New triboelectric nanogenerator with single crystals of organic compound could be useful for biological applications

Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) using flexible single crystals of an organic compound for a self-powered tactile sensor. This TENG can monitor finger joint movements, which has significant implications for biomedical and robotic systems. The research highlighted the superior performance of organic single crystals due to their ordered packing and tunable properties, enabling efficient mechanical energy harvesting and biosensing applications. The findings were published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Strategic Supply Chain Management for Critical Minerals

The Union Cabinet of India approved the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) on January 29, 2025. This mission aims to secure a long-term sustainable supply of critical minerals. It focuses on increasing domestic critical mineral production and acquiring critical mineral assets overseas. The Ministry has established Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) for overseas acquisitions. KABIL signed an agreement with CAMYEN in Argentina for lithium exploration. Additionally, KABIL has an MoU with the Australian government for joint investment in mineral assets. The NCMM includes a budget of Rs. 500 Crore for processing parks and Rs. 1500 crore for recycling, along with provisions for skill development and R&D.

Reserves and Extraction of Critical Minerals in India

The Ministry of Mines of India announced significant developments in the reserves and extraction of critical minerals. The cumulative resources of various critical minerals have been updated since the amendment of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act in 2015. A total of 44 critical mineral blocks were auctioned from 2020-21 until the amendment in 2023. Following the new amendment, the central government has auctioned 24 critical mineral blocks. Additionally, Khanij Bidesh India Limited signed an Exploration and Development Agreement with CAMYEN S A in Argentina for lithium exploration covering an area of 15,703 hectares.

Survey: Policymakers Concerned Over Health Risks of Plastics, Support Production Cuts

The Global Plastics Treaty, under negotiation, reflects significant concern from government delegates about the health risks associated with plastics. Conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, a survey involving 27 delegates revealed that health concerns surpassed environmental and economic issues regarding plastics pollution. The survey emphasized the importance of reducing plastic production and eliminating hazardous chemicals. These delegates prioritized actions to mitigate health risks from microplastics and air pollution. The next negotiation round will occur between August 5 to 15, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, focusing on production cuts and other key provisions.

Trends in Solar Cables and Connectors

The Indian solar connectors and cables market is evolving rapidly as manufacturers respond to the growing demand for high-quality components needed for solar power systems. Indian manufacturers are focusing on creating solar cables that can withstand extreme weather and have improved insulation. There is a push for halogen-free and fire-resistant cables driven by safety concerns, while smart cables with onboard monitoring systems are becoming common. As a result of rising copper prices, aluminum cables are gaining popularity. The government is promoting local manufacturing through initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, further driving innovation and sustainability in the sector.

Preventing Explosions In Quasi Lithium Batteries

The Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology has developed a method to prevent explosions in quasi-lithium batteries by substituting certain transition metals that lower oxidation risk. Their innovative approach could significantly enhance energy storage density, allowing electric vehicles to reach ranges of up to 625 miles. However, challenges remain due to oxygen entrapment in the cathodes, which can lead to explosion risks if not managed properly.

LIBRTI Program Overview by Kyoto Fusioneering

Kyoto Fusioneering announced that they will work on the LIBRTI program under the UKAEA, focusing on tritium breeding technologies. They received contracts for three projects: TRI-PRISM, TRI-BREED, and a hydrogen isotope data provision project. The TRI-PRISM involves collaboration with Birmingham University, ENEA, and CNL while focusing on developing sensors for real-time detection of tritium in LiPb. The TRI-BREED project is led by Lancaster University to create a mock-up of the SCYLLA blanket and conduct neutron irradiation tests. The hydrogen isotope project will support computer simulations led by American research institutions.

Upcycling Waste A4 Paper into Carbon-based Catalyst for Water Decontamination

Research has shown a methodology for converting waste A4 paper into a calcium carbonate/biochar nanocomposite (CCBN) through hydrothermal treatment and calcination. The end product, CCBN-400, is characterized as a high-efficiency nanocatalyst, which has shown effectiveness in activating PMS for treating antibiotics wastewater. The tests indicated a significant reduction in the bio-toxicity of tetracycline to wheat seeds after treatment with the CCBN-400/PMS system, emphasizing its potential in water decontamination.

Polythiophenes enhance efficiency of organic solar cells through refined morphology

The research team constructed a refined fibril network structure in polythiophene:non-fullerene acceptor blends based on Classical Nucleation Theory. They screened solvents to optimize nucleation while preventing over-crystallization of the acceptor. This work led to an unprecedented power conversion efficiency of 18.12% and a fill factor of 79.17% for polythiophene-based organic solar cells (OSCs), utilizing environmentally friendly toluene as a solvent. The findings highlight the critical role of solvent quality in achieving optimal morphology within polythiophene systems, promising advancements towards high-efficiency OSC manufacturing.

