Sustainable plastics from agricultural waste
A pioneering approach produces high-performance polyamides from sugar cores derived from agricultural waste, with impressive atom efficiency and recyclability
Chemical Engineering
Articles tagged with Chemical Engineering
A breakthrough in all-solid-state battery technology, enhancing the performance of the lithium from the bottom
A research team developed an anode protection layer to prevent random electrodeposition of lithium, promoting stable 'bottom electrodeposition' and reducing unnecessary consumption. The breakthrough results in all-solid-state batteries with stable electrochemical performance over extended periods using ultrathin lithium metal anodes.
Advancing toward wearable stretchable electronics
Researchers at Stanford have created skin-like integrated circuits that are five times smaller and operate at one thousand times higher speeds than earlier versions. These soft electronic devices can drive a micro-LED screen and detect Braille arrays with high sensitivity.
Unlocking the impact of solvents on catalytic C–H bond oxidation by copper(II)–alkylperoxo complex
Researchers have developed a copper(II)-alkylperoxo complex that can selectively oxidize unactivated alkanes, showcasing exceptional reactivity and paving the way for sustainable technology. By manipulating the solvent environment, the team uncovered the unique properties of their catalyst.
Powerless mechanoluminescent touchscreen underwater
A team of researchers created an optical display technology using afterglow luminescent particles, enabling writing and erasure of messages underwater. The device exhibits resistance to humidity and maintains functionality even when submerged for prolonged periods.
Nosy chemistry
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a small-scale system that forms three-dimensional patterns, which serve as chemical fingerprints that allow chemicals in solutions to be identified. The system utilizes fluid flows and flexible posts coated with enzymes to generate distinct visual patterns.
Oregon State researchers make key advance toward removing pesticide from groundwater
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a metal-organic framework that can completely remove and break down glyphosate, a widely used herbicide. The material, Sc-TBAPy, shows faster adsorption and photodegradation of glyphosate compared to other MOFs.
Harmful ‘forever chemicals’ removed from water with new electrocatalysis method
Scientists from the University of Rochester have developed a novel approach to clean up pollution from PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals', found in various products. The new electrocatalytic method uses laser-made nanomaterials made from nonprecious metals, nearly 100 times cheaper than existing methods.
Nanomedicine research aims to transform treatment of aortic aneurysms
Researchers are developing minimally invasive techniques to repair and regenerate tissue in aortic aneurysms using actively targeted, drug-releasing nanoparticles. The team found that rod-shaped particles with high aspect ratios were selectively taken up by diseased endothelial cells, leading to improved therapy outcomes.
Researchers create coating solution for safer food storage
Researchers have created a galvanized steel coating that reduces corrosion and prevents bacterial growth, improving food safety. The coating decreases bacterial strains over seven days and can be used on grain storage silos and other food-related storage units.
Study unlocks nanoscale secrets for designing next-generation solar cells
A team of researchers has discovered ways to optimize efficiency and control degradation in perovskite solar cells by engineering their nanoscale structure. The study provides new insights on how to make high-efficiency perovskite solar cells and offers a roadmap for improving their performance.
New study unveils scalable and efficient photoelectrode modules for green hydrogen production
Researchers at UNIST have developed a scalable and efficient photoelectrode module for green hydrogen production, overcoming challenges of efficiency, stability, and scalability. The team's innovative approach achieved unprecedented efficiency, durability, and scalability in producing green hydrogen using solar energy.
AI-driven lab speeds catalysis research
Researchers developed an AI-driven lab called Fast-Cat that uses artificial intelligence to provide in-depth analyses of catalytic reactions. The tool conducts high-temperature gas-liquid reactions and analyzes results to determine how different variables affect the outcome of each experiment.
Aston University receives nearly half a million pounds to create safer and greener batteries
Researchers at Aston University will explore gel electrolyte materials to improve lithium-ion batteries' safety and environmental sustainability. The project aims to replace harmful components with renewable ionogels, addressing the need for scalable methods of storing electrical energy.
Bright and tough: A material that heals itself and glows
Researchers at RIKEN CSRS have created a self-healing material that can emit high levels of fluorescence when absorbing light, leading to improved durability for organic solar cells. The material's unique structure allows it to self-repair without external stimuli or energy, making it suitable for various environments.
