Chemical Engineering
Articles tagged with Chemical Engineering
Reversible glue technology goes electric
Hmeidat, Hubbard named outstanding manufacturing engineers
A sticky solution to a pesky agricultural problem
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a water-based pesticide formulation that outperforms conventional methods in delivering agricultural pesticides. The new solution uses nanostructured cellulose nanocrystals to stabilize pesticide droplets without chemicals or solvents.
PeroCycle to pioneer low-carbon steel with Jindal Steel (Oman)
A feasibility study assesses the integration of PeroCycle's patented carbon recycling technology into Jindal Steel's operations, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions and lower reliance on fossil-based agents. The partnership could set a new global benchmark for low-emission steel production in the Middle East.
Stanford researchers combine five metals to build a better nanocrystal
Prof Liu Bin named fellow of the National Academy of Inventors
International forum highlights engineered biochar for carbon capture and resource recovery
The 23rd Carbon Research International Forum highlights engineered biochar's potential in supporting carbon capture, resource recovery, and sustainable industrial development. Recent progress in converting agricultural and industrial residues into high-performance carbon materials was discussed.
Team develops fast, affordable, on-site ‘forever chemical’ test
A new portable sensor developed by Griffith University can rapidly detect 'forever chemicals' in water at a lower cost than traditional laboratory-based methods. The test has the potential to make high-quality PFAS monitoring more accessible, particularly for regional areas and developing nations.
MIT study: Gene circuits reshape DNA folding and affect how genes are expressed
Researchers at MIT discovered that gene circuits can reshape DNA folding and affect gene expression in human cells. The study found that rearranging genes along a DNA strand, or 'gene syntax,' can amplify or suppress the expression of neighboring genes.
Toward tougher, longer-lasting, more sustainable tires
Harvard engineers develop new method to preserve long molecular chains in natural rubber, resulting in composite materials that are both stiff and tough. The innovation has the potential to cut waste, reduce tire dust pollution, and open new avenues for high-performance elastomers.
Bismuth melanin biomaterial shields body from radiation and eases acute radiation syndrome
A team of researchers designed a bismuth-coordinated melanin material to shield against radiation and alleviate acute radiation syndrome (ARS), with promising results in mouse experiments. The material showed stronger shielding and antioxidant effects, improving survival rates from 20% to 60%.
Tuning Pt d electrons boosts catalytic performance for liquid organic hydrogen carrier dehydrogenation
Researchers tune Pt d electrons to boost LOHC dehydrogenation, achieving volcano-shaped correlation between Pt d electron density and turnover frequency. The optimized catalyst, Pt/MgO, maintains stable performance with lower coke deposition.
Neural-network switching control boosts high-speed nano-positioning accuracy
A new study introduces a neural-network-based switching output regulation controller for high-speed nano-positioning stages, reducing hysteresis nonlinearity and improving tracking performance. The research presents a mechatronic platform and control framework that supports reliable micro- and nano-scale manipulation.
AI helps chemists design molecules step by step
A new framework, Synthegy, combines established search algorithms with artificial intelligence capable of interpreting chemical strategies expressed in natural language. This allows chemists to express their goals in plain language and receive strategically relevant solutions.
Machine learning unlocks greener pathway to urea production
Researchers at Griffith University and Queensland University of Technology have developed a machine-learning model to design efficient urea catalysts using waste gases. The model accurately predicted key co-adsorption energy values, narrowing down over 1,400 candidates to promising ones.
Bubble trouble: New research highlights outsized impacts of tiny bubbles in water electrolysis
Tiny bubbles in water electrolysis can account for significant efficiency losses, ranging from 5-25% of total energy input. Researchers are exploring ways to design electrode surfaces and optimize operating conditions to manage bubble buildup and improve performance.
How AI can help us count the ‘good’ viruses used in biopharmaceuticals
Researchers developed an AI-powered methodology to identify and count target viruses more efficiently than previous techniques. The new approach uses electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and machine learning to separate signals from noise, enabling quick and accurate readings across a wide range of titers.
