Articles tagged with Chemical Engineering
Researchers develop new recycling concept using fatty acids to extract silver from electronic waste, making it financially viable. The process uses light and diluted hydrogen peroxide, resulting in a sustainable separation method.
The article reviews current AI applications in chemical product design, process synthesis and design, process control and monitoring, and process safety and hazards. Hybrid AI approaches are being developed to find optimal processing routes and designs, considering sustainability criteria.
Researchers at TUM have developed a new material that exceeds existing records for ion conductivity in solid-state batteries by incorporating scandium into a lithium antimonide compound, creating specific gaps for easier lithium movement
Scientists create two innovative electrolysis systems that use urea found in urine and wastewater to produce green hydrogen at a lower cost than traditional methods. The breakthrough overcomes limitations such as toxic by-products and corrosion issues, paving the way for scalable production.
Rasika Dias, a renowned chemist at UTA, has been named a 2025 fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for his groundbreaking contributions to chemical sciences. He is the second chemistry faculty member to receive this honor.
Physicists at the University of Miami have discovered a unique molecule that can conduct electricity without losing energy, paving the way for smaller and more powerful computing devices. The molecule, composed of chemical elements found in nature, offers unparalleled electrical conductance and stability under everyday conditions.
Researchers develop advanced materials from plant waste, enhancing wood strength without increasing weight or harming the environment. The treatment used is simple, cost-effective and safe, making it a potential replacement for traditional construction materials.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to fabricate stretchable ceramics, glass, and metals using a double-network design. This material can stretch over four times its size without breaking, making it suitable for tear-resistant textiles and flexible semiconductors.
Researchers developed a new model called React-OT that can predict the transition state of chemical reactions in under a second with high accuracy. The model uses linear interpolation to generate better initial guesses, reducing the number of steps and computation time needed.
Bacteria use tactile sensors to detect surfaces and trigger biochemical signals for colonization. Understanding mechanosensing is crucial for improving gut health and preventing biofouling in industries.
Chemists have confirmed a 67-year-old theory about vitamin B1 by stabilizing a reactive molecule in water. The discovery opens doors to more efficient ways of making pharmaceuticals using cleaner solvents.
Researchers have developed a building material that uses fungal mycelium and bacteria cells, which can self-repair for at least a month. This innovation has the potential to replace conventional building materials with high carbon footprints like cement, reducing emissions and promoting sustainability.
Researchers demonstrate ultrafast transparency switching across multiple wavelengths using single laser excitation in germanium, opening possibilities for advanced optical technologies. The study highlights the potential of Ge as a key material for ultrafast optical switching with promising applications in high-speed data transmission ...
Researchers from Waseda University used machine learning to enhance the performance of photomechanical crystals, achieving up to 3.7 times greater force output compared to previously reported values. This breakthrough has significant implications for remote-controlled actuators, medical devices, and energy-efficient systems.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed new membranes for desalination that can help eliminate brine waste and produce more sustainable freshwater. The membranes are packed with charge and increase conductivity, allowing them to move more salt with less power.
Researchers develop novel synthesis method for multi-shelled gold clusters and precisely remove atoms to study magnetic spin influence on catalytic behavior. They find that spin density concentrates more on iodine atoms than sulfur atoms, indicating potential role in tuning catalytic properties.
A new phenomenon in modern batteries has been discovered by Texas Engineers, which could improve their life cycles. Researchers found a temporary version of the film that forms on the metal anode during discharge speeds and dissolves back into the battery when finished.
Researchers from Tsinghua University sent 2D materials and field-effect transistors into orbit aboard China's reusable recoverable satellite, Shijian-19. The materials maintained their structural integrity, exhibiting stable switching characteristics after a 14-day space flight.
Researchers at MIT engineered bacteria to produce unique wavelengths of light that can be detected using hyperspectral cameras. This technology could enable the development of bacterial sensors for agricultural applications, such as monitoring crop health and detecting pollutants.
Four UTA faculty members - Cameron, Dias, Shiakolas, and Yuan - recognized by the National Academy of Inventors for their outstanding research discoveries. Their innovations have made a tangible impact on society through patents, licensing, and commercialization.
A new CFD model has been proposed to optimize the green production of high-purity dimethyl carbonate (DMC) for critical industrial applications. The model reveals the dynamics of DMC crystallization and provides a balance between rapid crystal growth and higher yield.
