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The article highlights the urgent need to advance alternative fuel technologies to mitigate climate change impacts and reduce emissions. Topics discussed include the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) strategy for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the evaluation of various renewable and non-renewable fuels for maritime use, and the technical and safety considerations of using these fuels in recreational vessels.

[Display omitted] Catalytic hydrogenation is one of the most innovative techniques for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2) by converting it into beneficial products such as methanol (CH 3 OH). CH 3 OH is an alternative fuel that offers a practical, effective, and efficient solution to the energy storage problem. Despite the significant advances in the CO 2 hydrogenation process, developing an appropriate and efficient catalytic system remains a significant obstacle and challenge. Many review papers on catalyst development for CO 2 hydrogenation have been published, focusing on the influence of transition, noble metal-based catalysts, and process parameter. However, present knowledge of the mutually reinforcing correlations between catalytic properties and CO 2 hydrogenation activity has to be enhanced. It is very important to have a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between catalytic performance and physicochemical properties in order to create a catalytic system that is both highly efficient and economically viable for commercialization. Therefore, the focus of this review is on the synergistic interactions between catalytic CO 2 hydrogenation activity and catalytic properties such as porosity, surface area, metal-support interaction, metal dispersion, oxygen vacancies, metal particle size, reducibility, and chemical composition acidity/basicity. Furthermore, this review examined and compared the most up-to-date findings on the hydrogenation of CO 2 to CH 3 OH using various heterogeneous catalysts. It also discussed the challenges and prospects for improving CH 3 OH production by CO 2 hydrogenation. Researchers and environmentalists in academia and industry who are interested in finding ways to reduce CO 2 emissions will find this overview to be a valuable resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pd@Pt core-shell nanodendrites endows boosted methanol electrooxidation kinetics. • Proportion effect of Pd@Pt nanodendrites via one-pot chemical approach studied. • Structural features of optimal Pd 5 @Pt 5 nanodendrites exhibited good CO tolerance. • Pd@Pt with high-index facets/Pt-rich surface shows 3.74 times higher activity than Pt/C. The single-pot production of Pd@Pt core–shell structures is a promising approach as it offers large surface area, catalytic capability, and stability. In this work, we established a single-pot process to produce Pd@Pt core–shell nanodendrites with tunable composition, shape and size for optimal electrochemical activity. Pd@Pt nanodendrites with diverse compositions were synthesized by tuning the ratios of Pd and Pt sources in an aqueous environment using cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, which functioned as both the surfactant and the reducing agent at an elevated temperature (90 °C). The synthesized Pd 5 @Pt 5 nanodendrites showed exceptional electrochemical action toward the methanol oxidation reaction related with another compositional Pd@Pt nanodendrites and conventional Pt/C electrocatalysts. In addition, Pd 5 @Pt 5 nanodendrites exhibited good CO tolerance owing to their surface features and the synergistic effect among Pt and Pd. Meanwhile, nanodendrites with a Pt-rich surface provided exceptional catalytic active sites. Compared with the conventional Pt/C electrocatalyst, the anodic peak current obtained by Pd 5 @Pt 5 nanodendrites was 3.74 and 2.18 times higher in relations of mass and electrochemical active surface area-normalized current density, respectively. This approach offers an attractive strategy to design electrocatalysts with unique structures and outstanding catalytic performance and stability for electrochemical energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Methyl orange (MO) is a kind of azo dye, and will do great harm to the ecological environment. Alleviating this problem by removing MO is crucial role to prevent harmful damage to the environment. In this paper, NiCr layered double hydroxides (LDH) were prepared through hydrothermal method and then modified with different mass rations of walnut shell biochar. The structure and properties of biochar/NiCr-LDH composites were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) coupled with energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Moreover, the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation behavior of composites on anionic dye MO were investigated. Characterization results indicated that NiCr-LDH was perfectly synthesized and coated on the biochar. All the biochar/NiCr-LDH composites show enhanced adsorption and photodegradation performance for MO dye compared with pure NiCr-LDH and biochar. When the biochar content was 22.3 wt.% and the biochar/NiCr-LDH (S2) dosage was 1.0 mg/mL, the maximum removal amount of MO could reach 100 % within 60 min at the natural pH, experimental data fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm model, and the maximum adsorption capacity of S2 was 108.2 mg/g. Besides, compared with NiCr-LDH, S2 also demonstrated wonderful photodegradation activity for MO under visible-light irradiation, the rate constant of S2 (0.0173 min−1) is about 1.5 times that of NiCr-LDH (0.0118 min−1), and the enhanced performance can be due to the faster separation of electron-hole pairs, in which biochar acted as charge separation carriers. Meanwhile, the hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical played crucial roles in the dye photocatalytic degradation, and a possible photocatalytic degradation mechanism was proposed. The excellent photocatalytic activity and stability make biochar/NiCr-LDH an ideal photocatalyst to solve environmental crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Synthesis of poly 2,5 - dimethoxy aniline (PDMA), cobalt tungstate (CoWO 4), and CoWO 4 @PDMA hybrid nanocomposite