding
extra nitrogen. This helps with efficient breakdown and prevents odors.
Keep the compost pile wet to create the right environment for decomposition. Moisture is vital for the breakdown process.
Let the composting process rest for at least two years before using it
to ensure complete breakdown and eliminate potential pathogens.
Properly composted cat feces can be excellent fertilizer for non-edible
plants because of its high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium.
However, don't use cat feces on food plants or crops as it can lead to illness from parasites and pathogenic bacteria.
To get rid of odor and bacteria in cat feces, mix lime, commercial
enzymes, vinegar, or baking soda with water. These methods are
effective.
Make the soil less hospitable to bacteria by adding
amendments like lime or sulfur. You can also use baking soda, coffee
grounds, leaves, or acid-loving plants to neutralize odor.
Be
cautious when handling lime as it can pose health risks. Additionally,
remember that cat feces might contain parasites that could contaminate
gardens and cause illness. It takes about a year for cat feces to
decompose, so dried feces may still attract bugs and emit unpleasant
odors.
Remember to prioritize safety measures and proper composting techniques when dealing with cat feces in soil.
Now that you know how to naturally neutralize cat feces in soil, I want to address another concern: eliminating cat urine odor.
https://icareforcats.com/how-to-neutralize-cat-feces-in-soil/
____________________________________
How to Neutralize Cat Urine in Soil? All You Need to Know
https://icareforcats.com/how-to-neutralize-cat-urine-in-soil/
Here's what you need to do:
First things first, get rid of any visible cat urine. Grab some gloves
or a paper towel and scoop up those urine-soaked areas. Make sure you
dispose of it properly to avoid any more contamination.
Next,
flush the soil with water. This will dilute the urea and acid from the
cat urine and restore your soil's goodness. Pour plenty of water over
the affected spots, making sure it covers everything nicely.
Give
that soil a thorough rinse and let it drain and dry out. The rinsing
will help get rid of any leftover residue, while drying it out helps
with the smell. Just give it some time to air dry before moving on.
If the smell is still lingering, you might want to think about
repotting your plant or using cat deterrents you can find at the store.
Sometimes pee goes deep into the soil, so repotting can refresh things.
And those deterrents can keep those pesky cats away from that spot.
Another trick is to mix vinegar or hydrogen peroxide with water. Spray
this solution onto the stinky area and let it sit for a bit, then rinse
it off. Both vinegar and hydrogen peroxide work wonders when it comes to
neutralizing odors.
And hey, don't forget to clean up your tools properly after you're done.
We don't want any cross-contamination.
By following these steps, you'll say goodbye to that cat urine smell and make your plants happy again.
Main points I'll expand upon further down this article:
Alkaline substances like baking soda can neutralize and eliminate cat urine odor.
Baking soda can be mixed with water as a solution or spray.
Sprinkling baking soda on affected areas and brushing it away is effective.
Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide can be combined with baking soda for added odor reduction.
Activated charcoal, enzymes, citrus peels, coffee grounds, and essential oils can also help neutralize odors.
Cat urine increases soil acidity and urea content, harming plants and nutrient absorption.
Excessive urine can cause salt build-up, making soil too alkaline for some plants.
High nitrogen levels in cat urine lead to imbalances in soil nutrients.
Prevention is key in avoiding soil contamination from repeated urination.
Adding organic matter and planting deodorizing plants can help balance nutrients and absorb odors.
____________________________________
Succession of biochar addition for soil amendment and contaminants remediation during co-composting: A state of art review
2023
Abstract
This
paper aimed to highlight the succession of biochar addition for soil
amendment and contaminants remediation during composting process.
Biochar incorporated into the compost mixture promotes composting
performance and enhances contaminants reduction. Co-composting with
biochar for soil biota has been demonstrated via modified soil
biological community abundance and diversity. On the other hand, adverse
alterations to soil properties were noted, which had a negative impact
on the communication of microbe-to-plant interactions within the
rhizosphere. As a result, these changes influenced the competition
between soilborne pathogens and beneficial soil microorganisms.
Co-composting with biochar promoted the heavy metals (HMs) remediation
efficiency in contaminated soils by around 66–95%. Notably, applying
biochar during composting could improve nutrient retention and mitigate
leaching. The adsorption of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus
compounds by biochar can be applied to manage environmental
contamination and presents an excellent opportunity to enhance soil
quality. Additionally, the various specific functional groups and large
specific surface areas of biochar allow for excellent adsorption of
persistent pollutants (e.g., pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs)) and emerging organic pollutants, such as microplastic, phthalate
acid esters (PAEs) during co-composting. Finally, future perspectives,
research gaps, and recommendations for further studies are highlighted,
and potential opportunities are discussed.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301479723009799
____________________________________
How Hemp Can Heal Our Soil & Why It Matters To Consumers
February 24, 2024
Not
only can you use hemp to make dozens of sustainable products, from
clothing, skateboards to medicine, but it can also help heal the earth.
As
the human population grows, so do our need for more land to grow the
crops that keep us fed. But our dependence on fossil fuels and dirty
industrial processes have left a lot of land too toxic to sustain life.
That’s where the rapidly growing field of “bioremediation” can be vital.
Bioremediation essentially means using living things to heal the soil,
allowing us to clean and reclaim some of these polluted lands. While
bacteria and other microorganisms can be used, phytoremediation, from
the Greek word for plant, relies on crops like hemp.
Below, we’ll
take a look at the reasons why hemp is such a promising plant for
bioremediation. At the same time, we’ll also touch on the risks posed by
heavy metals and toxins, which can inadvertently end up in hemp-based
consumer products.
Hemp Soil Remediation VS The Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster
One
of the most dramatic demonstrations of industrial hemp‘s potential was
in Chernobyl, in the aftermath of the historic 1986 nuclear disaster
which spewed radioactive waste across Eastern Europe. Over 100,000
square kilometers of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus were inundated with
radiation, rendering much of them unusable.
In the late 90s, a
company called Phytotech began experimenting with industrial hemp in
some polluted Ukrainian regions. The results were extremely promising.
“Phytoremediation
can be used to remove radioactive elements from soil and water at
former weapons producing facilities,” explained Elaine Charkowski for
Central Oregon Green Pages in winter of 1998. “It can also be used to
clean up metals, pesticides, solvents, explosives, crude oil,
polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and toxins leaching from landfills.”
“Hemp
is proving to be one of the best phyto-remediative plants we have been
able to find,” Slavik Dushenkov, a research scientist with Phytotech,
told Charkowski.
Beyond Radiation: From Cadmium to Oil Spills
In
a paper published in September 2012 in Applied Biochemistry and
Biotechnology, a team of five researchers in China reported on their
successful experiments with hemp to absorb cadmium from the soil. Left
untreated, cadmium in soil can enter the food chain, and consumption can
cause severe joint and spinal pain. Too much exposure is known to even
affect the kidneys and link to cancer.
The scientists
experimented with 18 different varieties of hemp that are native to
China. They identified 7 varieties which exhibited the highest
concentrations of Cadmium (Cd) when grown in polluted soil.
https://ministryofhemp.com/hemp-soil-remediation/
____________________________________
Alfalfa for Use in Phytoremediation of Soil Polluted with Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Oct 2018
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329991317_of_Alfalfa_for_Use_in_Phytoremediation_of_Soil_Polluted_with_Total_Petroleum_Hydrocarbons
____________________________________
Potential
of alfalfa for use in chemically and biologically assisted
phytoremediation of soil co-contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons and
metals
Dec 2014
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/6-Phytoremediation-experiments-with-alfalfa_tbl2_281185067
____________________________________
PCB removal, soil enzyme activities, and microbial community structures during the phytoremediation by alfalfa in field soils
08 March 2011
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11368-011-0344-5
____________________________________
Converging
alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and petroleum hydrocarbon acclimated
ACC-deaminase containing bacteria for phytoremediation of petroleum
hydrocarbon contaminated soil
2022 Aug 2
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35917513/
____________________________________
Interaction
between Azotobacter nigricans and Alfalfa Root in Systems Contaminated
with Kerosene. Proceedings of the Ninth International In Situ and
On-Site Bioremediation Symposium. In Situ and On-Site
Bioremediation-2007.
May 2007
Abstract
The interaction at a root-hair level between Medicago sativa (alfalfa) and Azotobacter through the removal of kerosene hydrocarbons process was studied. The method of Farreus was used to grow Medicago sativa (alfalfa) plants in nitrogen-free Jensen’s medium added with kerosene (1% v/v), and in the presence of Azotobacter nigricans. Under this condition, the removal of kerosene hydrocarbons was 63.1 %, but plants growth was notably shorter than the controls grown without kerosene. Nevertheless, in both systems, a high population of Azotobacter was located in the tips of the roots hair. In the kerosene feed system, the hydrocarbons were observed as oil microscopic droplets adhered to the surface of the whole radical system; that is, in both the hair of the roots and in the principal root tissue. Notably, the major number of Azotobacter cells was concentrated in the droplets located on the surface of the roots hair. These results point out a symbiotic association between Azotobacter and alfalfa at the root-hair level that should be involved in the biochemical process for effective removal of the hydrocarbons.
____________________________________
Potential
bioremediation of lead and phenol by sunflower seed husk and rice
straw-based biochar hybridized with bacterial consortium: a kinetic
study
11 December 2023
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-49036-x
____________________________________
Bioremediation of metribuzin-contaminated soil by corn straw biochar-immobilized Bacillus cereus N1
May 2023
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Bioremediation-of-metribuzin-contaminated-soil-by-Xiao-Zheng/30729c86419fb7b38a458c34d36d41ea92b8b589#cited-papers
____________________________________
Enrichment
of the soil microbial community in the bioremediation of a
petroleum-contaminated soil amended with rice straw or sawdust
2019
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045653519303728
____________________________________
Bioremediation
of the tobacco waste-contaminated soil by Pseudomonas sp. HF-1:
nicotine degradation and microbial community analysis
29 September 2012
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00253-012-4433-1
____________________________________
Effect of plant waste addition as exogenous nutrients on microbial remediation of petroleum-contaminated soil
19 June 2022
https://annalsmicrobiology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13213-022-01679-3
____________________________________
Effective bioremediation of tobacco wastewater by microalgae at acidic pH for synergistic biomass and lipid accumulation
November 2021
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356399609_Effective_bioremediation_of_tobacco_wastewater_by_microalgae_at_acidic_pH_for_synergistic_biomass_and_lipid_accumulation
____________________________________
Microalgal Bioremediation: A Clean and Sustainable Approach for Controlling Environmental Pollution
17 May 2022
Abstract
Environmental
pollution is a major global threat today, with widespread consequences.
Industrial effluents, flue gases, automobile emissions, solid waste,
agricultural runoff, amongst others, have loaded air, water, and soil
with a plethora of undesirable substances harmful for humans and their
surroundings. Common pollutants, such as exhaust gases, heavy metals,
pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and many emerging organic and inorganic
chemicals, are causing multitude of chronic illnesses. With growing
population and rapid industrialization, it is becoming increasingly
important to develop efficient, cheap, sustainable, and scalable
processes to mitigate these life-threatening pollutants.
Conventional
physiochemical methods used for the treatment of industrial, municipal,
and agricultural wastewaters and emissions are effective, but they
suffer serious drawbacks, such as sludge generation, membrane fouling,
and high energy and reagent requirements. This has attracted the use of
biological resources in development of sustainable and eco-friendly
remediation processes. Microalgae particularly have emerged as a
potential microorganism in bioremediation owing to their ability to
adsorb, accumulate, and degrade many common pollutants using different
mechanisms. Concomitant sequestration of carbon dioxide, generation of
oxygen, and accumulation of lipids and carbohydrates with growth are
however the real advantages of using microalgae in bioremediation.
Moreover, simple and cheap nutritional and cultivation requirements of
microalgae make it most suitable bioresource for mitigating pollution.
The development of microalgae-based remediation processes is therefore
an ambitious goal in environmental biotechnology. This chapter reviews
important concepts, developments, challenges, and future prospects of
microalgal bioremediation.
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-16-4445-0_13
____________________________________
Horizontal ‘gene drives’ harness indigenous bacteria for bioremediation
15 September 2020
Engineering bacteria to clean-up oil spills is rapidly advancing but
faces regulatory hurdles and environmental concerns. Here, we develop a
new technology to harness indigenous soil microbial communities for
bioremediation by flooding local populations with catabolic genes for
petroleum hydrocarbon degradation. Overexpressing three enzymes (almA,
xylE, p450cam) in Escherichia coli led to degradation of 60–99%
of target hydrocarbon substrates. Mating experiments, fluorescence
microscopy and TEM revealed indigenous bacteria could obtain these
vectors from E. coli through several mechanisms of horizontal
gene transfer (HGT), including conjugation and cytoplasmic exchange
through nanotubes. Inoculating petroleum-polluted sediments with E. coli carrying the vector pSF-OXB15-p450camfusion showed that the E. coli
cells died after five days but a variety of bacteria received and
carried the vector for over 60 days after inoculation. Within 60 days,
the total petroleum hydrocarbon content of the polluted soil was reduced
by 46%. Pilot experiments show that vectors only persist in indigenous
populations when under selection pressure, disappearing when this carbon
source is removed. This approach to remediation could prime indigenous
bacteria for degrading pollutants while providing minimal ecosystem
disturbance.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-72138-9
____________________________________
Transgenic Tobacco for Phytoremediation of Metals and Metalloids
2019
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128143896000134
____________________________________
Pocket K No. 25: Biotech Plants for Bioremediation
Conventional Remediation Strategies
Conventional
remediation for polluted sites typically involves the physical removal
of contaminants, and their disposal in a designated site. Physical
remediation strategies therefore do not eliminate the problem, they
merely shift it. In addition, physical remediation strategies are also
very expensive, disruptive to the environment, may temporarily increase
exposure to chemicals, and often leave residual contamination.
Cadmium, Zinc, Lead, and Selenium
Toxic
metals affect crop yields, soil biomass, and fertility, and accumulate
in the food chain. Metal-tolerant species protect themselves from the
toxicity of metal ions by binding metals ions with specific proteins
that render them in a safer form. Three classes of proteins are
important for metal detoxification in plants: metallothioneins,
phytochelatins, and glutathione. The genes coding for these have been
successfully used to improve phytoremediators through genetic
engineering.
For example, shrub tobacco (Nicotiana glauca)
transformed with the phytochelatin TaPCS1 shows very high levels of
accumulation of zinc, lead, cadmium, nickel, and boron, and produces
high biomass (3). In Arabidopsis, Indian mustard, and tobacco plants,
improved metal tolerance was achieved through the over-expression of
enzymes that induce the formation of phytochelatins (4, 5, and 6).
