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Global News

New Research Converts Waste Carbon Dioxide Into Carbon-Free Fuel!

In a new study, researchers at the University of Auckland have developed a method to convert waste carbon dioxide into a precursor for carbon-free fuel for use in various applications. This groundbreaking research paves the way for carbon-neutral technologies and a sustainable future. The team led by Dr. Ziyun Wang from the School of Chemical Sciences, along with their Chinese colleagues, used a combination of computational chemistry and electrochemical experiments to demonstrate a method for turning CO2 into formic acid. One of the 21st century’s major challenges is mitigating the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO2). One possible way to achieve this is to convert CO2 into useful chemicals that can be used as fuels, feedstocks, or materials. The Methodology ~  Electrolysis (defined as a process of decomposing ionic compounds into their elements by passing a direct electric current through the compound in a fluid form) has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful chemicals, which could contribute to a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future. However, this process is quite challenging to develop into a robust and efficient system, as it typically requires alkaline conditions that limit carbon utilization. While some strategies, such as physical washing and pulsed operation, can help mitigate these problems, they have yet to fully resolve them. They used a catalyst made from waste lead-acid batteries, which enabled a transformation that was not previously possible with existing catalysts. Formic acid is a colorless and pungent liquid with the potential as a transportation fuel for storing electrical energy and for reducing CO2 emissions in the petrochemical industry. With carbon dioxide emissions being a major contributor to global warming, scientists are exploring various options for capturing and storing CO2, repurposing it, and transitioning to a carbon-free economy. “This innovation opens up exciting possibilities for carbon-neutral technologies,” he says. “In the future, cars and gas stations could be using repurposed carbon dioxide.” The innovative method employs a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, a device that effectively converts CO2 for over 5,000 hours. In a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, carbon dioxide is fed into an electrochemical cell and transformed into formic acid, similar to charging a battery. Scientists have calculated that the process can be scaled up for industrial use in a cost-effective manner. With possible applications in cars, gas stations, and the petrochemical industry, this technology could potentially help in the transition toward a carbon-free economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.''The biggest challenge now is finding the financial support to further explore our technology’s possibilities,” says Wang. CO2 Is A Precious Resource ~ The hard work of the team, which includes research fellow Dr. Yu Mao and two PhD students, Chengyi Zhang and Ruihu Lu, is what made this experiment successful. Their combined efforts have advanced the idea of turning waste CO2 into a useful resource. These kinds of scientific discoveries give promise for a sustainable future as the need to address climate change on a global scale becomes more pressing. The University of Auckland's efforts in this area using fuel that is carbon neutral are a big step in the right direction toward being carbon neutral and lessening the effects of greenhouse gas emissions!

23 Feb 2024
Global News

Good News

Underwater Volcanoes: Earth's Secret Weapon Against Climate Change?

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that underwater volcanic rocks could be the key to capturing gigatons of carbon and reducing the impact of climate change. Researchers at the University of Southampton have discovered that seafloor basalts, also known as underwater volcanic rocks, have the ability to react with carbon dioxide in seawater and transform it into a solid mineral. This process, known as mineral carbonation, can help to lock away carbon dioxide for millions of years, essentially removing it from the atmosphere. Scientists estimate that there are over 100,000 square kilometers of seafloor basalts in the world's oceans, which could potentially capture up to 4 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. This is equivalent to the annual emissions from the entire transportation sector. This discovery could provide a cost-effective solution for capturing carbon dioxide and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The process of capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere has historically been expensive and inefficient, but this new approach using seafloor basalts could offer a more sustainable solution. Additionally, the captured carbon could potentially be used in the production of building materials, offering further benefits. While further research is necessary to fully understand the potential of seafloor basalts as a carbon capture solution, this study offers hope in the fight against climate change. As the world continues to search for sustainable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this discovery could be a significant step forward.

27 May 2023
Good News

Greenhouse Gas Game Changer: Methane Found to Have Surprising Cooling Effect on the Planet

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has long been a cause for concern among climate scientists. However, a recent study has found that methane may actually have a cooling effect on the planet, offsetting up to 30% of the warming caused by other greenhouse gases. Scientists at the University of California-Riverside have now found that methane also absorbs short-wave energy, which, through the creation of cooling clouds, actually cancels 30% of its own heat (the heat that gas has created in the greenhouse effect). While methane is still a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the study suggests that it may be less harmful to the environment than previously thought. The findings could have important implications for climate policy, as they suggest that efforts to reduce methane emissions may be less urgent than efforts to reduce other greenhouse gases. The study also highlights the complex and interconnected nature of climate change and the need for a holistic approach to addressing the issue. While efforts to reduce carbon emissions remain crucial, the study suggests that we must also consider the impact of other greenhouse gases on the planet. By continuing to explore, we can work towards more effective and sustainable solutions to the global climate crisis.

