WSU researchers find new method to extract lignin

Washington State University researcher’s new and novel method to extract lignin could help spin wheat straw into cash. Lignin, a super tough biomaterial has been a problem in biofuel production. Lignin produced using the new method was color-neutral, odorless and homogenous, an advance that could make this carbon-neutral material a more viable candidate for development

PNNL collaborates with WSU to transform carbon into aviation biofuels

The subject of their research is lignin, the world’s most abundant renewable substance. Lignin is found in the cell walls of trees and plants where it provides structural strength for standing upright and helps carry water and minerals into their bran

New cement mixed with biochar absorbs more CO2

Engineers at Washington State University (WSU) have developed a new method for making concrete that absorbs more carbon than it emits. The process of making cement requires very high temperatures, and that usually requires burning fuels which, of course, emits CO2. That can be partly offset by switching to renewable energy sources, but chemical reactions

WSU working on developing biofuels from oilseeds

Making aviation biofuels from non-food crops is the goal of a new Department of Energy-funded project that includes significant contributions from Washington State University. WSU’s portion of the five-year, $12.8 million grant totals just over $1.1 million.  The grant is part of a larger DOE project that is providing $178 million to advance bioenergy technology.

Research at WSU on hydrogen-powered vehicles progressing ahead

Washington State University (WSU) researchers have progressed ahead in finding out a way to make non-polluting, hydrogen-powered vehicles feasible. The process used by the researchers is a small electrical charge in combination with ethanol and water to produce hydrogen gas. They found that gas can then be used as a carbon-free fuel for motor vehicles.