Plants
naturally tolerant to heavy metals have also been used as a source of
genes for phytoremediation. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing a
selenocysteine methyltransferase (SMTA) gene from the selenium
hyperaccumulator Astralagus bisulcatus contain eight times more selenium
in their biomass when grown on selenite compared to non-transgenic
controls. Comparison of gene expression profiles between Arabidopsis
thaliana and the closely related species A. hallerri, which is tolerant
to cadmium and hyperaccumulates zinc, is also helping identify major
genes required for metal tolerance.
Explosives
Millions of
tons of explosives have been released into the environment, with the
resulting pollution of vast expanses of land and water resources. RDX
(Research Department Explosive) was the primary explosive used during
World War II, and newer derivatives are extensively used to date.
Explosives, and their degradation products, are extremely toxic and
corrosive.
Tobacco plants engineered with the bacterial gene for a
NADPH-dependent nitroreductase tolerate and degrade high levels of TNT
(9), and Arabidopsis plants carrying the xplA gene from Rhodococcus
bacteria are highly resistant to of RDX.
Landmines
Landmines
affect millions of people, both combatants and civilians, in over 80
countries. Sixty to 70 million active landmines exist throughout the
world, and these claim the lives and limbs of 50 people every day, and
threaten the livelihood of many more by denying them access to
humanitarian aid, agricultural land, and water resources. Efforts are
underway to develop transgenic plants that can be used to warn civilians
of the presence of landmines in a field. Arabidopsis whose roots change
color when they come into contact with degradation products of
landmines have been developed. Scientists are now working to allow the
plant to transmit the signal to their leaves, to effect human-readable
changes for a practical explosives detection system.
Mercury
Mercury
is a highly toxic element found both naturally and as an introduced
contaminant in the environment, and is a very serious global
environmental problem. Organic mercury (organomercurials), the most
toxic form to living organisms, is produced when bacteria in the water
and soil convert elemental mercury into methylmercury. Methylmercury is
easily absorbed and accumulates at high levels in the food chain.
Mercury poisoning affects the immune system, damages the nervous system,
and is harmful to developing fetuses.
Detoxification of
organomercurials has been achieved in transgenic plants by transforming
Arabidopsis, tobacco, poplar trees, Indian mustard, and eastern cotton
wood with two bacterial genes, merA and merB. (5, 6, 7). The combined
actions of merA and merB transform methylmercury to the volatile
elemental form, which is 100 times less toxic, and is released by the
plant to the atmosphere at non-toxic concentrations through
transpiration.
Arsenic
Arsenic occurs naturally in
rocks and soil, and is released into underground water. Consumption of
contaminated drinking water leads to skin disorders, gangrene, and
cancer of the kidneys and bladder. In addition, high levels of arsenic
in agricultural land degrade soils, reduce crop yields, and introduce
the pollutant to the food chain (8). Arsenic contamination threatens up
to 40 million people in Bangladesh alone, a problem described by the
World Health Organization (WHO) as “the largest poisoning of a
population in history”.
Scientists have engineered Arabidopsis
plants with arsenic tolerance by introducing two bacterial genes: arsC
and y-ECS. arsC converts arsenate, the arsenic form absorbed by plants,
to arsenite. Double transgenics are not only highly tolerant of arsenic,
they also have improved cadmium tolerance, and a six-fold increase in
the level of biomass compared to wild-type controls.
https://www.isaaa.org/resources/publications/pocketk/25/default.asp
____________________________________
How plants can generate electricity to power LED light bulbs
December 12, 2018
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/12/181212093308.htm
____________________________________
Natural genetically modified crops: Grasses take evolutionary shortcut by borrowing genes from their neighbors
October 5, 2023
https://phys.org/news/2023-10-natural-genetically-crops-grasses-evolutionary.html
____________________________________
Mindblowing Video of Plants Talking to Each Other In Real Time
Jan 20, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd-h_y1X4oA
____________________________________
Xenobiotic sensing and signalling in higher plants
2012 Apr 6
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22493519/
____________________________________
Scientists Engineer Gorgeous Glowing Plants That Shine Bright Their Entire Life Cycle
27 April 2020
https://www.sciencealert.com/gorgeously-glowing-plants-shine-bright-throughout-their-life-cycle
____________________________________
Creating a New Kind of Night Light: Glow-in-the-Dark Trees
2013
A group in California is starting to engineer plants that could one day replace streetlights
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/creating-a-new-kind-of-night-light-glow-in-the-dark-trees-9600277/
____________________________________
Advances in development of transgenic plants for remediation of xenobiotic pollutants
2007 May 13
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17553651/
____________________________________
Photochemistry and a new catalyst could make fertilizer more sustainable
January 5, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-photochemistry-catalyst-fertilizer-sustainable.html
____________________________________
Mushroom cultivation for soil amendment and bioremediation
2021
https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/CAS-2021-0011
____________________________________
Application of mushrooms in the degradation of xenobiotic components and the reduction of pesticides
2022
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003152583-19/application-mushrooms-degradation-xenobiotic-components-reduction-pesticides-karishma-joshi-anamika-das-gaurav-joshi-bibekananda-sarkar
____________________________________
Enhanced
Fenton Reaction for Xenobiotic Compounds and Lignin Degradation Fueled
by Quinone Redox Cycling by Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases
2021
Abstract
The
Fenton reaction is considered to be of great significance in the
initial attack of lignocellulose in wood-decaying fungi. Quinone redox
cycling is the main way to induce the Fenton reaction in fungi. We show
that lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs), through LPMO-catalyzed
oxidation of hydroquinone, can efficiently cooperate with glucose
dehydrogenase (GDH) to achieve quinone redox cycling. The LPMO/GDH
system can enhance Fe3+-reducing activity, H2O2 production, and hydroxyl
radical generation, resulting in a fueled Fenton reaction. The
system-generated hydroxyl radicals exhibited a strong capacity to
decolorize different synthetic dyes and degrade lignin. Our results
reveal a potentially critical connection between LPMOs and the Fenton
reaction, suggesting that LPMOs could be involved in xenobiotic compound
and lignin degradation in fungi. This new role of LPMOs may be
exploited for application in biorefineries.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.1c01684
____________________________________
White-Rot Fungi and their Enzymes as a Biotechnological Tool for Xenobiotic Bioremediation
19 October 2016
https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/51924
____________________________________
A Xenobiotic Detoxification Pathway through Transcriptional Regulation in Filamentous Fungi
2018
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6050962/
____________________________________
Enzymes and operons mediating xenobiotic degradation in bacteria
2008
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/20014091096729
____________________________________
Microbe
and plant assisted-remediation of organic xenobiotics and its
enhancement by genetically modified organisms and recombinant
technology: A review
2018
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004896971830425X
____________________________________
Recent Advanced Technologies for the Characterization of Xenobiotic-Degrading Microorganisms and Microbial Communities
Feb 2021
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349180024_Recent_Advanced_Technologies_for_the_Characterization_of_Xenobiotic-Degrading_Microorganisms_and_Microbial_Communities
____________________________________
Resource Recycling, Recovery, and Xenobiotic Remediation from E-wastes Through Biofilm Technology: A Review
07 July 2022
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12010-022-04055-8
____________________________________
Degradation of Xenobiotic Pollutants: An Environmentally Sustainable Approach
2022
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9505297/
____________________________________
Incredible Discovery of an Entirely New Organelle That Fixes Nitrogen
Apr 22, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGkV_k8IcQ0
____________________________________
Ammonia-oxidizing archaea are integral to nitrogen cycling in a highly fertile agricultural soil
01 June 2021
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43705-021-00020-4
____________________________________
Nitrate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (N-DAMO) as a bioremediation strategy for waters affected by agricultural runoff
11 May 2023
https://academic.oup.com/femsle/article/doi/10.1093/femsle/fnad041/7160451?login=false
____________________________________
Nitrification and beyond: metabolic versatility of ammonia oxidising archaea
14 July 2023
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41396-023-01467-0
____________________________________
How archaea toggle the nitrogen-uptake switch to avoid overeating
January 22, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-archaea-toggle-nitrogen-uptake-overeating.html
____________________________________
Archaea, tiny helpers of land plants
2020
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7516179/
____________________________________
How leafcutter ants cultivate a fungal garden to degrade plants could provide insights into future biofuels
February 1, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-02-leafcutter-ants-cultivate-fungal-garden.html
____________________________________
Non-syntrophic methanogenic hydrocarbon degradation by an archaeal species
22 December 2021
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-04235-2
____________________________________
Archaeas Role in Carbon Cycle
2016
https://www.the-scientist.com/archaeas-role-in-carbon-cycle-33248
____________________________________
These climate-friendly microbes recycle carbon without producing methane
May 6, 2021
Scientists found the newly discovered single-celled archaea living in hot spring sediments
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/climate-microbes-recycle-carbon-methane-archaea-microbiology
____________________________________
Autotrophic carbon fixation in archaea
10 May 2010
https://www.nature.com/articles/nrmicro2365
____________________________________
CO2 removal solutions: A buyer’s perspective
February 3, 2023
https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/sustainability/our-insights/co2-removal-solutions-a-buyers-perspective
____________________________________
Carbon monoxide-dependent energy metabolism in anaerobic bacteria and archaea
2008
https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/springer-journals/carbon-monoxide-dependent-energy-metabolism-in-anaerobic-bacteria-and-c7nASeiijt
____________________________________
Carbon monoxide-dependent energy metabolism in anaerobic bacteria and archaea.
2008
https://europepmc.org/article/MED/18575848#impact
____________________________________
Predominance
of ammonia-oxidizing archaea on granular activated carbon used in a
full-scale advanced drinking water treatment plant
2010
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0043135410004835
____________________________________
Hydrogenogenic and sulfidogenic growth of Thermococcus archaea on carbon monoxide and formate
31 July 2016
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S0026261716040135
____________________________________
Bioconversion of CO to formate by artificially designed carbon monoxide: formate oxidoreductase in hyperthermophilic archaea
03 June 2022
https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-022-03513-7
____________________________________
High-Performance
Recognition, Cell-Imaging, and Efficient Removal of Carbon Monoxide
toward a Palladium-Mediated Fluorescent Sensing Platform
July 18, 2023
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02050
____________________________________
The removal of carbon monoxide by iron oxide nanoparticles
2002
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926337302002977
____________________________________
Removal of Carbon Monoxide from Simulated Flue Gas Using Two New Fenton Systems: Mechanism and Kinetics
2019 Aug 20
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31389232/
____________________________________
Complete removal of carbon monoxide in hydrogen-rich gas stream through methanation over supported metal catalysts
August 2004
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Complete-removal-of-carbon-monoxide-in-gas-stream-Takenaka-Shimizu/b65a5ed98a0c664f19594cbb67566c5d2612f0ef
____________________________________
Energy Conservation and Hydrogenase Function in Methanogenic Archaea, in Particular the Genus Methanosarcina
2019 Sep 18
Summary
The biological production of methane is vital to the global carbon cycle and accounts for ca. 74% of total methane emissions. The organisms that facilitate this process, methanogenic archaea, belong to a large and phylogenetically diverse group that thrives in a wide range of anaerobic environments. Two main subgroups exist within methanogenic archaea: those with and those without cytochromes. Although a variety of metabolisms exist within this group, the reduction of growth substrates to methane using electrons from molecular hydrogen is, in a phylogenetic sense, the most widespread methanogenic pathway. Methanogens without cytochromes typically generate methane by the reduction of CO2 with electrons derived from H2, formate, or secondary alcohols, generating a transmembrane ion gradient for ATP production via an Na+-translocating methyltransferase (Mtr). These organisms also conserve energy with a novel flavin-based electron bifurcation mechanism, wherein the endergonic reduction of ferredoxin is facilitated by the exergonic reduction of a disulfide terminal electron acceptor coupled to either H2 or formate oxidation. Methanogens that utilize cytochromes have a broader substrate range, and can convert acetate and methylated compounds to methane, in addition to the ability to reduce CO2. Cytochrome-containing methanogens are able to supplement the ion motive force generated by Mtr with an H+-translocating electron transport system. In both groups, enzymes known as hydrogenases, which reversibly interconvert protons and electrons to molecular hydrogen, play a central role in the methanogenic process. This review discusses recent insight into methanogen metabolism and energy conservation mechanisms with a particular focus on the genus Methanosarcina.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6759668/
____________________________________
Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis in archaeal phylum Verstraetearchaeota reveals the shared ancestry of all methanogens
February 27, 2019
https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1815631116
____________________________________
Methanogenesis
Methanogenesis
or biomethanation is the formation of methane coupled to energy
conservation by microbes known as methanogens. Organisms capable of
producing methane for energy conservation have been identified only from
the domain Archaea, a group phylogenetically distinct from both
eukaryotes and bacteria, although many live in close association with
anaerobic bacteria. The production of methane is an important and
widespread form of microbial metabolism. In anoxic environments, it is
the final step in the decomposition of biomass. Methanogenesis is
responsible for significant amounts of natural gas accumulations, the
remainder being thermogenic.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methanogenesis
____________________________________
The origin and evolution of methanogenesis and Archaea are intertwined
31 January 2023
Abstract
Methanogenesis has been widely accepted as an ancient metabolism, but the precise evolutionary trajectory remains hotly debated. Disparate theories exist regarding its emergence time, ancestral form, and relationship with homologous metabolisms. Here, we report the phylogenies of anabolism-involved proteins responsible for cofactor biosynthesis, providing new evidence for the antiquity of methanogenesis. Revisiting the phylogenies of key catabolism-involved proteins further suggests that the last Archaea common ancestor (LACA) was capable of versatile H2-, CO2-, and methanol-utilizing methanogenesis. Based on phylogenetic analyses of the methyl/alkyl-S-CoM reductase family, we propose that, in contrast to current paradigms, substrate-specific functions emerged through parallel evolution traced back to a nonspecific ancestor, which likely originated from protein-free reactions as predicted from autocatalytic experiments using cofactor F430. After LACA, inheritance/loss/innovation centered around methanogenic lithoautotrophy coincided with ancient lifestyle divergence, which is clearly reflected by genomically predicted physiologies of extant archaea. Thus, methanogenesis is not only a hallmark metabolism of Archaea, but the key to resolve the enigmatic lifestyle that ancestral archaea took and the transition that led to physiologies prominent today.
