Articles tagged with Chemical Engineering
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new and inexpensive way to recycle polyurethane (PU) plastic by breaking it down into its original components. The method uses a simple chemical reaction involving alcohol, caustic potash, and an autoclave, making it cheaper and more scalable than previous methods.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new technique for creating polymers with controlled molecular weight and high optical activity. The discovery uses a combination of living cationic polymerization and asymmetric cationic polymerization, resulting in optically active polymers with unique properties.
A Purdue University chemical engineer has improved upon traditional methods to produce off-the-shelf human immune cells that show strong antitumor activity. The new method, developed by Xiaoping Bao, mass-produces CAR-neutrophils from human pluripotent stem cells with superior and specific antitumor activities against glioblastoma.
Huddersfield researchers are working on a new project to develop novel and sustainable molecular materials that harness light to drive useful chemical reactions. The project aims to address the limitation of using rare and expensive elements like ruthenium and iridium in current applications. By exploring the intrinsic properties of li...
Engineers at UIC have been awarded a grant to build a system that selectively removes and destroys PFAS, commonly called 'forever chemicals,' from industrial and municipal wastewaters. The team will develop a prototype of their system and deploy it for scale-up and pilot testing in California's Orange County Water District.
Researchers have developed instruments for single-molecule electrochemistry and spectroscopy, aiming to design and synthesize materials with chemistry, physics, and engineering at the atomic scale. They discuss challenges and opportunities in functionalizing molecular junctions and forming stable molecular electronic devices.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new catalyst to improve butane conversion into butadiene, increasing efficiency and reducing byproducts. The breakthrough could make butadiene production more commercially viable and address the growing demand-supply imbalance.
Scientists have discovered that there is enough lithium in unconventional water sources to make extraction worthwhile. The composition of these sources affects the performance of emerging electrochemical intercalation technology, providing insights for refining and optimizing it.
Researchers are investigating new methods to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from cement manufacturing, aiming to create a carbon-negative replacement for portland cement. A sustainable way to produce calcium hydroxide is also being developed, which could significantly lower the carbon footprint of the existing cement industry.
Researchers created a composite of boron nitride and titanium dioxide that harnesses UV-A energy to break apart PFOA molecules in water, degrading 99% of the pollutant in less than three hours. The catalyst is more efficient than existing methods, offering new hope for removing PFOA from drinking water.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh used computational modeling to investigate the immune response to avian flu. They found that the levels of interferon may be responsible for its more severe presentation and could hold the key to treating it.
A new study from MIT and Broad Institute researchers analyzed interactions between nanoparticles and nearly 500 types of cancer cells, revealing thousands of biological traits that influence cell response. The findings could help tailor drug-delivery particles to specific types of cancer.
A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science has developed a novel multi-proton carrier complex that shows efficient proton conductivity even at high temperatures. The resulting starburst-type metal complex acts as a proton transmitter, making it 6 times more potent than individual imidazole molecules.
Researchers have created a biodegradable seaweed-derived film that effectively absorbs sounds in the range of human voices, traffic, and music. The agar-based composite films outperform traditional acoustic foams in terms of sound-absorbing qualities.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a computer model using artificial intelligence to predict whether a proposed new pesticide will harm honey bees. The model, trained on nearly 400 different pesticide molecules, can quickly screen proposed pesticides for their toxicity, helping protect the vital pollinators.
Researchers have discovered a technique to remove phosphorus from wastewater at higher temperatures, using bacteria to store the chemical. The SCELSE-developed innovation extends the temperature range of enhanced biological phosphorus removal to 35 degrees Celsius.
Rice chemists adapt flashing process to synthesize pure boron nitride and boron carbon nitride flakes with varying degrees of carbon. The flakes show promise as an effective anticorrosive coating, protecting copper surfaces up to 92% better than traditional compounds.
Scientists from Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a simple method to produce polyethylenimine-based network polymers by dissolving triaziridine compounds in water. The resulting porous polymers exhibit versatile properties, including tailored morphological and mechanical characteristics.
Scientists developed a novel multilayer coating to improve the longevity of steel, increasing its lifespan by up to 400 hours. The coating, comprising three layers, was found to provide higher resistance to rust than conventional Zn coatings.
Columbia researchers built a 2.6nm-long single molecule wire that exhibits an unusual increase in conductance as the wire length increases and has quasi-metallic properties. The breakthrough overcomes the exponential-decay rule, enabling electronic devices to become even tinier.
