Articles tagged with Chemical Engineering
University of Minnesota researchers have developed a cheaper, safer, and simpler technology to produce stubborn metals into thin films. This innovation enables better materials with atomic precision at lower temperatures, making it easier to scale up production.
A team of Lehigh University researchers is studying a promising alternative catalytic process based on solid acid catalysts for ethylene dimerization. Using in situ and operando molecular spectroscopy, they aim to understand the surface structures of the catalyst and design more active catalysts with reduced environmental impact.
Researchers discovered that double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is substantially more chemically stable than single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), which has implications for its use in pesticides and understanding of viral behavior. The findings suggest storing dsRNA in high pH environments can provide extra protection against degradation.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a new type of reflective screen that offers optimal color display while using ambient light to keep energy consumption low. The new design allows for more accurate color reproduction and reduces eye strain compared to traditional digital screens.
Researchers at Tomsk Polytechnic University have successfully synthesized a unique molecule of verdazyl-nitronyl nitroxide triradical, boasting stable structure and high-temperature magnetism. The breakthrough could pave the way for innovative organic magnetic materials with potential applications in MRAM technology.
Researchers at Columbia and Northwestern universities have developed a method to induce oscillations in micro-particles using DC electric fields. This motion could be used to develop microrobots with capabilities rivaling those of living organisms.
The Rice University engineers have unveiled the process of MoS2's synthesis in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace. Their simulations showed that it takes three steps to deposit an atomically thin lattice onto a surface, involving sublimation, reaction with sulfur atoms, and crystallization.
Intranasal COVID-19 vaccines aim to provide both mucosal and systemic immunity, potentially offsetting global vaccination disparities. Despite challenges in studying the mucosal immune system, scientists are working to develop nasal doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
Fibroblasts, the cells responsible for extracellular matrices, become diseased in fibrosis. Researchers create 3D hydrogels that mimic living tissue to study fibrosis progression and epigenetic responses.
The National Science Foundation has renewed funding for the Materials Innovation Platform at Penn State's Materials Research Institute, enabling the development of new ultra-thin materials with unique quantum properties. The facility will advance 2D materials research across the US, supporting over 100 scientists nationwide.
Sumit Sharma, assistant professor at Ohio University, has received a $511,902 NSF CAREER grant to investigate surfactant molecule adsorption on metallic nanoparticles. His research aims to develop a fundamental theory explaining the optimal surfactants for specific results.
Researchers have created nanoparticles that can effectively deliver and protect siRNA, a promising class of therapeutics targeting harmful genes. This breakthrough aims to improve the treatment of diseases by fine-tuning mRNA production, offering a new approach to managing irregular protein expression.
Researchers have developed sensors that can detect explosive materials, particles from deadly viruses, and illegal drugs at the part-per-quadrillion level. The technology has a wide range of applications, including monitoring wounds in soldiers and detecting roadside IEDs.
Racist attacks against Asian Americans have increased notably since the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing many to reevaluate their careers in the US. The Biden administration hopes to revise immigration policies and retain international scientists, but awareness and tolerance remain uncertain for the Asian community.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new hydrogel material that prevents infections in wounds, effective against all types of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant ones. The material uses antimicrobial peptides and is promising for combating global health threats.
University of Delaware researchers report a breakthrough process that can convert hard-to-recycle plastics into usable molecules. The hydrocracking process requires less energy than other technologies and can treat various plastics, even when mixed together.
Xue Sherry Gao, a bioengineer at Rice University, has won an NIH grant to develop tools that can correct multiple single mutations causing cystic fibrosis. Her approach uses CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing to fix the faulty CFTR gene, which is difficult to treat with traditional gene therapy.
The researchers created a new sensor using two layers of nanopores that can detect specific enantiomers of chiral molecules, allowing for faster and cheaper detection than traditional methods. The sensor operates by exploiting surface plasmon resonance and takes less than 5 minutes to analyze.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have derived equations that explain how changes in an atom's size affect its total energy and electronegativity. The study, published in Chemical Science, paves the way for advances in material development and could help identify new opportunities for high-pressure synthesis.
Chemical engineers at the University of Pittsburgh create self-oscillating flexible materials that display swarmalator behavior, coordinating spatial movement and temporal oscillations. These materials can pave the way for fabricating collaborative soft robotic systems.
