Renewable feedstocks
The latest chemistry news and research on renewable feedstocks, including bio-based chemicals, biofuels, recycling and the circular economy, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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BusinessAlgenesis cracks diisocyanate problem to make fully bio-based polyurethane
Process combines algal fermentation with flow chemistry and avoids hazardous phosgene
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ResearchA greener approach to finishing fabrics
Cottonseed oil used to confer wrinkle and water resistance
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ResearchPath to carbon dioxide-based chemicals smoothed with a dash of acid
Hydrochloric acid dissolves salts that gum-up reaction process
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ResearchLight-driven catalytic system makes ammonia from nitrogen and water
Dual catalyst system operates under ambient conditions, offering a way to reduce ammonia production’s environmental impact
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BusinessBiomanufacturing proliferates in chemicals
Fermentation can improve sustainability at competitive costs
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ResearchCareful catalyst design boosts ethanol to hydrogen production
The reaction also generates acetic acid and its developers believe it can compete economically with current manufacturing processes
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ResearchHow ‘magic mud’ gives baseball pitchers a better grip
Unique mud formula coats and roughens baseballs, boosting control and grip for pitchers
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FeatureSeaweed success
Scientists and entrepreneurs are sowing the seeds for a new kind of industry. Hayley Bennett explores the buzz around the marine ‘biorefinery’ business – and what might hold it back
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ResearchZinc–air batteries created from paper industry waste
Lignin- and cellulose-based zinc-air batteries overcome longstanding electrocatalyst performance and electrolyte stability challenges
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ResearchRecycled construction waste could cut cement and steel’s carbon footprint
Cement can be regenerated during steel recycling in an electric arc furnace
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ResearchCold plasma converts biogas into long-chain hydrocarbon feedstocks
Waste gases from landfills could be turned into valuable chemical feedstocks
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OpinionTo reach net zero, we need to close the loop on combustion
A systems thinking approach to decarbonising our economies presents chemistry with a key challenge
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NewsPioneering ammonia-powered ship shows off a greener future for shipping at Cop28
Greener shipping on the horizon but regulations mean no port will take ships powered by ammonia yet
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NewsLego struggles to find the right chemistry to replace oil-based virgin plastics
Danish toymaker commits to redouble efforts to produce more sustainable polymers for Lego pieces
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BusinessBio-based plastics compete for space
From drop-in replacements to new polymers, what role will renewable materials play in a sustainable future?
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ResearchRecycling wind turbine blades by breaking them down into their constituent chemicals
Thermoset plastics that normally end up in landfill can be selectively depolymerised using a ruthenium catalyst
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ResearchRedesigned biopolymer solves thermal stability challenge
Chemical redesign makes PHAs easier to process and recycle
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ResearchRapid alternating polarity brings new life to 189-year-old electrochemical reaction
A more sustainable approach to the Kolbe reaction could reduce chemists’ reliance on oil-derived materials
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FeatureThe complex chemistry of making paper
Renewable, recyclable and biodegradable, paper is the ultimate sustainable material. Victoria Atkinson looks at the clever chemistry that turns trees into sheets