Articles tagged with Chemical Engineering
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Anne Aunins, a UVA chemical engineering alumna and board member, was elected to the National Academy of Engineering for her innovative work in bioprocess engineering and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Her contributions have had transformative impact on industry and society, particularly during the global COVID-19 crisis.
Professor Michael L. King has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his seminal contributions to transport phenomena and biomedical engineering. His work has deepened fundamental understanding of particle transport, adhesion, and aerosol behavior in biological systems, informing advances across biomedical applications...
Researchers at TUM developed a coating that makes UV-A radiation visible using proteins and bacteria, opening up new possibilities for sustainable materials. The coating, which includes the protein mEosFP, reliably detects contact with UV-A light and can be integrated into paints and coatings without compromising material properties.
Wachs was recognized for his work on mixed oxide catalysts that guide the rational design of solid catalysts for air pollution remediation, sustainable energy, fuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. His election to the NAE honors his contributions to chemical engineering and the modern field of operando molecular spectroscopy.
The substance-energy network is a strategic concept for China's energy system transformation, integrating power grids and pipeline networks for flexible and resilient energy systems. It provides solutions for large-scale renewable energy consumption and high-reliability energy security.
Researchers at Chiba University developed oxygen-functionalized graphene membranes that selectively separate carbon dioxide from methane while maintaining high permeability. The study demonstrates the potential of graphene-based filtration systems for next-generation gas purification, enabling cheaper and cleaner energy production.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new technology for plastic recycling that uses aqueous chemi-mechanical recycling to blend, decolorize, and purify mixed polyolefins. This approach reduces energy consumption and eliminates toxic chemicals compared to existing methods.
The B-STING silica nanocomposite acts as a nanofactory of reactive oxygen species, activating itself in response to changes in the chemical environment. This material can be used to create biocidal coatings that are safe, durable, and resistant to dirt, with potential applications in medicine and other industries.
Researchers created eco-friendly, high-performance gas sensors with blended polymer films combining poly(3-hexylthiophene) and poly(butylene succinate). The sensors demonstrated stable performance and higher sensitivity to nitrogen dioxide and other gases.
Scientists from the University of Malaga have optimized wastewater use for green hydrogen production through artificial intelligence, improving its efficiency and sustainability. The study used machine learning to fine-tune the process, reducing energy consumption and organic waste.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new way to harness the properties of tungsten carbide as a catalyst for producing valuable chemicals and fuels. The method, which involves carefully manipulating tungsten carbide particles at the nanoscale level, has shown promising results in reducing costs and increasing eff...
Researchers introduced a simple and cost-effective labeling method using Pichia pastoris to overcome high spectral resolution challenges in solid-state NMR studies of membrane proteins. The approach achieved random fractional labeling, sharpening spectral peaks and improving resolution at a lower cost than traditional methods.
Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new dual-chemical looping process that improves the efficiency of ammonia synthesis by 8.4% and reduces global warming potential by up to 15.85 kg CO2-equivalent per kilogram of ammonia produced.
Researchers discovered that a significant drop in calcium levels in the ocean led to a massive decrease in carbon dioxide, driving global cooling and ending the planet's greenhouse era. The study suggests that changes in seawater chemistry played a key role in shaping climate history.
Researchers have developed a new way to produce ammonia, a common fertilizer, that is cleaner and more efficient than traditional methods. The process uses calcium nitride and hydrogen atoms to create ammonia without emitting carbon dioxide, and can be scaled up for widespread use.
Researchers highlight advancements in fluidized bed design, oxygen carrier materials, and performance of chemical looping systems. They emphasize the importance of controlling fluidization regime and developing physical standards for oxygen carriers.
A new study from Nagoya University in Japan has found that petrolatum-based eye ointments can cause MicroShunt glaucoma implants to swell and potentially rupture. The study suggests that clinicians should avoid using these ointments on patients with the implant, particularly when it is exposed outside the conjunctiva.
Scientists developed a cost-effective method to produce 3-Hydroxypropanoic acid (3-HP), an industrial chemical used in disposable diapers, microplastics, and acrylic paint. The new process using engineered microbes to ferment plant sugars into 3-HP has been validated for commercial potential.
A new digital and legally binding fingerprint developed at the University of Copenhagen makes products impossible to counterfeit. Royal Copenhagen is among the first brands in the world to use this solution, resulting in immediate transparency across their distribution chain.
A team of researchers at Chalmers University of Technology has developed a new way to produce hydrogen gas without the use of platinum, a scarce and expensive metal. The process uses sunlight and tiny particles of electrically conductive plastic to efficiently produce hydrogen.
A Rice University-led team has unveiled the molecular structures on industrial catalysts that behave during vinyl acetate monomer production. The work points to catalyst designs that could reduce energy use, carbon emissions, and make global VAM production cleaner and more reliable.
Scientists have created a system that harnesses the energy in chloride-rich brines to produce chlorine without needing external power. The innovative approach integrates hydrochloric acid recovery with chlorine and hydrogen generation, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers at Nagoya University and Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltd. have developed a new semiconductor etching method that significantly reduces processing time and enhances energy efficiency. The process employs plasma etching with hydrogen fluoride at very low temperatures, eliminating the need for fluorocarbon gases.
