CQDots in focus
This book delves into the realm of carbon-based nanomaterials with a focus on the rather exotic species known as carbon quantum dots (CQDots).
Stuck monkey syndrome
James Hamilton-Patterson describes our dilemma with the metaphor of the stuck monkey. Hunters allegedly used a banana in an immobilised glass jar as a trap to catch monkeys – once the monkey has grasped the banana inside the jar, it can’t pull out its hand and remains stuck. We, as a global civilisation, can’t let go of the juicy rewards of our economic development, so we are stuck very much the same way as that monkey.
Cambridge scientists convert CO2 and plastic into fuels
In the UK, University of Cambridge researchers have developed a solar-powered reactor that captures carbon dioxide from the air or industrial emissions and converts it into sustainable fuels. The system also turns plastic waste into another valuable chemical product.
Concrete revolution: how the world's most consumed material is tackling its emissions
Concrete is one of the world’s most consumed materials – second only to water. But production of the binding cement is a major emitter of CO2. So how can emissions be curbed? Maria Burke reports.
Paying the price for healthy living
How much is the average individual prepared to pay to meet, and hopefully overcome, the current environmental challenges that include plastic pollution, air and water quality, and of course climate change?
Superbug antibiotic unlocked by AI
Artificial intelligence has been used to screen almost 7000 chemical compounds, identifying a potent and novel class of antibiotics capable of killing one of the most problematic superbugs. The researchers focused on a hospital-acquired bacterial pathogen that causes meningitis, pneumonia and blood infections and which is often resistant to many current antibiotics.
Cleaning up laundry: the promise and challenges of eco-friendly detergents
Traditional laundry detergents have a bad reputation when it comes to the environment. Could a range of new ‘sustainable’ products be the answer? Jasmin Fox-Skelly reports.
Second wave for graphene – is the wonder material finally arriving?
Graphene was first isolated at the University of Manchester, UK, in 2004, where it was heralded as the next ‘wonder material’. With very high thermal and electrical conductivity, electron mobility and tensile strength in its portfolio of excellent material properties, graphene made headlines as a material that could revolutionise everything from computing to construction.