Articles tagged with Industrial Chemistry
A new method to produce hydrogen from water has been discovered, using cobalt and manganese as catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to a cleaner and more sustainable hydrogen economy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Researchers developed a novel coating material based on methylene blue dye to mitigate the polysulfide shuttling effect in lithium-sulfur batteries, improving their durability and electrochemical performance. This breakthrough could lead to the widespread adoption of sustainable energy storage systems.
A new study published in Environmental Research found that dust removal does not mitigate exposure to TDCIPP, a carcinogenic chemical commonly used in automobile seat foam. The researchers suggest that wearing a mask in the car may be an effective way to reduce exposure.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed a new neutron-based method to detect clogs in underwater pipelines non-destructively. This approach uses prompt gamma neutron activation analysis to measure hydrogen concentration, allowing for the detection of blockages and hydrate formation.
The global chemical industry aims to recover from the pandemic while addressing consumer demand for sustainable products. Investments in carbon capture and clean technology will continue to rise, while companies rethink packaging and manufacturing methods to reduce waste.
Researchers at Nagoya University and Zeon Corporation have developed a new thermoplastic rubber material, i-SIS, with an extremely high tensile toughness of 480 MJ/m³. The material's impact resistance surpasses that of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP), making it suitable for use in automotive and other industries.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel light-based method for rapidly racemizing chiral sulfoxides, a crucial step in producing desired enantiomers. This breakthrough utilizes photocatalysts to achieve rapid racemization under moderate conditions, bypassing the need for high temperatures previously required.
Chemists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed a method to produce cement by milling instead of burning lime, reducing CO2 emissions. The process could be implemented on an industrial scale, but further development is needed.
A new type of eco-friendly solvent, SUPRAS, has been designed to extract polluting substances from the environment and is more stable under various conditions compared to existing ecological solvents. The solvent uses rhamnolipids produced by bacteria, attracting and separating pollutants with a simple decantation process.
Researchers linked microscopic and macroscopic approaches to describe a technologically important chemical reaction under realistic conditions. This allows understanding why catalyst particle size plays a crucial role in chemical processes.
A new approach evaluates vaporization enthalpies of alkylaromatic compounds and their derivatives, showing high accuracy compared to experimental methods. The method uses additivity principles and accounts for non-additive effects due to π-conjugation and intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
Researchers developed a predictive tool using %V bur (min) to categorize phosphine structures as active or inactive in many experimental datasets. This advancement will facilitate organometallic chemistry and catalysis, enabling easier computation and prediction of phosphine reactivity.
Developed a highly efficient boiling immersion cooler using lotus metals, increasing critical heat flux from 200 W/cm² to 530 W/cm² or more. The technology is expected to solve the heat concentration problem of in-vehicle power semiconductors and be applied to CPUs for workstations and large-scale servers.
A new process recovers rhodium, palladium, gold and silver from electronic waste in seconds, producing a byproduct clean enough for agricultural land. The flash Joule heating method uses significantly less energy than traditional lab methods, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.
A BfR study confirms that perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) does not accumulate excessively in human lung and kidney tissue. Only one sample contained a measurable PFBA value, supporting the conclusion that PFBA is unlikely to cause health problems.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed improved carbon membranes that can efficiently separate para-xylene from its siblings, reducing energy consumption by up to three times. The breakthrough could lower energy costs in producing commodity chemicals and fuels.
Researchers have discovered a way to use mining waste as part of a potential cheaper catalyst for hydrogen fuel production. The new catalyst triggers water splitting reactions using aluminosilicate minerals found in mining waste, which could lead to lower production costs and increased efficiency.
Researchers at RMIT University developed highly versatile, cost-effective 3D printed catalysts that could tackle the challenge of overheating in hypersonic aircraft. The new catalysts show promise for fuelling the future of hypersonic flight by simultaneously cooling the system.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel electrocatalyst that can effectively produce hydrogen and oxygen from water at low cost. The catalyst, composed of transition metal phosphates, achieves high surface area and fast charge transfer, making it suitable for commercial on-site production of hydrogen.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new insulation material that can significantly improve the performance of high-voltage direct current cables. By adding a tiny amount of poly(3-hexylthiophene) to polyethylene, they were able to lower electrical conductivity by up to three times.
High-energy-density Li–S batteries have been evaluated for their cycling lifespan, showing that considerable lithium polysulfides exist in the electrolyte despite high specific capacities. The actual capacity loss is mainly attributed to dissolved sulfur species rather than Li anode depletion.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that enables the accumulation of p-hydroxybenzoic acid in plant cell walls, a potential game-changer for sustainable industrial chemical production. By controlling the expression of this enzyme, plants can be engineered to produce more of this valuable chemical building block.