Floatable, biodegradable composite beads show promise for large-scale oil spill remediation
Researchers have created a novel sorbent made from chitosan/cellulose acetate and bentonite composites that show promise for cleaning up oil spills. The beads are floatable, biodegradable, and environmentally compatible, making them an efficient and cost-effective solution.
Creating a wireless tissue-aware medical device network in the human body
A research group developed an optimized signal transmission system for implantable medical devices, improving accuracy and strength of wireless signals. The approach uses ultra-wideband communication to coordinate multiple implants and reduce signal distortion, enabling more effective healthcare applications.
NUS CDE researchers develop biowaste coatings to boost CO2-to-fuel conversion
Researchers at NUS CDE have developed biowaste coatings that improve the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals, achieving high selectivity rates and reducing reliance on PFAS. The coatings, made from crustacean shells, insect exoskeletons, and plant matter, offer a cost-effective pathway to climate technology.
Scientists unveil how heat-loving enzyme could help improve plastic recycling
Researchers developed a heat-tolerant cutinase enzyme that combines structural rigidity with flexibility, enabling efficient degradation of PET at high temperatures. This discovery provides new insights into designing enzymes for sustainable plastic recycling and addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste.
The Universitat Jaume I and AICE advance in environmental engineering through the joint GEA research laboratory
The Universitat Jaume I and AICE have established a joint GEA research laboratory to promote joint research and innovation in environmental engineering. The lab aims to foster knowledge transfer, train PhD graduates, and collaborate with companies in the region.
HKUST develops advanced sustainable energy storage technology for high-performance and safer solid-state lithium batteries
The research team successfully synthesized a novel single-crystalline 3D borate covalent organic framework, demonstrating exceptional performance as a solid-state electrolyte. The advancement promises safer and higher energy density solutions for electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage.
Selective oxidation of 3-hydroxypropionic acid to malonic acid over Pd/C: Mechanistic and kinetic study
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop a systematic study for sustainable production of malonic acid via oxidation of 3-hydroxypropionic acid with a Pd/Carbon catalyst. The kinetic model validated the network, displaying excellent agreement and providing insight into conditions that maximize MA production.
Researchers use large language models to discover recipes for novel materials
The researchers developed an AI-based method that allows users to input natural language prompts about the materials they want to create and suggests optimal procedures for experiments to produce them. The method has been successfully applied to identify catalysts for turning carbon dioxide and hydrogen into carbon monoxide and water u...
Diameter-transformed fluidized bed enables optimized catalytic reaction engineering and industrial scaling
A new study introduces the diameter-transformed fluidized bed (DTFB) reactor, which addresses national demands for upgraded automotive gasoline quality and advanced heterogeneous catalytic reactions. The DTFB platform achieves precise selectivity control for complex catalytic reactions in a single fluidized bed.
RoboChem Flex: Democratisation of the autonomous synthesis robot
Researchers have developed RoboChem Flex, a versatile and modular autonomous synthesis robot that reduces costs to $5000. The system offers human-in-the-loop analytics, Bayesian optimization, and integration with various analytical instruments, making it accessible to laboratories of all sizes.
Water-soluble cellulose adhesive enables strong, reusable bonding across extreme conditions
Researchers have developed a water-soluble cellulose ethyl phosphite (CEP) adhesive that integrates high bonding strength, environmental tolerance, and recyclability. The CEP adhesive demonstrates remarkable thermal stability and resistance to moisture-related degradation, making it suitable for various applications.
Seeing red: Dragonflies and humans share the same red-light detection mechanism
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that dragonfly visual protein detects red light similarly to mammals. This finding has potential applications in medical fields relying on red light-sensing, such as optogenetics.
A high-performance photodetector with precision in structure and power detection
A research team from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has developed a new type of photodetector that achieves impressive responsivity and detectivity. The device uses highly ordered superlattices to overcome the limitations of traditional quantum dot-based photodetectors.
Green recycling process for spent lithium-ion batteries with extremely low chemical consumption
A novel mechanical activation assisted strategy achieves selective extraction of Li+ from spent cathode materials with highly utilization efficiency of H+ (>97%), reducing secondary pollutant generation. The developed process obviates the need for auxiliary reagents and substantially reduces chemical consumption.