29 Mar 2023
Good News

A Revolutionary Step: Indian Researchers Offer Solutions for Global Warming and Plastic Pollution Problem

  A system that potentially addresses two of the major environmental issues, greenhouse gases and plastic waste, was created by two Indian researchers at Cambridge University. The researchers, Motiar Rahaman and Subhajit Bhattacharjee developed a reactor that transformed greenhouse gases and plastic waste into sustainable fuels and other useful goods. Their study was published in the journal, Nature Synthesis. The researchers' solar-powered reactor makes use of a perovskite-based light absorber, which is seen as a less expensive alternative to silicon for solar cell production. According to NDTV, co-author of the study Rahaman highlighted that by converting carbon dioxide and plastic trash, the reactor can help manufacture goods like syngas, formic acid, and glycolic acid. Formic acid is utilized in the production of leather and textiles, whereas syngas is used to create liquid fuels. Glycolic acid, on the other hand, is used in the pharmaceutical industry.  Global warming and climate change are brought on by greenhouse gases. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, disasters caused by climate change already cause developing countries to experience three times more economic losses than affluent countries. Therefore, this breakthrough innovation that converts harmful greenhouse gases into sustainable fuels is indeed a groundbreaking one.

25 Jan 2023
Good News

This Path Breaking Project in Hyderabad Is Recognized As India’s Most Innovative Environmental Project

Landfills are always an eyesore and something good coming out of it is unimaginable. However, India's largest Landfill Gas to Compressed Biogas Plant has come up at  Hyderabad Integrated Municipal Solid Waste (HiMSW) site and this is a remarkable achievement, unprecedented in the world. This large-scale Landfill Gas to CBG project, which is the first of its kind, has been recognized as the most innovative environmental project. This ground-breaking project  will accelerate not only India's sustainable waste management journey but also the greening of the Indian automotive sector. One of the largest municipal trash landfills in India was successfully converted into a significant source of sustainable energy and eco-friendly vehicle fuel, which is a remarkable example of circular economy innovation at scale. The project was undertaken under the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme launched by the Government of India in 2018.The compressed biogas is sold to Bhagyanagar Gas Limited through its retail locations in Hyderabad.

17 Nov 2022
Good News

Good News As Coral Reefs Are Making a Comeback on India’s East Coast

Good news as coral reefs are making a comeback on India’s east coast Scientists are surprised to find that the damaged coral reefs have sprung back to life again Coral reefs are said to contain the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Apart from providing shelter to a variety of marine organisms, they also protect coastlines from wave actions and tropical storms. It is no wonder then, that scientists studying corals on the east coast of India were pleasantly surprised to see that the corals which had been damaged earlier have made a robust comeback. While studies have shown that corals on the west coast of India in the Gulf of Kutch are bleaching away due to warmer waters, nearly all damaged corals in Palk Bay on the east coast have recovered while 85 per cent of corals has regenerated in the Gulf of Mannar. Why Do Corals Bleach? Corals get damaged or bleached due to the increase in global surface temperature caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Unesco has made a grave prediction that if greenhouse gases continue at the current rate, then coral reefs in all 29 reef-containing World Heritage sites will cease to exist. Therefore, scientists are elated by the near-total recovery of the coral reefs on the east coast. How Corals Made A Comeback According to scientists, a drop in seawater temperatures is responsible for the revival of coral reefs. Corals survive in temperatures between 23 degree Celsius to 29 degree Celsius. Although sea surface temperatures had peaked earlier this year, they dropped to 29 -30 degree Celsius triggering the quick recovery of coral reefs. Coral Reef springing back to life is very good news as it is an indicator of the health of the sea and oceans and protects our coastlines.

17 Sep 2019
Good News

Positive Reads

Few Important Things You Promptly Need to Do to Reverse the Climate Emergency

This year, Delhi pollution levels had reached such hazardous levels that schools had to be shut. People had to resort to masks before venturing out of their houses. If we do not take urgent steps today to live responsibly with regard to our environment, we can predict a bleak future for us and the next generation. Here are a few things that we must abide by to stop further damage and gradually reverse the ill effects of climate change. End Destruction of nature When we are clearing forests in the name of development we must realize that we are akin to the woodcutter who is cutting the branch on which he is sitting. When we destroy nature, we are on the way towards our own destruction as trees are the lungs of the place we dwell in providing the necessary oxygen for our survival. Trees also take in carbon dioxide, thus purifying the air we breathe. So it is imperative now to plant as many trees as possible and to reverse the damage. Become energy efficient The utilization of non-renewable resources like coal and fossil fuels impacts the environment as carbon dioxide is produced when coal combusts in power stations. Carbon taxes can be imposed to cut fossil fuel use. Renewable sources of energy like wind energy, solar energy need to be harnessed in efficient ways. We can begin with saving electricity in our homes by switching off fans and lights when not in use and switching over to energy-efficient appliances. Eat less meat When animals are raised for their meat, precious water and soil are lost and trees are cut to make land for grazing. Globally, cattle farming is proved to contribute more greenhouse gases than the world’s transportation system combined. Therefore, it is advisable to adopt a plant-based diet. Stabilize global population It is said that we have consumed more resources in the last fifty years than the whole of humanity before us. Therefore, it is high time we mend our ways and make family planning decisions in a responsible manner. An increase in population leads to increased pressure on water, energy and food. It also means an increase in pollution from additional cars, heaters, air conditioners and other modern luxuries. We have only one planet but we took it for granted. Now, the time has come when even small changes make a big impact. So make the right choices and decisions to make a positive impact for a healthy planet.