Non-solvating electrolytes enhance performance of organic electrode-based batteries
Researchers at UNIST have introduced non-solvating electrolytes to significantly improve the performance and lifespan of organic electrode-based batteries. The study achieved remarkable improvements in capacity retention and rate performance, with over 91% capacity retention after 1000 cycles.
Using mussels and silkworm cocoons to stop organ bleeding
A team of researchers has developed a bilayer nanofiber membrane hemostat using natural proteins derived from mussels and silkworm cocoons. The hemostatic agent demonstrated rapid acceleration of tissue adhesion and hemostasis in bleeding wounds, preventing the infiltration of water containing infectious agents.
Revolutionary breakthrough in solar energy: World’s most efficient QD solar cells developed
A groundbreaking research breakthrough has led to the development of the world's most efficient quantum dot (QD) solar cell, retaining its efficiency even after long-term storage. The newly-developed organic PQD solar cells exhibit both high efficiency and stability simultaneously.
VUB researchers assemble patterns of micro- and nanoparticles
VUB researchers have developed a method to arrange particles in a hexagonal pattern on hard surfaces, opening up new possibilities for sensors and electronics. The technique uses static electricity generated by rubbing particles across the surface, enabling dense packing of particles on conductive and non-conductive surfaces.
Engineering a coating for disease-free produce
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a coating that bolsters the safety of fresh produce and provides enhanced protection against bacteria and fungi. The coating combines wax with nano-encapsulated cinnamon-bark essential oil in protein carriers to enhance antibacterial properties.
Angle-dependent holograms made possible by metasurfaces
Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology developed angle-dependent holograms using metasurface technology, allowing for diverse images based on viewing angles. The holographic display demonstrates an extensive viewing angle of 70 degrees, enabling observers to perceive the three-dimensional image from various directions.
Chameleons inspire new multicolor 3D-printing technology
Researchers developed a sustainable technique to 3D print multiple dynamic colors from a single ink using UV-assisted direct-ink-write printing. The new method produces structural colors in the visible wavelength spectrum, offering vibrant and potentially more sustainable alternatives.
A new glue, potentially also for you
Researchers create a simple method to instantly bond layers made of the same or different types of hydrogels using a thin film of chitosan. The new approach has potential to broadly advance new biomaterials solutions for multiple unmet clinical needs, including regenerative medicine and surgical care.
Towards more efficient catalysts
Researchers have developed a novel catalyst platform that enhances the selectivity of catalytic reactions by trapping nanoparticles to prevent agglomeration. The distance between particles plays a crucial role in determining the product yield, with increased separation leading to more efficient production of intermediate chemicals.
Do AI-driven chemistry labs actually work? New metrics promise answers
Researchers at North Carolina State University are developing a suite of performance metrics to standardize the evaluation of self-driving labs in chemistry and materials science. These metrics aim to compare different lab technologies and identify areas for improvement, ultimately advancing the field and accelerating discovery.
Personalized adhesives for inner healing – now tailored just for you
Researchers developed customized adhesive patches using mussel-derived proteins, exhibiting strong underwater adhesion, biocompatibility, and adjustable degradation time. These patches showed successful treatment in animal models, paving the way for personalized medical applications.
Overcoming fine process limits with linker ion affinity
Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology employ linker ions to pioneer three-dimensional microprinting technology applicable to inorganic substances and other various materials. The team successfully crafts inorganic porous structures with dimensions below 10 μm without specialized equipment.
Guanine synthesis yields new insights into nitrogen’s role in nanocarbon catalysis
Researchers synthesized nanocarbons from guanine molecules to understand nitrogen's role in carbon-based materials. The study revealed controlled surface functional groups, allowing for precise tuning of nitrogen content and improving catalytic activity.
Solving an age-old mystery about crystal formation
University of Houston researcher Peter Vekilov discovers two-step incorporation into crystals, mediated by an intermediate state, solving a 40-year-old riddle. The new paradigm guides the search for solvents and additives to stabilize the intermediate state and slow down unwanted polymorphs.
Edge-to-edge assembly technique for 2D nanosheets
Researchers fabricated a soccer ball-shaped construction using edge-to-edge assembly of 2D semiconductor materials, exhibiting exceptional mechanical stability and durability. The new technique improves the efficiency of catalytic reactions and facilitates the smooth movement of reactants, paving the way for the development of stable a...
