A team from Northwestern University has developed a highly porous smart sponge that can selectively soak up oil spills in water. With an ability to absorb more than 30 times its weight in oil, the ...

The material at the heart of this technology is a blend of wood, lithium chloride, and a solar-absorbing surface made of carbon nanotubes. These ingredients form a strong, porous sponge that can ...

(Nanowerk Spotlight) One-third of the global population lacks access to clean water, with the challenge most severe in arid regions that make up 41% of Earth's land surface. The atmosphere holds vast ...

Oil spills and industrial discharge can contaminate water with greasy substances. Although it's true that oil and water don't mix, separating and recovering each component can still be challenging.

Scientists have created a reusable, biodegradable sponge that can readily soak up oil and other organic solvents from contaminated water sources, making it a promising alternative for tackling marine ...