19 Nov 2019
Positive Reads

Global Inspirations

Scientists Are Excited About This New Technique of Growing Crops in Drought Areas

Researchers of a UK based company have come up with an ingenious way of growing healthy produce in dry desert climates. Just by using saltwater and cardboard the company, Seawater Greenhouse has discovered a drought-proof way to grow farm fruits and vegetables. We have heard of glass greenhouses that maintain the temperature and humidity of gardens. In the novel technique, cardboard structures use ‘evaporate cooling’ to keep the plantations moist and cool even in a desert. How ‘Cool Houses’ Work The cool houses comprise of corrugated cardboard panels. A small solar-powered pump dispenses seawater at the top of the panels so that it can trickle down through the walls of the cardboard for evaporation. This helps to cool down the wind coming from outside and the plants get the required temperature and humidity to thrive and render healthy produce.  New Projects Founder of Seawater Greenhouse, Charlie Paton said that the “evaporative cooling” technique creates the perfect conditions for farming produce in drought-stricken regions. It successfully implemented this project in Somaliland that now produces about 300 to 750 tonnes of tomatoes per year. The company intends to launch more such projects in drought-prone regions of the world. Such innovative techniques of farming will be of great use for our country as places like Marathwada and parts of Rajasthan are struck by severe droughts year after year. Image Source: Good News Network

8 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

Smart Solar Greenhouses To Produce Renewable Electricity

In a groundbreaking development, scientists from the University of California have developed ‘smart’ greenhouses that can produce renewable energy without affecting the growth of plants. Researchers said that the first crops of tomatoes and cucumbers grown inside electricity-generating solar greenhouses were as healthy as those raised in conventional greenhouses. The new technology, Wavelength-Selective Photovoltaic Systems (WSPVs) generates electricity more efficiently and at less cost than traditional photovoltaic systems. These greenhouses are outfitted with transparent roof panels embedded with a bright magenta luminescent dye that absorbs light and transfers energy to narrow photovoltaic strips, where electricity is produced. WSPVs absorb some of the blue and green wavelengths of light but let the rest through, allowing the plants to grow. The technology was developed by coauthors Sue Carter and Glenn Alers, both professors of physics at UC Santa Cruz. The team monitored photosynthesis and fruit production across 20 varieties of plants grown in magenta glasshouses. They found that eighty percent of the plants weren’t affected, while 20 percent actually grew better under the magenta windows. Michael Loik, from University of California (UC), said that this is an exciting development. He said that if greenhouses generate electricity on site, that reduces the need for an outside source, which helps lower greenhouse gas emissions even more.

7 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

Inflatable greenhouse will help astronauts to grow food in space

NASA scientists have come up with an inflatable greenhouse where astronauts can grow fresh food as well as produce oxygen. Astronauts have successfully grown plants and vegetables aboard the International Space Station (ISS), but NASA  has gone a step further and designed an inflatable, deployable greenhouse to support plant and crop production for nutrition, air revitalisation, water recycling and waste recycling, which will help pioneers working in deep space. As plants use up carbon dioxide to provide food and oxygen, Ray Wheeler, lead scientist at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida felt that the carbon dioxide exhaled by the astronauts can be introduced into the greenhouse, and the plants there can use it to generate oxygen through photosynthesis. As far as the water cycle is concerned, water that is found at the lunar or Martian landing site is oxygenated, given nutrient salts, and it continuously flows across the root zone of the plants and returned to the storage system. Tests are also being conducted at the Prototype Lunar Greenhouse at the University of Arizona in the US to determine what plants, seeds or other materials should be taken along to make the system work on the Moon or Mars. It is very important to learn what to take and what to gather for living on distant locations. Sadler Machine Company, one of the project partners is developing the prototypes which are cylindrical, 18 feet long and more than 8 feet in diameter. The greenhouse units would likely be buried under surface soil or regolith in order to protect it from radiation in space. Therefore, according to NASA, it will require specialised lighting.

7 May 2017
Global Inspirations

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