AI helps scientists design smarter biochar to remove antibiotics from water
Researchers developed an AI tool to predict how effectively biochar materials break down antibiotics, offering a faster and smarter way to design environmental cleanup technologies. The framework accurately estimates reaction rates and provides scientific insights into material characteristics that influence performance.
Breaking fuel cell barriers: New platinum catalyst developed at SKKU brings high-efficiency hydrogen vehicles closer to commercialization
A new platinum-based catalyst has been developed at SKKU, improving both activity and durability in hydrogen fuel cells. The catalyst's optimized electronic structure delivers high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and outstanding durability, making it suitable for use in hydrogen electric vehicles.
Nanoparticles genetically modify several human cell types
Researchers at University of Michigan Engineering and Michigan Medicine used protein nanoparticles to genetically modify several types of human cells, including liver cancer and immune cells. The goal is to develop a safer method for delivering gene therapies without using modified viruses.
AI-driven Catalyst Discovery: €30 million funding for German consortium
The €30 million ASCEND project aims to accelerate catalyst discovery using Digital Catalysis and thin-film technologies. By combining AI with physical synthesis and stress testing, the project seeks to unlock performance breakthroughs for commercially viable large-scale deployment of green hydrogen and sustainable chemicals.
Four NYU faculty named AAAS Fellows
NYU faculty Eray Aydil, André Fenton, Anirban Maitra, and Liina Pylkkänen recognized for their groundbreaking work in materials synthesis, neuroscience, cancer research, and language processing. The American Association for the Advancement of Science has selected 449 members as AAAS Fellows this year.
Viciazites: Efficient carbon capture designer materials that could desorb below 60 oC
Researchers have developed a new class of carbon materials called 'viciazites' that contain carefully controlled configurations of nitrogen groups, enabling low-temperature operation and efficient CO2 capture. The materials outperform untreated carbon fibers in CO2 uptake and desorption at temperatures below 60°C.
Not just faster but smarter: AI that explains its discoveries
A new study developed an AI-driven strategy that accelerates catalyst discovery while revealing the underlying chemistry. The approach, referred to as 'gray-box,' provided meaningful insights into the effect of individual promoters and synergistic interactions between them.
New journal Health Engineering launches to bridge engineering innovation and the future of human health
Health Engineering combines engineering principles with life sciences to address pressing global health challenges, focusing on prevention, precision intervention, and long-term health maintenance. The journal publishes interdisciplinary research across various fields, including biomaterials, synthetic biology, and precision medicine.
New lipid nanoparticle design improves precision of mRNA vaccine delivery
Researchers redesigned a key component of lipid nanoparticles to steer particles toward lymph nodes, reducing off-target delivery. This advancement could make mRNA vaccines more efficient, potentially achieving strong immune protection at lower doses.
Successful use of high-pressure freezing for cell cryopreservation
Researchers from the University of Tokyo successfully developed a high-pressure freezing method that reduces CPA concentration to 20-30% and improves cell viability and metabolic activity. The method holds promise for cryopreservation in regenerative medicine research, with potential applications in drug testing and cell transplantation.
Toward sustainability in polyolefins: upcycling and redesign strategies
Research team identifies two key strategies to address polyolefin environmental challenges: mechanical upcycling and redesign. Upcycling converts waste into high-value products, while redesign enhances production efficiency and material performance.
Beyond disposal: redefining biodegradable plastics as high-value resources for carbon neutrality
Research highlights biodegradable polymers' energy efficiency in recycling, challenging the assumption of composting as the only end-of-life solution. Chemical recycling offers better environmental and economic outcomes, transforming waste into a profitable resource.
Light-driven chemistry opens new routes for upgrading plastic waste
A research team from East China Normal University highlights photocatalysis as a promising strategy to convert plastic waste into useful small molecules, fuels, and functional materials. The approach allows plastics to be transformed under relatively mild conditions, with various mechanistic frameworks offering different advantages.
Light-activated material offers new approach to carbon dioxide conversion
Scientists have developed a light-activated material that can convert carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, a key building block for fuels and chemicals, using sunlight and water. The material, which combines ideas from biology and materials science, produces CO extremely efficiently with no detectable by-products.
