Sustainability
News, research, opinion and comment on sustainability from Chemistry World – including sustainable technology, renewable fuels, policy and regulation.
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PodcastQuantum computing & a mysterious microplastic contaminant
How close are we to using quantum computers in our own labs? Plus, an unexpected source of contamination affecting microplastics research results.
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FeatureWool’s complex chemistry unlocks sustainable applications beyond textiles
Once the cornerstone of industrial wealth, wool has struggled against synthetic fibres for decades. Now, its versatile protein structure, featuring keratin helices and sulfur-rich crosslinks, is inspiring innovative applications beyond traditional textiles.
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BusinessUK government promises £350 million support for the chemicals sector
Officials say funding will help industry build resilience, remain competitive and decarbonise
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ResearchLab glove deposits drive false microplastic signatures in atmospheric pollution samples
Researchers uncover contamination pathway that’s complicating efforts to understand how much plastic is in the air
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NewsHandbook of practical advice will help chemistry departments reduce environmental impact, save money
Collection of real-life examples aims to balance environmental and financial concerns
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FeatureHow depolymerisation could enable infinite reuse of plastics
Nina Notman discovers how a type of chemical recycling – depolymerisation – could increase recycling rates, reduce plastic waste and enable a more circular economy
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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
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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.
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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
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CareersSustainable laboratories: Reducing plastics
When to reuse plastic pipette tips and how to overcome psychological barriers to recyling single-use items
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CareersSustainable laboratories: Reducing water
How to adapt water cooling for water-stressed regions and investigate the carbon footprint of different circulation options
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CareersSustainable laboratories: Reducing energy
How to identify an efficient heating mechanism and implement energy-saving measures across the lab
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CareersSustainable laboratories: Cleaner solvents and substrates
How to identify greener replacements for DMF and recover ITO from glass substrates
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CareersSustainable laboratories: Recovering metals
How to scavenge platinum group metals from laboratory waste
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CareersSustainable laboratories: Best lab practice
How to encourage better environmental practices across a department and influence the next generation of researchers
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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
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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
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ResearchSunlight-driven process upcycles polystyrene waste and elemental sulfur into valuable organic compounds
Products could be used as building blocks for semiconductor materials
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OpinionHydrogen bubble’s squeaky pop
Were cancelled hydrogen production projects overly optimistic or commitments of convenience?
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WebinarPushing the limits of capacity: the future of battery performance and design
Learn about the most promising up-and-coming technologies in battery design