A team of researchers has developed a microscopic microphone that can detect sound waves by applying polymer materials to microelectro-mechanical systems. The device offers a wider auditory field than human ears and can be easily attached to the skin with a surprisingly small size, recognizing both loud and low-frequency sounds without...
Metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheet research has made significant advances in gas recovery and sensing materials. Professor Makiura's review article summarizes the development of MOF nanosheets on water surfaces, showcasing their potential for separation membranes and sensor miniaturization.
Pitt and Princeton engineers develop a system that converts chemical energy into mechanical action, allowing two-dimensional polymer sheets to rise and rotate in spiral helices without external power. The self-assembly process creates a complex, three-dimensional structure resembling twisted yarn being formed by a rotating spindle.
University of Missouri researchers develop wearable smart bioelectronic devices, including a 'smart' face mask that can monitor physiological status and detect respiratory problems. The masks also use laser-assisted fabrication to provide breathable soft electronics for better real-time health monitoring.
Scientists have developed a biomass-derived plastic similar to PET that meets the criteria for replacing several current plastics. The new plastic can be produced in one step using inexpensive chemicals and retains its sugar structure, making it easy to degrade.
Herbicide companies are shifting their research focus to address growing resistance, using AI, X-ray crystallography, and computer simulations to predict target enzymes and inhibit herbicides. This could lead to new commercial products, but experts caution farmers to moderate use and consider additional crop protection tools.
Scientists at Chung-Ang University have pioneered a novel method for controlling microdroplet motion on solid surfaces using near-infrared light. This approach allows for more precise control than traditional thermal techniques and opens up new possibilities for applications in microfluidics, drug delivery, and self-cleaning surfaces.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed an accessible way to make N95 face masks that can kill viruses and bacteria on contact. The antiviral masks use a simple process with widely available tools, reducing plastic waste by allowing for longer wear.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that brings together physics and chemistry involved in dendrite formation, suggesting swapping new electrolytes with certain properties could slow or stop dendrite growth. The study aims to guide the design of lithium-metal batteries with longer life span.
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano developed a new nanomaterial with a superfluorinated gold cluster, exhibiting unique optical and catalytic properties. The findings have potential applications in precision medicine and the green transition, including diagnostic and therapeutic applications and efficient production of green hydrogen.
A new double-layered catalyst, combining platinum with NiFe hydroxide, was developed to enhance hydrogen generation efficiency. The catalyst's activity is 11.2 times higher than conventional materials, making it a promising solution for increasing green hydrogen production.
A research team from Tokyo University of Science has developed a new method to create copolymers with different metal species, which have potential uses in catalysis and drug discovery. The technique allows for controlling the composition of metal species in the resulting polymer.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a new magnetic material that can help monitor the amount of charge left in lithium-ion batteries. By tracking changes in the material's magnetism, scientists can estimate the battery's state of charge.
A new platform mimics live cellular environment to guide stem cell differentiation outside the body. Researchers from Chung-Ang University developed a novel platform based on metal-organic frameworks, which offers advantages over conventional methods for in vitro stem cell differentiation.
A new mathematical model has been developed to reproduce the experimental results of topological change in a partially miscible VF pattern. The researchers successfully incorporated phase separation effects and the Korteweg force into the classical miscible VF model.
Researchers at NC State University developed a proposed new textile-based filter that combines cotton fabric and an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase to separate carbon dioxide from air and gas mixtures. The filter showed promising results, capturing up to 81.7% of CO2 with a double-stacked filter.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology observed structural chirality in achiral conjugated polymers, which can enhance solar cells' charge capacity. This discovery introduces new opportunities for research at the convergence of biology and electronics.
Researchers use trace amounts of liquid platinum to create efficient chemical reactions at low temperatures, extending earth's reserves and offering CO2 reduction solutions. The liquid catalyst is over 1,000 times more efficient than its solid-state rival.
A team of researchers from Rice University has modeled the dynamics of grain boundaries in polycrystalline materials using a rotating magnetic field technique. The study shows that grain boundaries can change readily in response to shear stress, and voids in these structures can act as sources and sinks for their movement.
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have achieved a breakthrough in using chromium compounds for efficient green-to-blue photon upconversion. This process can expand the use of low-energy sunlight in solar cells and photochemical reactions, reducing environmental impacts associated with rare metal extraction.
