Conversion
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Chemistry
Corrosion-inducing electrodes increase biomass conversion efficiency
Corrosion-induced CoCUMW/CF electrodes for HMF to BHMF electrodes. Credit: Nimte The researchers have used metal corrosion to prepare high-performance electrodes, enabling efficient and cost-effective upgrades of bio-based 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Their research is published in Chemical Catalysts. Corrosion is a common phenomenon that can lead to material failure and economic losses. However, researchers are investigating the potential for beneficial applications, particularly…
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Nanotechnology
Quantum-inspired design improves heat-to-electricity conversion efficiency
Reactor used to test new heat emitters (left). Gururaj Naik (right). Credit: Gustavo Raskosky / Rice University Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new way to improve a key element of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems, which convert heat to electricity through light. Using an unconventional approach inspired by quantum physics, Rice engineer Gururaj Naik and his team designed a thermal…
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Chemistry
Conversion of marine waste and carbonated water into hydrogels by CO₂ emission behavior
Carbon dioxide creates the acidic environment necessary for calcium ions to bind alginate chains and form a hydrogel. However, the rapid release of CO2 after gelation limits the availability of calcium ions and reduces the cross-linking of alginate chains. Credit: Reprinted from Teshima et al. With permission from the Royal Society of Chemistry Hydrogels are soft materials made of cross-linked…
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