Engineers unmask nanoplastics in oceans for the first time, revealing their true shapes and chemistry
Researchers have identified nanoplastics in ocean water off the coasts of China, South Korea, and the US, with surprising diversity in shape and chemical composition. The tiny plastic particles, originating from consumer products, were found to be more toxic than larger plastic particles due to their small size.
Using computers to design proteins allows researchers to make tunable hydrogels that can form both inside and outside of cells
Scientists develop a new class of hydrogels that can concentrate proteins within cells, mimicking natural sequestering phenomena. The hydrogels, designed using computers, exhibit similar mechanical properties both inside and outside of cells.
Will electric fields lead the way to developing semiconductors with high power efficiency?
Researchers have successfully induced and controlled polarization states within metals using flexoelectric fields. This method has the potential to mitigate power losses attributed to semiconductors and extend battery lifespan in electronic devices.
Oder River crisis: Statistics give a chance to prevent river tragedies
Researchers propose new statistical index to detect river ecosystem changes, potentially preventing tragedies like the Oder River crisis. The developed index is more versatile and responsive to variations in individual parameter values.
Breakthrough research enhances stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells
Researchers developed a chemically protective cathode interlayer using amine-functionalized perylene diimide, which stabilizes perovskite solar cells. The novel solution-processed PDINN cathode interlayer achieved impressive performance with over 81% retention and record-high bias-free solar hydrogen production rate.
Groundbreaking discovery enables cost-effective and eco-friendly green hydrogen production
A new bifunctional water electrolysis catalyst made from ruthenium, silicon, and tungsten enables the efficient production of high-purity green hydrogen. The catalyst demonstrates exceptional durability in acidic environments, making it an attractive alternative to traditional precious metal catalysts.
Plumber’s nightmare structure in block polymers
A team at Pohang University of Science & Technology has successfully created the world's first plumber's nightmare structure in block copolymers, a complex configuration where polymer chain ends coalesce inward. This achievement showcases the potential for self-assembly in block copolymers and opens up new possibilities for materializi...
New air purifier design with innovative foam technology promises virus-stopping performance and zero waste
Researchers at the University of Bath have invented a new form of high-performance air purifier that uses FOAM3R filter technology, promising zero harmful waste. The purifier features a unique, mouldable foam structure that captures contaminants and viruses with high efficiency.
Rice’s Amanda Marciel wins NSF CAREER Award
Amanda Marciel, assistant professor at Rice University, receives a $670,406 NSF CAREER Award to develop synthetic networks with gel-like softness and high elasticity. Her research aims to create new elastomers with controlled structure-function relationships.
Efficiently moving urea out of polluted water is coming to reality
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a material to selectively oxidize urea in water, producing hydrogen gas. The material, made of nickel and cobalt atoms with tailored electronic structures, enables the efficient conversion of urea into hydrogen through an electrochemical reaction.
Rice chemists find new way to rid boron nitride nanotubes of impurities
Rice chemists find a way to remove impurities from boron nitride nanotubes using phosphoric acid and fine-tuning the reaction. The new method produces high-purity tubes that are stronger than steel by weight, making them suitable for various industries, including aerospace and biomedical imaging.
Aston University receives £10m from Research England to establish the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence
Aston University has established the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME) with a £10m grant from Research England. The institute aims to develop novel biomimetic membranes through interdisciplinary collaboration between biology, physics, and chemistry.
AI could help power plants capture carbon using 36% less energy from the Grid
Researchers used AI to optimize a carbon capture system at a coal-fired power station, capturing 16.7% more CO2 and using 36.3% less energy from the grid. The system can adapt to changing weather conditions, reducing energy consumption while increasing carbon capture efficiency.
Core-shell ‘chemical looping’ boosts efficiency of greener approach to ethylene production
Researchers have developed a new catalyst that exceeds 30% yield for the production of ethylene through oxidative coupling of methane, a more sustainable and economically viable method. The core-shell Li2CO3-coated mixed rare earth oxides catalyst enables sequential oxygen switching, replenishing its ability to provide oxygen for the r...
A novel strategy for extracting white mycelial pulp from fruiting mushroom bodies
A team of researchers at Shinshu University has successfully extracted mycelial pulp and fibers from fruiting mushroom bodies using sunlight, preserving their intricate mycelial structures. The fibers show excellent formability and potential applications in packaging materials, textiles, and soundproofing.
