Material & Energy

GAC’s Groundbreaking Ammonia-Powered Engine: A Glimpse into the Future of Automotive Propulsion

Credit: carscoops.Chinese automaker GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) recently unveiled an innovative combustion engine that runs on liquid ammonia in collaboration with Toyota.This breakthrough explores an unconventional alternative to traditional fossil fuels, promising a more sustainable and environmentally friendly driving experience.The Ammonia-Powered EngineAt its annual technology showcase, GAC introduced a remarkable 2.0-liter engine designed to...

Discovering Ammonia’s Potential as a Fuel

An economic cycle of ammonia from production to utilization. Credit: Wiley Online Library.As the world strives to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and make the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, alternative fuels have been at the forefront of innovation. Among these alternatives, ammonia, a common industrial chemical, has been gaining attention...

Unlocking Uranium from Oceans: How Rare-Earth Metal Could Simplify and Economize Extraction

Uranium stone, a very radioactive element. Credit: RHJPhtotos/Istockphoto.Discovering uranium in 1789 initially led to its application as a colorant in pottery. However, over time, it has transitioned into a coveted resource, serving the nuclear energy industry and medical field. This transformation underscores its increasing importance and utility.Abundance and Detection AdvantageUranium, more abundant than gold,...

Trade Associations Encourage Exploration of Alternatives to Electric Vehicles

An unexpected alliance composed of 100 petroleum, ethanol, farm, and retail organizations has called on the Biden administration to reevaluate its proposed "tailpipe" rule, which aims to make electric vehicles (EVs) the dominant new car and pickup truck choice by 2032. This diverse group raised concerns about the rule's implications for gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles. It hinted...

Fluid Material Controls Light and Heat Passage in Windows

Scientists have developed a new type of dynamic window that can switch between three modes, selectively blocking light and/or heat. Credit: PixaobayWindows are essential for allowing both light and heat into a space, but there are situations where you may not want both simultaneously. Recently, engineers from North Carolina State University (NCSU) have created...

The Objective of Implementing Active Wind Turbine Control is to Reduce Bird Fatalities by 80%

Credit: PixaobayOne inconvenient reality faced by the clean energy sector, which appears to be a matter of significant concern for the fossil fuel industry, is the undeniable fact that wind turbines cause bird fatalities. Researchers suggest that more intelligent turbine designs could substantially reduce this impact.Quantifying the number of birds that collide with the...

Understanding Carbon Capture and Storage: Can It Effectively Reduce Emissions?

Credit: Unsplush.Carbon capture potential? The UK supports carbon capture projects for net zero goals and adds two more projects for negotiations without additional funding.Carbon capture potential? What does CCS Involve?Carbon capture and storage (CCS) consists of two primary categories. Point-source CCS captures CO2 emissions at the origin, like a smokestack, whereas direct air...

Enhanced Compostability for Sustainable Plastics

Scientists at Michigan State University's renowned School of Packaging have devised an innovative technique to enhance the biodegradability of a promising sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.Under the guidance of Rafael Auras, the team has created a compostable bio-based polymer blend suitable for both home and industrial composting. Their achievement is documented in ACS Sustainable...

Ethanol Sparks Nanosensor Revolution

Engineers at Macquarie University have introduced an innovative method to drastically reduce the carbon footprint, cost, and time associated with manufacturing nanosensors. This advancement enhances efficiency and adaptability in the trillion-dollar global nanosensor industry.The team's breakthrough involves using a mere droplet of ethanol to treat individual sensors, departing from the traditional high-temperature heating process....

5 Reasons to Halt Biomass Imports for Bioenergy

Incorrect way of using biomass for energy generation.Co-authored by Rita Frost, this post delves into the environmental impacts of biomass. Whether using wood or fossil fuels for energy, both contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbate climate change.The practice of importing biomass or fossil fuels for energy production has significant consequences for climate change...