The Nanalysis Edition of KnowItAll combines Wiley's analytical software platform with Nanalysis' specialized NMR database, streamlining spectral interpretation workflows for users. The tailored solution provides immediate access to reference spectra optimized for benchtop NMR instruments, expanding compound identification coverage.
A new study reveals a simple two-stage catalytic system using corn straw, biochar, and nickel-based catalysts can more than double the hydrogen content of gas produced during biomass pyrolysis. The addition of biochar as a pre-catalyst further increases hydrogen yield.
A team of engineers at Universiti Sains Malaysia has developed a novel surface-imprinted polymer grafted onto ordered mesoporous silica, which achieves high selectivity for chloramphenicol removal. The adsorbent demonstrated excellent reusability and thermodynamic properties, making it an efficient solution for water purification.
Chonnam National University scientists use an engineered enzyme to convert formaldehyde into L-glyceraldehyde, a valuable chiral C3 compound. The novel approach demonstrates how enzyme engineering can turn pollution into useful building blocks for medicine and industry.
Researchers at University of Chicago have developed a new technique for synthesizing MXene materials, enabling faster and more efficient production at a fraction of the cost. The new method uses chemical vapor deposition to create MXenes with remarkable properties.
Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new interface engineering strategy for back-contact solar cells, which can improve efficiency and stability. The team created a bilayer tin oxide electron transport layer that enhances interfacial contact and reduces recombination losses.
Researchers developed a breakthrough technology called Cellular RedOx Spreading Shield (CROSS) to deliver long-lasting antioxidant protection to stem cells, enabling the reliable production of high-quality extracellular vesicles. This innovation strengthens neuron-glia networks and promotes structural and functional connectivity among ...
Researchers at CU Boulder developed particles that vibrate in response to ultrasound waves, reducing protein content and softening tumor tissue. This method could make chemotherapy more effective by targeting cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Researchers at Aarhus University equip artificial cells with tiny motors mimicking the bacterium's actin polymerization mechanism, creating a functional internal skeleton and network of protein filaments. The study demonstrates how motion and structural organization can emerge in synthetic systems.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a simple way to make carbon capture more efficient and affordable by adding a common chemical compound called tris to capture solutions. This innovation can stabilize the pH of the solution, allowing the system to absorb triple the amount of CO2 at relatively low temperatures.
MIT researchers have found a new way to create solid particles of highly concentrated antibodies, suspended in a solution, which can be injected using a standard syringe. This advance could make antibody treatments more convenient and accessible for patients, particularly older people with difficulty visiting hospitals.
Jeonbuk National University researchers have developed a novel, eco-friendly, and photo-switchable smart adhesive using biomass-derived materials. The adhesive demonstrates reversible light-controlled adhesion and retains over 90% of its original strength after repeated usage cycles.
A new study used deep learning and large-scale computer simulations to identify structural differences in synthetic cannabinoid molecules that cause them to bind to human brain receptors differently from classical cannabinoids. Researchers found that these substances often trigger the beta arrestin pathway, leading to more severe psych...
Researchers are formulating and evaluating an intranasal oxytocin delivery system to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The project aims to enhance the efficacy and palatability of existing treatments, expanding on prior research that explored using oxytocin to treat alcoholism.
Researchers have successfully assembled higher-order supramolecular polymers through cooperative interactions between aryl barbiturate molecules. The study's key findings include the intentional weakening of p-conjugated core interactions to promote alkyl−alkyl interactions, resulting in unique assembly and disassembly behavior.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed an environmentally friendly method to synthesize organosodium reagents using ball-milling mechanochemistry. This approach replaces traditional methods using highly reactive and toxic materials, offering a sustainable alternative in organic synthesis.
Heriot-Watt University's IDRIC receives £2 million funding to advance UK industrial decarbonisation, building on five successful years of impact. The initiative will focus on research supporting regional and policy impact, identifying gaps in innovation.
The team created a specialized two-dimensional thin film dielectric designed to replace traditional heat-generating components in integrated circuit chips. This breakthrough aims to reduce the significant energy cost and heat produced by high-performance computing necessary for AI.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology have developed a new way to turn textile waste into energy and high-performance cement materials. The production of alternative fuel from textile waste can reduce CO2 emissions during cement production, while also providing an innovative approach to textile waste management.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a novel, non-toxic method to recycle mixed-fiber textiles, utilizing a deep eutectic solvent to separate and recover cotton and polyester components. The process achieves near-complete recycling with minimal damage to materials.
Researchers have successfully grown platinum crystals in liquid metal using a powerful X-ray technique. The study reveals the formation and growth of crystals within liquid metals like Gallium, which could be used to create new materials for hydrogen extraction and quantum computing applications.
McMaster and Pittsburgh researchers have developed a soft material that can perform a NAND logic operation using only three beams of visible light. The breakthrough paves the way for autonomous systems with computation capabilities without traditional electronics.