A team of researchers led by UMass Amherst discovered that imperfect polymer fillers can enhance thermal conductivity, challenging conventional wisdom. Polymers with defective fillers performed 160% better than those with perfect fillers in conducting heat.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to mass manufacture nanoparticles that target cancer cells, eliminating the need for manual polymer mixing and streamlining production. This approach integrates good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant processes, making it suitable for large-scale production of cancer treatments.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a simple and cost-effective method to test lithium-ion battery safety, enabling researchers to quickly screen battery effects on safety factors such as materials, design, storage conditions, and degradation. The innovative method uses miniaturized batteries that are intentionally un...
The study explores AI-driven innovations across multiple scales, from material design to industrial park optimization, highlighting its potential for simplifying complex chemical processes. However, data reliability remains a major challenge, and full-scale industrial implementation faces technical, economic, social, and ethical hurdles.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a novel self-assembly process to create multilayered films with superior thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. The film exhibits enhanced hardness and self-healing ability compared to conventional materials.
Researchers at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have developed a method for studying protein degradation within immune cells using engineered microparticles. This approach provides real-time insights into immune system function and dysfunction, offering valuable tools for understanding diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and a...
Professor Yousung Jung's team uses LLMs to accurately predict and explain material synthesizability, overcoming limitations of existing methods. This technology is expected to accelerate material design and reduce development time for the semiconductor and secondary battery industries.
A team of researchers has developed a groundbreaking high-temperature copper alloy with exceptional thermal stability and mechanical strength. The novel bulk Cu-3Ta-0.5Li nanocrystalline alloy exhibits remarkable resistance to coarsening and creep deformation, even at temperatures near its melting point.
Researchers at WashU have developed a method to manipulate the mechanical side of fibrosis, a complex condition that can lead to scarring and breathing difficulties. By controlling the direction of tension forces, they aim to prevent or treat fibrosis and develop personalized treatment plans for patients.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a novel material that can convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into a liquid fuel. The material, called tincone, has both organic and inorganic properties, which improve its stability and electrochemical properties.
A research group at Peking University discovered dopamine's role in regulating Tau's function through a novel chemoproteomic strategy. This finding deepens our understanding of dopamine's physiological and pathological roles in the human brain.
Researchers have developed a new sensor to detect hazardous gas leaks in lithium-ion batteries, which could prevent catastrophic failures and enhance the reliability of battery-powered technologies. The sensor detects trace amounts of ethylene carbonate vapour, targeting potential battery failures before they escalate into disasters.
Researchers demonstrate a new technique for encapsulating beneficial bacteria that can be stored and applied to plants to improve growth and protect against pests. The technique enables customized probiotics for plants, allowing farmers to use these bacteria in conjunction with agrochemicals.
Research teams at Alcal'Hylab joint laboratory are working on designing next-generation materials for boosting green hydrogen production, combining the benefits of alkaline water electrolysis and polymer membrane technology. The goal is to produce ultra-pure gas with high yield while minimizing carbon footprint and pollutants.
Engineered platelets-based nano-aircraft carriers enhance targeted chemotherapy with graded drug release, promoting antitumor immune response and reducing metastasis. Researchers successfully develop Pts-based nanovesicles for precise cancer treatment.
The study provides a techno-economic foundation and policy blueprint to align storage deployment with regional needs, ensuring a reliable transition to carbon neutrality. Electrical energy storage plays a critical role in balancing supply-demand mismatches and enhancing grid flexibility.
Researchers at Waseda University develop a new imaging technique that uses neutron activation to transform gold nanoparticles into radioisotopes, enabling long-term tracking of their movement in the body. This breakthrough could lead to more effective cancer treatments and precision monitoring of drug distribution.
Researchers have discovered how cholesterol crystals form in human bodies, shedding light on heart disease and gallstones. The team identified a special solvent that mimics the body's natural environment, allowing them to watch how cholesterol crystals grow in real time.
Anna Balazs, a world-renowned pioneer in materials theory and soft matter science, has been awarded the 2025 Gutenberg Research Award. Her recent research on 'Confine: Sculpting Confined Fluids for Transport using Self-Organization and Information Transfer' has garnered significant attention.