https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/2/2/pgad023/7010768?login=false
____________________________________
Methanogenesis from Carbon Monoxide
13 March 2018
https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-53114-4_4-1
____________________________________
Evidence for nontraditional mcr-containing archaea contributing to biological methanogenesis in geothermal springs
28 Jun 2023
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adg6004
____________________________________
Heterologous
Production of an Energy-Conserving Carbon Monoxide Dehydrogenase
Complex in the Hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus
2016 Jan 29
Abstract
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an important intermediate in anaerobic carbon
fixation pathways in acetogenesis and methanogenesis. In addition, some
anaerobes can utilize CO as an energy source. In the hyperthermophilic
archaeon Thermococcus onnurineus, which grows optimally at
80°C, CO oxidation and energy conservation is accomplished by a
respiratory complex encoded by a 16-gene cluster containing a CO
dehydrogenase, a membrane-bound [NiFe]-hydrogenase and a Na+/H+ antiporter module. This complex oxidizes CO, evolves CO2 and H2, and generates a Na+ motive force that is used to conserve energy by a Na+-dependent
ATP synthase. Herein we used a bacterial artificial chromosome to
insert the 13.2 kb gene cluster encoding the CO-oxidizing respiratory
complex of T. onnurineus into the genome of the heterotrophic archaeon, Pyrococcus furiosus, which grows optimally at 100°C. P. furiosus is normally unable to utilize CO, however, the recombinant strain readily oxidized CO and generated H2 at 80°C. Moreover, CO also served as an energy source and allowed the P. furiosus strain to grow with a limiting concentration of sugar or with peptides as the carbon source. Moreover, CO oxidation by P. furiosus
was also coupled to the re-utilization, presumably for biosynthesis, of
acetate generated by fermentation. The functional transfer of CO
utilization between Thermococcus and Pyrococcus
species demonstrated herein is representative of the horizontal gene
transfer of an environmentally relevant metabolic capability. The
transfer of CO utilizing, hydrogen-producing genetic modules also has
applications for biohydrogen production and a CO-based industrial
platform for various thermophilic organisms.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4731540/
____________________________________
Ammonia-oxidising archaea living at low pH: Insights from comparative genomics
02 November 2017
https://enviromicro-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1462-2920.13971
____________________________________
Unifying the global phylogeny and environmental distribution of ammonia-oxidising archaea based on amoA genes
2018
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29666365/
____________________________________
Unexpected Complexity of the Ammonia Monooxygenase in Archaea
April 06, 2022
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.06.487334v1
____________________________________
An evolving view of methane metabolism in the Archaea
21 January 2019
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-018-0136-7
____________________________________
Methanogenic archaea use a bacteria-like methyltransferase system to demethoxylate aromatic compounds
18 June 2021
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41396-021-01025-6
____________________________________
How Methanogenic Archaea Contribute to Climate Change
May 6, 2022
https://asm.org/Articles/2022/May/How-Methanogenic-Archaea-Contribute-to-Climate-Cha
____________________________________
Rapid microbial methanogenesis during CO2 storage in hydrocarbon reservoirs
22 December 2021
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-04153-3
____________________________________
Horizontal DNA transfer between bacteria in the environment
2003
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14743976/
____________________________________
Scientists use spent brewer's yeast to filter out metal from waste streams
March 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-scientists-spent-brewer-yeast-filter.html
____________________________________
Yeast uses plastic waste oils to make high-value chemicals
March 20, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-yeast-plastic-oils-high-chemicals.html
____________________________________
Scientists use food industry byproduct to recover gold from electronic waste
February 29, 2024
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-02-scientists-food-industry-byproduct-recover.html#google_vignette
____________________________________
Mechanistic insights into the success of xenobiotic degraders resolved from metagenomes of microbial enrichment cultures
2021 Jun 10
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34329005/
____________________________________
Polymer science team develops additive that can 'upcycle' a wide range of plastics
Feb 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-02-polymer-science-team-additive-upcycle.html
____________________________________
Plant-based material can remediate PFAS, new research suggests
2022
Combining
plants and fungi, an NIEHS-funded technology presents an
environmentally friendly approach to clean up the 'forever chemicals.
https://factor.niehs.nih.gov/2022/9/science-highlights/pfas-remediation
____________________________________
Is food waste the key to sustainable, plastic-free diapers and sanitary pads?
March 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-food-key-sustainable-plastic-free.html
____________________________________
Scientists develop artificial worm gut to break down plastics
February 8, 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-02-scientists-artificial-worm-gut-plastics.html
____________________________________
Metagenomic
analysis reveals genetic insights on biogeochemical cycling, xenobiotic
degradation, and stress resistance in mudflat microbiome
2021
Highlights
Metagenomic profiling of mudflat microbiome was carried out from a coastal wetland.
Bacterial and archaeal communities differed between mudflats and bulk sediments.
pH, AP, TOC, salinity, and vegetation were major drivers of microbiome composition.
Metagenome showed genetic potential for C, N, and S cycling, xenobiotic degradation.
Mudflat metagenome also possessed genes involved in plant growth and development.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301479721008008
____________________________________
New
insights into xenobiotic tolerance of Antarctic bacteria:
transcriptomic analysis of Pseudomonas sp. TNT3 during
2,4,6-trinitrotoluene biotransformation
10 February 2024
Abstract
The
xenobiotic 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a highly persistent
environmental contaminant, whose biotransformation by microorganisms has
attracted renewed attention. In previous research, we reported the
discovery of Pseudomonas sp. TNT3, the first described Antarctic
bacterium with the ability to biotransform TNT. Furthermore, through
genomic analysis, we identified distinctive features in this isolate
associated with the biotransformation of TNT and other xenobiotics.
However, the metabolic pathways and genes active during TNT exposure in
this bacterium remained unexplored. In the present transcriptomic study,
we used RNA-sequencing to investigate gene expression changes in
Pseudomonas sp. TNT3 exposed to 100 mg/L of TNT. The results showed
differential expression of 194 genes (54 upregulated and 140
downregulated), mostly encoding hypothetical proteins. The most highly
upregulated gene (> 1000-fold) encoded an azoreductase enzyme not
previously described. Other significantly upregulated genes were
associated with (nitro)aromatics detoxification, oxidative,
thiol-specific, and nitrosative stress responses, and (nitro)aromatic
xenobiotic tolerance via efflux pumps. Most of the downregulated genes
were involved in the electron transport chain, pyrroloquinoline quinone
(PQQ)-related alcohol oxidation, and motility. These findings highlight a
complex cellular response to TNT exposure, with the azoreductase enzyme
likely playing a crucial role in TNT biotransformation. Our study
provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of TNT
biotransformation and aids in developing effective TNT bioremediation
strategies. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first
transcriptomic response analysis of an Antarctic bacterium during TNT
biotransformation.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-024-32298-x
____________________________________
Basic knowledge and perspectives of bioelimination of xenobiotic compounds
1996
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168165696016082
____________________________________
An innovative approach of bioremediation in enzymatic degradation of xenobiotics
2022
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35081881/
____________________________________
Degradation of Xenobiotic Pollutants: An Environmentally Sustainable Approach
2022
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/363135453_Degradation_of_Xenobiotic_Pollutants_An_Environmentally_Sustainable_Approach
____________________________________
Microbial Degradation of Xenobiotic Compounds
08 July 2021
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-16-0518-5_7
____________________________________
Special Issue: Microbial Degradation of Xenobiotics
2020
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7232483/
____________________________________
Remediation potential of mushrooms and their spent substrate against environmental contaminants: An overview
2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1878818122000500
____________________________________
Method
development and validation of ten pyrethroid insecticides in edible
mushrooms by Modified QuEChERS and gas chromatography-tandem mass
spectrometry
2020 Apr 27
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7184573/
____________________________________
Which Mushrooms Work As Pesticides
March 11, 2023
https://mushroomheadquarters.com/which-mushrooms-work-as-pesticides/
____________________________________
Mushroom-based biopesticides could cut environmental damage from synthetic chemicals
September 25, 2018
https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2018/09/25/mushroom-based-biopesticides-could-cut-environmental-damage-from-synthetic-chemicals/
____________________________________
New developments in integrated pest management for mushroom culture, challenges and opportunities in quality mushroom production
January 2011
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235763500_New_developments_in_integrated_pest_management_for_mushroom_culture_challenges_and_opportunities_in_quality_mushroom_production
____________________________________
Mushroom Based Pesticides to Revolutionize Farming
https://www.theeducationmagazine.com/mushroom-revolutionize-farming/
____________________________________
Mushrooms (basidiomycetes) as source of mosquito control agents
2023
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773078623000250
____________________________________
Mycoremediation (Bioremediation with Fungi) – Growing Mushrooms to Clean the Earth. A mini-review.
July 7, 2014
https://www.resilience.org/stories/2014-07-07/mycoremediation-bioremediation-with-fungi-growing-mushrooms-to-clean-the-earth-a-mini-review/
____________________________________
Role of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in remediation of anthropogenic soil pollution
05 May 2021
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13199-021-00774-4
____________________________________
Biological
removal of the xenobiotic trichloroethylene (TCE) through cometabolism
in nitrifying systems, Bioresource Technology, 101, Issue: 1 430-433
October 2010
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255990915_Biological_removal_of_the_xenobiotic_trichloroethylene_TCE_through_cometabolism_in_nitrifying_systems_Bioresource_Technology_101_Issue_1_430-433
____________________________________
Opportunistic
Pathogens of Recreational Waters with Emphasis on Antimicrobial
Resistance—A Possible Subject of Human Health Concern
2022 Jun 14
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9224392/
____________________________________
Novel AI-powered method detects antimicrobial resistance within 30 minutes
Nov 22 2023
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20231122/Novel-AI-powered-method-detects-antimicrobial-resistance-within-30-minutes.aspx
____________________________________
Xenobiotic Effects on Intestinal Stem Cell Proliferation in Adult Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L) Workers
March 7, 2014
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0091180
____________________________________
Stomach bug cases increasing in Central Florida as CDC warns of a drug-resistant bacteria
March 2, 2023
https://health.wusf.usf.edu/health-news-florida/2023-03-02/stomach-bug-cases-increasing-in-central-florida-as-cdc-warns-of-a-drug-resistant-bacteria
____________________________________
Antibiotics as Major Disruptors of Gut Microbiota
2020 Nov 24
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7732679/
____________________________________
A compound from fruit flies could lead to new antibiotics
June 6, 2023
https://today.uic.edu/a-compound-from-fruit-flies-could-lead-to-new-antibiotics/
____________________________________
Contamination of Fresh Produce with Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Associated Risks to Human Health: A Scoping Review
2021 Dec 30
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8744955/
____________________________________
How dirty is your public gym? Study shows there can be harmful bacteria
Jun 12, 2019
https://www.fox4now.com/lifestyle/health/how-dirty-is-your-public-gym-study-shows-there-can-be-harmful-bacteria
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Drug-Resistant Bacteria Outbreak In FL Linked To Eyedrops Spreads
Mar 8, 2023
Eye
infections in 13 states, including FL, have been linked to artificial
tears. One person has died and there are 8 reports of vision loss.
https://patch.com/florida/across-fl/deadly-drug-resistant-bacteria-outbreak-fl-linked-eyedrops-cdc
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Florida woodrat nests are laced with antibiotic-producing bacteria
15 SEP 2020
New discovery could one day lead to new antibiotics for humans
https://www.science.org/content/article/florida-woodrat-nests-are-laced-antibiotic-producing-bacteria
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Pseudomonas fluorescens
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudomonas_fluorescens
____________________________________
Potentially deadly fungus spreading rapidly in US health care facilities
March 21, 2023
Cases of Candida auris doubled in 2021, according to a new CDC report.
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/potentially-deadly-fungus-spreading-rapidly-us-health-care/story?id=98011655
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Florida is swamped by disease outbreaks as quackery replaces science
2024
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/03/florida-measles-outbreak-preventable
____________________________________
Are Dangerous Microbes Hiding In Your Makeup? New Study Says Yes.
Dec 2, 2019
https://www.forbes.com/sites/victoriaforster/2019/12/02/are-dangerous-microbes-hiding-in-your-makeup-new-study-says-yes/?sh=181426a37323
____________________________________
Archaea: current and potential biotechnological applications
2023 May 15
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37196775/
____________________________________
Archaea in Wastewater Treatment: Current Research and Emerging Technology
2018
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/archaea/2018/6973294/
____________________________________
The
more important role of archaea than bacteria in nitrification of
wastewater treatment plants in cold season despite their numerical
relationships
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0043135418306961
____________________________________
Phytoremediation of Xenobiotics: Principles and Applications in Environmental Pollution Removal
2023
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-35775-6_13
____________________________________
Unveiling bacterial consortium for xenobiotic biodegradation from Pichavaram mangrove forest soil: a metagenomic approach
2023
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00203-023-03765-9
____________________________________
Xenobiotic pollution affects transcription of antibiotic resistance and virulence factors in aquatic microcosms
2022
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35525510/
____________________________________
Recent advances in microbial engineering approaches for wastewater treatment: a review
2023 Jul 27
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10376923/
____________________________________
Bioelectrochemical technologies for removal of xenobiotics from wastewater
2021
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213138821006664
____________________________________
Diversity and Niche of Archaea in Bioremediation
2018 Sep 3
Abstract
Bioremediation
is the use of microorganisms for the degradation or removal of
contaminants. Most bioremediation research has focused on processes
performed by the domain Bacteria; however, Archaea are known to play
important roles in many situations. In extreme conditions, such as
halophilic or acidophilic environments, Archaea are well suited for
bioremediation. In other conditions, Archaea collaboratively work
alongside Bacteria during biodegradation. In this review, the various
roles that Archaea have in bioremediation is covered, including
halophilic hydrocarbon degradation, acidophilic hydrocarbon degradation,
hydrocarbon degradation in nonextreme environments such as soils and
oceans, metal remediation, acid mine drainage, and dehalogenation.
Research needs are addressed in these areas. Beyond bioremediation,
these processes are important for wastewater treatment (particularly
industrial wastewater treatment) and help in the understanding of the
natural microbial ecology of several Archaea genera.
