Silicon waste is a major byproduct from solar cell production. A group of researchers from Northeastern University (Shenyang, China) have published several papers exploring how, through nitridation, this waste can be converted into high-value silicon nitride.
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With a little bit of science knowledge, artists can learn to make paints and glazes at home quite easily and for far less cost. A Colorado artist is working to educate others on how she creates environmentally friendly watercolor paints from foraged plants and food waste.
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Heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems can lead to negative effects on human health. In a recent paper, researchers from Drexel University and Temple University developed a simple one-step method to fabricate functionalized Ti3C2Tx MXene for mercury removal from water.
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Because of the environmental and economic concerns associated with mining mineral deposits on the deep seabed, some companies and countries are considering shallow-water mining instead. A recent open-access paper raises concerns about viewing shallow-water mining as an eco-alternative to deep-sea mining.
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In 2018, geoengineers proposed that spreading hollow glass microspheres over sea ice would protect it from melting. However, a new study argues the glass beads would likely accelerate loss of sea ice instead.
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Severe flooding can deteriorate the soil and make large-scale landslides and embankment breaches more likely during future heavy rains. Cement treatment can fortify soils against disaggregation. A recent investigation of cement-treated soil samples from a 22-year field test confirmed such soils maintain their strength long term.
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To improve separation performance of ceramic membranes, researchers currently are exploring modification of the membrane’s surface using 2D nanomaterials. Researchers led by Ewha Womans University demonstrated that coating a ceramic membrane with functionalized boron nitride improves separation performance for both particulate and organic contaminants in semiconductor wastewaters.
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Though glass bottles have numerous advantages over plastic bottles, they lack the squeezability factor to easily eject their contents. Two entrepreneurs in the U.K. designed a silicon rubber attachment for glass bottles that gives them the squeezability factor.
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Many of the world’s easily accessible freshwater sources are being drained faster than they are being replenished. In two recent papers, researchers led by Jilin University investigated the potential of a clay-based self-propelling nanomotor to purify water.
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In honor of World Environment Day on June 5, we look at a few of the many important contributions by ceramic and glass scientists that move us toward a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature.
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