UNIST students won multiple awards at the 2021 Samsung Humantech Paper Award, including the grand prize for Jong Won Oh's work on multimodal holograms. The institute has a strong track record of producing excellent research, with 2 Silver and 5 Bronze awards also given to students.
Distinguished Professor Sang Il Seok was recognized for his record-breaking efficiency of next-generation perovskite solar cells. Professor Jong-Beom Baek was elected a 2021 Fellow of KAST in engineering field for successfully achieving mass production of graphene.
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has been featured in a special virtual issue of ACS Nano, highlighting its collective intelligence and technological innovation. The issue showcases KAIST's vision of becoming a global value-creative leading university and its progress over the last 50 years.
Professor Gerardine Botte has received a $999,047 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop an indoor COVID-19 sensor that can detect traces of SARS-CoV-2 in air. The sensor has already demonstrated fast detection capabilities in saliva and water, and the goal is to extend this technology for air collection.
The American Chemical Society highlights the achievements of Black scientists in chemistry and chemical engineering, including drug discovery, biomedical engineering, and sustainable energy. The special issue showcases their work and calls for greater recognition and inclusion in the science enterprise.
Prof. Thomas H. Epps, III has been elected to the AIMBE College of Fellows for outstanding contributions to self-assembly of polymeric materials for drug delivery and gene therapy applications. He will join a group of top medical and biological engineers in the US.
Liheng Cai's lab creates a new synthetic rubber that is 1,000 times softer than conventional rubber but still holds its shape. The material has superior mechanical properties and can be used for various applications, including medical implants and soft robots.
The Biden-Harris administration aims to create research and development opportunities in clean energy and switch the US to cleaner sources. Climate change policies and updates to regulations will also be prioritized to protect public health from toxic substances. Immigration reform may lead to more scientific collaboration and access f...
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology produced and characterized novel organic molecules with a long helical structure, revealing special interactions between coils that can exhibit interesting optical and chemical properties. The longer compounds also displayed face-to-face stabilizing interactions between different helical lay...
A team of researchers from the University of Minnesota has made a groundbreaking discovery in materials science by observing metallic lines in a perovskite crystal. The study, published in Science Advances, reveals new possibilities for creating transparent conductive materials that could be used in touchscreens and smart windows.
The novel coronavirus was a major focus of chemistry research in 2020, with thousands of papers published on mask efficacy, disinfectants and virus transmission. Other notable topics included new insights into planetary atmospheres and the impact of climate change on wildfires.
Desalination membranes' density distribution at the nanoscale is crucial for performance. Thinner membranes with consistent density improve water filtration, contrary to previous thought that thickness matters more. This breakthrough could lead to 30-40% efficiency increase and cost savings.
Pittsburgh engineers build a two-dimensional sheet that spontaneously transforms into a three-dimensional gear, performing sustained work without external power. The innovation enables the development of self-powered machines for resource-poor environments.
ModMol is an augmented reality app that allows users to visualize and edit molecules in 3D. The app currently supports 115 molecules, including organic and inorganic systems, biomolecules, polymers, and proteins. It enables users to customize molecules using the period table and standard fragments, and save edited structures for export.
Dr. Eric Beckman, a renowned engineer at the University of Pittsburgh, has been recognized as an NAI Fellow for his groundbreaking research in molecular design, biomedical polymers, and sustainability. His work aims to create new knowledge that benefits human health and the environment.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a new method to produce chemical molecules more efficiently through a one-step reaction in an enzyme. This breakthrough has significant implications for the production of pharmaceuticals, with potential applications in the development of new drugs.
The American Chemical Society has unveiled its annual list of 10 promising chemistry start-ups, focusing on innovative solutions for drug discovery, waste recycling, sustainable materials, and quantum computing. Companies like Aryballe and Evrnu are developing groundbreaking technologies to address pressing global challenges.
Michigan Technological University and University of Massachusetts researchers develop a way to mimic the body's environment in vaccines, keeping viruses stable through crowding. This method has potential to improve access to vaccinations against various viruses, bypassing the cold chain.
Engineers at Monash University developed a portable and cheap diagnostic that measures fibrinogen concentration in blood. This simple test can diagnose hypofibrinogenemia in critically bleeding patients anywhere in the world, reducing treatment time by up to five times.
Two Pitt projects have received more than $1 million in NSF funding, one investigating the water wettability of floating graphene and the other developing high-performance materials for liquid-phase energy storage systems.
