Articles tagged with Chemical Engineering
A novel strategy utilizing phosphorus nanolayers mitigates electrode-level heterogeneity in fast-charging lithium-ion batteries. The graphite-phosphorus composite exhibits consistent cycle retention, high Coulombic efficiency, and improved lithiation uniformity.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed new polymer membranes that can improve distillation processes, reducing the global energy and water use. The DUCKY polymers use a novel combination of characteristics to selectively bind desirable molecules, making them a promising solution for industries.
The Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh is launching a personalized learning model to cater to students' unique career aspirations. The program offers one-credit modules and professional development streams in industry, entrepreneurship, and academia to help students forge their own path.
U of I researchers have developed organic nanozymes that mimic the properties of natural enzymes, exhibiting peroxidase-like activities and detecting glyphosate with adequate accuracy. The OC nanozyme is quicker to produce, cost-effective, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly.
Researchers propose a hybrid control strategy combining model-based optimization and in-cell feedback control to solve the process-model mismatch issue. This approach enhances the regulation of metabolic toggle switches, leading to increased isopropanol yields and robust microbial material production.
Researchers developed a nanocapsule that reduces lactate levels and releases hydrogen peroxide, recruiting and activating immune cells to attack tumors. The approach increased immune cell activity by 2-5-fold, improving cancer immunotherapy success rates.
A research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology created a photomultiplication-type organic photodiode that recognizes colors without an electron receptor, improving stability and full-color capability in applications like biometric recognition technology and cameras.
Researchers at Washington State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the Fischer Tropsch process, a key step in converting coal, natural gas, and biomass into liquid fuels. The team found that the process exhibits self-sustained oscillations, which can be harnessed to enhance reaction rates and product yields.
A team of researchers has developed a stable, long-lasting superhydrophobic surface with a plastron that can last for months underwater. The surface repels blood and prevents the adhesion of marine organisms, making it valuable for biomedical applications such as reducing infection after surgery.
Researchers add graphene to Bi-2223 superconductors, increasing critical current density and improving phase formation. The findings suggest potential applications in various fields, including power generation, transportation, and quantum computing.
Researchers investigated the polymerization behavior and thermal properties of copolymers formed through ethylene copolymerization with linear and end-cyclized olefins. The study reveals that end-cyclized olefins have a higher coordination probability and lower insertion rate, leading to stronger crystallization destructive capacity.
Ghent University's research team explores active machine learning to revolutionize chemical engineering. The technology offers greater flexibility and performance compared to traditional design of experiment algorithms.
Researchers propose analysis protocol to evaluate feasibility of silicon-containing batteries with reduced particle size and uniform dispersion. The study finds promising results from innovative synthesis technology and initial efficiencies exceeding 90% with improved lifespan characteristics.
Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical known to cause cancer but also plays an important role in human biology. New compounds developed by University of Leicester researchers allow for controlled release of formaldehyde in cells, enabling precise measurement of its effects.
A research team reviewed the most recent advancements in zeolite-assisted syngas conversion, finding that zeolites effectively optimizes reaction pathways. They achieved improved selectivity for gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel, as well as numerous aromatic products.
A multidisciplinary team investigates hospital wastewater samples and demonstrates the effectiveness of photocatalytic treatment in reducing pharmaceutically active compounds and bacteria. The study highlights the challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and suggests a promising step towards sustainable wastewater treatment.
Researchers detected nine types of polymers and one type of rubber in cloud water, confirming microplastics play a key role in rapid cloud formation. The presence of hydrophilic polymers in the atmosphere could lead to significant changes in ecological balance and severe loss of biodiversity.
A team of chemical engineers successfully modified the acidity of a zeolite catalyst to improve paraxylene yield from methanol. The iron-based redox switch demonstrated stability through 16 regeneration cycles, resulting in a three- to six-fold increase in reaction yield.
A research team reviews recent progress in methane conversion using photocatalysis, outlining advances and challenges. Photocatalysts offer a promising alternative to traditional methods, producing high-value fuels and chemicals with low carbon emissions.
Associate Professor Tadashi Ando from Tokyo University of Science conducted a study to test the performance of OPC and OPC3 water models, evaluating their shear viscosities and comparing values to experimental calculations. The calculated viscosities for both models were very close, with notable accuracy at temperatures above 310 K.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed nanoparticles that can deliver pesticide molecules to soil depths previously unreachable, targeting root-damaging nematodes. The technology holds promise for enhancing treatment effectiveness while minimizing costs and environmental toxicity.
