Articles tagged with Chemical Engineering
A new method combines active ingredients in existing vaccines with a sugary gel, making them viable for eight weeks or more. This technology can replace the cumbersome cold chain and transport vaccines safely and cheaply to remote populations.
A team of scientists discovered that the elasticity of gels arises from the packing of clusters of particles in the gels. The researchers used graph theory to identify the boundaries between these clusters, which act as rigid units within the gel, determining its elastic modulus.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a material that can significantly extend battery life and increase capacity. The oxygen redox-layered oxide (Na2RuO3) material, when used in lithium-ion batteries, enables self-repair due to its stronger coulombic attraction force, reducing degradation from charge and discharge cycles.
A new computational model developed by Preeya Achari predicts the behavior of water on the surface of hexagonal boron nitride, a compound used in cosmetic products. The model provides more control over devices made with this material and water, leading to improved performance.
Consumer demand for natural ingredients challenges perfumers to find sustainable scents. Many natural ingredients lack responsible sources, driving prices and supply fluctuations.
Researchers at the Center for Self-Assembled Organic Electronics will integrate chemical synthesis, theory, and simulations to develop next-generation materials capable of converting sunlight into electricity. The goal is to create lightweight and flexible solar cells that can be deployed in various environments and scenarios.
Researchers at the University of Arizona are working on a new treatment method to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from groundwater, which poses serious health risks. The project aims to develop more effective and customizable sorbents to attract PFAS, improving water safety for communities worldwide.
Delhi's air pollution is a complex issue, with multiple sources including burning from power plants, landfills, and individual fires. Experts cite difficulties in collecting accurate data due to erroneous official numbers and uncounted small sources.
Artificial leaves have been designed to mimic photosynthesis and convert carbon dioxide into fuel, with a proposed design using semi-permeable membranes to collect CO2 from the air. The system could produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide for synthetic fuels and reduce atmospheric CO2 levels by 10% within 100 meters.
A team of researchers led by Professor Kang Taek Lee developed a new electrode material that uses nickel to improve the oxidation reaction efficiency of hydrogen. The material exhibits high-performance and high-durability due to the controlled exsolution of nano metal catalysts, which helps stabilize the fuel cell's performance.
Researchers at TU Wien have developed a simple method for detecting water contamination from ruminants directly at source using a DNA test. The technology uses targeted DNA amplification and detection to identify specific bacteria found in the intestinal microbiome of grazing cattle.
The National University of Singapore engineers have developed a novel bottom-up synthesis strategy to consistently construct TMD QDs of specific size, offering a cheaper and more scalable method. The synthesized MoS2 QDs demonstrate potential biomedical applications, including photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment.
Seven UNIST researchers have been named 'world's most highly cited researchers' for 2018. This is the second-highest number of HCRs in South Korea after Seoul National University, with two out of four affiliated with UNIST. The researchers are recognized for their work in multiple fields.
UNIST professors Eunmi Choi and Yong Hwan Kim received recognition for their groundbreaking research on remote detection of hazardous radioactive substances. Their innovative technology has the potential to detect radioactivity from tens of kilometers away, revolutionizing radiation detection.
The journal BioTM has released a tribute issue dedicated to Robert Langer and Nicholas Peppas, two biotechnology luminaries whose contributions have shaped the fields of drug delivery and biomaterials. The issue features research articles from their former students and colleagues.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new synthesis process for S-PPVs, promising polymers for various applications. The process uses inexpensive base materials and can be scaled up for industrial quantities, making them suitable for commercial use.
Researchers have developed a new theory to better predict the behavior of nanoclusters when a metal is introduced, reducing experimental time and costs. The theory enables the precise control of nanocluster size, shape, and composition, opening doors for tailored properties in nanotechnology.
Rice University engineers have developed a microfluidic device that can produce customizable, 'wet' foams in small amounts for various applications. The device creates large bubbles in the middle and two ranks of identical smaller bubbles along the edges, with the ability to control size distribution.
In 2018, the biotech industry saw significant investment from venture capital firms and a surge in initial public offerings. Promising developments include the approval of the first RNA interference drug, Onpattro, for treating rare genetic disorders, as well as advancements in CRISPR technology and cannabis-based therapeutics.
A Pitt engineer-clinician team has discovered that artificially creating dynamic topography on synthetic vascular grafts can resist platelet fouling, a key factor in thrombosis. The research may lead to the development of medical devices that improve treatment of injured or diseased arteries.
