Articles tagged with Chemical Engineering
A joint research team developed a new bioprocess by introducing a genetic circuit that induces cooperation among microorganisms, leading to improved productivity. The consortium, composed of Vibrio sp. dhg and E. coli strain, successfully acclimated to the genetic circuit, increasing 3-HP production 4.3-fold over simple co-culturing.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have created a new strategy to build materials with unique properties by organizing nanoparticles into pinwheel shapes. The pinwheel lattice exhibits chirality, a property that can be seen in nature's examples such as DNA and human hands.
University of Virginia engineers develop a Minecraft-like, voxelated approach to create complicated structures comparable to human tissues and organs. They use droplets as the basic building blocks, assembling them into 3D constructs with precise location, composition, and properties.
A new microscopy system using optical tapered fibers has successfully acquired images of photoacoustic signals without contrast agents. The resolution is sufficient for cellular imaging, including red blood cells, with a resolution of 1.0 ± 0.3 micrometers.
Researchers at Lehigh University have secured $13.2 million in funding to improve hydrogen generation and carbon capture/sequestration technologies through a partnership with Georgia Tech's UNCAGE-ME Center. The goal is to develop catalysts that can mitigate the degradation of these technologies in real-world conditions.
A new project at Aarhus University aims to develop Denmark's first reactor for carbon-negative hydrogen production from biogas using catalytic pyrolysis. The technology converts captured CO2 into solid form while producing hydrogen, reducing energy consumption by one-fifth compared to green hydrogen production.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a technology that captures CO2 from the atmosphere and transforms it into useful chemicals. The switchable Dual Function Materials (DFMs) can produce multiple chemicals depending on operating conditions, making it responsive to demand fluctuations.
MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.
Researchers developed a novel method to create deep nanochannels in hard and brittle materials like silica, diamond, and sapphire. By employing femtosecond laser direct writing technology, they achieved sub-100-nm feature sizes and ultrahigh aspect ratios.
Researchers from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) demonstrate a feasible waste plastic pyrolysis model, increasing profitability and reducing CO2 emissions compared to centralized processes. The study also found significant decreases in transportation costs and related emissions.
Researchers at POSTECH developed a stable aqueous zinc-ion battery that uses water as an electrolyte, reducing the risk of fires and explosions. The new battery features a protective polymer layer to prevent electrode corrosion and increase stability.
Researchers create a material with disordered molecular structure that conducts electricity well, defying conventional theories. The material's stability and versatility make it promising for new electronic devices.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a one-pot-and-one-step synthesis procedure to create long and geometrically interlinked polymer molecules. This process can produce a wide range of advanced materials with applications in drug delivery, data storage, microelectronics, and nanolithography.
A research team at POSTECH developed a skin-attachable microphone sensor that clearly detects voices even in harsh noisy environments. This technology can be used for disaster-response communication between medical professionals wearing protective equipment and firefighters wearing gas masks.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that colloidal crystals with DNA can change shape in response to external stimuli, exhibiting a 'shape memory' effect. The crystals can break down but then revert to their original state when water is added, making them useful for sensing and optics applications.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed technology to produce itaconic acid, a source material for bioplastic, using E. coli bacteria. This breakthrough enables mass production of bioplastic from steel mill gases, potentially transforming the plastics industry.
Researchers at MIT designed simple microparticles that can collectively generate complex behavior, generating a beating clock that can power tiny robotic devices. The particles use a simple chemical reaction to interact with each other and create an oscillatory electrical signal.
Researchers developed a machine-learning model to predict heat capacity of MOFs, enabling more efficient applications in energy and climate change. The model's accuracy was improved by removing solvent from pores during synthesis.
Assistant Professor SUZUKI Hiroo and colleagues have developed a method to grow highly crystalline TMDCs, such as MoS2 and WS2, using chemical vapor deposition in a stacked substrate configuration. The technique produces samples with large domains and optimal photoluminescence characteristics.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh create microcapsules that exhibit life-like autonomy through self-generated motion and chemical signals. The system mimics protocell behavior, showcasing the potential for simple mechanisms to produce complex biological functions.
Tagbo Niepa's research aims to capture and store a person's healthy gut microbiome, then restore balance when ill. The technology has the potential to revolutionize illness treatment, especially for diseases like C. diff infection.
Researchers successfully synthesized 3-hydroxybutyrate from acetone and CO2 using sunlight, mimicking natural photosynthesis. The 80% conversion yield tackles the plastic waste crisis while moving toward carbon neutrality.
A team at Nagoya University has created a new type of mechanochromic material, fluorenylidene-acridane (FA), which changes color in response to mechanical pressure. The material's unique properties allow it to be quantitatively analyzed, enabling the measurement of its color change and structural changes with high spatial resolution.
Researchers have created exceptionally thin nanomembranes that can separate hydrocarbons from crude oil with 90% less energy than traditional distillation columns. The membranes' high permeance and selectivity enable rapid processing of crude oil, reducing plant footprint and energy consumption.
