Exciting new research reveals that hard carbon found in rice hull ash could serve as an affordable and domestically sourced alternative to graphite in lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery anodes. A detailed examination of ash from burned rice hulls—the robust outer layer of rice grains—unveils a unique form of carbon capable of nearly doubling the energy density of conventional lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. This breakthrough opens the door to more efficient and sustainable energy solutions.
New research finds hard carbon in rice hull ash
Burned rice hulls could help batteries store more charge.
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First-ever images reveal the cosmic web’s hidden structure
These findings are fundamental.
Astronomers used the MUSE1 instrument on ESO’s Very Large Telescope in Chile to capture the first-ever images of the cosmic web in the early universe. The project took eight months of observations, followed by a year of data processing. Their analysis revealed glowing hydrogen filaments, showing structures as they appeared one to two billion years after the Big Bang.
Axial Seamount: Underwater Volcano Poised to Erupt
A rare glimpse into Earth’s hidden forces—scientists brace for a deep-sea eruption off Oregon’s coast.
Axial Seamount, an underwater volcano 300 miles off Oregon’s coast, is showing strong signs of an impending eruption—the first since 2015. Though invisible from land, its activity is closely monitored by the Regional Cabled Array, providing real-time data on earthquakes, lava flows, and deep-sea ecosystems. Scientists are eager to study this eruption to better understand Earth's geological processes and improve eruption predictions. While harmless to people, Axial’s eruptions reshape the seafloor, impact hydrothermal vents, and reveal how life thrives in extreme environments—offering a rare window into the power beneath our oceans.
A magma cap beneath Yellowstone National Park
An eruption is not imminent.
Scientists have identified a magma cap beneath Yellowstone National Park, located about 2.4 miles (3.8 km) below the surface. This cap acts as a pressure-regulating layer, preventing magma from rising too quickly and reducing the likelihood of an eruption. The cap consists of molten silicate materials, supercritical water, and porous rock, which trap heat and gas within the volcanic system. Researchers used seismic imaging and advanced modeling to study its structure.
Novel material can convert CO₂ into fuel
Hybrid Tincone Material Enhances Stability and Electrochemical Performance
Researchers have developed a stable metalcone thin film for converting atmospheric CO₂ into methanol, a liquid fuel. By mildly annealing tincone at 250°C, they improved its stability in aqueous solutions while enhancing its electrochemical properties. This breakthrough overcomes a major challenge in using Metalcones for carbon reduction applications. The next step involves integrating this engineered material into real-world systems to assess its efficiency in CO₂ conversion. This innovation paves the way for more sustainable fuel production and advances in photoelectrochemical applications.
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