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New recycling method for textiles

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a novel, non-toxic method to recycle mixed-fiber textiles, utilizing a deep eutectic solvent to separate and recover cotton and polyester components. The process achieves near-complete recycling with minimal damage to materials.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalWaste Management·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2025

An iron oxide ‘oxygen sponge’ for efficient thermochemical hydrogen production

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a novel iron-based catalyst that more than doubles the conversion efficiency of thermochemical green hydrogen production. The new catalyst, iron-poor nickel ferrite (Fe-poor NiFe2O4), enables significantly greater oxygen capacity even at lower temperatures.

Rice-built reactor yields green ammonia and purified water

A Rice-built reactor system can convert nitrates into green ammonia and purified water, decarbonizing ammonia production and treating nitrate-contaminated water. The innovative three-chamber system uses recyclable ions to improve reaction efficiency and eliminates the need for high concentrations of supporting electrolytes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateAug 12, 2024

Novel spectroscopy technique sheds light on NOx reduction

Lehigh University researchers developed a novel spectroscopy technique called modulation excitation spectroscopy (MES) to study selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxides. The results, published in Nature Communications, reveal the correct reaction pathway and have significant implications for optimizing catalytic converters.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2024

Flow research on the outskirts of space

A European research team conducted experiments in weightlessness to isolate the classic diffusion phenomenon, closing the gap with experimental validation. The study used a sounding rocket to create a state of almost complete weightlessness, allowing researchers to run their experiments automatically.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·Journalnpj Microgravity·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

An electrical switch to control chemical reactions

A UNIGE team has developed an electrical device that can activate and accelerate chemical reactions using a simple electric field. The device, called an electrochemical microfluidic reactor, enables chemists to control chemical reactions with ease, reducing the need for complex strategies and resources.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateOct 12, 2023

New recipes for better solar fuel production

A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

Breaking through the limits of stretchable semiconductors with molecular brakes that harness light

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) developed a technology for high-performance organic polymer semiconductors that exhibit both stretchability and electrical functionality. The molecular brake prevents slipping under stretching conditions, preserving up to 96% of electrical performance.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 9, 2023

Rice lab advances water-splitting catalysts

Engineers at Rice University have discovered a method to make oxygen evolution catalysis in acids more economical and practical. They replaced rare and expensive iridium with ruthenium, a far more abundant precious metal, as the positive-electrode catalyst in a reactor that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

PFAS chemicals do not last forever

Researchers at UC Riverside discover that adding iodide to a water treatment reactor using ultraviolet (UV) light and sulfite can destroy up to 90% of PFAS chemicals in just a few hours. This method accelerates the reaction four times, saving energy and chemicals, and enables the treatment of ten times higher concentrations of PFAS.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Graphene gets enhanced by flashing

Rice University researchers have developed a customizing method for producing doped graphene with tailored structures and electronic states. The doping process adds elements to the 2D carbon matrix, making it suitable for use in nanodevices such as fuel cells and batteries.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

PCF-based 'parallel reactors' unveils collective matter-light analogies of soliton molecules

Researchers develop parallel optical-soliton reactors to study multi-soliton dynamics, unveiling statistical rules that resemble classic chemical kinetics. The system enables on-demand synthesis and dissociation of soliton molecules, promoting a collective-level insight into soliton dynamics.

Haotian Wang named Sloan Research Fellow

Haotian Wang, a chemical and biomolecular engineer at Rice University, has been selected as a 2021 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow for his outstanding contributions to the field of electrochemistry. He will receive a two-year grant of $75,000 to advance his research on electrocatalysis and sustainable chemicals production.

NYU researchers pioneer machine learning to speed chemical discoveries, reduce waste

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a machine learning system that pairs artificial neural networks with infrared imaging to control and interpret small-scale chemical reactions. This technique can reduce the decision-making process from one year to weeks, saving tons of chemical waste and energy.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalComputers & Chemical Engineering·DateDec 13, 2018