Researchers at Stanford University have designed a new 3D printing method called injection CLIP (iCLIP) that is 5-10 times faster than the quickest high-resolution printer currently available. This technology allows for the use of multiple types of resin in a single object, enabling the creation of complex objects with varying properti...
Researchers at NJIT have developed a new lab technique that could speed up drug discovery and development of therapeutic proteins and vaccines. The electrochemistry-based approach allows for safety and quality testing to be done at a fraction of the time required by conventional methods.
A research team at POSTECH and Sungkyunkwan University has developed an ultrahigh refractive index metamaterial that maximizes light-matter interaction. The material recorded the highest-ever refractive index of 7.8 in visible and near-infrared regions, enabling strong reflection of specific wavelengths.
A team of University of Missouri researchers is working to understand why solid-state lithium-ion batteries struggle with performance issues. They will use a specialized electron microscope and thin film polymer coatings to study the interface between the battery cathode and electrolyte, with the goal of developing an engineered interf...
Researchers develop a novel approach to increase proton transfer kinetics, enabling efficient industrial-scale water splitting. The new strategy, which integrates molecular-level proton acceptors into the catalyst, improves oxygen evolution reaction rates and achieves high current densities at low overpotential.
Researchers at Rice University have created stable and efficient halide perovskite solar cells by finding the right solvent design to apply a 2D top layer on top of a 3D bottom layer. The new method achieves high power conversion efficiencies, comparable to commercially available solar cells, while maintaining stability.
Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology design a novel approach to create durable organic semiconductor photocathodes, enabling high-efficiency conversion of solar energy to hydrogen. The developed photocathodes demonstrate remarkable stability and can produce hydrogen under actual sunlight.
Researchers have developed a novel pressure sensor using paper as the medium, achieving high sensitivity and detecting a broad range of pressures. The sensor's structure and multilayering enable conductive properties, making it suitable for flexible and wearable electronic devices in healthcare and other industries.
A new study from the University of Oklahoma is investigating the use of carbon dioxide to produce acrylic acid, a key component in various household products. By replacing propene with CO2, researchers aim to reduce production costs and create a more valuable resource.
A Korean research team created a dual-catalyst system that precisely controls catalytic reactions like cells. The nanoreactor combines magnetic materials and metal catalysts to selectively activate the catalyst under magnetic fields and near-infrared rays.
Researchers at UVA will study organelles in cancer cells to identify new pathways for understanding and fighting cancer. By focusing on the interactions between genes, proteins, and organelles within cells, they hope to develop fresh clues about therapies.
Scientists have developed a soft, bioresorbable device that cools peripheral nerves to reduce pain. The device was tested in rat models and found to be effective, reversible, and non-addictive, with potential applications for treating neuropathic pain after surgery.
Researchers have developed a novel smart material that enables high-performance and reliable light control of droplets. The material, which consists of micro-size liquid metal particles, polyvinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene copolymer, and micro-pyramidal structures, exhibits superior photothermal and ferroelectric properties.
Researchers used laser melting to produce composite particles with sizes ranging from 400 to 600 nanometers. They discovered how to determine the critical size of particles that begin to change under laser light, and found that larger particles reach lower temperatures.
A national collaboration will focus on creating durable and scalable soft semiconductor technologies for low-cost, highly efficient solar fuel production. Organic polymers offer 'exquisite control' over material properties, allowing for tunability and dynamic adjustment to maintain equilibrium.
Penn State researchers have developed a method to extract valuable rare earth elements like neodymium from electronic waste using bio-based micro- and nanoparticles created from organic materials. This process can efficiently separate metals from refuse, providing a more sustainable solution than traditional mining methods.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new type of lignin that can improve the strength and recyclability of carbon fibers. When combined with polyacrylonitrile, the lignin-based material has shown record-breaking tensile strength and enhanced mechanical properties.
A team of researchers has successfully recovered muscle movements in paralyzed mice using organic artificial nerves. The study demonstrates a new approach to overcoming nerve damage using neuromorphic technology, paving the way for wearable neural prosthetics and improving quality of life for those with related diseases and disorders.
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 have developed an interactive metabolic map of bio-based chemicals, providing a versatile tool for easy assessment and optimization of synthetic pathways. The map enables exploration and analysis of complex networks of biological and/or chemical reactions, facilitating the design and production of desired chemicals.
Researchers have developed new methods to prepare state-of-the-art zeolites with nano-sized dimensions and hierarchical structures, critical for industrial applications. The findings emphasize the importance of smaller size and structure in determining performance.
A novel metaholographic platform has been developed to detect light exposure, addressing concerns about light damage to vaccines and other biomedical substances. The technology can be used in intelligent packaging and labeling to prevent counterfeits and verify authenticity of products.
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 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 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 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.