Development of a Sustainable Oxidative Bromination Catalyst Using MOFs

Researchers have developed a zirconium-metal-organic framework (MOF)-supported mono bipyridyl-iron(III) chloride catalyst (bpy-UiO-FeCl3) for oxidative bromination of arenes with H2O2 as the oxidant. The catalyst exhibits high conversion rates for various substituted arenes, yielding bromoarenes with excellent regioselectivity and recyclability under mild conditions. This development emphasizes the role of MOFs in creating heterogeneous catalysts with earth-abundant metals for sustainable chemical processes.

Development of Pt/Pd@SOG Electrocatalyst for Green Hydrogen Production

A novel electrocatalyst, Pt/Pd@SOG, was developed from recycled automobile catalysts and graphite anodes, enhancing green hydrogen production through seawater electrolysis. The catalyst showed a low overpotential of 195 mV at 10 mA cm⁻², surpassing commercial Pt/C. It maintained stability for over 192 hours at a current density of 100 mA cm⁻². The research aims to valorize city mine wastes, addressing critical element cycling and promoting sustainable energy catalysts.

Development of N-doped Carbon Coated Na2FePO4F Cathode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries

The Clean Nano Energy Center at Yanshan University has developed N-doped carbon coated Na2FePO4F cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries, enhancing electrochemical properties significantly. After synthesizing Na2FePO4F via a sol–gel method and applying a carbon coating, they achieved a specific discharge capacity of 121 mA h g−1 at 0.1C. To improve the cycle stability, the team introduced an N-doped carbon layer, resulting in Na2FePO4F@C@NC which exhibits a retention rate of 98% after 5000 cycles at 40C.

Development of multifunctional MXene-based e-textiles

Researchers from Guangdong University of Technology have developed multifunctional e-textile sensors using a combination of 2D MXene materials and a novel ultrasonic welding technique. The sensors were successfully integrated on low-cost airlaid paper substrates, demonstrating breathability and superhydrophobic properties. These sensors can be utilized for clinical monitoring and electromagnetic interference shielding with a significant effectiveness rating.

Enhancing Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution through Sulfur Doping Strategy

The study from the China University of Petroleum focused on a sulfur doping strategy to enhance the performance of electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution featuring ultra-small platinum nanoparticles encapsulated within nitrogen–sulfur co-doped carbon materials. It achieved improvements in hydrogen evolution reaction rates in both acidic and basic media, exhibiting an overpotential of 10.2 mV in 0.5 M H2SO4. The research demonstrated significant advancements over traditional platinum catalysts, marked by a lower Tafel slope and exceptional stability against corrosion in both environments, showing improved charge transfer efficiency.

Building Healthy Supply Chains While Cutting Carbon

The Asian Development Bank emphasizes the necessity for decarbonizing healthcare supply chains to lower emissions and enhance health system resilience, particularly in vulnerable areas. The article discusses the significant percentage of healthcare emissions stemming from supply chains—over 70%. It outlines four essential actions: developing eco-designed medical supplies, incorporating sustainability in manufacturing, investing in low-carbon transportation, and managing healthcare waste sustainably. These measures aim to reduce the sector's environmental impact and improve healthcare access.

Study on Molybdenum and Tungsten Enzymatic Activities and Their Environmental Applications

Researchers have explored the enzymatic activities of molybdenum and tungsten to develop eco-friendly methods for commercial synthesis of acetaldehyde and hydrogen production. The focus includes creating a tungsten incorporated nitrogenase (W-N2-ase) using a CA6 mutant strain, aiming to replace hazardous processes like Birch reduction in organic synthesis. This work highlights the unique roles of these elements in biological functions under varying environmental conditions.

VO2@C Composite Enhances Electrochemical Performance

The development of the VO2@C composite aims to enhance the performance of materials used in batteries by preventing the dissolution of vanadium ions and improving electronic conductivity and structural stability. This innovation signifies a step forward in electrochemical performance for potential use in energy storage applications.

Trump signs executive order to increase critical mineral production

The United States government has taken significant action by signing an executive order to boost the production of critical minerals, notably those needed for modern technologies like electric vehicle batteries and semiconductors. This initiative, authorized by President Donald Trump, aims to reduce reliance on foreign imports, especially from China, where 70% of rare earths are sourced. The executive order streamlines permitting processes for new mines, increases financing through the Defense Production Act, and prioritizes mining operations on federal lands.

Federal industrial carbon pricing supports clean technology projects in Canada

The Government of Canada announced investments of nearly $150 million from the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS) Proceeds Fund for 38 Decarbonization Incentive Program projects across four provinces. These projects, aimed at replacing oil and gas systems with efficient electric alternatives, are expected to reduce an estimated 544,100 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Through this program, funding has supported total investments exceeding $874 million in clean energy projects that promote energy efficiency and drive innovation.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Passes Plastic Waste Reduction Bill in 2025

On March 21, 2025, Saint Kitts and Nevis passed the Plastic Waste Reduction Bill. The bill aims to address plastic pollution which poses significant risks to the country's natural environment and tourism sector. Minister Marsha Henderson emphasized that preserving the environment is crucial for the long-term success of tourism, which is the largest economic driver in the country. The legislation is expected to enhance the upcoming Tourism Climate Action Plan that prioritizes waste management and marine conservation.