by ultrasonication strategy. • The potential for MOR for the FTO / CoWO 4 @PDMA hybrid nanocomposite is 0.80 V with a current density of 6.4 mA / cm2. • The electrocatalytic activity of CoWO 4 @PDMA hybrid nanocomposite is due to the synergistic interaction of CoWO 4 over the PDMA matrix which favours MOR. • CoWO 4 @ PDMA hybrid nanocomposite can be a promising fuel cell electrocatalyst for DMFC's in the near future. In this study cobalt tungstate (CoWO 4) nanoparticles decorated over PDMA (Poly 2,5 dimethoxy aniline) are utilized as a novel hybrid nanocomposite for methanol oxidation. The CoWO 4 and PDMA were synthesized using an ultrasonication strategy. The physicochemical characterization such as SEM, HRTEM, XRD, and FT-IR affirmed the presence of CoWO 4 over PDMA matrix. The electrocatalytic activity of the investigated CoWO 4 decorated over the PDMA matrix towards methanol oxidation indicates good performances since the potential is lowered when compared to other materials that are reported. CoWO 4 @PDMA hybrid nanocomposite gave methanol oxidation at 0.80 V with a current density of 6.4 mA/cm2. The presence of CoWO 4 offered good stability and retention for methanol oxidation reaction. On the whole, the present study will satisfy low-cost and stable transition metal–based nanocomposite for fuel cell applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Hierarchical hollow alumina microspheres were synthesized by a simple and economical template-free hydrothermal treatment. • The synthesized hollow alumina microspheres have specific surface morphology and properties. • There are more coordination unsaturated sites on the surface of hollow microsphere KW/Al 2 O 3 catalyst. • The CH 3 SH selectivity of hollow microsphere KW/Al 2 O 3 catalyst is about 10% higher than that of conventional catalyst. In view of the important industrial application value of alumina supports in the field of oil refining and reforming, it is of great significance to develop a simple and economical synthesis method for the hierarchical porous alumina. Herein, the hollow microsphere alumina was hydrothermally synthesized without template. The surface of the hollow microsphere alumina supports has a raised fluffy structure, the microsphere diameter is about 5 ∼ 8 μm, and the thickness of the shell is about 1 μm. The morphology evolution process from solid microspheres to core–shell microspheres with spindle-shaped nanoclusters, and then to hollow fluffy microspheres with protruding surface was observed by investigating the effect of hydrothermal synthesis temperature on the morphology of microspheres. Because of its specific morphology and surface characteristics, the microsphere can better disperse the active component KW to prepare KW/Al 2 O 3 catalyst and used in the thiolation to methyl mercaptan. Compared with our previously used catalysts prepared from commercial alumina, this KW/Al 2 O 3 catalyst was not only able to greatly reduce the amount of active component, but also exhibited higher CH 3 SH selectivity. On the 10KW/Al catalyst, the CH 3 SH selectivity reached 66.2 % at 340 °C, which was about 10 % higher than that of the previous commercial alumina catalyst. This work can provide theoretical basis and practical guidance for the reasonable design of new alumina support and high efficiency methyl mercaptan catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers in Depok, Indonesia, conducted a study comparing the use of acetone and methanol as suspension media for creating stainless steel type 316L-based dental implants coated with Hydroxyapatite/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes. The study found that methanol resulted in a more homogeneous and crack-free coating with superior corrosion resistance compared to acetone. This research highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate suspension medium for achieving high-quality dental implants using the Electrophoretic Deposition method. The study was published in the Jurnal Kimia Riset and can be accessed for further information. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon in Mexico conducted a study on the antitumor, antioxidant, and hemolytic activities of Chlorella sorokiniana methanol extracts and fractions. The study found that these extracts and fractions showed potential antitumor and antioxidant properties without affecting human erythrocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The research identified specific compounds in the extracts that have been linked to antitumor and antioxidant activities. This study provides valuable insights into the potential health benefits of Chlorella sorokiniana extracts. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Qingdao University of Science and Technology have developed a new method for methanol purification that integrates energy conservation with thermal management. The refined process shows a significant reduction in energy consumption, operating costs, and environmental impact compared to traditional methods. This research, supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, highlights the potential for energy-saving initiatives in the fuel production industry. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Jilin University in Changchun, People's Republic of China, focused on the relationship between zeolite crystal size, Bronsted acid site distribution, and dual-cycle selectivity in the methanol-to-olefins reaction. The research found that larger-sized ZSM-5 zeolites have a higher concentration of paired Bronsted acid sites, which influences the aromatic-based cycle in the reaction. The study utilized advanced techniques such as two-dimensional solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and transmission electron microscopy to analyze the mechanisms involved. The findings suggest that paired Bronsted acid sites play a significant role in reducing activation energy barriers and favoring certain reaction pathways. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Shanghai University of Engineering Science focused on the solubilities of (R,S)- and (S)-sulpiride in various solvents, including chiral ionic liquids and methanol mixtures. The research involved the synthesis of four chiral ionic liquids and the determination of solubilities through experimental and thermodynamic modeling methods. The study also utilized molecular simulation to predict hydrogen bonding sites and clarify solubility phenomena in mixed solvents. This peer-reviewed research provides valuable insights into the dissolution processes and solid-state characterization of sulpiride compounds. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur focused on the challenges of utilizing methanol transfer hydrogenation for the synthesis of amines and saturated ketones from nitroarene and alpha,(3-unsaturated ketones. The researchers developed a cobalt-based catalytic system for this purpose, which allowed for the synthesis of pharmaceutically important drug molecules. The catalyst was found to be recyclable up to six times without significant loss of activity. This research was supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board, India, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) - India, and IITK. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, reported a rare case of cumulative methanol poisoning leading to vision loss in a 32-year-old man who consumed homemade alcoholic beverage for 14 days. While his friends did not show symptoms, the patient's vision deteriorated due to methanol accumulation, as ethanol inhibited the conversion of methanol to formic acid. This case highlights the importance of recognizing and treating methanol poisoning promptly to prevent severe consequences. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Yangzhou University in Jiangsu, China, have developed a new method for energy-saving hydrogen production from methanol electrolysis using nanoparticles. The study focused on enhancing the catalytic efficiency and anti-poisoning ability of Pt-based catalysts for high-purity hydrogen generation. The nitrogen-doped carbon polyhedrons-encapsulated MoP supported Pt nanoparticles showed promising results in methanol electrolysis, demonstrating good CO-poisoning resistance and accelerated reaction kinetics. This research, supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, offers a potential solution for efficient hydrogen production with reduced energy consumption. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Shenyang Pharmaceutical University in China conducted a study on the root extract of Reynoutria ciliinervis (Nakai) Moldenke, a traditional Chinese medicine. The study identified 12 bioactive compounds in the plant and found that the methanol extract exhibited strong antioxidant properties, stability under various conditions, and liver-protecting effects in rats. The research suggests that the methanol extract of R. ciliinervis root has potential in treating oxidative stress-related disorders, highlighting its medicinal value and paving the way for further investigation and potential clinical applications. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Rhode Island have developed a chloroform/methanol protein extraction and in-solution trypsin digestion protocol for bottom-up proteomics analysis. This protocol aims to standardize sample preparation techniques for mass spectrometry analysis, improving the reproducibility and reliability of proteomic data. The study highlights the importance of integrating proteomics with other omics methodologies to identify biomarkers associated with diseases and drug responses. For more information, the full article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.21769/BioProtoc.5055. [Extracted from the article]

Research conducted at Yanbian University focused on the phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activities of extracts from Anemone baicalensis Turcz. The study identified 12 phytochemicals in the plant and found that the methanol extract exhibited superior antioxidant properties. Further analysis revealed the presence of 39 compounds in the methanol extract, primarily phenolic compounds and triterpenoid saponins. The extract showed promise as a therapeutic agent for conditions related to oxidative imbalances, demonstrating gastroprotective effects in animal models. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) National Chemical Laboratory in Pune, India, discusses the discovery of a two-dimensionally flexible pharmaceutical-solvate crystal, indomethacin methanol. This crystal's unique flexibility is attributed to interlocked packing and a structural buffer, as revealed by Raman spectroscopy. The research, supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board, sheds light on the inhomogeneous molecular distribution in the crystal structure during bending, presenting a novel mechanistic model for 2D elastic crystals. The findings have been published in CrystEngComm and offer valuable insights into the structural basis of indomethacin therapy. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Lovely Professional University in Punjab, India, conducted a study on the crystal 1H-imidazole-1-methanol (HIM) using density functional theory (DFT) to analyze its properties. The research focused on vibrational, electronic, and optical properties, as well as molecular reactivity and nonlinear optical characteristics. The study also included Hirshfeld surface analysis to investigate interactions within and between molecules. Financial support for the research came from King Saud University, and the findings were published in the Journal of Materials Science Materials in Electronics. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Airlangga in Surabaya, Indonesia, explored the effects of Ajwa date fruit methanol extract on blood glucose levels in mice with diabetes mellitus. The research aimed to validate the potential of Ajwa date fruit in lowering blood glucose levels, with varying impacts observed based on different doses administered. The study concluded that an optimal dose of 7 g/WB of Ajwa date fruit extract effectively reduced blood glucose levels in mice with diabetes mellitus. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research in Tamil Nadu, India, analyzed the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant potential of methanol extract of banana blossom. The study found that the extract contained high concentrations of flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, and saponins. The antioxidant activity of the extract was estimated to be 236.5g/kg, suggesting that banana blossom extract could have potential nutraceutical and therapeutic properties, including anticancer activity. However, further research, including animal studies and clinical research, is needed to confirm these findings. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses research on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the potential use of natural products with high antioxidant activity as a prevention strategy. The study focused on the effects of methanol extracts of Euphorbia heterophylla L. (MEE) on AMD. The MEE showed high free radical scavenging activity and was found to protect against retinal degeneration caused by blue light in a mouse model of AMD. The study suggests that MEE may have therapeutic effects on AMD through its regulation of the antioxidative system, inflammatory response, apoptosis, and neovascularization. [Extracted from the article]