HBCUs graduate more successful Black chemists than other schools due to their supportive faculty, rigorous curriculum, and diverse environment. However, HBCUs face limitations in funding and faculty burden, which can impact publication and collaboration.
The University of Illinois will lead two of seven new national artificial intelligence institutes, one focusing on agricultural resilience and the other on molecular discovery. The institutes aim to advance AI research in computer vision, machine learning, and automation to address major agricultural challenges.
A research team at NYU Tandon School of Engineering has developed a novel approach to fabricating MXene films that can effectively block electromagnetic interference. The drop-casting method on pre-patterned hydrophobic substrates resulted in a 38% enhancement of EMI shielding efficiency over conventional methods, making it scalable an...
Researchers developed finned nanoporous materials that facilitate faster molecular transport, reducing transportation limitations in zeolite catalysts. The new design triples the efficiency of conventional catalytic materials and enables longer catalyst lifetimes.
A global research team has developed a new adsorbent-based desalination process that uses sunlight to regenerate metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), producing clean drinking water in under 30 minutes. The technology filters harmful particles and achieves a TDS of <500 ppm, making it suitable for millions of people globally.
The American Chemical Society names BASF the number one chemical company for 2019, followed by Sinopec and Dow/DuPont, in its annual Global Top 50 list. The report shows a decline in earnings due to trade tensions and poor automotive performance.
Sachin Velankar receives $292K from NSF to study micromechanics of surface tension, exploring its impact on material flow behavior. The research aims to understand particle cluster dynamics and inform industrial processes like oil drilling, 3D printing, and food industry mixing.
Researchers created an inexpensive smart stir bar that can automatically measure and transmit data on a solution's properties to a smartphone or computer. This device uses open-source software and low-cost components to detect parameters such as color, electrical conductivity, and viscosity.
A surface coating developed by Virginia Tech professor William Ducker has been shown to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, by 99.9% in one hour when applied to glass or stainless steel surfaces.
The University of Delaware's new Center for Hybrid, Active, and Responsive Materials (UD CHARM) aims to transform the way materials are made. Researchers will focus on developing new materials with potential applications in biomedicine, security, sensing, and more.
Biobased chemicals are being developed to replace petroleum-based products in various industries, including diapers, electronics, and automotive coatings. These new materials offer improved performance and sustainability, with potential applications in areas such as electronic touchscreen displays and emission-reducing coatings.
Researchers at CNRS and Delft University of Technology have developed acoustical tweezers to control microbubbles, enabling highly localized drug delivery. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for controlled medicine delivery and tissue engineering using stem cells.
A new 3D-printed membrane designed by Pitt ChemE professor Lei Li has the potential to efficiently separate oil and water. The membrane's unique surface topography and pore size will enable effective separation of oil-water emulsions, converting oily wastewater into purified water.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh and Politecnico di Milano advances computational catalysis by simulating realistic catalysts under reaction conditions. The researchers developed a method to model catalyst morphology and catalytic activity under reaction conditions, enabling the prediction of unpredictable reactions.
Researchers at KAIST developed a universal virus detection platform using reactive polymer-grafted double-stranded RNAs, which can detect viruses without prior knowledge of their genomic sequences. This platform provides enhanced sensitivity and can be used to quickly differentiate infected populations from non-infected ones.
Jonas Baltrusaitis is investigating dry mechanochemical synthesis of urea ionic cocrystals for more stable fertilizer materials. This technology aims to slow down urea hydrolysis, reduce ammonia emissions and extend nitrogen availability to plants.
A novel technology that simulates human kidney functions could transform treatment options for those in the final stage of renal disease. The device, developed by University of Arkansas researchers, can filter blood and control chemistry using an electric field.
A team of MIT researchers has developed ELAST technology, which provides a fast way to fluorescently label cells, proteins, and molecules in brain and other large tissues. The technology enables fully reversible tissue shape transformation while preserving structural and molecular information.
The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting the chemistry industry, with academic jobs facing hiring freezes and reduced pay. Despite this, certain sectors like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology are experiencing increased demand and hiring opportunities.
A new model for respiratory infection treatment is being developed using mathematical modeling to predict and treat patients at risk of extreme lung inflammation. The University of Pittsburgh's Jason Shoemaker received a $547K NSF CAREER Award to create computational models of the immune response to seasonal influenza viruses.