People, papers and presentations for Nov. 8, 2021
Rice is ranked No. 2 for diversity and affordability and tied for No. 5 for research in the latest edition of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's Sustainable Campus Index.
Urban mining for metals flashes electronic trash into treasure
Flash Joule heating recovers valuable and toxic metals from electronic waste. The process allows for “urban mining” of resources that could be a win for the environment as well as for manufacturers.
Renewable energy will increase security and lower geopolitical risk, study shows
The transition to renewable energy will make the U.S. energy supply significantly more secure not only by decreasing the mining and materials required to build fossil fuel systems, but also by avoiding the political risks that threaten fossil fuel supply chains, according to new research from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
Iran’s water crisis is a warning for the US
HOUSTON – (Aug. 3, 2021) – Iran’s groundwater depletion and food security crisis is an issue of global importance reflecting not only climate change, but also a pattern of policy mismanagement, according to an expert from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
Timothy Morton on giving up flight — at least when it comes to lectures
The environmental philosopher wants to model a new work-life balance that sends a message of care.
Solar energy collectors grown from seeds
Rice University engineers have created microscopic seeds for growing remarkably uniform 2D perovskite crystals that are both stable and highly efficient at harvesting electricity from sunlight.
Seismic study will help keep carbon underground
A Department of Energy grant to Rice geoscientists enables development of fiber-optic sensors to find and evaluate small faults at underground carbon dioxide storage reservoirs.
Barely used shoes and worn-once jeans were among the items available as the Rice EcoRep program hosted a clothing swap in the central quad.
Fondren’s Green Team hosting sustainability-focused events thanks to ALA grant
The upcoming Oct. 28 'Houston Women on Climate Action' panel is open to the public.
On a pleasant fall day, not even the Houston Police Department Mounted Patrol can resist a stroll through Rice’s leafy campus — which, as it happens, is also an officially designated arboretum.
Environmental rollbacks detrimental to pandemic recovery, according to Baker Institute blog
Rolling back environmental regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic will cause more respiratory illness, according to a blog published by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
Less may be more in next-gen batteries
Rice University engineers build full lithium-ion batteries with silicon anodes and an alumina layer to protect cathodes from degrading. By limiting their energy density, the batteries promise excellent stability for transportation and grid storage use.
Not so fast: Some batteries can be pushed too far
Fast charge and discharge of some lithium-ion batteries with intentional defects degrades their performance and endurance, according to Rice University engineers.
Rice University launches bold climate change initiative with Shell
With initial support from Shell, Rice University has launched Carbon Hub, a climate change research initiative to fundamentally change how the world uses hydrocarbons. Carbon Hub's goal is a zero-emissions future in which hydrocarbons are not burned. Instead, they are split to make clean hydrogen energy and valuable carbon materials.
