Tech & Engineering
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 2-Apr-2026 11:15 ET (2-Apr-2026 15:15 GMT/UTC)
Scientists say eco-friendly plastic plates can replace steel bars in concrete
University of SharjahScientists have successfully tested eco-friendly plastic plates as a potential replacement for the steel bars traditionally used to reinforce concrete. Their findings could help drive the development of more sustainable materials while enabling the mass production of innovative reinforcing shapes. The research also highlights that the performance of reinforced concrete depends not only on the material itself but also on the geometry of reinforcement.
- Journal
- Construction and Building Materials
Eco-friendly catalyst upgrade creates ultra-pure hydrogen peroxide on-demand
Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural UniversityA team of researchers has developed an environmentally benign method for producing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) that sidesteps the harsh chemicals and energy-intensive conditions of traditional industrial manufacturing. The current large-scale anthraquinone process is centralized and generates significant waste, while direct synthesis from hydrogen and oxygen carries explosion risks. This new electrochemical route, developed by scientists at Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Yangzhou University, and Sinopec Catalyst Co. Ltd., uses only oxygen and water at normal temperature and pressure, opening the door for safe, distributed production of this widely used chemical.
- Journal
- Carbon Research
- Funder
- National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, The Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, Innovation Fund of SINOPEC Catalyst Co. Ltd-State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering
Waste biomass transforms into powerful plant boosters: Tailoring artificial humic acids for enhanced carbon sequestration
Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural UniversityA global imperative exists to mitigate carbon emissions and foster sustainable environmental practices. Traditional methods for forming humic acids, vital for soil health, are time-intensive and geographically limited. Meanwhile, vast quantities of agricultural and algal waste biomass contribute to atmospheric carbon dioxide when left to decompose naturally. Scientists at Jiangnan University, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst have explored an innovative solution: converting these waste materials into artificial humic acids (AHA) through an environmentally conscious hydrothermal humification process, demonstrating their profound potential to enhance plant photosynthesis and facilitate a closed-loop carbon cycle.
- Journal
- Carbon Research
- Funder
- National Natural Science Foundation of China, Jiangsu Natural Science Foundation, Jiangsu Planned Projects for Postdoctoral Research Funds, Suzhou University of Science and Technology
Corn-derived biochar shows soil-specific success in detoxifying nanoparticle pollution
Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural UniversityA team of researchers from the University of Jinan has investigated a pressing environmental issue: the accumulation of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) in agricultural soils. With the global production of these nanoparticles projected to reach 1600 tons by 2025, their release into the environment poses a significant risk to crop health. The scientific team explored a sustainable solution by evaluating whether common agricultural waste, specifically corn straw and its pyrolytic biochar, could serve as effective soil amendments to reduce the toxicity of these nanoparticles for wheat seedlings. Their work provides critical insights into how the success of such remediation strategies is profoundly influenced by soil type.
- Journal
- Carbon Research
- Funder
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
Magnetic bio-sponge soaks up antibiotic pollution from waterways
Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural UniversityA team of researchers from China University of Mining and Technology and Hohai University has engineered a highly effective material to combat the growing environmental threat of antibiotic pollution. The excessive use of antibiotics has led to their accumulation in the water environment, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. To address this challenge, the scientists developed a magnetic composite adsorbent, NiFe2O4/biochar (NFO/BC), designed to efficiently capture and remove antibiotics from water. This new material combines the natural porosity of biochar with the magnetic properties of nickel ferrite, creating a potent and easily recoverable water purification agent.
- Journal
- Carbon Research
- Funder
- National Natural Science Foundation of China, Foundation of Science and Technology Project of Xuzhou City
A new recipe for pollution control: Scientists create high-efficiency catalyst by simply grinding
Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural UniversityEffectively tackling persistent environmental pollutants and rising carbon dioxide levels requires innovative and sustainable solutions. Scientists are increasingly turning to photocatalysis, a process where light-activated materials trigger chemical reactions to break down contaminants. A team of researchers led by scientists at Yangzhou University has now developed a highly efficient photocatalyst using a surprisingly simple, solvent-free, and energy-saving method.
- Journal
- Carbon Research
- Funder
- National Natural Science Foundation of China, Innovative Science and Technology Platform Project of Cooperation between Yangzhou City and Yangzhou University, China, Yangzhou University self-made experimental equipment special fund, Yangzhou University High-end Talent Support Program, “Qinglan Project” of Jiangsu University