fossil fuels Archives

CO₂ conversion for a circular carbon economy

Written by

Dr Gary Grim has been working on quantifying the feasibility of CO2 conversion.

A circular carbon economy – where carbon released from the Earth is captured and repurposed – is a promising concept, and CO2 conversion to sustainable products has been at the forefront of research. Dr Gary Grim at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, USA, has been working on quantifying the feasibility of CO2 conversion. He provides a detailed comparison of available […]

Antilope: A low-cost portable sensor system for air quality monitoring

Written by

Antilope is a low-cost portable sensor system for air quality monitoring

Monitoring air quality and assessing personal pollutant exposure in urban settings remain challenging tasks in atmospheric science. As part of this monitoring, low-cost sensors have become increasingly available. This allows makers to assemble their own air quality stations according to online instructions, and institutions to multiply the number of measurement points. However, most of these commercial devices suffer from limitations […]

Why we need to reassess the sustainability of aging populations

Written by

The rise of fossil fuels and with it mechanisation means that people now live much longer and healthier lives.

Modern societies have largely been able to grow and develop due to fossil fuels and monetary systems. However, with more aging populations around the world, questions are starting to be asked about the sustainability of this paradigm. Professor Kozo Torasan Mayumi of the Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics in Japan reassesses the double-edged nature of fossil fuels and […]

Technological leapfrogging the global energy crisis: How can changing the role of science in developing countries help with an oncoming climate catastrophe?

Written by

In 1975, the Brazilian government launched the National Alcohol Program (NAP) with the sole aim of relieving the country’s crushing dependence on fossil fuels with a move to cleaner ethyl-alcohol based fuels – and, thanks to researchers like Professor José Goldemberg, of the University of São Paulo, the program was an overwhelming success. Combining the country’s own natural resources with technological leapfrogging – […]

Cleaner pathways to chemical synthesis via new generation catalysts

Written by

Professor Keane’s work is directed at clean chemical production using bio-derived feedstock with a focus on alternative sources of hydrogen for reaction.

The synthesis and manufacture of chemicals, and chemical products, has typically relied on petroleum-based feedstocks. Even hydrogen, often hailed as a ‘clean fuel’ and an important component in many chemical reactions, is sourced from such feedstocks. However, Professor Mark Keane’s research at Heriot-Watt University is developing methods for clean chemical production from alternative, renewable feedstocks. To achieve this, he is designing and developing new […]

Fossilising fossil fuels with green alternatives

Written by

A science research article: Dr Jenkinson’s research focuses on using microbial engineering and synthetic biology techniques to utilise Clostridia microbial strains as biocatalysts. She and her team at Green Biologics aim to provide customers with more sustainable, green alternatives for everyday products such as paints, cosmetics and food ingredients.

Green Biologics are a renewable chemicals company who are not only changing the face of renewable chemicals, but are changing the world while they are at it. Dr Liz Jenkinson is one of the lead researchers at the company, and it is her work that is providing the answer to the question: is there an alternative to fossil fuels? Her […]