Electric light transmits data 100 times faster than Wi-Fi
Researchers have developed a novel light source that minimizes interference zones, enabling stable and accurate information transmission. The technology utilizes conventional lighting systems, such as LEDs, to facilitate the simultaneous transmission of large amounts of data.
Carnegie Mellon-designed artificially intelligent coscientist automates scientific discovery
The Coscientist AI system has been successfully designed, planned, and executed a chemistry experiment, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize scientific research. By leveraging large language models and cloud lab technology, Coscientist can automate the experimental process, enabling scientists to design and run experiments much...
Chemistry and Crystals: Politecnico di Milano's hydrogel study on the cover of Chemistry
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano have designed a hydrogel with specific characteristics using supramolecular chemistry and crystallography. The study showed that the interactions between an amino acid and bioactive molecules can be identical in both solid and aqueous states.
Computational model captures the elusive transition states of chemical reactions
A team of MIT researchers has created a computational model that can calculate the structures of transition states in chemical reactions much more quickly than traditional methods. The new model uses machine learning and can generate accurate predictions for thousands of reactions, enabling chemists to design new catalysts and fuels.
Unlocking hydrogen’s potential for renewable energy storage, transport
A new NSF-supported collaboration aims to improve liquid organic hydrogen carriers and use AI to identify novel approaches for a global renewable energy supply chain. The team is developing a new class of molecules, chemistries, and chemical processes to better store and transport green energy across the globe.
Understanding the formation of minute droplets in microfluidic devices
Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a detailed understanding of microfluidic post-array devices, which are used to create monodisperse emulsions with controlled droplet size. The team found that effective capillary number and specific geometric parameters play crucial roles in droplet formation.
WVU scientists spice up genetic research through habanero peppers and AI
Researchers at West Virginia University are using artificial intelligence to analyze habanero peppers and develop new methods for predicting genetic traits. The goal is to improve crop yields and prevent genetic diseases, with potential applications in human health.
WVU research helps power plants recycle water using wastewater from oil and gas mining
Researchers at WVU develop a cotreatment process that reduces demand for chemicals to soften wastewater, allowing treated water to be reused up to 99% of its original volume. The study's findings offer a potential solution to the industry's water use challenge and could close the cycle of treating cooling tower blowdown and reusing it.
Revolutionizing cancer treatment through programmable bacteria
A team of researchers from Texas A&M University is developing a low-cost, safe, and controlled cancer treatment using programmable bacteria. The $20 million project aims to create an efficient bacterial therapeutic that can target cancer cells with high precision, reducing side effects and costs.
Scientists take a step forward in understanding how to tackle chronic infections in cystic fibrosis patients
Researchers have engineered a living material resembling human phlegm to study polymicrobial biofilms in cystic fibrosis patients. The material, which grows 3D biofilms in a controlled manner, will help experts understand how these structures form and develop effective treatments.
Tiny traps can provide new knowledge about difficult-to-treat diseases
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have discovered a new method for capturing proteins in nano-sized traps to study difficult-to-treat diseases. The technique allows for the trapping of hundreds of proteins in a small volume, enabling the study of early development and potential drug countermeasures.
Miniature device offers peace of mind for diabetics
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a miniature, injectable glucose biosensor and wearable device that enables user-friendly, minimally-invasive continuous glucose monitoring. The device addresses challenges associated with existing CGMs, including size and skin tone compatibility.
Preventing hydrogen vehicle aging during sudden stops
A team of researchers from POSTECH has introduced a tungsten oxide coating to protect the membrane-electrode assembly in hydrogen fuel cells. The coating prevents electrochemical reactions that lead to catalyst degradation, resulting in improved performance retention rates.
UMass Lowell researchers are developing pancreas-like tissue to help people with diabetes
Researchers are developing a bioengineered pancreas-like tissue using innovative biomaterials and engineered cells. The goal is to implant these cell-laden scaffolds into patients who need help managing their glucose levels.
CSU develops antibacterial material for use with internal medical devices such as hip replacements or pacemakers
Researchers at CSU and the University of St. Andrews created an effective antimicrobial material that slowly releases nitric oxide, killing bacteria and fungus over time.