2. Archaea in the Degradation of Organics in Hypersaline Environments
Perhaps,
the most developed research area that connects Archaea to
bioremediation lies within the degradation of organics in hypersaline
environments. Natural hypersaline environments include salterns, salt
lakes, salt marshes, salt flats (sabkhas), and oil and gas production
wastewaters. The contamination of these environments with crude oil is
common, and about 5% of the chemical, pharmaceutical, and oil industries
have highly saline wastewater effluents in need of treatment. Members
of both Bacteria and Archaea are known to inhabit such environments and
these are often referred to as “halobacteria” and “haloarchaea,”
respectively. Recent reviews have focused on hydrocarbon degradation by
halobacteria and haloarchaea, the biotechnological potential of the
hydrolytic enzyme, the biodiversity of microbial communities in
halophilic environments, the potential of haloarchaea in bioremediation
processes, and the growing rate of research of haloarchaea in
bioremediation. Recently, a new database—called HaloDom—has compiled all
isolated halophilic species into a single online resource. Many
Bacteria can degrade at salinities of up to 15% such as strains of the
genera Ralstonia, Halomonas, Dietzia, and Alcanivorax. Here, an overview
of the haloarchaeal strains isolated on the ability to degrade
hydrocarbons, such as crude oil, is provided.
The haloarchaea
cluster into a single class (the class Halobacteria) within the phylum
Euryarchaeota. They are typically cultured at neutral pH and
temperatures of 30-45°C, and they require high salinities of 1.8–5.0 M
NaCl. Many strains have been traditionally isolated on a standard
nutrient media that contains heterotrophic carbon and energy sources.
Table 1 lists the strains associated with hydrocarbon degradation and
their degradative abilities. Additionally, a phylogenetic tree of many
of these strains (where nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences were
available), as well as other strains and phylogenetic groups discussed
in this manuscript, is shown in Figure 1. The metabolic capabilities of
haloarchaea for hydrocarbon degradation appear vast, and these Archaea
all inhabit a close phylogenetic association.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140281/
____________________________________
New Uses of Haloarchaeal Species in Bioremediation Processes
13 October 2014
https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/48401
____________________________________
Haloarchaea: worth exploring for their biotechnological potential
12 September 2017
Abstract
Halophilic
archaea are unique microorganisms adapted to survive under high salt
conditions and biomolecules produced by them may possess unusual
properties. Haloarchaeal metabolites are stable at high salt and
temperature conditions that are useful for industrial applications.
Proteins and enzymes of this group of archaea are functional under salt
concentrations at which bacterial counterparts fail to be active. Such
properties makes haloarchaeal enzymes suitable for salt-based
applications and their use under dehydrating conditions. For example,
bacteriorhodopsin or the purple membrane protein present in halophilic
archaea has the most recognizable applications in photoelectric devices,
artificial retinas, holograms etc. Haloarchaea are also useful for
bioremediation of polluted hypersaline areas. Polyhydroxyalkanoates and
exopolysccharides produced by these microorganisms are biodegradable and
have the potential to replace commercial non-degradable plastics and
polymers. Moreover, halophilic archaea have excellent potential to be
used as drug delivery systems and for nanobiotechnology by virtue of
their gas vesicles and S-layer glycoproteins. Despite of possible
applications of halophilic archaea, laboratory-to-industrial transition
of these potential candidates is yet to be established.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10529-017-2434-y
____________________________________
Archaea: An Agro-Ecological Perspective
2021 May 21
Abstract
Microorganisms
inhabiting bulk soil and rhizosphere play an important role in soil
biogeochemical cycles leading to enhanced plant growth and productivity.
In this context, the role of bacteria is well established, however, not
much reports are available about the role archaea plays in this regard.
Literature suggests that archaea also play a greater role in nutrient
cycling of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and other minerals, possess various
plant growth promoting attributes, and can impart tolerance to various
abiotic stresses (especially osmotic and oxidative) in areas of high
salinity, low and high temperatures and hydrogen ion concentrations.
Thermoacidophilic archaea have been found to potentially involve in
bioleaching of mineral ores and bioremediation of chemical pollutants
and aromatic compounds. Looking at immense potential of archaea in
promoting plant growth, alleviating abiotic stresses, and remediating
contaminated sites, detailed studies are required to establish their
role in different ecological processes, and their interactions in
rhizosphere with plant and other microflora (bacteria and fungi) in
different ecosystems. In this review, a brief discussion on archaea from
the agro-ecological point of view is presented.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34019119/
____________________________________
Role of archaea in aquaculture: prospects and challenges
29 October 2023
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10499-023-01317-y
____________________________________
Diversity, metabolism and cultivation of archaea in mangrove ecosystems
02 December 2020
Abstract
Mangroves
comprise a globally significant intertidal ecosystem that contains a
high diversity of microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria and archaea.
Archaea is a major domain of life that plays important roles in
biogeochemical cycles in these ecosystems. In this review, the potential
roles of archaea in mangroves are briefly highlighted. Then, the
diversity and metabolism of archaeal community of mangrove ecosystems
across the world are summarized and Bathyarchaeota, Euryarchaeota,
Thaumarchaeota, Woesearchaeota, and Lokiarchaeota are confirmed as the
most abundant and ubiquitous archaeal groups. The metabolic potential of
these archaeal groups indicates their important ecological function in
carbon, nitrogen and sulfur cycling. Finally, some cultivation
strategies that could be applied to uncultivated archaeal lineages from
mangrove wetlands are suggested, including refinements to traditional
cultivation methods based on genomic and transcriptomic information, and
numerous innovative cultivation techniques such as single-cell
isolation and high-throughput culturing (HTC). These cultivation
strategies provide more opportunities to obtain previously uncultured
archaea.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42995-020-00081-9
____________________________________
Distribution and genomic variation of ammonia-oxidizing archaea in abyssal and hadal surface sediments
22 December 2023
Abstract
Ammonia-oxidizing
archaea of the phylum Thaumarchaeota play a central role in the
biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen in benthic sediments, at the
interface between pelagic and subsurface ecosystems. However, our
understanding of their niche separation and of the processes controlling
their population structure in hadal and abyssal surface sediments is
still limited. Here, we reconstructed 47 AOA metagenome-assembled
genomes (MAGs) from surface sediments of the Atacama and Kermadec trench
systems. They formed deep-sea-specific groups within the family
Nitrosopumilaceae and were assigned to six amoA gene-based clades. MAGs
from different clades had distinct distribution patterns along
oxygen-ammonium counter gradients in surface sediments. At the species
level, MAGs thus seemed to form different ecotypes and follow
deterministic niche-based distributions. In contrast, intraspecific
population structure, defined by patterns of Single Nucleotide Variants
(SNV), seemed to reflect more complex contributions of both
deterministic and stochastic processes. Firstly, the bathymetric range
had a strong effect on population structure, with distinct populations
in abyssal plains and hadal trenches. Then, hadal populations were
clearly separated by trench system, suggesting a strong
isolation-by-topography effect, whereas abyssal populations were rather
controlled by sediment depth or geographic distances, depending on the
clade considered. Interestingly, genetic variability between samples was
lowest in sediment layers where the mean MAG coverage was highest,
highlighting the importance of selective pressure linked with each AOA
clade’s ecological niche. Overall, our results show that deep-sea AOA
genome distributions seem to follow both deterministic and stochastic
processes, depending on the genomic variability scale considered.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43705-023-00341-6
____________________________________
Biotechnological potentials of halophilic microorganisms and their impact on mankind
2022 May 31
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9152817/
____________________________________
Genes identified that allow bacteria to thrive despite toxic heavy metal in soil
March 2024
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-genes-bacteria-toxic-heavy-metal.html
____________________________________
Genetically engineered microorganisms for environmental remediation
2022
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653522032441
____________________________________
Perspectives on biotechnological applications of archaea
2002 May 31
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2685559/
____________________________________
Biotechnological applications of archaeal enzymes from extreme environments
2018
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30290805/
____________________________________
Extremozymes: A Potential Source for Industrial Applications
2017
Abstract
Extremophilic
microorganisms have established a diversity of molecular strategies in
order to survive in extreme conditions. Biocatalysts isolated by these
organisms are termed extremozymes, and possess extraordinary properties
of salt allowance, thermostability, and cold adaptivity. Extremozymes
are very resistant to extreme conditions owing to their great solidity,
and they pose new opportunities for biocatalysis and biotransformations,
as well as for the development of the economy and new line of research,
through their application. Thermophilic proteins, piezophilic proteins,
acidophilic proteins, and halophilic proteins have been studied during
the last few years. Amylases, proteases, lipases, pullulanases,
cellulases, chitinases, xylanases, pectinases, isomerases, esterases,
and dehydrogenases have great potential application for biotechnology,
such as in agricultural, chemical, biomedical, and biotechnological
processes. The study of extremozymes and their main applications have
emerged during recent years.
https://www.jmb.or.kr/journal/view.html?doi=10.4014/jmb.1611.11006
____________________________________
Radiation-resistant extremophiles and their potential in biotechnology and therapeutics
Abstract
Extremophiles
are organisms able to thrive in extreme environmental conditions.
Microorganisms with the ability to survive high doses of radiation are
known as radioresistant or radiation-resistant extremophiles. Excessive
or intense exposure to radiation (i.e., gamma rays, X-rays, and
particularly UV radiation) can induce a variety of mutagenic and
cytotoxic DNA lesions, which can lead to different forms of cancer.
However, some populations of microorganisms thrive under different types
of radiation due to defensive mechanisms provided by primary and
secondary metabolic products, i.e., extremolytes and extremozymes.
Extremolytes (including scytonemin, mycosporine-like amino acids,
shinorine, porphyra-334, palythine, biopterin, and phlorotannin, among
others) are able to absorb a wide spectrum of radiation while protecting
the organism's DNA from being damaged. The possible commercial
applications of extremolytes include anticancer drugs, antioxidants,
cell-cycle-blocking agents, and sunscreens, among others. This article
aims to review the strategies by which microorganisms thrive in extreme
radiation environments and discuss their potential uses in biotechnology
and the therapeutic industry. The major challenges that lie ahead are
also discussed.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23271672/
____________________________________
Archaea: Microbial Candidates in Next-generation Probiotics Development
2018
Abstract
Pharmabiotics
and probiotics in current use or under development belong to 2 of 3
domains of life, Eukarya (eg, yeasts) and Bacteria (eg, lactobacilli).
Archaea constitute a third domain of life, and are currently not used as
probiotics, despite several interesting features. This includes the
absence of known pathogens in humans, animals, or plants and the
existence of some archaea closely associated to humans in various
microbiomes. We promote the concept that some specific archaea that
naturally thrive in the human gut are potential next-generation
probiotics that can be rationally selected on the basis of their
metabolic phenotype not being encountered in other human gut microbes,
neither Bacteria nor Eukarya. The example of the possible bioremediation
of the proatherogenic compound trimethylamine into methane by archaeal
microbes is described.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29668558/
____________________________________
Major Groups of Microorganisms Employed in Bioremediation
11 December 2022
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-18017-0_8
____________________________________
We
must have regulations put in place, this is in order so that companies do not release
unregulated genetically modified plants into the wilderness. This has
already happened with unregulated genetically modified wheat that was released in Oregon. Many question how we can stop the damage that has
been done. We must stop bad genetic experiments that harm the environment and planet.
What
if it were possible to genetically modify a plantmthat could balance
out the air in the atmosphere. Many also question that if we try to tamper with
natural disasters, such as how a volcano could change the chemical
composition of our atmosphere. That this could interfere with the
natural balance of this planet, and that it could have consequences
later on. With new types of technology, it could be possible to save our
civilization, including a lot of the wildlife, such as trees, plants and animals from natural disasters and extinction.
____________________________________
Pollution-Busting Plants
____________________________________
Uptake of BTEX Compounds by Hybrid Poplar Trees in Hazardous Waste Remediation
http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract/5312
____________________________________
Enzymatic micromotor-driven CO2 sequestration in water
September 17, 2015
Rapid
decontamination of an aqueous solution by a freely moving
microscrubber: this scenario has been realized by American scientists
for the sequestration of CO2 from water. In the journal Angewandte
Chemie, they introduce their concept of enzymatic conversion of CO2 into
solid calcium carbonate, which is greatly facilitated by the use of
self-propelled micromotors that act as a movable enzyme support.
The
on-site mineralization of the gaseous CO2 into solid and durable
carbonate salts is one of the options that scientists consider feasible
for tackling the issue of the ongoing and massive man-made release of
carbon dioxide by the combustion of fossil fuels. Calcium carbonate is
one of the preferred storage forms for CO2, and marine organisms have
piled up layers of calcium carbonate as thick as mountains by
bioconversion of carbon dioxide over millions of years, However, the
uncatalyzed formation of carbonates from carbon dioxide in aqueous
environments is too slow to be practically applicable for large-scale
CO2 sequestration by man. Joseph Wang and his group at the University of
California, San Diego, have now greatly speeded up this conversion by a
cunning chemical-nanoengineering approach. "Our approach combines the
biocatalytic activity of carbonic anhydrase [a zinc metalloenzyme that
catalyzes the hydration of CO2 to form bicarbonate] with the
self-propulsion of chemically powered micromotors through CO2-saturated
samples to act as highly efficient mobile biocatalytic microscrubbers,"
they write. The main advantage of this method is the automatic
self-mixing and scrubbing of the reaction solution just by adding
environmentally friendly hydrogen peroxide, the "fuel" of the
micromotors.
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-enzymatic-micromotor-driven-co2-sequestration.html
____________________________________
Engineered surface holds promise for tech to convert CO₂ into liquid fuel
March 24, 2025
Researchers
have developed a novel combination of materials that have organic and
inorganic properties, with the goal of using them in technologies that
convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into a liquid fuel. The
paper, "Mild-Annealed Molecular Layer Deposition (MLD) Tincone Thin Film
as Photoelectrochemically Stable and Efficient Electron Transport Layer
for Si Photocathodes," is published in ACS Applied Energy Materials.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-03-surface-tech-liquid-fuel.html
____________________________________
Biodiesel wastewater treatment: Capturing carbon and valuable chemicals
March 21, 2025
While
biodiesel provides a cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum diesel,
it produces CO2 and hazardous wastewater during manufacturing,
requiring extra steps to achieve sustainability. A diagnostic study led
by University of Michigan researchers works to improve a process that
captures CO2 while treating biodiesel wastewater and produces valuable
co-products like fuels and green chemicals.
During biodiesel
production, fats—like vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled restaurant
grease—are transformed into fuel through a process called
transesterification. With the help of a catalyst, an alcohol (typically
methanol) breaks the bonds in the fat molecules to create glycerol and
long, chain-like molecules called fatty acid esters.