Researchers at UPV/EHU have created a starch and graphene hydrogel with electrical and antibacterial properties suitable for neural interfaces. The hydrogel was produced using click chemistry and is stable in an aqueous medium due to the addition of salvia extracts.
Clemson University's new program aims to recruit doctoral students from underrepresented groups to become professors in chemical engineering. The goal is to create a diverse generation of educators who will serve as role models for women and minority students.
Scientists at UD aim to improve battery performance by introducing tapers into polymer membrane electrolytes, increasing conductivity and processing speed. The goal is to create more impact-resistant and safer batteries for devices like cell phones, laptops, and electric vehicles.
The study reveals how calcium phosphate molecules crystallize and build up into a perfectly arranged bone structure. Researchers used an artificial biomaterial to mimic natural bone tissue functions, allowing them to study the phenomenon at an atomic level.
Engineers at the University of Michigan developed a method to make arrays of nanofibers that can be sticky, repellant, insulating or light emitting. The discovery uses liquid crystals to guide the growth of curved fibers with well-defined lengths and diameters.
Lehigh University's Kelly Schultz and her team discovered that the structure of cross-linked polymeric gels is independent of concentration until a limit, called the overlap concentration. This characteristic could improve the tailoring of implantable scaffolds to regrow tissue.
Researchers have developed flexible, semi-transparent films that block electromagnetic interference while allowing light to pass through. The films, made from a combination of carbon nanotubes and MXene, demonstrate high strength, flexibility, and conductivity, making them suitable for use in devices with display screens.
Dr. Susan Fullerton, a researcher at the University of Pittsburgh, has received the 2019 Marion Milligan Mason Award for her novel work on ion transport and next-generation electronic devices. The award recognizes her contributions to advancing women in the chemical sciences and provides funding and leadership development opportunities.
The clean meat industry is struggling to scale up production and gain consumer acceptance, with challenges including product naming and labeling. Despite these hurdles, start-ups aim to capture a small percentage of the $1-trillion-per-year combined meat market.
A University of Akron engineer is working on antifouling materials to prevent unwanted organisms from accumulating on medical implants. This can help reduce the risk of foreign body reactions and improve patient outcomes.
UNIST has selected 6 extraordinary scholars as 'Rising-star Distinguished Professor', recognizing their exceptional contributions to fields like Artificial Intelligence, Energy, and Materials Science. The honored faculty members will receive an honorarium for salary and research support.
Researchers at UIC have discovered a way to treat boron nitride, making it bind to other materials like electronics, biosensors, and airplanes. This breakthrough could significantly improve their performance.
The Center for Materials for Water and Energy Systems (M-WET) will develop next-generation polymer membrane-based water purification technologies to tackle complex waters in energy production, reuse, and industrial applications. Researchers aim to address fundamental science knowledge gaps and overcome fouling challenges.
A team of chemical engineers used 3D electron microscopy to study the internal structure of reverse osmosis membranes, finding that the density varies throughout the film and is highest at the surface. This discovery could lead to improved membrane design and water recovery capabilities.
The article tackles key questions about graduate school, including choosing a research program and advisor, and overcoming obstacles like burnout and unexpected setbacks. It provides a roadmap for navigating the chemistry graduate school experience, drawing on stories from students and expert advice.
The BRICS countries have seen significant growth in academic activity between 2000 and 2015, reaching 29% of global publications cited in Scopus. China's exceptionally high rate of publications led the way, while Russia saw a notable increase after 2013.
Rice University scientists have created a magnetic nanoparticle compound that efficiently separates crude oil droplets from produced water. The nanoparticles are attracted to the magnet and bind to the oil, allowing for easy separation. This solution could be valuable for industry and offshore oil rigs.
Researchers at SwRI and UTSA are developing a biodegradable implant that can deliver personalized doses of medicine to treat various illnesses. The implant is designed to be drug agnostic and can work with any type of drug, potentially treating a wide range of diseases.
A hydraulic jump occurs when water hits a sink, causing waves and turbulence. Researchers at Cambridge University have explained this phenomenon using surface tension, debunking a 200-year-old theory. The study's findings have wide-reaching implications for industries with high water consumption.
A team of Michigan Tech students has developed a method to recycle lithium-ion batteries using old mining technologies, resulting in inexpensive and energy-efficient processes. The process separates valuable materials like lithium, graphite, and cobalt, making them suitable for remanufacturing into new batteries.
