In Austria, TU Wien researchers recognised the potential of MOCHAs— organometallic chalcogenolate compounds— as catalysts and conducted experiments with them for the first time. However, they were faced with some problems: Previous synthesis methods only yielded small amounts of product and required a lot of time. Initial tests showed that the catalytic performance of MOCHAs […]
In Brazil, a group of researchers at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil have grown microalgae under controlled conditions in a laboratory in order to use their metabolites, especially lipids, with the prime purpose of producing biofuel. The study is reported in an article published in the journal Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. The […]
In Morocco, OCP Group, Shell and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) have signed a collaboration agreement to develop a pilot project to assess the feasibility of large-scale production of low-carbon ammonia using hydrogen produced from renewable energy. Simulating renewable energy as a power source, the pilot project will include a small facility that creates hydrogen […]
In Saudi Arabia, a key ingredient in the manufacture of car tires and sneaker soles could be made sustainably, following new analysis of an old catalytic process. Butadiene, an essential component of synthetic rubber, is currently produced by the petrochemical industry from fossil reserves. But it could be efficiently made in a one-step reaction from […]
In Australia, Murdoch University said its Harry Butler Institute (HBI) will collaborate with Perth-based Paradigm Fuels to create sustainable biofuel from microalgae. Murdoch University said that Paradigm has developed a novel, patent-pending technology that can produce commercially viable, carbon-neutral renewable diesel. Professor Navid Moheimani from HBI’s Center for Water, Energy and Waste, said: “Climate change […]
In Germany, a new, environmentally friendly and cost-saving process for the production of carbon fibers from lignin has been developed at the German Institute for Textiles and Fiber Research (DIFT). It is characterized by high energy saving potential, the avoidance of solvents and the use of natural raw materials make the process environmentally friendly. On […]
In Pennsylvania, as the world searches for ways to reduce the use of plastics such as single-use plastic bags, a novel study by Penn State researchers demonstrates a process to make paper bags stronger — especially when they get wet — to make them a more viable alternative. The study suggests a process for creating […]
In India, the Hindu newspaper reports Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, together with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, have developed a new sugarcane variety called punnagai that is seeing high demand for its first planting season next year. The variety doesn’t flower and can see yields of 160 metric tons […]
In Japan, the research team of Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT) has designed and developed a novel recycling process for producing biomass-derived chemicals by reusing the by-products of the target product. In this study, the research team demonstrated a self-sustaining process that minimizes the usage of external utilities in the chemical process by […]
In Sweden, Chalmers University of Technology said that a group of researchers have developed a new method that can easily purify contaminated water using a cellulose-based material. Chalmers said that this discovery could have implications for countries with poor water treatment technologies and combat the widespread problem of toxic dye discharge from the textile industry. […]