The fatty
acid esters, which resemble petroleum diesel’s molecular structure,
become biodiesel while the glycerol goes into the wastewater as a
byproduct. If left untreated, glycerol can pollute natural water
resources by depleting oxygen levels, suffocating fish and other
organisms.
https://cee.engin.umich.edu/2025/03/21/biodiesel-wastewater-treatment-capturing-carbon-and-valuable-chemicals/
____________________________________
Scientists Develop Breakthrough Catalyst for Clean Propane Conversion
August 04, 2025
Propane dehydrogenation (PDH) is a chemical process that requires a large input of heat, typically needing temperatures above 600°C when carried out using traditional thermo-catalytic methods, the journal Nature Chemistry reported.
These high temperatures pose several issues, including high energy usage, degradation of the catalyst through sintering, and the buildup of carbon deposits known as coke. Scientists have long sought ways to overcome these limitations and carry out PDH at or near room temperature, which remains a key challenge in the field of catalysis.
A new study published in Nature Chemistry offers a promising solution. Led by Prof. Tao Zhang and Prof. Aiqin Wang from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), in collaboration with Prof. Yi Gao’s team at the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute of CAS, the researchers introduced a novel approach.
They developed a water-assisted PDH process that uses a copper single-atom catalyst (SAC) and is driven by a combination of light and heat, known as photo-thermo catalysis. This method enables efficient conversion of propane into propylene at much lower temperatures than previously possible.
By using a Cu1/TiO2 SAC, researchers achieved PDH under near-ambient conditions in a water vapor atmosphere. In a continuous-flow fixed-bed reactor, the reaction temperature was reduced to just 50–80 °C, achieving a maximum reaction rate of 1201 μmol gcat-1 h-1.
Researchers revealed that Cu single atoms, water vapor, and light illumination all played essential roles in the propane-to-propylene conversion.
Through photocatalytic water splitting on the Cu1/TiO2 SAC, hydrogen and hydroxyl species were generated. Hydroxyl radicals subsequently adsorbed on the catalyst surface, abstracting hydrogen atoms from propane to form propylene and water. Water acted catalytically without being consumed. This mechanism fundamentally differs from traditional PDH and oxidative dehydrogenation of propane.
https://ana.ir/en/news/9574/scientists-develop-breakthrough-catalyst-for-clean-propane-conversion
____________________________________
New method uses microalgae to create eco-friendly carbon fibers for manufacturing
July 30, 2025
Carbon
fibers play a crucial role in aviation, wind energy, and lightweight
construction. However, their conventional production relies on
petroleum-derived materials, resulting in significant environmental
impact. A research consortium led by the Technical University of Munich
(TUM) has developed a new production method that utilizes renewable raw
materials to manufacture carbon fibers.
Novel Production Process for Carbon Fibers
Carbon
fibers are known for their lightweight, high strength, and durability.
They are widely used in carbon fiber-reinforced plastics for aircraft,
vehicles, wind turbines, and sports equipment such as bicycles, tennis
rackets, and skis. These materials are typically produced using
acrylonitrile, which is primarily derived from petroleum-based
propylene.
Researchers at the Werner Siemens Chair of Synthetic
Biotechnology at the TUM School of Natural Sciences explored the use of
photosynthetically active microalgae to extract oils. According to Prof.
Thomas Brück, these microalgae absorb carbon dioxide during
photosynthesis and store it in the form of algae oils. Chemical
processes were then used to extract glycerine from these oils.
The
Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology
(IGB) developed a catalytic process to convert biogenic glycerol into
acrylonitrile, the essential raw material for carbon fiber production.
This process has reached a level of maturity at the Straubing branch of
Fraunhofer IGB and is now ready for scaling toward industrial
implementation.
"We have thus created the conditions for the
production of sustainable carbon fibers that have the same
high-performance properties as conventionally manufactured carbon
fibers," said Dr. Arne Roth, department head at Fraunhofer IGB.
https://advancedcarbonscouncil.org/blogpost/2151389/512769/New-method-uses-microalgae-to-create-eco-friendly-carbon-fibers-for-manufacturing
____________________________________
Mechanochemical approach enables low-temperature CO₂ capture and conversion
June 13, 2025
https://advancedcarbonscouncil.org/blogpost/2151389/511626/Mechanochemical-approach-enables-low-temperature-CO-capture-and-conversion
____________________________________
Electrocatalytic sterilization: Nanowires produce localized highly alkaline microenvironments to kill bacteria
March 13, 2025
Harmful
microorganisms such as bacteria represent one of the largest threats to
human health. Efficient sterilization methods are thus a necessity.
In
the journal Angewandte Chemie, a research team has now introduced a
novel, sustainable, electrocatalytic sterilization method based on
electrodes covered with copper oxide nanowires. These generate very
strong local electric fields, thereby producing highly alkaline
microenvironments that efficiently kill bacteria.
Conventional
disinfection methods, such as chlorination, treatment with ozone,
hydrogen peroxide oxidation, and irradiation with ultraviolet light have
disadvantages, including harmful by-products and high energy
consumption.
Electrochemical disinfection methods, which rely
primarily on a pulsed high-voltage electric field and the
electrocatalytic generation of highly oxidative radicals, are more
efficient and sustainable. However, they require either high voltage or a
significant gas supply, which limits their application in practice.
A
team led by Tong Sun and Yuanhong Xu at Qingdao University (China) have
now proposed a novel, in situ, electrocatalytic sterilization method
that induces localized highly alkaline microenvironments in neutral
electrolytes under a constant current at relatively low voltage. Most
bacteria cannot survive in such extremely alkaline environments.
https://phys.org/news/2025-03-electrocatalytic-sterilization-nanowires-localized-highly.html
____________________________________
New coating uses graphene oxide to deliver silver ions for long-lasting antimicrobial action
July 30, 2025
https://advancedcarbonscouncil.org/blogpost/2151389/512772/New-coating-uses-graphene-oxide-to-deliver-silver-ions-for-long-lasting-antimicrobial-action
____________________________________
Graphene oxide patchwork membranes
12 March 2021
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-021-00876-6
____________________________________
PGClear Uses a Palladium-Gold Catalyst to Break Down Hazardous Compounds
Using a palladium-gold catalyst to break down hazardous compounds, the PGClear project is set to help clean the environment and treat contaminated groundwater.
https://scitechdaily.com/pgclear-uses-a-palladium-gold-catalyst-to-break-down-hazardous-compounds/
____________________________________
This Bacteria Poops Pure Gold!
Jul 21, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5c_P9gF-3gs
____________________________________
99.7% in Only One Hour – New Nanocoating Kills More Bacteria Faster
A New Copper Coating Could Be the Next Superbug Fighter
A new copper covering that kills bacteria faster and in greater amounts than existing formulations might be available for hospitals and other high-traffic locations in the near future.
Although current formulations comprised of pure copper are antibacterial and self-sanitizing, they kill certain forms of bacteria with a thicker cell wall (Gram-positive bacteria), more slowly than bacteria with a thinner cell wall (Gram-negative).
Nano-Copper Coating with Zinc for Enhanced Effectiveness
Using zinc and bacteria-killing nanoscale features, a team of the University of British Columbia researchers under the direction of Dr. Amanda Clifford, an assistant professor in the department of materials engineering, has created a nano-copper coating. Small bumps known as nanoscale features have the power to kill bacteria by rupturing their cell walls. In contrast to pure copper alone, zinc, which is similarly antibacterial, selectively oxidizes in the presence of copper and aids in the faster killing of bacteria.
“Use of our coating could significantly reduce the incidence of contracting bacterial infections from high-touch surfaces in healthcare facilities, such as doorknobs and elevator buttons since it kills bacteria using multiple approaches,” says Dr. Clifford. “As it contains less copper than other existing coatings or whole copper parts, it would also be cheaper to make.”
https://scitechdaily.com/99-7-in-only-one-hour-new-nanocoating-kills-more-bacteria-faster/
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By ‘Editing’ Plant Genes, Companies Avoid Regulation
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Mealworms need more than plastic to be a nutritious food source
June 17, 2025
Mealworms need a minimum level of protein to grow and become a sustainable food source, according to a new study that challenges the myth that insects have superpowers of taking plastic waste and converting it to a nutritionally valuable product.
https://phys.org/news/2025-06-mealworms-plastic-nutritious-food-source.html
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Q&A: Geoengineering Is ‘A Bad Idea Whose Time Has Come
03.23.10
http://www.wired.com/2010/03/hacktheplanet-qa/
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We
can see many of the bad problems with geoengineering in food. We have
seen many of the good prospects, from geoengineering in certain medical
fields. Advancements in recent biotechnology have made many people wonder if
geoengineering is a good or bad idea.
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Chapter 34: Toxic clean-up technology
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____________________________________
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People have been making plastics out of oil for many years. Oil can even make natural sheets and rocks similar to plastic in the wild.
Using
a little oil is not that big of a problem. However, the way
that we consume, burn and drill for oil these days is questionably
causing problems to living beings and the environment.
Many
people see the amount of fossil fuel being drilled for many plastics
and synthetic fibers. Too much oil can cause problems to wildlife when plastic and products made from fossil
fuel enter the environment. This is why people say that plant based plastic could be better for the environment.
There
are many synthetic chemicals used in scientific experiments. There are
constantly new inventions with synthetic chemicals and fibers. We still do
not know the long-term effects of many experiments with harmful
chemicals. This includes genetically modified chemicals as well. Many question if we
can design a way, in order to remove a lot of the toxic waste in landfills. It is debated, when we try to destroy materials and matter,
the exact amount of materials that stay intact and exist on a
microscopic level.
____________________________________
High-Powered Plasma Turns Garbage Into Gas
http://www.wired.com/2012/01/ff_trashblaster/
____________________________________
Plasma arc recycling
Last updated: November 24, 2014.
http://www.explainthatstuff.com/plasma-arc-recycling.html
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Plasma Gasification: Revolutionizing Waste Management
August 12, 2024
Plasma (“the fourth state of matter”) is an extremely high-temperature, highly ionized gas that is able to carry an electric current. Natural plasma includes lightning and gas at the surface of the sun, while man-made plasma is formed using a plasma torch to pass an electric current through a gas like oxygen. The reaction dissociates the gas into electrons and ions and increases its temperature to nearly as hot as the sun’s surface. This plasma can then be used for plasma gasification, a process that breaks waste down into basic chemicals.
Plasma gasification can turn “any kind of trash” into chemical products and clean fuels. Industry leader InEnTec was founded in 1995 to focus on governments and companies with large amounts of toxic waste. Their patented Plasma Enhanced Melter (PEM) system is deployed in 13 facilities worldwide. “Back in the early ’90s, global warming was more of an academic pursuit,” InEnTech co-founder, president, and CEO Jeffrey E. Surma told MIT News in 2021. With climate change a leading global challenge, his co-founder, Daniel R. Cohn, believes it is time for InEnTech to expand its impact.
“About 130 million tons of waste per year go into landfills in the U.S., and that produces at least 130 million tons of CO2-equivalent emissions,” Cohn argues. Most of these emissions are methane, a greenhouse gas that is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) and a global concern. The Global Methane Initiative (GMI) is an international public-private partnership focused on advancing methane mitigation in oil and gas, biogas, and coal mines. By utilizing plasma gasification and reducing or even eliminating landfills and other waste, the GMI could make significant advancements.
https://www.aii.org/plasma-gasification-revolutionizing-waste-management/
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Some
people think that a more environmentally friendly way of cremation would be with solar fire. This could be better
than cutting down trees to burn or coals for fire.
____________________________________
Melting steel with solar power
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tt7RG3UR4c
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Giant Magnifier Reaches 5,000 Degrees Using Only Sunlight
2010
It was created to research our most powerful weapons, but it's also used to try to protect Earth from cataclysmic destruction.
http://discovermagazine.com/2010/sep/solar-concentrator-reaches-5000-degrees
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The
following article explains the environmental impact and chemicals given off by
cremations. This includes cremation by fire, or using liquid nitrogen to
freeze and shatter the cremains.
____________________________________
METALS IN MEDICINE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Cremation Waste and Toxins
http://faculty.virginia.edu/metals/cases/huffman1.html
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Our biggest concern is trying to get rid of highly toxic waste, such as uranium and other harmful chemicals. With new technology, we are able to make clean energy from uranium .
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Improving the selective extraction of spent uranium in nuclear waste clean-up
June 16, 2015
Driven
by the need to find ways of separating, recycling and reducing nuclear
waste, chemists at The University of Nottingham are developing our
understanding of how uranium interacts with elements from around the
periodic table to potentially help improve the selective extraction of
spent uranium in nuclear waste clean-up.
http://phys.org/news/2015-06-spent-uranium-nuclear-clean-up.html#jCp
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Recycling nuclear waste via advanced reactor design
May 28th, 2015
An
advanced nuclear reactor under development by Hitachi could help solve
the nuclear waste problem, and University of Michigan researchers were
involved in verifying its safe performance through computer simulations.
The
U-M team worked with colleagues at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology and the University of California, Berkeley. After more safety
analysis, Hitachi plans to move forward with a prototype of the
"resource-renewable boiling water reactor" in the next few years.
One
of the major technological hurdles for nuclear energy is developing
systems to dispose of the waste produced by typical reactors. It must be
sealed away for hundreds of millennia while the radioactivity naturally
decreases.
Hitachi's new design would burn off the
longest-lived radioactive materials, called transuranics, shortening
that isolation period to a few centuries. This would recycle the nuclear
waste to produce yet more energy and reduce the amount that must be
stowed away.
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-recycling-nuclear-advanced-reactor.html
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Destroying nuclear waste to create clean energy? It can be done
Nov 16, 2018
If
not for long-term radioactive waste, then nuclear power would be the
ultimate “green” energy. The alternative to uranium is thorium, a
radioactive ore whose natural decay is responsible for half of our
geothermal energy, which we think of as “green energy.” More than 20
years of research at the European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN),
the birthplace of the internet and where Higgs boson was discovered,
demonstrate that thorium could become a radically disruptive source of
clean energy providing bountiful electricity any place and at any time.
Coal
and gas remain by far the largest sources of electricity worldwide,
threatening our climate equilibrium. Non-fossil alternatives, such as
solar power, use up a forbidding amount of land, even in sunny
California, plus the decommissioning will pose a serious recycling
challenge within 20 years. Solar is best used on an individual household
basis, rather than centralized plants. Wind requires an even larger
surface area than solar.
As
Michael Shellenberger, a Time magazine “Hero of the Environment”,
recently wrote: “Had California and Germany invested $680 billion into
nuclear power plants instead of renewables like solar and wind farms,
the two would already be generating 100% or more of their electricity
from clean energy sources.” Correct, but the disturbing issue of
long-term nuclear waste produced by conventional, uranium based, nuclear
plants still remains.