New hydrogel platform mimics human tissue, can be controlled by light
Researchers developed a water-rich, Jell-O-like hydrogel that mimics human tissue's movement, stretching, and relaxation. The hydrogel can be precisely controlled by light, enabling the study of cell behavior and disease modeling.
“A spray shield that adheres to transplant organs” reduces the burden on patients taking lifelong immunosuppressants
Researchers developed a spray shield that adheres to transplant organs using mussel-derived adhesive protein, reducing immune rejection and its side effects. This innovation enables targeted delivery of immunosuppressants directly to the transplanted site, increasing success rates in xenograft transplantation.
Listening to the body’s quietest, yet most dynamic movements
Researchers developed a wearable vibration sensor capable of detecting subtle body movements without external power, opening new possibilities for healthcare technologies. The sensor accurately captures physiological signals and detects extremely faint vibrations across a broad frequency range.
Cracking the code on degrading water contaminants through multi-omics
Researchers used multi-omics technologies to identify novel pathways and mechanisms involved in degrading organic micropollutants. The integration of omics data at different levels revealed the genetic potential and community composition of OMP-degrading microorganisms.
Using individual atoms to achieve fossil-free chemistry
Researchers from ETH Zurich have developed a single-atom catalyst that enables more efficient CO2-based methanol synthesis. The new catalyst, composed of isolated indium atoms on hafnium oxide, allows for the use of precious metals in an economically viable manner.
Self-cleaning fuel cells? Researchers reveal steam-powered fix for ‘sulfur poisoning’
University of Utah researchers have discovered a steam-enabled self-cleaning mechanism that dramatically improves sulfur tolerance in solid oxide fuel cell anodes. The addition of rhodium leads to the formation of bimetallic nanoparticles that actively resist sulfur poisoning and autonomously regenerate under steam exposure.
10 Years, 70% shift: Wastewater upgrades quietly transform river microbiomes
A study found that WWTP upgrades improved river water quality by reducing total nitrogen concentrations. The upgrade triggered significant shifts in bacterial communities' composition and nitrogen-cycling functions, while viral communities adjusted their functional strategies.
Machine learning helps design low-cost biochar to fight phosphorus pollution in lakes
Researchers developed a machine learning-guided strategy to design advanced biochar materials that remove phosphorus efficiently while lowering treatment costs. The study provides a practical pathway for restoring eutrophic waters at large scale.
Beating cancer by eating cancer
A research team has engineered bacteria capable of consuming tumours from the inside out, using a novel tool for cancer treatment. The bacteria, Clostridium sporogenes, are designed to multiply in oxygen-free environments found in solid tumours, where they can effectively target and destroy cancerous cells.
Stretchy plastics conduct electricity via tiny, whisker-like fibers
Researchers discovered that adding salt additives and water enables PEDOT:PSS to grow hair-like fibers conducting electricity. The material's stretchability and conductivity can be enhanced by adjusting the chemical makeup, making it suitable for bioelectronic devices.
Forest-based resins challenge fossil materials in wind turbines, boats and high-performance adhesives
Researchers at the University of Oulu have developed new bio-based resins that match or exceed the performance of fossil-based counterparts. The resins are produced from biomass-derived platform chemicals and offer a critical sustainability advantage: chemical recyclability.
Plant-based material offers sustainable method of recovering rare earth element
Researchers at Penn State develop novel technology to isolate and recover dysprosium, a critical rare earth element used in semiconductors and other applications. The new approach uses cellulose-based nanocellulose to selectively separate dysprosium from other elements, promoting a more environmentally friendly and efficient method.
Jeonbuk National University researchers develop an innovative prussian-blue based electrode for effective and efficient cesium removal
Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new Prussian-blue based electrode that can effectively remove cesium from water. The electrode, made by combining Prussian blue with chemically treated carbon cloth, demonstrates high capacity for cesium adsorption and excellent reusability.
New review identifies pathways for managing PFAS waste in semiconductor manufacturing
A new review assesses the current state of science, technology, and policy around managing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) waste in semiconductor manufacturing. The authors outline three priority areas: improved monitoring, effective separation, and safe destruction.