A Brown University team developed a hydrogel-based delivery system that balances tumor acidity and increases doxorubicin's effectiveness against cancer cells. Initial lab tests show promising results, paving the way for pre-clinical trials.
Researchers developed a computational model to analyze glucose-responsive insulin (GRI) performance in human patients. The model predicted that differences in sugar receptor behavior between humans and lab animals led to the drug's poor effect in clinical trials. This breakthrough helps researchers design better GRIs, potentially reduc...
Researchers have developed a hybrid silicon photocatalyst that efficiently produces hydrogen and high-value compounds using solar power. The non-toxic catalyst achieves an impressive rate of 14.2 mmol gcat−1 h−1, significantly higher than conventional silicon photocatalysts.
A new drug delivery platform uses ultrasound to target cancer cells, reducing side effects and increasing precision. The system employs gas vesicles and mechanophores to control the release of drugs in response to ultrasound waves.
Researchers have developed a new flexible adhesive with improved recovery capabilities and high adhesive strength, enabling applications in foldable displays and medical devices. The adhesive demonstrated remarkable stability under repeated deformation and strain, making it suitable for fields requiring flexibility and optical clarity.
A team of Korean researchers uses carbon capture and utilization technology to convert industrial CO2 into calcium formate and magnesium oxide, producing two commercially viable products. The process reduces global warming potential by 20% compared to traditional methods.
The Beckman Institute has received a $3.6 million NSF grant to acquire an automated system for designing and analyzing polymers. The system will accelerate the discovery of useful materials, especially in combination with artificial intelligence.
Researchers have genetically engineered Vibrio natriegens to produce enzymes that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in salt water. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of removing plastics from oceans and could lead to more sustainable solutions.
A team of researchers has made breakthroughs in harnessing low-grade heat sources for efficient energy conversion. They developed a highly efficient Thermally Regenerative Electrochemical Cycle (TREC) system that converts small temperature differences into usable energy.
Researchers create process to recycle polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene plastics into chemical ingredients useful for energy storage. The new method uses LEDs and a catalyst, reducing greenhouse emissions compared to traditional recycling processes.
A team from the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering has developed a computational model that accurately predicts electrochemical conditions when hydrogen is inserted into different metal oxides. This breakthrough enables researchers to test and validate materials safely and effectively at lower costs.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed world-class perovskite transistors by combining three distinct perovskite cations, achieving high hole mobility and on/off current ratio. This breakthrough enables faster computing with lower power consumption.
Researchers at EPFL engineered E. coli bacteria to exhibit enhanced extracellular electron transfer, producing electricity while metabolizing organic substrates. The bioengineered E. coli surpassed previous approaches, generating three times more electrical current in various environments, including wastewater from a brewery.
Chung-Ang University researchers create an electrochemical DNA biosensor that detects HPV-16 and HPV-18 with high specificity, facilitating early diagnosis of cervical cancer. The sensor uses a graphitic nano-onion/MoS2 nanosheet composite to enhance conductivity.
Researchers have created a highly efficient and stable photoelectrode for water splitting using organic semiconductors. The new design overcomes the limitations of traditional inorganic semiconductor-based photoelectrodes, resulting in enhanced hydrogen production efficiency.
Researchers have developed a sustainable solution to clean contaminated water using 3D-printed 'living material' containing genetically engineered bacteria that produce an enzyme to transform organic pollutants. The material's surface area and geometry optimize bacterial growth and decontamination efficiency.
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that blowing snow produces fine sea salt aerosols, increasing particle concentration and cloud formation in the central Arctic. These aerosols contribute to Arctic warming by trapping surface long-wave radiation, boosting temperatures.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new strategy to stabilize the α-phase of α-FAPbI3, a promising solar cell material. By introducing pseudo-halide ions like thiocyanate into its structure, the team has successfully stabilized the α-phase, reducing its transition temperature and increasing its energy band gap.
A team of researchers from Waseda University successfully generated electricity directly from methylcyclohexane using solid oxide fuel cells, with a production ratio of toluene to benzene at 94:6. The process generates electricity without dehydrogenation facilities and uses less energy than conventional methods.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a sensor technology called computer vision-based optical strain (CVOS) that enhances durability and streamlines fabrication processes. This breakthrough enables the precise recognition of intricate bodily motions through a single sensor.
