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Simple process transforms PET plastic into a nanomaterial for supercapacitors

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UC Riverside (UCR) engineers have developed a way to recycle PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic waste, such as soda or water bottles, into a nanomaterial useful for energy storage. Then, using an electrospinning process, they fabricated microscopic fibers from the polymer and carbonized the plastic threads in a furnace.

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BMW i Ventures invests in Natural Fiber Welding; plant-based leathers, yarns and foams

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MIRUM is made with natural, biodegradable polymers. Synthetic polyurethane-based leathers require around 5 kg carbon dioxide equivalent per kg of synthetic polymer produced. MIRUM requires no tanning and is made from natural polymers and materials (e.g., waste’ cork powder).

BMW 435
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REMONDIS and Neste partner to develop chemical recycling of plastic waste; targeting >200 kilotons/year

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Neste, the world’s leading provider of renewable diesel, renewable jet fuel, and an expert in delivering drop-in renewable chemical solutions, and REMONDIS, one of the world’s largest privately owned recycling, service and water companies, have signed an agreement to collaborate in the development of chemical recycling of plastic waste.

Waste 150
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Novomer demonstrates large-scale production of polypropylene using waste CO2

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has completed the first successful large-scale production of a polypropylene carbonate (PPC) polymer using waste CO 2 as a key raw material. The PPC polymer production run, conducted by Novomer in collaboration with specialty chemical manufacturer Albemarle Corporation, tested scale-up of Novomer’s novel catalyst technology.

Waste 220
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Twelve and LanzaTech successfully convert CO2 to ethanol

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It’s also often produced using corn and other crop feedstocks, but this approach is dependent on crops that otherwise could be used to grow food or waste feedstocks. Polypropylene is a major polymer used in key applications, including medical devices like syringes and IV bags, automotive, furniture, textiles, and other durable products.

Convert 324
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NSF announces $55M toward national research priorities; intersection of food, energy and water systems

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The National Science Foundation (NSF) has made 11 awards totaling $55 million aimed at building research capacity to develop new innovations at the intersection of food, energy and water systems and to address fundamental questions about the brain. Research at the nexus of food, energy and water. Lead organization. Description.

Water 150
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HyperSolar reaches 1.25 V for water-splitting with its self-contained low-cost photoelectrochemical nanosystem

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volts (V) of water-splitting voltage with its novel low-cost electrolysis technology. The theoretical minimum voltage needed to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen is 1.23 Nanosystem for water electrolysis. HyperSolar, Inc. announced that it had reached 1.25 V (at 25 °C at pH 0). Click to enlarge.

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