In
the early 1990s, Carlo Rubbia, Nobel prize winner in physics (1984) and
then CERN’s director general, launched a small experiment applying
cutting-edge accelerator technologies toward energy production. The
First Energy Amplifier Test (FEAT), funded by the European Commission,
successfully demonstrated the principles of a clean and inherently safe
process of energy production, based on widely available thorium. Since
then, numerous experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of a large
scale-up for industrial use. They also demonstrated that existing
long-term (240,000 years or more) nuclear waste can be “burned up” in
the thorium reactor to become a much more manageable short-term (less
than 500 years) nuclear waste.
An
Accelerator-Driven System (ADS), as the process is called, comprises an
assembly of key technologies developed at CERN: an accelerated proton
beam focuses on a metal target, usually lead, in a process called
spallation. This spawns neutrons that in turn convert thorium into
fissile uranium233, producing heat by way of nuclear fission. The heavy
uranium233 nuclei divides into smaller nucleus such as zirconium (think
Shopping Channel jewellery) or xenon (used in camera flash bulbs), with
only minimal radioactive waste produced.
The advantages of an ADS over other energy production process are many:
Clean:
No emissions are produced (CO2, nitrogen or sulphur oxides particles,
among others), unlike with fossil fuel. Heat is generated from the
transmutation of thorium into the highly radioactive uranium233 and its
subsequent fission into smaller particles.
Feasible:
ADS technology development has been proven to be a bounded problem with
a realistic development timeline. In comparison, fusion is an unbounded
problem that does not have a constrained development timeline.
Transmutation
of nuclear waste: the ADS process has been proven to transmute
long-term nuclear waste, harmful for 240,000 years or more, into
short-term radioactivity waste of less than 500 years toxicity. The
technology would solve the intractable problem of very long-term
radioactive waste storage.
No
military usage: The International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly
stated that the technology is “intrinsically proliferation resistant.”
Large
thorium reserves: enough for 20 centuries at 2018 level of global
electricity consumption. Thorium is well distributed around the globe,
with no nation having a monopoly.
High
energy density: 1 tonne of thorium would provide the energy equivalent
of 3 million tonnes of coal, or 200 tonnes of natural uranium enriched
for use in a nuclear reactor.
Inherent
safety: the process operates at atmospheric pressure therefore the
plant can’t explode (unlike Chernobyl). The reaction is also stops
immediately when the proton beam is interrupted, providing inherent
safety.
Smart
grid friendly: Immediate ON/OFF capability would make ADS power plants
ideal for base load energy production for smart grids.
Small
footprint: A 500MW ADS plant would only be as large as a mediumsize
factory, compared to 26 km2 (10 mi2) for the 550MW Topaz solar farm in
the sunny California desert. In the wintery north-west, an equivalent
solar farm would be almost three times larger, approximately 62 km2.
Wind turbines require even more space.
Proximity:
inherent safety and small size make ADS ideally suited for any use,
industrial or urban, and able to be located in remote regions, including
high latitudes with little sunshine.
Decarbonized
hydrogen production: reactors could be set close to abundant freshwater
at high latitudes for clean hydrogen production, allowing the
conversion of electrons into a green gas used for transport, heating and
industrial processes.
DS
technology advances the double promise of boundless clean electricity,
together with the destruction of highly toxic long-term nuclear waste.
Its inherent safety will allow power plants to be located anywhere, even
close to urban areas, and in any climate. ADS offers the possibility to
provide sustainable energy on demand and with easy integration into
smart grids. Combined with the production of green hydrogen, it could
decarbonize our entire energy needs, from transport to industrial.
The
development of this promising technology offers hope for a paradigm
shift in clean energy production, achievable in years instead of
decades, helping the fight against global warming.
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Radioactive nuclear waste is a global threat. These scientists may have a new solution
Aug 8, 2018
The
US and Russia have approximately 7000 warheads each, enough to destroy
humanity many times over. The US has enough highly radioactive
plutonium, left over from the Cold War and generated by its nuclear
power plants, to produce 10,000 more warheads. What are we to do with
this unnecessary, deadly remnant of our belligerence?
There are
“two kinds of problems, the urgent and the important", as President
Dwight Eisenhower said in his 1954 speech at Northwestern University.
"The
urgent are not important, and the important are never urgent."
Plutonium waste is not on the urgent pile of world leaders’ agendas. But
it’s top of the important pile for humanity. We are already failing our
future generations.
In February 2014, an explosion shook the
main plutonium storage facility near Carlsbad, New Mexico, resulting in
extensive damage. Its cause was an innocent typo and poor oversight,
according to Patrick Malone of the journal New Mexican. Absorbent clay
is used to neutralize potential acidic chemical reactions from diverse
neutralizing compounds in the waste drums. Probably to cut costs,
relying on cat litter as a source of clay was recommended.
But a
slight typo in an update memo changed the specifications from "kitty
litter/zeolite clay" to simply "kitty litter (clay)", as the official
report noted. The result was the use of a highly reactive organic
wheat-based cat litter (sWheat Scoop brand), instead of an inorganic
clay-based litter, to stabilize the drum mixture. This led to a slow but
relentless chemical reaction inside the drum, causing it to overheat
and finally explode. The cost of repair and delays was estimated at $1.4
billion.
In May 2017, a storage tunnel collapsed at the Hanford
nuclear waste storage facility in Washington state. Maintenance was at
fault, not only of the infrastructure but of the waste drums themselves.
Leakages of highly radioactive waste have happened before in that
facility, according to The Atlantic. On the Department of Energy’s
website, it announces the removal of “radioactive sludge stored near the
Columbia River”, where “near” means “about 400 yards” (360 metres) from
the river. There are 53 million gallons of such radioactive sludge
stored at Hanford, with no clear measure of the current level of leakage
so close to a precious water resource.
Such contamination has
already taken place, for example in Coldwater Creek, north of Saint
Louis, Missouri. A report published in June 2018 by the US Department of
Health and Human Services concluded: "children and adults who regularly
played in or around Coldwater Creek or lived in its floodplain for many
years in the past (1960s to 1990s) may have been exposed to
radiological contaminants. ATSDR estimated that this exposure could
increase the risk of developing bone or lung cancer, leukemia, or (to a
lesser extent) skin or breast cancer." Coldwater Creek does not have
near the level of radiation of Chernobyl or Fukushima, but its
contamination was more insidious because there was no warning to
residents, who unknowingly played around radioactive shores.
Nuclear
waste is a global problem. France, one of the countries most reliant on
nuclear power, still has no long-term storage plan in place. In the
meantime, it generates 2kg of radioactive waste per person annually, a
small but not insignificant part of which will remain dangerous for at
least 200,000 years. The oldest known illustrative cave paintings are
only 40,000 years old. The first writing system appeared 10,000 years
ago. It’s impossible, if not recklessly hubristic, to make any plan on a
timescale of 100,000 years.
What are we to make of similar
radioactive waste storage predicaments in Russia, Japan, China, Ukraine,
or any of the more than 30 nations relying on nuclear power? Such waste
must be secured for a minimum of 300 years, some of it for hundreds of
thousand of years. But after only a few decades, our institutions are
already showing signs of fatigue.
Vitrification, a method of
encasing waste in glass to make it leakproof, is the consensus proposal
to remedy leakage issues. But such an irreversible process will forever
limit access to the waste, thereby nullifying any future remediation
solution. Intense radioactivity will still be toxic through the glass.
Vitrification is a solution steeped in our limited scientific knowledge
that will burden humanity with man-made radioactivity longer than any of
our institutions, or even forms of government, can reasonably be
expected to last.
Giving us hope, a team of current and former
CERN scientists in Geneva, among them Nobel Prize winner Carlo Rubbia,
suggest a different approach. They simulated and partially tested a
system to transform highly radioactive waste lasting hundreds of
thousands of years into mildly radioactive waste with less than 300
years of toxicity, a more manageable time frame. Relying on a proton
beam, which is common technology at CERN, and a little-used natural
element called thorium, which is almost as common as lead, they propose
to neutralize the world’s highly radioactive waste in as little as a few
decades.
They call their detailed design the "Accelerator Driven
System" (ADS), and they have partnerships in place to prove its
efficacy. The estimated budget to take it from computer modelling to
actual demonstration within five years is $70 million. But while the
Bechtel corporation is starting construction on a $17 billion
vitrification plant, the CERN team of eminent scientists have yet to
receive any significant funding. A corollary of the radioactive waste
neutralization reaction could be CO2-free electrical energy, if coupled
with a heat exchanger. Sometimes, as Steve Jobs marvelled, the right
technology is generous and feels magical.
Wouldn’t it be fair to
our great-great-great-grandchildren to try a new approach to radioactive
waste management? We have already failed our oceans from a lack of
political will to face plastic pollution. Let’s not risk allowing our
entire planet to face a similar fate from radioactive waste.
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2018/08/radioactive-nuclear-waste-global-threat-cern-scientists-new-solution/
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Uranium in drinking water: Health risks and detection methods
Uranium
in drinking water is a serious concern for many communities. This
naturally occurring element can seep into groundwater from rocks and
soil.
It poses health risks when consumed over time.
https://watersciencehub.com/uranium-in-drinking-water/
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A
non-polluting method for rapidly purifying uranium-containing
wastewater and efficiently recovering uranium through electrochemical
mineralization and oxidative roasting
2021
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389421008499
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TiO2 Nanoparticles Simultaneously Remove Arsenic and Uranium from Groundwater
March 26, 2025
A research team led by Prof. Luan Fubo from the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has uncovered a novel mechanism involving a ternary surface complex on titanium dioxide (TiO₂) that improves the simultaneous removal of arsenic (As) and uranium (U) from contaminated groundwater. This study was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Groundwater contamination by arsenic and uranium is a severe environmental and public health concern, linked to cancer, kidney damage, and other chronic diseases. Conventional remediation methods typically target either arsenic or uranium, often proving ineffective when both contaminants coexist due to competitive adsorption effects.
In this study, the researchers demonstrated that TiO₂ nanoparticles can simultaneously and efficiently adsorb both As(V) and U(VI). Notably, uranium enhanced arsenic adsorption, increasing removal efficiency by up to 3.4 times compared to arsenic-only systems.
Using in situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the researchers identified the formation of a ternary surface complex, [Ti–U(VI)–As(V)], as the critical mechanism. In this process, arsenate ions displace carbonate ligands in uranyl-carbonate complexes adsorbed on TiO₂, forming a stable ternary structure that facilitates co-removal of both pollutants.
The adsorption process proved effective under typical groundwater conditions, achieving >99% removal efficiency for both contaminants. Post-treatment residual concentrations fell below the safety limits of the World Health Organization for drinking water.
An advantage of this method is the regenerability and reusability of the TiO₂ adsorbent. The captured arsenic and uranium can be recovered using a mild sodium hydroxide solution, allowing the material to be reused multiple times without significant loss of performance.
This study provides a cost-effective, scalable, and eco-friendly approach to remediating dual-contaminated groundwater, offering the potential for improving global drinking water safety.
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Enhanced
uranium extraction from seawater using bifunctional-modified molecular
sieves with high selectivity and adsorption capacity
2025
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0011916424011792
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Uranium removal from environmental water and nuclear waste: Nanomaterial solutions and their environmental sustainability
2025
Highlights
Nanomaterial-based extraction methods show promise for removing uranium from a variety of aqueous streams.
Nanomaterials have high adsorption capacity, dense active sites, excellent selectivity, and are easy to reuse.
Carbonaceous, magnetic, functionalized, silicon-based, metallic oxide, and biological nanomaterials are discussed.
The stability (chemical, thermal, and mechanical) and toxicity of nanomaterials are important concerns.
The sustainability and transformation of nanomaterials in aquatic and terrestrial environments are analysed in depth.
Abstract
The
separation and extraction of uranium from mining waste water,
contaminated surface water and groundwater, and even from seawater hold
significant importance in various applications. Nanomaterial-based
extraction methods have been quickly developing and offer a promising
means of removing and recovering uranium from a variety of aqueous
streams. Nanomaterials possess distinct advantages such as high
adsorption capacity, dense active sites, ease of reuse, and excellent
selectivity. In this comprehensive review, we conduct an in-depth
examination of a wide range of nanomaterials, including carbonaceous,
magnetic, functionalized, silicon-based, and metallic oxide/hydroxide
nanomaterials, each exhibiting diverse morphologies. Additionally, we
offer detailed discussions on mixed oxides and bio-nanocomposites.
Carbonaceous nanomaterials demonstrate superior chemical stability in
strongly acidic nuclear wastewaters than common inorganic sorbents like
hydroxyapatite and hydrous oxides. Furthermore, they are more resilient
to radiation and thermal conditions than organic exchange resins.
Extraction using recyclable functionalized magnetic nanomaterials offers
high selectivity and reduces the complexity of the required equipment.
We delve into the challenges and opportunities associated with employing
nanomaterials for uranium separation, discussing them in detail. The
control of their structures and the stability (chemical, thermal, and
mechanical) and toxicity of nanomaterials are important concerns.
Finally, we perform an in-depth analysis of the environmental
sustainability of nanomaterials. These materials can enter aquatic and
terrestrial environments through direct industrial discharges,
wastewater effluents, surface runoff, and indirectly via land-applied
products like sludges or biosolids. Once in the environment,
nanomaterials undergo transformations influenced by their properties and
the surrounding medium, involving processes like aggregation,
dissolution, and redox reactions.
1. Introduction
Finding
sustainable energy supplies poses a significant challenge for human
development. Nuclear energy, as a clean and scalable source, offers a
solution to the global energy problem. The urgency of addressing global
warming has prompted certain countries to develop their nuclear
industries, thus highlighting the potential for nuclear energy to
revolutionize the global energy structure.
Scientists and Scholars on
Nuclear for Climate Change, in their Open Letter to Heads of
Governments of G-20 countries [13], emphasize the pressing need for
rapid nuclear infrastructure development in the next 20–30 years to meet
the demands of our “burning” planet. Presently, there are over 430
nuclear reactors worldwide, generating 400 GWe (Gigawatt Electrical),
which accounts for 11 % of global electricity output. By 2040, it is
projected that nuclear capacity will reach 516 GWe. For instance, China
has set ambitious plans to construct 80 nuclear reactors by 2030 and a
total of 230 reactors by 2050.
