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Chemistry
From COâ‚‚ to acetaldehyde: new copper catalyst offers green alternative to fossil fuel-based processes
Copper cluster catalyst on activated carbon. Credit: Cedric Coolen (EPFL) Acetaldehyde is an important chemical used in the production of everything from perfume to plastics. Currently, its production relies primarily on the petrochemical ethylene. However, growing environmental concerns have pushed the chemical industry to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, and scientists have been searching for more environmentally friendly ways…
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Science
A short-lived soda tax strengthens alternative estimates of the tax’s impact on consumer behavior: a study
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain One of the most common assumptions made by tax policy makers is that increasing taxes will increase government revenue. But a new study focused on Washington state’s soda tax strengthens another estimate of the tax’s impact on consumer behavior. Researchers found that when Washington state enacted a soda tax, not only did it provoke a backlash…
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Science
Organosilicon chemistry offers an alternative to PFAS in the food and medical industry
Many medical products require hydrophobic coatings to prevent cell adhesion or to optimize sliding and frictional properties. Fraunhofer IFAM has developed a fluorine-free coating that mimics the properties of previously available fluoropolymers, as demonstrated by hydrophobic coatings on synthetic nonwovens. Credit: Fraunhofer IFAM Due to the unique properties of PFAS, few chemicals can compete with them. This is why it…
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Chemistry
Team synthesizes cost-effective and durable non-precious metal alloy as an alternative to iridium oxide anodes
Credit: Yoshikazu Ito Despite the growing importance of hydrogen as a future energy source, transporting gaseous hydrogen safely and on a large scale remains challenging. Researchers are exploring ways to transport hydrogen in the form of liquid methylcyclohexane (MCH) by reacting it with toluene. One such approach is organic hydride electrosynthesis. In this process, toluene is transferred from the cathode…
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Chemistry
Developing plasma-coated paper as a plastic alternative for the packaging industry
A plasma source is introduced near the surface of the paper. This image shows the direct interaction between plasma and paper. Credit: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft In recent years, the amount of plastic waste that is harmful to the environment has been increasing in Germany. Packaging generates particularly large amounts of waste. Plant-based coatings for paper packaging could be a sustainable alternative…
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