The UTA-UT Austin team will use AI, quantum simulations, and experimental techniques to develop magnets that eliminate rare-earth elements. The researchers aim to enhance U.S. energy security and accelerate sustainable energy solutions with comparable magnetic properties.
A POSTECH research team has developed a new catalyst using aluminum, improving the performance of hydrogen production in alkaline water electrolysis by approximately 50%. The aluminum catalyst maintained high current density and excellent stability, making it suitable for large-scale hydrogen production.
Richard Willson, a University of Houston professor, has been elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for his contributions to the chemical sciences. He has developed innovative methods to detect viruses and other biological threats using glow-in-the-dark nanoparticles.
Researchers at UC San Diego create computational approach to model chiral helimagnets using quantum mechanics calculations. They successfully predicted key parameters, including helix wavevector, period, and critical magnetic field, opening opportunities for designing better materials.
Researchers have discovered that quantum materials can be used to sense the biological electrical activity of living cells with high speed and resolution. The technology uses light to track changes in the material's photoluminescence, mapping the electrical activity of heart muscle cells in real time.
Researchers have developed a novel electrochemistry approach to build new molecules using micelles from naturally occurring amino acids and coconut oil. This breakthrough method could reduce the cost of making medicines by combining solvents, electrolytes, and reaction boosters into one simple tool.
Researchers discover engineered TIMP molecules can block cancer cell migration and invasion, offering a targeted approach to treating GBM. The findings also suggest the potential for safe treatment with minimal side effects.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a groundbreaking method to recycle Plexiglas by breaking down polymer chains into individual monomer building blocks. The process relies on a chlorinated solvent and UV light, with yields of up to 98% even in multicoloured samples.
A new biosensor can detect airborne H5N1 avian influenza virus in under 5 minutes, providing real-time monitoring for dairy and poultry farms. The sensor uses electrochemical capacitive biosensors to improve detection speed and sensitivity.
University of Missouri researchers developed a solution to improve solid-state battery performance by understanding the root cause of issues. They used 4D STEM to examine atomic structures without disassembling batteries, ultimately determining the interphase layer was the culprit.
UTA's expansion of its undergraduate research program has enabled students to present their work at major symposiums, including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics conference. The program has strengthened students' commitment to pursuing graduate studies in various fields.
A recent study reveals three distinct mechanisms of recombination in photocatalytic water splitting, including over-penetration induced recombination and excess hole induced recombination. The discovery of a previously unknown slow reaction, called the 'satellite peak,' is crucial for pinpointing the rate-limiting step in water splitting.
Research team develops a new design strategy to enhance efficiency, stability, and stretchability of polymer solar cells. The discovery uses a three-dimensional aromatic-core tethered tetrameric acceptor, achieving significant improvements in performance and durability.
A novel carbon-neutral grout, CSRGF, has been developed by recycling waste fluids from geothermal energy harvesting plants, addressing environmental challenges in traditional grouting methods. The new material shows remarkable performance, with a 50% increase in liquefaction resistance and superior water-sealing properties.
CrySyst's QbC framework addresses crystallization monitoring, modeling and control using research from Purdue University. The software provides guided experiment selection, semiautomated model development and reliable solutions to reduce time and material usage.
Camille Bilodeau's project uses AI and molecular simulations to design peptide-covered surfaces for targeted applications, including new medicines, water desalination, and semiconductor manufacturing. Her research group aims to develop a rapid predictive tool to understand surface-water interactions of tethered peptides.
Ebru Demir aims to study how groups of AI-driven microswimmers move in biological fluids for potential applications in drug delivery, fertility treatments, and other medical fields. Her research combines artificial microswimmers with machine learning to uncover the underlying physics governing their movement.
Researchers developed a new zero-shot AI pipeline that leverages open-source foundation models like Segment Anything Model (SAM) and Grounding DINO to improve accuracy in automated image segmentation for remote sensing. The pipeline achieves outstanding segmentation results, reaching up to 99% accuracy, and operates in a zero-shot manner.
The University of Texas at Arlington is joining forces with the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station to operate a new biomanufacturing center. This partnership will expand UTA's capabilities and provide access to financial support and industry partners, enabling researchers to develop and commercialize production of new bioprod...
Three University of Houston professors, Birol Dindoruk, Megan Robertson, and Francisco Robles Hernandez, have been named Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors. The recognition highlights their dedication to innovation and research excellence.