Uranium
plays a crucial role in nuclear energy. Fig. 1 illustrates the
fluctuation of uranium prices from 1968 to 2020. In 2007, due to
increasing demand, particularly from emerging economies like India and
China, uranium reached its highest recorded spot price of $140 per
pound. However, the global economic crisis in 2008 resulted in a
significant drop in uranium prices to below $50 per pound. In early
2011, as the world economy recovered from the financial crisis, uranium
prices experienced a notable increase, reaching $75 per pound. However,
following the Fukushima Daiichi incident in the same year, the shutdown
of all 54 Japanese nuclear power plants caused a global collapse in
uranium prices. This led to a 13 % reduction in global uranium demand.
Moreover, the sale of uranium from offline Japanese nuclear power
plants' inventory had a substantial impact on the uranium market,
causing prices to plummet from $75 to $21 per pound. The COVID-19
pandemic in 2020 further disrupted the uranium supply from mining
companies, resulting in a price surge to $34 per pound, marking the
highest price in the past four years.
The
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) categorizes uranium resources
as conventional and unconventional. Conventional resources refer to
those from which uranium is extracted as the primary product,
co-product, or significant by-product. Within this category, there are
two main types: Reasonably Assured Resources (RAR) and Inferred
Resources (IR), which can be recovered at a cost of less than $260 per
kilogram of uranium (kgU). Unconventional uranium resources encompass
those from which uranium is recoverable as a minor by-product. The
primary unconventional source of uranium resources is phosphate rock,
while other sources such as black shale, non-ferrous ore, carbonate,
lignite, and seawater are less significant.
The
Republic of Kazakhstan is the world's leading producer of uranium. In
2015 Kazakhstan produced 23,800 tons of uranium (tU), accounting for 39 %
of global uranium production. This surpassed the combined production of
the second and third largest uranium producers, Canada and Australia.
It is projected that the global annual uranium requirement will increase
from 67,000 to 105,000 tU by 2035. Fig. 2 provides a visual
representation of global uranium production and reactor requirements
from 1946 to 2015.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894725011039
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How We Make Uranium Mining Safer and More Eco-Friendly
August 27, 2024
https://williamsheriff.com/make-uranium-mining-safer-and-more-eco-friendly/
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Using Graphene Foam To Filter Uranium and Other Heavy Metals From Drinking Water
August 9, 2021
Some kinds of water pollution, such as algal blooms and plastics that foul rivers, lakes, and marine environments, lie in plain sight. But other contaminants are not so readily apparent, which makes their impact potentially more dangerous. Among these invisible substances is uranium. Leaching into water resources from mining operations, nuclear waste sites, or from natural subterranean deposits, the element can now be found flowing out of taps worldwide.
In the United States alone, “many areas are affected by uranium contamination, including the High Plains and Central Valley aquifers, which supply drinking water to 6 million people,” says Ahmed Sami Helal, a postdoc in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering. This contamination poses a near and present danger. “Even small concentrations are bad for human health,” says Ju Li, the Battelle Energy Alliance Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering and professor of materials science and engineering.
Now, a team led by Li has devised a highly efficient method for removing uranium from drinking water. Applying an electric charge to graphene oxide foam, the researchers can capture uranium in solution, which precipitates out as a condensed solid crystal. The foam may be reused up to seven times without losing its electrochemical properties. “Within hours, our process can purify a large quantity of drinking water below the EPA limit for uranium,” says Li.
A paper describing this work was published in last week’s Advanced Materials. The two first co-authors are Helal and Chao Wang, a postdoc at MIT during the study, who is now with the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Tongji University, Shanghai. Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory, Taiwan’s National Chiao Tung University, and the University of Tokyo also participated in the research. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (U.S. Department of Defense) funded later stages of this work.
Targeting the Contaminant
The project, launched three years ago, began as an effort to find better approaches to environmental cleanup of heavy metals from mining sites. To date, remediation methods for such metals as chromium, cadmium, arsenic, lead, mercury, radium, and uranium have proven limited and expensive. “These techniques are highly sensitive to organics in water, and are poor at separating out the heavy metal contaminants,” explains Helal. “So they involve long operation times, high capital costs, and at the end of extraction, generate more toxic sludge.”
To the team, uranium seemed a particularly attractive target. Field testing from the U.S. Geological Service and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed unhealthy levels of uranium moving into reservoirs and aquifers from natural rock sources in the northeastern United States, from ponds and pits storing old nuclear weapons and fuel in places like Hanford, Washington, and from mining activities located in many western states. This kind of contamination is prevalent in many other nations as well. An alarming number of these sites show uranium concentrations close to or above the EPA’s recommended ceiling of 30 parts per billion (ppb) — a level linked to kidney damage, cancer risk, and neurobehavioral changes in humans.
The critical challenge lay in finding a practical remediation process exclusively sensitive to uranium, capable of extracting it from solution without producing toxic residues. And while earlier research showed that electrically charged carbon fiber could filter uranium from water, the results were partial and imprecise.
Wang managed to crack these problems — based on her investigation of the behavior of graphene foam used for lithium-sulfur batteries. “The physical performance of this foam was unique because of its ability to attract certain chemical species to its surface,” she says. “I thought the ligands in graphene foam would work well with uranium.”
Simple, Efficient, and Clean
The team set to work transforming graphene foam into the equivalent of a uranium magnet. They learned that by sending an electric charge through the foam, splitting water and releasing hydrogen, they could increase the local pH and induce a chemical change that pulled uranium ions out of solution. The researchers found that the uranium would graft itself onto the foam’s surface, where it formed a never-before-seen crystalline uranium hydroxide. On reversal of the electric charge, the mineral, which resembles fish scales, slipped easily off the foam.
It took hundreds of tries to get the chemical composition and electrolysis just right. “We kept changing the functional chemical groups to get them to work correctly,” says Helal. “And the foam was initially quite fragile, tending to break into pieces, so we needed to make it stronger and more durable,” says Wang.
This uranium filtration process is simple, efficient, and clean, according to Li: “Each time it’s used, our foam can capture four times its own weight of uranium, and we can achieve an extraction capacity of 4,000 mg per gram, which is a major improvement over other methods,” he says. “We’ve also made a major breakthrough in reusability, because the foam can go through seven cycles without losing its extraction efficiency.” The graphene foam functions as well in seawater, where it reduces uranium concentrations from 3 parts per million to 19.9 ppb, showing that other ions in the brine do not interfere with filtration.
The team believes its low-cost, effective device could become a new kind of home water filter, fitting on faucets like those of commercial brands. “Some of these filters already have activated carbon, so maybe we could modify these, add low-voltage electricity to filter uranium,” says Li.
“The uranium extraction this device achieves is very impressive when compared to existing methods,” says Ho Jin Ryu, associate professor of nuclear and quantum engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. Ryu, who was not involved in the research, believes that the demonstration of graphene foam reusability is a “significant advance,” and that “the technology of local pH control to enhance uranium deposition will be impactful because the scientific principle can be applied more generally to heavy metal extraction from polluted water.”
The researchers have already begun investigating broader applications of their method. “There is a science to this, so we can modify our filters to be selective for other heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium,” says Li. He notes that radium is another significant danger for locales in the United States and elsewhere that lack resources for reliable drinking water infrastructure.
“In the future, instead of a passive water filter, we could be using a smart filter powered by clean electricity that turns on electrolytic action, which could extract multiple toxic metals, tell you when to regenerate the filter, and give you quality assurance about the water you’re drinking.”
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Encouraging minerals to capture troubling radionuclides
May 08, 2015
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Graphene, the finest filter
January 5, 2016
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-graphene-finest-filter.html#nRlv
Graphene
can simplify production of heavy water and help clean nuclear waste by
filtering different isotopes of hydrogen, University of Manchester
research indicates.
Writing in Science, a team led by Sir Andre
Geim demonstrated that using membranes made from graphene can act as a
sieve, separating protons – nuclei of hydrogen – from heavier nuclei of
hydrogen isotope deuterium.
The process could mean producing
heavy water for nuclear power plants could be ten times less energy
intensive, simpler and cheaper using graphene.
One of the
hydrogen isotopes, deuterium, is widely used in analytical and chemical
tracing technologies and, also, as heavy water required in thousands of
tons for operation of nuclear power stations.
The heaviest
isotope, tritium, is radioactive and needs to be safely removed as a
byproduct of electricity generation at nuclear fission plants. Future
nuclear technology is based on fusion of the two heavy isotopes.
The
current separation technologies for production of heavy water are
extremely energy intensive, and have presented a major scientific and
industrial problem. Now graphene promises do so efficiently.
Researchers
tested whether deuterons – nuclei of deuterium – can pass through
graphene and its sister material boron nitride. They fully expected
deuterons to easily pass through, as existing theory did not predict any
difference in permeation for both isotopes.
The researchers
were surprised to find that deuterons were not only effectively sieved
out by their one atom thick membranes, but were sieved with a high
separation efficiency.
The discovery makes monolayers of graphene
and boron nitride attractive as separation membranes to enrich mixtures
of deuterium and tritium.
Furthermore, the researchers showed
that the separation is fully scalable. Using chemical-vapor-deposited
(CVD) graphene, they built centimetre-sized devices to effectively pump
out hydrogen from a mixture of deuterium and hydrogen.
Dr Marcelo
Lozada-Hidalgo, University of Manchester postdoctoral researcher and
first author of the paper, said: "This is really the first membrane
shown to distinguish between subatomic particles, all at room
temperature.
"Now that we showed that it is a fully scalable technology, we hope it will quickly find its way to real applications."
Professor
Irina Grigorieva, who co-authored the research, said: "We were stunned
to see that a membrane can be used to separate subatomic particles.
"It
is a really simple set up. We hope to see applications of these filters
not only in analytical and chemical tracing technologies but also in
helping to clean nuclear waste from radioactive tritium."
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White Graphene: The One-Atom Wonder Driving Greener Energy and Faster Tech
13 January 2025
Researchers at the University of Surrey have made a breakthrough in understanding how Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN), a 2D material, grows and forms nanostructures on metal substrates. This discovery could lead to more efficient electronics, cleaner energy solutions, and environmentally friendly chemical manufacturing.
Known as “white graphene,” hBN is an ultra-thin material only one atom thick. It is highly durable, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, resisting chemical damage, and blocking electrical currents. These properties make hBN an essential material in advanced electronics, where it protects sensitive microchips and supports the development of faster, more efficient transistors.
The researchers have also demonstrated the creation of nanoporous hBN, a novel form of the material with tiny, structured voids. This unique structure enables selective absorption and advanced catalysis, significantly enhancing its potential for environmental applications. These include detecting and filtering pollutants, improving hydrogen storage, and serving as electrochemical catalysts for fuel cells in advanced energy systems.
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Halophilic archaea as tools for bioremediation technologies
29 June 2024
Microorganisms for bioremediation
Haloarchaea as promising tools for bioremediation
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00253-024-13241-z
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Arsenic removal approaches: A focus on chitosan biosorption to conserve the water sources
2021
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813021022029
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Microrobots clean up radioactive waste (w/video)
Oct 30, 2019
| (Nanowerk News) According to some experts, nuclear power holds great promise for meeting the world’s growing energy demands without generating greenhouse gases. But scientists need to find a way to remove radioactive isotopes, both from wastewater generated by nuclear power plants and from the environment in case of a spill. | |
| Now, researchers reporting in ACS Nano ("Radioactive Uranium Preconcentration via Self-Propelled Autonomous Microrobots Based on Metal-Organic Frameworks") have developed tiny, self-propelled robots that remove radioactive uranium from simulated wastewater. |
| The accidental release of radioactive waste, such as what occurred in the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear plant disasters, poses large threats to the environment, humans and wildlife. Scientists have developed materials to capture, separate, remove and recover radioactive uranium from water, but the materials have limitations. | |
| One of the most promising recent approaches is the use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) –– compounds that can trap specific substances, including radioactive uranium, within their porous structures. | |
| Martin Pumera and colleagues wanted to add a micromotor to a rod-shaped MOF called ZIF-8 to see if it could quickly clean up radioactive waste. | |
| To make their self-propelled microrobots, the researchers designed ZIF-8 rods with diameters about 1/15 that of a human hair. The researchers added iron atoms and iron oxide nanoparticles to stabilize the structures and make them magnetic, respectively. | |
| Catalytic platinum nanoparticles placed at one end of each rod converted hydrogen peroxide “fuel” in the water into oxygen bubbles, which propelled the microrobots at a speed of about 60 times their own length per second. In simulated radioactive wastewater, the microrobots removed 96% of the uranium in an hour. The team collected the uranium-loaded rods with a magnet and stripped off the uranium, allowing the tiny robots to be recycled. | |
| The self-propelled microrobots could someday help in the management and remediation of radioactive waste, the researchers say. |
https://scitechdaily.com/swarms-of-microrobots-quickly-clean-up-radioactive-waste-video/
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Many
have even mentioned about using genetically modified archaea
(bacteria), that could eat and digest uranium, including other toxic
waste. The bacteria could turn the toxic waste into a different
chemical structure, this structure may not be as toxic, or could biodegrade
properly. Some question if this type of bacteria could pose a threat to the environment.
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For uranium cleanup ... bacteria?
May 19, 2006
http://news.stanford.edu/news/2006/may24/criddle-052406.html
Bacteria are back
Bioremediation was used in the 1980s to clean
up toxic organics, mainly spills of fuels and solvents. Bacteria
basically ate the fuels—chomping down long-chain hydrocarbons—or they
"breathed" the solvents and created nontoxic forms.
"Microorganisms also 'breathe' metals like uranium, converting it
into a form that is immobile because it does not appreciably dissolve in
water," said Nyman, a doctoral student whose laboratory studies helped
to guide operations in the field. After microbes convert the uranium,
it's "just sitting there, like a rock," Criddle said. "In future
studies, we hope to see how stable we can make that 'rock.' Ideally, it
will remain in that form for thousands of years."
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Scientists develop material to remove radioactive contaminants from drinking water
April 13, 2011
A combination of forest byproducts and crustacean shells may be
the key to removing radioactive materials from drinking water,
researchers from North Carolina State University have found.
"As
we're currently seeing in Japan, one of the major health risks posed by
nuclear accidents is radioactive iodide that dissolves into drinking
water. Because it is chemically identical to non-radioactive iodide, the
human body cannot distinguish it – which is what allows it to
accumulate in the thyroid and eventually lead to cancer," says Dr. Joel
Pawlak, associate professor of forest biomaterials. "The material that
we've developed binds iodide in water and traps it, which can then be
properly disposed of without risk to humans or the environment."
http://phys.org/news/2011-04-scientists-material-radioactive-contaminants.html#nRlv
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Technique could set new course for extracting uranium from seawater
December 17, 2015
An ultra-high-resolution
technique used for the first time to study polymer fibers that trap
uranium in seawater may cause researchers to rethink the best methods to
harvest this potential fuel for nuclear reactors.
