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University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering


Research reveals mechanism for direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide

Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a new mechanism for directly synthesizing hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen gases using palladium cluster catalysts. This breakthrough provides insight into the formation of H2O2, which can be used as an environmentally benign alternative to chlorine.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 20, 2016

From nanocrystals to earthquakes, solid materials share similar failure characteristics

Researchers discovered that solid materials, including nanocrystals and the Earth's crust, share similar deformation properties due to slip-avalanches. This study enables the transfer of results across different scales and materials, providing new tools for predicting material deformation and hazard prevention.

New lab technique reveals structure and function of proteins critical in DNA repair

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a new lab technique that simultaneously observes protein structure and function in DNA repair. The technique, combining fluorescence microscopy and optical trapping, provides definitive answers to long-debated questions and opens up new avenues for biological engineering.

3-D 'pop-up' silicon structures: Transforming planar materials into 3-D microarchitectures

Complex 3D micro/nanostructures are crucial in biology, and researchers have created a simple route to form these structures by exploiting mechanics principles. The process involves using a pre-strained elastomer substrate to induce buckling processes that transform planar materials into well-defined, 3D frameworks.

Study finds Illinois is most critical hub in food distribution network

A new study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that Illinois plays a vital role in distributing over 400 million tons of food annually, with the state transporting more than 70 million tons. The study highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure to ensure national and global food security.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 18, 2014

University of Illinois researchers develop inexpensive hydrolysable polymer

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a cheap, hydrolysable polymer called poly(hindered urea)s (PHUs), which can be designed to degrade over time. This material has potential applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and packaging, offering advantages over traditional hydrolyzable polymers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 2, 2014

University of Illinois researchers demonstrate novel, tunable nanoantennas

A team from the University of Illinois developed a novel, tunable nanoantenna that enables plasmonic field enhancement to actuate mechanical motion. The researchers demonstrated tunability down to 5nm and showed that an electron beam can be used to deform individual p-BNAs or groups with velocities as large as 60 nm/s.

University of Illinois study advances limits for ultrafast nano-devices

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to generate spin currents in nanoscale devices, enabling faster operation of magnetic memory devices. The technique uses temperature differences to transport spin-angular-momentum, overcoming limitations of traditional electrical current-based methods.

Researchers improve performance of III-V nanowire solar cells on graphene

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel solar cell architecture based on dense arrays of coaxial p-n junction InGaAs nanowires on InAs stems grown directly on graphene. The resulting ternary InGaAs NW arrays demonstrate a conversion efficiency of 2.51% under air mass 1.5 global solar illumination, representing ...

Understanding secondary light emission by plasmonic nanostructures may improve medical imaging

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that modeling secondary light emission as Raman scattering can predict its dependence on laser power and wavelength, leading to improved biological and medical imaging modalities. This breakthrough has significant implications for surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2014

Next-generation gene sequencing can identify invasive carp species in Chicago area waterways

Researchers developed precise monitoring systems by analyzing gut microbiota of invasive Asian carp and native gizzard shad, revealing key differences between species. The study uses next-generation gene sequencing technology to identify biomarkers for each species, promising a new approach to preventing their spread in the Great Lakes.

New analytical methodology can guide electrode optimization

Researchers developed a combined approach of MicroCT-based visualization and microfluidic-based electrochemical analysis to correlate changes in electrode performance with catalyst layer structure. This allows for systematic investigation of electrode-based electrochemical processes and guides electrode optimization for improved cataly...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJul 9, 2013