Casting a shadow over green light bulbs | Chemistry World - An analysis of the toxic metals in LEDs and CFLs shows that while they save energy their environmental legacy must not be forgotten.(10.1021/es302886m)
Azo-cops nab CO2 but let N2 go free | Chemistry World - Scientists have developed a new class of porous polymer that can efficiently trap carbon dioxide while actively rejecting nitrogen. The new material, whose key properties rely on the presence of multiple azo (–N=N–) units within the polymer’s chemical structure, is stable at high temperatures and could be used, the researchers say, as a way to scrub power station flue gases of CO2.(10.1038/ncomms2359)
Environmental concerns centred on limiting carbon emissions have led regulators to push consumers towards low-power CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) and LEDs (light emitting diodes), rather than incandescent bulbs that are little changed since their invention more than 100 years ago. However, new research suggests that the environmental legacy of the toxic metals in CFLs and LEDs, including copper, lead, mercury and zinc, needs to be given greater consideration by policymakers formulating strategies to cut energy use.
via Casting a shadow over green light bulbs | Chemistry World.
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