A team of researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics has developed a microbial platform for efficient lignocellulose bio-refinery in yeast. The system can produce valuable chemicals like fatty acids and 3-hydroxypropionic acid, overcoming limitations in xylose assimilation and glucose repression.
A paper published in Nature Energy reveals a promising breakthrough in green energy: an electrolyzer device capable of converting carbon dioxide into propane. The device, developed by Illinois Tech assistant professor Mohammad Asadi, is scalable and economically viable.
Printable electronics have potential in solar power and LED screens but face challenges in scalable manufacturing. Professor Adam Printz is using a new RAPID printing process to examine fundamental characteristics and advance the field.
A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder has developed an economical approach for producing green hydrogen, a precursor to liquid fuels. The method uses heat generated by solar rays to split molecules of water and carbon dioxide into hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which can be converted into fuels like gasoline and diesel.
A new technique converts kale waste into phytochemicals for use in health and personal care products, preserving potency and using non-toxic solvents. The method reduces energy consumption and emissions, making it attractive for industry adoption and supporting a circular economy.
Researchers successfully recreated and mathematically validated two molecular languages at the origin of life, opening doors for nanotechnology development. They designed a programmable antibody sensor using multivalency, which detects antibodies over different concentration ranges.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute discovered a new redox chemistry empowered by chloride ions for the development of seawater green batteries. This technology leverages abundant elements such as iron oxides and hydroxides, potentially repurposing iron rust waste materials for modern energy storage.
Scientists studied fluid dynamics to understand interfacial tension, a force affecting mixing of liquids. Their numerical simulation revealed a non-monotonic relationship between flow strength and hydrodynamic instability, overturning conventional wisdom.
A new recycling method reduces emissions by 60% and opens the door to reusing materials like plastic film, multilayer materials, and colored plastics. The technique recovers olefins from pyrolysis oil and uses them in a chemical process to convert into aldehydes and industrial alcohols.
The newly expanded NSF Center for the Mechanical Control of Chemistry will investigate atomic-scale mysteries of crushing chemistry, enabling new advances in chemistry. The center will provide insights necessary for scaling up mechanical chemistry research across the US.
A £1.75m project led by Professor Chenyu Du aims to develop new processes for recovering polyester and cellulose from mixed cotton and polyester fibres. The goal is to create a roadmap towards net-zero for the textiles industry, reducing plastic waste and increasing recycling rates.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered that wildfires emit dark brown carbon, a potent climate-warming particle that absorbs solar radiation. This finding has broad implications for climate models and highlights the need to revise existing approaches to account for the unexpected effects of brown carbon.
Engineers have developed a new membrane that separates chemicals from wastewater, allowing for reuse and extraction of valuable by-products. The membrane's unique properties, inspired by mussels, can separate salts and other chemical components with unprecedented efficiency.
Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a simple chemistry method to recycle polyurethane foam from old mattresses, extracting its main components and reusing them as raw materials. The process has been repeated several times, replacing up to 64% of the mattress without impairing quality.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a system that uses fluid mechanics and chemo-mechanical processes to autonomously assemble hierarchical 3D structures. The system utilizes sticky bonds to drive self-organization, allowing for the construction of complex devices with minimal external intervention.
A novel Raman technique called thermostable-Raman-interaction-profiling (TRIP) allows for label-free and highly reproducible Raman spectroscopy measurements, breaking a 50-year-old challenge. The TRIP method enables the detection of protein-ligand interactions in real-time, potentially shortening drug and vaccine testing timelines.
Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology have successfully synthesized high-purity SrVO2.4H0.6 and Sr3V2O62H0.8 perovskite oxyhydrides using a novel high-pressure flux method, opening up new possibilities for catalysts and lithium-ion battery electrodes.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new type of nanoclay material that can be customized to perform specific tasks. This breakthrough could lead to advances in fields such as medical science, environmental science, and more.
Rice University engineers have created a device that converts sunlight into hydrogen with unprecedented efficiency, opening up new possibilities for clean energy and sustainable fuel production. The innovative technology uses halide perovskite semiconductors and electrocatalysts in a single, durable device.