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-technique-uranium-seawater.html
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TiO2 Nanoparticles Simultaneously Remove Arsenic and Uranium from Groundwater
March 26, 2025
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) may offer a scalable, cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for water remediation.
____________________________________
Enhanced
uranium extraction from seawater using bifunctional-modified molecular
sieves with high selectivity and adsorption capacity
2025
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0011916424011792
____________________________________
Using Graphene Foam To Filter Uranium and Other Heavy Metals From Drinking Water
MIT-led research team fashions graphene foam into device that can extract uranium and other heavy metals from tap water.
https://scitechdaily.com/using-graphene-foam-to-filter-uranium-and-other-heavy-metals-from-drinking-water/
____________________________________
Some
people think that this technology could be useful to cleanup excess
uranium from water and ocean water.
We
even have the medical technology in order to treat radiation sickness. This technology could also become beneficial for cancer patients.
____________________________________
FDA ticks off first drug to treat radiation sickness after nuclear disasters
May 25, 2015
http://www.gizmag.com/fda-drug-radiation-nuclear/37671/
____________________________________
Metal foams could provide lightweight radiation shielding
- July 22, 2015
Radiation generally comes under the heading of "things you want to stay
away from," so it's no surprise that radiation shielding is a high
priority in many industries. However, current shielding is bulky and
heavy, so a North Carolina State University team is developing a new
lightweight shielding based on foam metals that can block X-rays, gamma rays, and neutron radiation, as well as withstanding high-energy impact collisions.
http://www.gizmag.com/metal-foam-lightweight-radiation-shielding/38515/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget
____________________________________
New Material Selenomelanin Offers Extreme Radiation Shielding
Aug 17, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I50EEKzrOd4
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Researchers awarded patent for tokamak device, would turn nuclear waste into fuel
September 13, 2012
University
of Texas at Austin physicists have been awarded a U.S. patent for an
invention that could someday be used to turn nuclear waste into fuel,
thus removing the most dangerous forms of waste from the fuel cycle.
The
researchers—Mike Kotschenreuther, Prashant Valanju and Swadesh Mahajan
of the College of Natural Sciences—have patented the concept for a novel
fusion-fission hybrid nuclear reactor that would use nuclear fusion and
fission together to incinerate nuclear waste. Fusion produces energy by
fusing atomic nuclei, and fission produces energy by splitting atomic
nuclei.
The process of burning the waste would also
produce energy. The researchers' goal is to eliminate 99 percent of the
most toxic transuranic waste from nuclear fission reactors.
"The
potential for this kind of technology is enormous," said Mahajan,
professor of physics. "Now that we have the patent, we hope this will
open up opportunities to engage with the research and development
community to further this potentially world-changing technology."
The
researchers' patent covers a tokamak device, which uses magnetic fields
to produce fusion reactions. The patented tokamak is surrounded by an
area that would house a nuclear waste fuel source and waste by-products
of the nuclear fuel cycle. The device is driven by a transformational
technology called the Super X Divertor.
The Super X
Divertor is a crucial technology that has the capacity to safely divert
the enormous amounts of heat out of the reactor core to keep the reactor
producing energy.
Toxic nuclear waste is stored at
sites around the U.S., and the need to store nuclear waste is widely
considered to be a major disadvantage associated with nuclear energy.
The
physicists' invention could someday drastically decrease the need for
any additional or expanded geological repositories, making nuclear power
cleaner and more viable.
The patented hybrid reactor is currently in a conceptual phase.
The
Super X Divertor, however, is being installed as the centerpiece of a
$40 million upgrade of the MAST tokamak in the United Kingdom. This
installation is a critical step forward in testing the Super X Divertor
experimentally. It is not covered by the U.S. patent but is the
technology invented by the University of Texas at Austin physicists.
http://phys.org/news/2012-09-awarded-patent-tokamak-device-nuclear.html#nRlv
____________________________________
Nuclear ‘Power Balls’ May Make Meltdowns a Thing of the Past
06.30.2020
Triso particles are an alien-looking fuel with built-in safety features that will power a new generation of high-temperature reactors.
https://www.wired.com/story/nuclear-power-balls-triso-fuel/?utm_source=pocket-newtab
____________________________________
The new, safer nuclear reactors that might help stop climate change
Feb 27. 2019
From sodium-cooled fission to advanced fusion, a fresh generation of projects hopes to rekindle trust in nuclear energy.
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612940/the-new-safer-nuclear-reactors-that-might-help-stop-climate-change/
____________________________________
Have Physicists Found the Key to Safer Nuclear Power?
Aug 2017
Unlike the uranium commonly used to power nuclear reactors, thorium salts are protected against meltdowns and can’t be weaponized.
https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/have-physicists-found-key-safer-nuclear-power-ncna796616
____________________________________
Chemical looping turns environmental waste into fuel
January 29, 2025
Turning environmental waste into useful chemical resources could solve many of the inevitable challenges of our growing amounts of discarded plastics, paper and food waste, according to new research.
In a significant breakthrough, researchers from The Ohio State University have developed a technology to transform materials like plastics and agricultural waste into syngas, a substance most often used to create chemicals and fuels like formaldehyde and methanol.
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-01-chemical-looping-environmental-fuel.html
____________________________________
Water filter with nanoscale channels selectively removes stubborn 'forever chemicals'
April 8, 2025
https://phys.org/news/2025-04-filter-nanoscale-channels-stubborn-chemicals.html
____________________________________
We have the technology to use good biopolymers and bioplastics.
We have the technology to make organic computing crystals for computers.
We can make non-toxic fibers, alloys, paints, dyes and lubricants.
We can make and grow our food to be non-toxic, and sustainable as well.
We could make all parts of a vehicle sustainable, this includes the energy used in a vehicle.
Some people question many of the practices used
in current mining techniques for mining metals, minerals and alloys. This is why
some people think that plant based materials, or different materials
such as silicone, could be more environmentally friendly for fibers. We need to properly recycle and reuse the metals, minerals and alloys that have already been mined and produced on the planet. However, there will always be a need for new scientific experiments with rare metals and minerals.
____________________________________
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Chapter 35: Adhesives
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Latest adhesive and sealant news
https://www.specialchem.com/adhesives/all-news
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Scientists stick materials together without using glue — just electricity
March 14, 2024
Researchers at the University of Maryland have devised a novel method of binding materials together without the need for traditional adhesives. Rather than glue, this technique harnesses the power of electricity. By applying a small voltage, the researchers showed it’s possible to securely join hard and soft objects together. This non-stick method has the added advantage of being completely reversible. By reversing the direction of the electron flow, the two objects are easily and immediately separated.
It's an electric twist to material bonding. Plus, it's completely reversible at the push of a button.
https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/material-bonding-electricity/
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Electroadhesion: The Magic of Making Materials Stick Without Glue
A novel electroadhesion process allows for the easy and reversible attachment of hydrogels to metals using electricity, effective on a variety of materials from food to metals.
How would you stick a slice of banana to a sheet of copper? Until a few months ago, you couldn’t. But a new discovery called “hard-soft electroadhesion” enables chemists to stick almost any hydrogel to almost any metal, using nothing but an electric current. And you can unstick the materials simply by reversing the current.
Recently reported in ACS Central Science, this astonishingly general phenomenon works with a wide variety of gels (including fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish) and conductors (including metals and graphite). Join our host George as he attempts to replicate electroadhesion in his basement and tries to discover what — if anything — this remarkable phenomenon shares with super glue.
https://scitechdaily.com/electroadhesion-the-magic-of-making-materials-stick-without-glue-video/
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Researchers Realize Rapid Synthesis of Gold Microsphere Array for Advanced Packaging
Nov 12, 2024
As electronic devices get smaller, it's becoming harder to achieve high-quality connections that are both reliable and safe from short circuits. Researchers developed the array-ACF (anisotropic conductive adhesives film) using metal-coated polymer microsphere arrays to make these connections years ago, but the bond between the metal and polymer could crack under pressure, affecting its performance.
Now, a collaborated team led by researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, enables efficient construction of gold microsphere array-based anisotropic conductive adhesives film (ACF) for advanced packaging.
The research findings were published in Nature Communications.
In their study, the researchers developed a new approach to fabricate pure gold microsphere arrays within one minute through a positioned self-assembly and laser-irradiated ripening strategy. This technique relies on a rapid layer-by-layer laser-induced melting and fusion process, effectively avoiding the anisotropic growth principle.
The fundamental advantage of this strategy lies on the formed size of gold microsphere determined by the initial templating microholes and precisely positioned within them. This not only facilitates precise control but also ensures compatibility with lithography techniques in the industry.
The technique is also flexible and can be used to create different kinds of microspheres, including alloy microspheres made from gold and other metals. When these microspheres are treated with laser, they fuse together smoothly, creating stable and durable materials.
Compared to commercial gold-plated microspheres, the pure gold microspheres are much more flexible and resistant to electrical problems under pressure. These gold microsphere arrays could help improve the bonding of micro-displays, like those used in μLED chips, which are key to creating high-resolution displays.
https://english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/phys/202411/t20241113_694177.shtml
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Inspired by Fly Feet: New Adhesive Structure Capable of Repeated Attachment and Detachment
Electron micrograph of the fly foot. The adhesive spatula-shaped setae (light-blue structures) allow the fly to attach itself to objects.
Recycle-compatible, environmentally friendly technology inspired by footpad formation mechanism during fly’s pupal metamorphosis.
NIMS, HUE, and HUSM have succeeded in developing a method of easily and cheaply producing an adhesive structure capable of repeated attachment and detachment. The design of this structure was inspired by the adhesive spatula-shaped hairs (setae) found on the footpads of flies, while the method of producing it was hinted at by seta formation in fly pupae. These environmentally sound technologies could potentially contribute to a more sustainable society.
Many types of manufactured products are reinforced with strong adhesives. However, the use of these adhesives hampers recycling processes (i.e., sorting and decomposition), countering efforts to promote a circular economy. For this reason, adhesive technologies capable of repeated attachment and detachment have been designed and developed. The biomimetic approach to the development of high-performance adhesive technologies seeks to imitate elaborate adhesive structures found in living organisms. However, this approach is frequently costly as it requires the use of MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) to create complex structures.
____________________________________
Spider Silk-Inspired Bio-Based Adhesive: Robust Adhesion Strength, Exceptional Flame Retardancy, and Full Recyclability
April 27, 2025
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsmaterialslett.5c00388
____________________________________
Weird Spider Hair Discovery May Inspire Powerful – Yet Reversible – Adhesives
Engineers Impressed by the Functional Great Diversity of Hairs on Spider Legs
Just how do spiders walk straight up — and even upside-down across — so many different types of surfaces? Answering this question could open up new opportunities for creating powerful, yet reversible, bioinspired adhesives. Scientists have been working to better understand spider feet for the past several decades. Now, a new study in Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering is the first to show that the characteristics of the hair-like structures that form the adhesive feet of one species — the wandering spider Cupiennius salei — are more variable than previously thought.
Different Types of Hair Work Together
Unexpectedly, each hair showed unique adhesive properties. When the team looked at the hairs under a powerful microscope, they also found that each one showed clearly different — and previously unrecognized — structural arrangements. The team believes that this variety may be key to how spiders can climb so many surface types.
This current work studied only a small number of the thousands of hairs on each foot, and it’s beyond the scope of existing resources to consider studying them all. But the team expects that not all of the hairs are unique, and that it might be possible to find clusters or repeating patterns instead.
Bioinspired Applications Possible
“Although it is still very difficult to fabricate nanostructures like those of the spider — and especially to achieve the stability and reliability of the natural materials — our findings can further optimize existing models for reversible and residue-free artificial adhesives,” says Schaber. “The principle of different shapes and alignments of adhesive contacts as found in the spider attachment system can improve the attachment ability of bioinspired materials to a broad range of substrates with different properties.”
https://scitechdaily.com/weird-spider-hair-discovery-may-inspire-powerful-yet-reversible-adhesives/
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Gecko-Inspired Controllable Adhesive: Structure, Fabrication, and Application
1 March 2024
https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/9/3/149
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Researchers explore biomimetic approach for making adhesives tougher
03/04/2020
A team from Purdue University takes inspiration from sea creatures to produce stronger adhesives with weaker bonds.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/researchers-explore-biomimetic-approach-for-making-adhesives-tougher
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Henkel, Synthomer partner to cut carbon emissions in adhesives
05/02/2025
Integration
of Synthomer Clima resins into Henkel Technomelt hot-melt adhesive
portfolio targets significant Scope 3 GHG emissions reductions for
electronics, automotive, comsumer and composites customers.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/henkel-synthomer-partner-to-cut-carbon-emissions-in-adhesives
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Joint venture strengthens Bostik instant engineering adhesives business
01/22/2021
Investment
in Crackless Monomer Co. accelerates development and production of
specialty cyanoacrylate monomers on an industrial scale.
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/joint-venture-strengthens-bostik-instant-engineering-adhesives-business-
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BioBond launches two plant-based HMAs for packaging applications
Aug 4, 2025
____________________________________
Henkel advances sustainable packaging with resource-efficient solutions
Aug 4, 2025
____________________________________
Fedrigoni introduces solvent-based acrylic adhesives for pharma labeling
Aug 5, 2025
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Evonik shifts epoxy curing agent plants to 100% green electricity
Aug 1, 2025
____________________________________
Making Natural Glue From Pine Resin
https://trailtrektribe.com/making-natural-glue-from-pine-resin/
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Some have even mentioned the use of genetically modified plants, bacteria and hydrogen that could act as solar energy harvesters. We have seen many unsafe experiments with genetically modified organisms. This includes the use of genetically modified organisms which can survive in outer space.
To continue this
discussion, view our book titled " 'Energy Science 101. - ( Pollution Science 101 )."
- http://EnergyScience101.blogspot.com ." We have taken some information from our energy science book and added the information to our Pollution Science 101 - Solutions book.
Here is a preview of the following subjects and chapters of the new book " 'Energy Science 101. - ( Pollution Science 101 )."
- http://EnergyScience101.blogspot.com ."
Chapter 1: Tesla
Chapter 2: CERN
Chapter 3: Antimatter
Chapter 4: Plasma energy
Chapter 5: Fusion
Chapter 6: Dark Energy
Chapter 7: Batteries & energy storage
Chapter 8: Magnetic energy
Chapter 9: Piezoelectric & mechanical energy
Chapter 10: Lazers
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The following blog was released in an emergency.
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TheInvestigations@Email.com
PollutionScience@Protonmail.com