Scientists at the University of Washington have developed a method to improve the performance of perovskite solar cells by surface passivation, which significantly boosts their efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to thinner and more flexible solar cells with higher power conversion efficiency.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a new approach to model complex chemical reactions, enabling better understanding of fundamental reactions and their impact on chemical engineering. PhD student Yasemin Basdogan created an artistic depiction of the research for the journal cover.
Mesoscience offers broad potential beyond chemical engineering, tackling complex systems in the real world with unprecedented approach. The concept is attracting increasing attention from top scientists worldwide.
State agricultural organizations and researchers are working to improve cannabis cultivation through biological means of pest control and sequencing the cannabis genome. This effort aims to increase the crop's value by providing better growing conditions and fertilizers, ultimately reducing the demand for trained scientists.
Researchers at Rice University have extended a 100-year-old modeling formula to account for complex surfactants in enhanced oil recovery. The new model, developed by Walter Chapman and Xiaoqun Mu, incorporates temperature, pressure, composition, and other conditions to provide a more accurate prediction of oil behavior in wells.
Researchers discovered that when live bacteria are spun at high speeds, they aggregate and form a dense disk, but when the spinning stops, the disk collapses due to imperfections on its surface. The resulting rapid movement of bacteria away from their origin of rotation creates an explosion-like effect.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a transparent test patch that can signal contamination as it happens, using harmless molecules. The patch can be incorporated into food packaging and monitor contents for harmful pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, providing a definitive indication of safety before consumption.
A Lehigh University professor has received a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to explore the role of human mesenchymal stem cells in remodeling hydrogel materials for wound healing. Her research aims to develop new biomaterials with optimal properties for tissue regeneration and structural integrity.
A new study suggests that cells can be engineered to overcome evolutionary pressure and stably produce high levels of valuable chemicals by rewiring production cells to slow down growth when they lose production. This allows productive cells to maintain their function even in large-scale fermentations.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a cost-effective method to produce triacetic acid lactone, a biorenewable platform chemical, by engineering yeast Y. lipolytica to increase TAL production tenfold. This breakthrough enables mass production of polyketides for various industrial applications.
Associate Professor Jeffrey Rimer received the award for his pioneering research on crystallization, including the discovery of a natural fruit extract that can dissolve calcium oxalate crystals. His work has transformative implications for drug development and has led to human clinical trials underway.
Israel E. Wachs, Lehigh University professor, has been awarded a Fulbright Senior Scholar Fellowship to research energy-related topics with Gideon Grader and Oz Gazit at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. This fellowship aims to increase mutual understanding between the U.S. and Israel through academic exchange.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a first-of-its-kind chemical oscillator using DNA molecules, enabling precise molecular control and complex behaviors. The discovery opens doors to creating molecular machines that can perform sophisticated tasks such as communication and signal processing.
Two Pitt ChemE Professors, James McKone and Chris Wilmer, have been honored as new Fellows at the Scialog: Advanced Energy Storage meeting. They were among 58 early-career researchers recognized for their work on novel electrochemical energy storage innovations.
iScience is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal publishing on a continuous basis starting early 2018. It will promote rigorous research that advances a field and reporting with transparent methods, replication studies, and negative results. The editorial board harnesses experts across many different fields.
The partnership aims to apply advanced chemical engineering research to industrial-scale chemical manufacturing, reducing waste generation, utility, and energy costs. The University of Pittsburgh's Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department is developing new educational programs and internships to prepare students for the industry.
Researchers at Caltech have created bacteria that can produce chemical compounds with boron-carbon bonds, a breakthrough in synthetic biology. The findings could lead to more economical and environmentally friendly ways to manufacture pharmaceuticals and other products.
Two INRS professors, Shuhui Sun and Federico Rosei, received international recognition for their groundbreaking work on novel materials. Their research focuses on developing renewable energy technologies, with Professor Rosei's discoveries leading to improved solar panels.
Professor Sang-Young Lee's 'all-inkjet-printed flexible batteries on paper' technique fabricates batteries directly on conventional A4 paper using a commercial desktop inkjet printer. This technology enables printing portable electronic devices on any surface, regardless of shape, holding promise for IoT and wearable electronics.
Tandon researcher Jin Montclare develops phosphotriesterase (PTE) variants to neutralize toxic chemical agents, including VX and organophosphorus compounds. Her goal is to create stable, robust, and effective antidotes with improved therapeutic efficacy.