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MIT researchers significantly increase lifetimes of solid oxide fuel cells by changing pH

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MIT researchers have found that changing the pH of the system can increase the lifetimes of a range of technologies including fuel cells. Fuel and electrolysis cells made of solid metal oxides are of interest for several reasons. An open-access paper on their work is published in the RSC journal Energy & Environmental Science.

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MIT researchers propose mechanism for overcoming bottleneck in electroreduction of CO2

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Researchers at MIT have identified , quantified, and modeled a major reason for the poor performance of electroreduction processes to convert CO 2 to fuel or other useful chemicals. The findings could spur progress on developing a variety of materials and designs for electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion systems.

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NREL, MIT, WSU team develops process to convert lignin to aromatic blendstock for 100% sustainable aviation fuel

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Although electrification has shown promise toward reducing the carbon footprint of passenger vehicles, aviation remains dependent on hydrocarbon fuels due to their high energy density relative to even the most advanced battery technologies available today. Instead, SAF blendstocks are combined with conventional hydrocarbon fuels.

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MIT study finds stiffer roadways could improve truck fuel efficiency

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The weight of heavy-duty trucks as they drive causes a slight deflection in the road surface under them—enough of a dip to make a difference to the trucks’ overall fuel efficiency (deflection-induced pavement-vehicle interaction). Potential Contribution of Deflection-Induced Fuel Consumption to US Greenhouse Gas Emissions.”

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ExxonMobil expands participation in MIT Energy Initiative’s low-carbon research; Mobility of Future study

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ExxonMobil said extended its support of the MIT Energy Initiative’s (MITEI) low-carbon energy research and education mission by renewing its status as a founding member for another five years. With its renewed membership, ExxonMobil will expand its participation in MITEI’s Low-Carbon Energy Centers.

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MIT Looks Ahead to Hydrogen’s Aviation Future

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So while researchers and companies large and small invest in the zero-carbon future of the field, others are beginning to study what supplies and infrastructure on the ground would also be needed to make hydrogen aviation a reality. Hydrogen, Hansman adds, is extremely flammable, which means fuel lines would need to be cleared.

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MIT researchers modify soil bacterium for biosynthesis of isobutanol using carbon

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Researchers at MIT have modified the soil bacterium Ralstonia eutropha to produce isobutanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol (branched-chain higher alcohols). These branched-chain higher alcohols can directly substitute for fossil-based fuels and be employed within the current infrastructure. Earlier post.)

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