A new NJIT-led center aims to tackle complex challenges in drug development, including improved solubility, affordability, and accessibility. Researchers will investigate particle properties and develop digital tools to predict behaviors, enabling more efficient formulations and manufacturing processes.
The MIT team developed wavelength-induced frequency filtering (WIFF), a novel photonic technique that dramatically improves fluorescent sensor signals. This allows for the implantation of sensors as deep as 5.5 cm in tissue, enabling applications such as tracking specific molecules inside the brain or monitoring drug effects.
A new 'self-healing' anti-corrosion coating has been developed, which can repair microcracks and protect metal from erosion under solar irradiation. The coating's performance is verified to be maintained above 99% regardless of the repair, making it suitable for outdoor facilities.
Scientists from Harvard and Pittsburgh develop liquid crystal elastomer material that can perform complex dance-like motions in response to UV light. The material's behavior is inspired by the interconnected structures of the human body, allowing it to seamlessly integrate dynamic processes.
Researchers at Waseda University demonstrate a novel zirconocene-catalyzed epoxide ring-opening reaction under visible light, expanding the reaction scope and regioselectivity. The approach enables accessible synthesis of elusive alcohol products with improved efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new catalyst, tungsten oxide, that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to a significant reduction in global warming by utilizing hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources.
Researchers developed a real-time polarized infrared spectroscopy technique to study metal-organic frameworks and guest molecule interactions. This method provides insights into host-guest and guest-host interactions, enabling the development of high-performance porous materials.
A new nanosensor platform uses machine learning to analyze spectral signatures of carbon nanotubes for early detection of ovarian cancer. The approach detects biomarkers and recognizes the cancer itself, offering a promising alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new bioinformatics pipeline, CRESSP, to investigate the mechanism underlying autoimmune diseases following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The tool identified potential epitopes responsible for COVID-related autoimmune diseases and predicted cross-reactive epitopes of di...
Researchers develop 'Chemical logic systems' (CLSs) that can process information from light, sound, and atmospheric oxygen to execute desired outcomes. CLS-1 exhibits AND logic-gate response towards three inputs, while CLS-2 displays fast reversible dissolution of a peptide-based assembly in response to blue light irradiation.
Scientists have developed a novel 'green' fertilizer that uses an advanced milling technique to produce slow-release soil nutrient crystals. The method reduces nitrogen pollution and energy consumption compared to traditional fertilizers.
Researchers have successfully stored liquid fuels like ethanol in polymeric gels, drastically reducing evaporation rates and flammable gas mixtures. The development of this method aims to create safer work environments in industries that use liquid fuels.
Researchers found that maintaining hard water reduces zinc accumulation and oxidative stress in goldfish, mitigating toxic effects. This study provides an eco-friendly approach to address aquatic ecosystem pollution caused by heavy metal contamination.
A Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology research team finds that changes in viscoelastic properties affect flow dynamics differently depending on gel elasticity, leading to a reversal of flow effects. This discovery opens new avenues for controlling flow dynamics using chemical reactions.
Researchers at POSTECH developed a p-channel perovskite thin film transistor (TFT) with a threshold voltage of 0 V, achieving high hole mobility and stability without hysteresis. The device was integrated with commercialized n-channel IGZO TFTs to construct high-gain complementary inverters.
Companies are turning to biobased surfactants and renewable biomass feedstocks to make their products greener. These alternatives can have a lower carbon footprint than traditional surfactants, but may also be more expensive.
Researchers at NC State University have created a stem cell-derived model that sheds light on the effect of dopamine on gene activity in neurons, revealing gene desensitization in human cells. The study provides a blueprint for future research into the relationship between dopamine and addiction.
North Carolina State University researchers have developed a faster and less expensive technique for producing hindered amines, a class of chemicals used in various products. The new method uses continuous flow reactor technologies to produce hindered amines within 30 minutes, with minimal byproducts.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a tool to create complex compounds using electricity, streamlining chemical processes and reducing costs. The discovery has broad applications in medicine, agrichemicals, and plastics production.
Researchers developed a fluorescent molecular probe, BOS, to detect bad cooking oils, improving the detection method for highly sensitive and accurate measurement. The Bad Oil Sensing System (BOSS) is a portable platform that can be used by consumers and the food industry to monitor oil quality.