Cleantech and Environmental News – Latest Headlines

Artificial photosynthesis gets big boost from new catalyst

Engineering system takes inspiration from plants to convert electrical energy to chemical energy at 64 percent efficiency, the highest yet reported for renewable carbon fuels.

November 20, 2017 Read more

Scientific advances can make it easier to recycle plastics

Researchers say emerging technologies could greatly reduce plastic waste.

November 17, 2017 Read more

A new way to store thermal energy

A new phase-change material provides a way to store heat in a stable chemical form, then release it later on demand using light as a trigger.

November 17, 2017 Read more

Scientists new 'supercatalyst' to recycle carbon dioxide and methane

Scientists have developed a new and cost-effective catalyst to recycle two of the main causes behind climate change - carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4).

November 17, 2017 Read more

10 Science must-knows on climate change

The document compiles the latest and most important knowledge in climate research, economics, and technology.

November 14, 2017 Read more

New routes to renewables: Speeding transformation of biofuel waste into wealth

Scientists have demonstrated faster, more efficient ways to turn discarded plant matter into chemicals worth billions. The team's findings could help transform the economics of making fuels and other products from domestically grown renewable sources.

November 10, 2017 Read more

Harvesting clean energy from hot pavements

This technology allows paved areas, such as freeways, airport runways and parking lots to generate electricity, which can be used in rural areas for powering signage and data collection systems independently of the electric grid.

November 7, 2017 Read more

Solar greenhouses generate electricity and grow healthy crops

Researchers have demonstrated that 'smart greenhouses' can capture solar energy for electricity without reducing plant growth.

November 4, 2017 Read more

Separating chemicals with magnets

A team of researchers are working to reduce the high energy costs of industrial chemical separation processes with a breakthrough separation technique that leverages membranes and magnets to purify chemical mixtures.

November 2, 2017 Read more

Researchers working to mimic giant clams to enhance the production of biofuel

Researchers are working together to create an artificial system that mimics the process by which giant clams convert sunlight into energy. The research may allow them to enhance the efficiency of biofuel production.

November 2, 2017 Read more

Integrated technologies to recover metal and plastic from electronic waste

Researchers have developed a new electronic waste recycling concept that combines a range of technologies and reduces waste.

November 2, 2017 Read more

Research aims to help renewable jet fuel take flight

Instead of petroleum, researchers want to power planes with corncobs and wood chips.

October 30, 2017 Read more

Robotics principles help wave energy converters better absorb power of ocean waves (w/video)

Compared to wind and solar energy, wave energy has remained relatively expensive and hard to capture, but engineers are working to change that by drawing inspiration from other industries.

October 30, 2017 Read more

Breaking through the sunlight-to-electricity conversion limit

In hybrid materials, 'hot' electrons live longer, producing electricity, not heat, in solar cells.

October 27, 2017 Read more

Tiny chip-based methane spectrometer could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions

New technology could be used to create an inexpensive sensor network that autonomously monitors for natural gas leaks.

October 26, 2017 Read more

New fractal-like concentrating solar power receivers are better at absorbing sunlight

Engineers have developed new fractal-like, concentrating solar power receivers for small- to medium-scale use that are up to 20 percent more effective at absorbing sunlight than current technology.

October 25, 2017 Read more

Among 'green' energy, hydropower is the most dangerous

Many governments are promoting a move away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources. However, in a study published today, scientists highlight some of the ecological dangers this wave of 'green' energy poses.

October 25, 2017 Read more

Fuel from diamonds?

Futuristic fuels could replace our current supplies, recycling what the latter?s combustion produces most: carbon dioxide. And synthetic diamond exposed to light may hold the key.

October 25, 2017 Read more