Technology Grows on Trees

By: Jessica Robertson

A newly discovered process can turn trees into energy storage devices, essentially. Cellulose, the most common organic polymer on earth, is the main ingredient in trees. And when cellulose is reacted simply with ammonia, it can be transformed into a form of activated carbon, called a nitrogen-doped nanoporous carbon membrane, that can serve as the electrode of a supercapacitor. 

Besides the simplicity and cost-efficiency of this new approach, the process is also impressive in its earth-friendliness. The only byproduct of the reaction is methane, which, when properly harnessed and not released into the atmosphere, is a safe and advantageous compound, useful for fuel or other industrial purposes. Furthermore, the cheap wood that can be used as the reactant in this approach does not deplete the food supply. The carbon membranes that are produced in this reaction are extremely thin, meaning a small amount of wood creates a large number of the desired supercapacitors, dispelling fears that the process would deplete the forests for the sake of energy.

Supercapacitors are highly efficient energy storage devices, recharging faster than batteries and holding much more energy. They promise better results in industry and electronics, and they could be the solution for evening out the power flow from variable alternative energy systems like solar and wind energies. They increase efficiency in hybrid cars, and prevent energy loss by capturing what would otherwise be wasted. These potential benefits of supercapacitors have been known for some time, but the high cost of such technology prevented any substantial incorporation of their strengths into many industries. This new, low cost process to create supercapacitors has the potential to shift significantly the environmental impact of modern industry. 

Not So Sweet Dreams

By: Jessica Robertson

We are all well aware of the constant presence of chemical compounds in our surroundings. Because of their prevalence, it can be a natural reaction to trust in their safety; anything so common shouldn’t be a threat. A team of environmental engineers from Cockrell School of Engineering has recently investigated a frightening topic that had never previously been considered. Looking at the foam padding in new crib mattresses, the team recorded high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the material. Sometimes found in products like household cleaners and sprays, VOCs include chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and acetone, among others. No conclusive studies have shown the definitive health effects of exposure to the chemicals, although they are regarded as dangerous chemicals.

By comparing polyurethane foam and polyester foam in a group of both new and old crib mattresses from ten different manufacturers, the researchers found that the new crib mattresses release VOCs at a level four times higher than old crib mattresses, and a baby’s body heat triggers VOCs to be emitted. Frighteningly, the VOC emission levels were found to peak in the baby’s immediate breathing zone. The VOC levels that the new crib mattresses emit are comparable to some other potentially hazardous household materials, including laminate flooring and wall coverings.

Considering that infants are highly susceptible to pollutants and that infants can spend over half of their time asleep in their cribs, the presence of these chemicals within the mattress material is shocking. The findings did not shock some of the experts, saying that the levels of VOCs, while surprising, were not high enough to cause true alarm for the safety of children. However, those experts deem this very valuable research and worthy of further investigation to assure safety. 

It is not recommended to replace new mattresses with older mattresses that contain banned substances, like flame-retardants; reusing an older crib mattress that is known to have no banned substances may reduce infants’ exposure. To reduce levels of VOCs in new mattresses, a period of airing-out may help. Keep an eye on this issue to make sure your children are protected.