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Researchers achieve electrosynthesis via superwetting organic-solid-water interfaces

Chinese scientists developed a new three-phase OSW electrocatalytic system for efficient production of high-purity benzaldehyde, achieving 97% Faradaic efficiency and 91.7% purity without post-purification processes. The system uses clean energy and water resources, simplifying product separation and purification.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2024

Promising advances in organosilica membranes for separating organic liquid mixtures

Scientists have created a novel organosilica membrane using imidazolium-type ionic liquids, achieving high selectivity and permeability in separating organic liquid mixtures. The findings suggest that this technology has the potential to replace energy-intensive distillation processes in chemical industries.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

Fermentation revolution? Trash becomes treasure as bio-waste yields valuable acetone and isopropanol

Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed pioneering advancements in the purification of isopropanol and acetone from waste gases through engineered bacteria. The novel process shows high-purity yields with recoveries over 99.2%, marking a significant step forward in sustainable industrial fermentation.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateJan 31, 2024

Researchers unveil useful strategies for sustainable gas storage and separation with clathrate hydrates

A new study by GIST researchers provides efficient hydrogen storage solutions using clathrate hydrates, overcoming limitations such as limited gas storage capacities and slow formation rates. The study offers crucial insights for developing clathrate hydrate-based technologies for carbon dioxide separation and hydrogen storage.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 8, 2024

Greener solution powers new method for lithium-ion battery recycling

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new, efficient, and environmentally-friendly solution for lithium-ion battery recycling using organic citric acid. This approach recovers critical metals like cobalt and lithium, reduces pollution and reliance on foreign sources, and eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

New polymer membranes, AI predictions could dramatically reduce energy, water use in oil refining

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed new polymer membranes that can improve distillation processes, reducing the global energy and water use. The DUCKY polymers use a novel combination of characteristics to selectively bind desirable molecules, making them a promising solution for industries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2023

Revolutionizing energy storage: Metal nanoclusters for stable lithium–sulfur batteries

Researchers have developed a metal nanocluster-based separator for lithium-sulfur batteries, accelerating electrochemical kinetics and improving capacity and cycling stability. The technology has the potential to increase the adoption of sustainable energy storage systems, including electric vehicles and renewable energy.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Separating molecules requires lots of energy. This new, heat-resistant membrane could change that

A University at Buffalo-led research team has created a new, sturdier membrane that can withstand harsh environments associated with industrial separation processes. The membrane, made from an inorganic material called carbon-doped metal oxide, is a potential alternative to energy-intensive processes like distillation and crystallization.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2023

New self-cleaning membranes developed by NYU Abu Dhabi researchers dramatically improve the efficiency of desalination technologies

New hybrid membrane technology uses thermosalient organic crystals to effectively remove contaminants from surfaces, increasing water flow by over 43% and extending operational lifetime. This innovation has the potential to make desalination technologies more efficient and environmentally sustainable.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2023

NTU Singapore scientists develop a sustainable way to convert kale waste into products for health and personal care

A new technique converts kale waste into phytochemicals for use in health and personal care products, preserving potency and using non-toxic solvents. The method reduces energy consumption and emissions, making it attractive for industry adoption and supporting a circular economy.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSeparation and Purification Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

Duct tape evidence holds up in court using innovative method from WVU forensic scientists

Forensic scientists at West Virginia University have developed a systematic approach to compare pieces of trace evidence, including duct tape, using a novel method. The technique evaluates fracture edges and demonstrates physical fit, providing a foundation for evaluating error rates and improving accuracy in crime scene investigations.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalForensic Chemistry·DateAug 2, 2023

Don’t wait, desalinate: a new approach to water purification

Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a new purification system that uses an electrified version of dialysis to separate salt and other unnecessary particles from wastewater. The method saves money and saps 90% less energy than its counterparts, making it a promising solution for global water scarcity.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 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

Bacteria survive on radioactive elements

Research reveals that certain bacteria can replace essential lanthanides with actinides to sustain their metabolism. The findings suggest a possible role for these bacteria in decontaminating areas contaminated with radioactive elements or separating lanthanides and actinides for analytical purposes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2023

TIFR Hyderabad study provides crucial insights on designing efficient nano-filters

Researchers from TIFR Hyderabad create molecular strainers that can filter particles as small as hydrogen molecules, offering a new basis for designing more efficient filtration processes. The study's findings provide insights into the movement of molecules through sieves and open up avenues for further exploration in industries.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2023

Advanced electrode to help remediation of stubborn new 'forever chemicals'

University of Illinois researchers create an electrode that attracts and captures short-chain PFAS, a type of 'forever chemical,' using electrosorption. The design allows for selective fluorophilic interactions, enabling the capture of these persistent contaminants from environment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Study demonstrates energy-efficient conversion of nitrate pollutants into ammonia

A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign demonstrates an approach for integrated capture and conversion of nitrate-contaminated waters into valuable ammonia using a single electrochemical cell. The device shows significant enhancements in energy efficiency, nitrate removal, and ammonium production rate compared to ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

New monovalent anion permselective membranes for high-efficient mono-/di-valent anion separation

Researchers developed poly(alkyl-biphenyl pyridinium)-based anion exchange membranes with hydrophobic side chains, achieving high permoselectivity for monovalent ions like chloride and hydroxide. The new membranes show excellent alkali stability and can separate multiple multivalent anions with high selectivity.

SourceInstitute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Researchers revealed the important role of intermolecular hydrogen bond in the separation and purification of structurally similar compounds

The study reveals that N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) separates carbazole and anthracene due to strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Researchers used advanced liquid-state NMR techniques to analyze the interaction mechanism, finding a C=O···H-N bond between DMF and carbazole.

SourceInstitute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 26, 2022

Scientists fabricated highly long-life Li-S batteries based on multifunctional separators functionalized by porous mediators

Researchers fabricated Li-S batteries with ultra-long cycle life over 2000 cycles via multifunctional separator design. The novel hollow and hierarchically porous Fe3O4 nanospheres effectively regulate LiPSs behavior, achieving high sulfur utilization and excellent electrochemical performances.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 15, 2022

Largest study of its kind reveals adjuvant chemotherapy improves overall survival for pancreatic cancer patients

A nationwide retrospective study showed that adjuvant chemotherapy after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery significantly improved overall survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, regardless of lymph node status or resection margins. The study included nearly 900 patients and was published in JAMA Oncology.

Story tips: Tailor-made molecules, better battery electrolytes, beyond Moore’s Law and improving climate model accuracy

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made significant advancements in recovering rare earth metals, developing safer batteries, and enhancing material properties through tailored molecules and advanced microscopy. These discoveries could lead to more efficient clean energy technologies and reduced carbon impacts.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalLangmuir·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022