Professor Zaifa Shi's team at Xiamen University developed an ultra-high temperature flash vacuum pyrolysis (UT-FVP) device to form giant fullerenes from single-carbon molecules within a short time (15 s) at extremely high temperatures (∽3000 ℃). Due to the strong intermolecular forces between giant fullerene molecules and soot, traditional ultrasonic or Soxhlet extraction methods cannot separate most giant fullerenes from soot in toluene. To overcome these strong intermolecular forces, two separation techniques—mechanical grinding and sublimation—were optimized to separate the giant fullerenes from the pyrolysis products, and laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LDI-TOFMS) was used for comprehensive and thorough detection. These methods extended the mass distribution of synthesized giant fullerenes to 2760 Da (greater than C₂₃₀). Notably, the separation technology can also recover giant fullerenes that have long been neglected due to incomplete separation in flame and arc discharge methods. This separation strategy has broad applicability in the synthesis of giant fullerenes, providing a new perspective for the synthesis and utilization of these carbon materials. The article was published as an open access research article in CCS Chemistry, the flagship journal of the Chinese Chemical Society.

The increase of UPFs in diets worldwide presents an urgent challenge to health that demands coordinated policies and advocacy action to address, says a new three paper Series authored by 43 global experts and published in The Lancet. The Series exposes the tactics UPF companies use to drive consumption and prevent effective policy. It outlines a roadmap for change towards impactful government regulation, community mobilisation, and accessible and affordable healthier diets.

Researchers from Zhengzhou University have released the most comprehensive review to date on the rapidly expanding field of element doped biochar. The study explains how simple biowaste can be transformed into powerful engineered materials with exceptional performance in pollution control, energy storage, soil improvement and industrial catalysis. The findings highlight the growing importance of advanced carbon materials in global efforts to address environmental and energy related challenges.

Pikas, small mammals that are closely related to rabbits, often greet hikers in the Rocky Mountains with loud squeaks. A new study finds hints that warming temperatures may already be taking a toll on pikas living in one habitat in Colorado.

Designed for Honour Ranch, a retreat near Ashcroft, BC, Canada, that supports veterans and first responders, EcoHaven combines wildfire-resistant materials, net-zero energy systems and affordability suited to rural communities.