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Ammonia-salt solvent pretreatment for biomass could significantly reduce cost of cellulosic biofuels

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Similar processes could greatly reduce the cost of producing biofuels from waste biomass like corn stalks and leaves. Image: Shih-Hsien Liu/ORNL and Shishir Chundawat/Rutgers University–New Brunswick. The ammonia-salt based solvent system quickens the conversion of cellulose into sugars using enzymes.

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Highly efficient and stable Ru-free catalyst for hydrogen generation from ammonia

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Now, a team from the University at Buffalo, Southern Illinois University, University of South Carolina and Brookhaven National Laboratory reports a highly active and stable Ru-free catalyst from earth-abundant elements for efficient carbon-free hydrogen generation via ammonia decomposition. Tabassum et al. —Tabassum et al.

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DOE selects 7 gasification projects for funding; focus on reducing cost of coal conversion

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The projects conducted through this program are geared toward reducing the cost of coal conversion and mitigating the environmental impacts of fossil-fueled power generation. Montana State University. DOE: $650,000 Non DOE: $162,500 Total: $812,500 (20% cost share). The Pennsylvania State University. Description.

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U of I study: synthetic fuels via CO2 conversion and FT not currently economically & environmentally competitive

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A study by a team at University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign has found that, with currently achievable performance levels, synthetic fuels produced via the electrochemical reduction of CO 2 and the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process system are not economically and environmentally competitive with using petroleum-based fuel. 6b00665.

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Lux Research: cost of electrofuels remains far from viable

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Production costs per barrel of oil equivalent. The cost of electrofuels—fuels produced by catalyst-based systems for light capture, water electrolysis, and catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide and hydrogen to liquid fuels—remains far away from viable, according to a new analysis by Lux Research. Click to enlarge.

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University of Houston team demonstrates new efficient solar water-splitting catalyst for hydrogen production

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Researchers from the University of Houston (UH) have developed a cobalt(II) oxide (CoO) nanocrystalline catalyst that can carry out overall water splitting with a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of around 5%. Even with an improved solar-to-hydrogen efficiency rate of around 5%, the conversion rate is still too low to be commercially viable.

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SoCalGas, partners developing technology to make carbon fiber during hydrogen production from methane; reducing the cost of H2 and cutting GHG

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The technology commercialization team includes SoCalGas, C4, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and West Virginia University (WVU). The new catalyst and technique will be further developed and evaluated at both West Virginia University and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.