Collections
Sustainability
In this collection we explore sustainable solutions for addressing global challenges, covering interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability, including renewable energy sources, green chemistry, reducing waste and emissions, circular economy principles, and solutions for a low carbon and net zero future.
Sustainable labs
The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Sustainable laboratories report uncovers what chemists are already doing to reduce the environmental footprint of their research, while at the same time continuing to deliver the ground-breaking discoveries and innovation that make the world a better place. This report shares the barriers and trade-offs they face in making sustainability-related changes, and the many opportunities for collaboration and other positive action.
The Royal Society of Chemistry also curated a special collection of research from its journals that showcases some of the innovative approaches to reduce the environmental impact of research, from solvent selection guides to machine learning approaches and more.
The labs pointing to a greener future for Africa
Tackling climate is not just a job for scientists in more developed countries. Munyaradzi Makoni talks to researchers in Kenya and South Africa to find out more
The RSC’s climate challenge
The Royal Society of Chemistry aims to use Cop26 as a springboard to a more sustainable future. Rachel Brazil reports
Sustainable lab buildings
After a decade of grassroots growth, the laboratory sustainability movement is bursting into the mainstream finds James Mitchell Crow
It's even cheaper being green
Reducing the environmental impact of your lab can save money as well as water and fuel. Phillip Broadwith reports
Making strides in sustainable laboratories: Examples of recent initiatives
Innovating for the future of sustainable labs
Chemists want help to cut the environmental footprint of their labs
Setting the standard for calculating indirect emissions
Labs’ carbon footprint under scrutiny as tool calculates impact of buildings and scientists
Majority of top chemicals on market deemed environmentally unsustainable by new metric
Green chemistry
News
Stringent regulations on dichloromethane are forcing US labs to rethink use of common solvent
As broad ban on DCM is finalised, US labs have either abandoned the chemical or readied themselves for exposure monitoring in November
Research
Modified nitrile rubber gets new lease of life as carbon capture material
Two teams are exploring scaling up processes that could tackle the 800,000 tonnes of glove waste created every year
Research
Sunlight-driven process upcycles polystyrene waste and elemental sulfur into valuable organic compounds
Products could be used as building blocks for semiconductor materials
Opinion
Green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing in India
Pathways, policies and the role of chemists in building a circular chemical economy
Sponsored
Exploring the frontiers of the periodic table: bismuth catalysis and its applications
Learn about state-of-the-art synthesis coming from one of the world’s leading catalysis research groups
Setting new standards for British laboratories
Lab Innovations brings together experts from all corners of the industry
A formula to calculate carbon
World’s leading chemical companies spearhead initiative to decarbonise supply chains
NewsStringent regulations on dichloromethane are forcing US labs to rethink use of common solvent
As broad ban on DCM is finalised, US labs have either abandoned the chemical or readied themselves for exposure monitoring in November
PodcastVanadium-based medicines & sustainable labs
Vanadium-based medicines? We discuss the 23rd element’s little-known potential in pharmaceuticals. Plus, how labs across the UK are making achievable changes to increase their sustainability.
CareersHow chemists are making laboratories more sustainable
A collection of articles sharing tips from researchers who reduced their environmental impact with support from the RSC’s Sustainable Laboratories grants
CareersSustainable laboratories: Reducing plastics
When to reuse plastic pipette tips and how to overcome psychological barriers to recyling single-use items
CareersSustainable laboratories: Reducing water
How to adapt water cooling for water-stressed regions and investigate the carbon footprint of different circulation options
CareersSustainable laboratories: Reducing energy
How to identify an efficient heating mechanism and implement energy-saving measures across the lab
CareersSustainable laboratories: Cleaner solvents and substrates
How to identify greener replacements for DMF and recover ITO from glass substrates
CareersSustainable laboratories: Recovering metals
How to scavenge platinum group metals from laboratory waste
CareersSustainable laboratories: Best lab practice
How to encourage better environmental practices across a department and influence the next generation of researchers
ResearchModified nitrile rubber gets new lease of life as carbon capture material
Two teams are exploring scaling up processes that could tackle the 800,000 tonnes of glove waste created every year
OpinionChemical recycling of plastics rises as oil crisis continues
Recovering feedstocks from hard-to-recycle plastic is potentially important in a more circular plastic economy
ResearchSunlight-driven process upcycles polystyrene waste and elemental sulfur into valuable organic compounds
Products could be used as building blocks for semiconductor materials
OpinionHydrogen bubble’s squeaky pop
Were cancelled hydrogen production projects overly optimistic or commitments of convenience?
WebinarClosing the loop: sustainable battery recycling from research to reality
Join us on 13 May to discover the latest advances in battery recycling for cleaner sustainable energy
WebinarPushing the limits of capacity: the future of battery performance and design
Join us on 11 May to learn about the most promising up-and-coming technologies in battery design
BusinessClean hydrogen project cancellations point to narrower future
Plants actually being built tend to use hydrogen as feedstock, not fuel
OpinionGreen chemistry and sustainable manufacturing in India
Pathways, policies and the role of chemists in building a circular chemical economy
OpinionAccelerating decarbonisation for India’s cement industry
Achieving net zero by 2070 demands improvements in how cement is produced and used, as well as carbon capture technologies
PodcastAAAS annual meeting & plasma chemistry
In this episode, we discuss reflections from this year’s AAAS annual meeting, the latest advances in plasma chemistry, and hear the latest headlines.
FeatureUnlocking the power of plasma for chemistry
Scientists are using non-thermal plasma to produce fertiliser and long-chain hydrocarbons. Mason Wakley talks to the chemists harnessing the fourth state of matter
OpinionWhy everyone wants to ramp up rare earths production
Rare earth elements have become instruments of geopolitical power
FeatureNew separation methods aim to improve global rare earth supply
Rare earth elements are essential for modern technology, but their similar chemistry makes separation difficult and expensive. Now researchers are exploring new technologies to streamline processing and bring down costs.
BusinessRethinking hydrogen peroxide production
Hydro-Oxy and Addible both aim to transform how industry produces and uses a ubiquitous oxidant.
WebinarTextiles in the age of sustainability: alternative methods for fabric dyeing and treatment
Learn about advances in sustainability of textile production