Chemical and Advanced Materials

Scientists have found a surprising new use for coal

Workers unload coal from a supply truck at a yard on the outskirts of the western Indian city of Ahmedabad April 15, 2015. Fewer power cuts are likely in India this summer after a surge in output at Coal India helped generators amass record stocks, a turnaround for Narendra Modi who had to battle a power crisis within months of becoming prime minister last May. Fast-track mine approvals, tighter production oversight and more flexibility in coal sales have helped power station stocks recover from a six-year low hit in October, vindicating Modi's pitch to voters as the state leader who brought round-the-clock power to industrial Gujarat.

Instead of burning coal for fuel, we could be making electronic devices from it, says Jeffrey Grossman. Image: REUTERS/Amit Dave

David L. Chandler
Writer, MIT News
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Chemical and Advanced MaterialsFourth Industrial RevolutionInnovation
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