New research from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science explores the use of transition metal-doped C3B flakes as biosensors for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), specifically methanol. The study found that the V-, Cr-, and Mn-doped C3B flakes showed larger adsorption energy values compared to the pristine C3B surface, indicating their potential as efficient VOC biosensors. The research suggests that these C3B-based flakes could be used to identify VOC biomarkers such as methanol. The study was conducted in Padang, Indonesia and received financial support from Taif University in Saudi Arabia. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Dalian, People's Republic of China, explores the use of in-situ solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy in the methanol-to-olefins (MTO) reaction. The researchers highlight the importance of understanding the underlying mechanism of this reaction, which offers an alternative pathway for producing low-carbon olefins from non-oil feedstocks. The study discusses the advancements in ssNMR spectroscopy and its application in investigating the MTO reaction processes, including host-guest interactions and mechanistic investigations. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing catalytic processes and developing efficient catalysts, contributing to more sustainable and economical production routes for olefins. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Hasanuddin University explored the potential of Moringa oleifera seeds as a natural alternative for diabetes treatment. The researchers analyzed the methanol extract from the seeds and evaluated its antidiabetic activity by assessing its inhibition of the a-amylase enzyme. The extract showed promising results, with 67.94% inhibition and an IC50 of 15.38%. In silico analysis also indicated that one compound in the extract had a higher enzyme affinity than the synthetic drug acarbose. These findings suggest that Moringa oleifera seeds may contain compounds with potential as antidiabetic agents. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati explores the use of methanol as a transfer-hydrogenating agent in catalytic reduction reactions for chemical synthesis and drug development. The researchers focused on the chemoselective reduction of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones using acridine-derived SNS-Ru pincer complexes. The study found that the developed catalytic system demonstrated broad substrate tolerance and the ability to reduce chalcones containing reducible functional groups. Control experiments and postsynthetic applications were also highlighted. The research was financially supported by the Science Engineering Research Board (SERB) in India. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been filed for a composition and method of synthesizing lithium L-threonate for use in healthcare. The invention aims to provide a more effective treatment for bipolar disorder, with a controllable structure that is easily absorbed by the body and avoids side effects. The method involves reacting calcium L-threonate with Li2SO4 and Ba(OH)2 or Li2SO4 to produce lithium L-threonate. The invention also includes a method of treating bipolar disorder and other diseases or disorders, such as Lewy-body dementia and Alzheimer's disease, by administering lithium L-threonate to patients. [Extracted from the article]

New research from the University of North Bengal focuses on the safety evaluation of the whole-plant methanol extract of Equisetum diffusum D. Don, a plant traditionally used in the treatment of back pain, bone fracture, dislocation, and arthritis by tribal communities in India. The study utilized in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches to assess the toxicity and pharmacokinetic profile of the extract. The results indicated that the extract had low toxicity and was considered safe for consumption. This research provides valuable insights for the potential use of Equisetum diffusum in drug development for inflammation-related complications. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Cyprus International University have conducted a study on the antibacterial and antioxidant effects of silver nanoparticles formulated from the stem bark extract of Erythrina senegalensis. The study found that the extract contains secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, which may be responsible for the bio-reduction of silver ions to silver nanoparticles, as well as the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The research suggests that Erythrina senegalensis could be a potential source for the development of nanoparticles with therapeutic properties. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, explored the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanolic extract of Codium fragile, a green seaweed used in food and herbal medicine. The study found that the extract exhibited high levels of phenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, and demonstrated strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Additionally, the extract showed potent antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria. The researchers concluded that the bioactive compounds in Codium fragile could potentially be used as lead molecules for the development of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs. [Extracted from the article]