Researchers develop method to produce high-quality gypsum binders from synthetic calcium sulfate dihydrate, surpassing natural gypsum in several parameters. The new material can replace natural gypsum in countries without gypsum stone deposits, reducing production costs and simplifying technology.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science developed a copper-containing polymer that greatly enhances the antibacterial activity of hydrogen peroxide. The use of these tailored polymers resulted in higher catalytic activity and more effective killing of bacteria, opening up new design avenues for antimicrobial drugs.
KAUST researchers review the prospects for IPMs to separate gases and liquids without traditional high-temperature methods, offering energy efficiency and environmental benefits. The team identified promising compounds like cyclodextrin, cucurbiturils, and pillararenes with impressive performance in industrial gas and liquid separations.
A UK-based company has secured funding to develop biodegradable alternatives to plastic microbeads used in various industries. The project will explore the use of cellulose microbeads as a carrier for enzymes in industrial chemical production, aiming to reduce ocean pollution.
Researchers at TalTech have created a mechanochemical synthesis method that produces chemicals faster and with fewer environmental impacts. The technique replaces solvent-based processes, reducing toxic waste and speeding up production time.
The researchers recommend returning to classic zeolites, which are efficient catalysts that can be modified and adapted for specific purposes. The team found inconsistencies in the literature on how aluminium atoms catalyse reactions, highlighting the need for further understanding of these active centres.
Scientists from the University of Edinburgh developed a sustainable method to produce adipic acid, a key component of nylon, using genetically modified bacteria grown in liquid solutions containing guaiacol. This approach produces adipic acid without emitting nitrous oxide greenhouse gases.
The chemical industry can achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by using carbon capture and storage (CCS) or carbon capture and utilization (CCU), which require more energy. Biomass-based production is another option, but with intensive land use requirements.
This special issue of Science explores safer and more sustainable chemicals to address environmental and health concerns. Reviews argue for rethinking chemistry and considering inherent properties in early stages of design.
A NYU Tandon team has designed a novel reactor that uses solar energy and plant waste to produce adiponitrile, a precursor material for Nylon production. The technology employs organic electrosynthesis, which can be generated via renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
A KAIST team presents a detailed analysis of metabolic engineering routes and optimal synthetic pathways for producing various industrial bio-based chemicals. The comprehensive metabolic map charts all available strategies and pathways, serving as a blueprint for the production of interest from renewable resources.
The new magnetostrictive transducer from SwRI offers more precise inspections and reduces human error in structural health monitoring. It can withstand extreme temperatures and automatically adjusts frequencies, making it an extremely reliable sensor for detecting material flaws and corrosion.
Researchers have developed an exceptional MOF for separating gases, producing polymer-grade ethylene with high efficiency. The new iron-peroxo based MOF achieves 99.99% purity levels without multiple cycles.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a novel induction heating structure that improves the efficiency and uniformity of MOCVD reactors. This innovation enables the production of high-quality boron nitride and aluminum nitride materials, which are crucial for flexible electronics, ultraviolet optoelectronics, and power electronics.
Scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum successfully converted CO2 into an alcohol through a two-step reaction, facilitated by copper and rhodium catalysts. The process achieved a 40% recycling rate for the base, paving the way for industrial-scale applications.
A team of researchers has developed potentially safer polymers that could replace BPA in thermally printed receipts and labels, reducing environmental and health concerns. The new polymers, called BPAF-N-type, have similar properties to BPA and are suitable for various applications.
The Journal of Flow Chemistry will be published by Springer and Akadémiai Kiadó, increasing its visibility and accessibility. The journal aims to promote international and Hungarian science, and provide a platform for organic chemistry laboratories.
Researchers at The University of Manchester have discovered that uranium can perform reactions previously thought impossible, opening the door to new ways of producing materials and chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of truly biodegradable hard plastic and new medicines.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a plan to enforce stricter ozone limits, despite opposition from the chemical industry and some environmental groups. The Clean Air Act allows EPA to review and adjust standards for ozone emissions, which have been linked to smog and respiratory illnesses.
The US Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board has investigated over 130 accidents since its creation in 1998. The board's work has positively influenced industrial safety in the US and globally, producing over 90 accident reports and 40 safety videos with a budget of $12 million per year.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new technology that mimics imprint processes used in industrial manufacturing, creating nanowire-array structures similar to those found in touch-screens for sensors, computers, phones, and TVs. The pressure-based fabrication process is faster and more environmentally friendl...
Researchers at KTU created a cheaper and more efficient organic semiconductor material, which has been licensed to Tokyo Chemical Industry. The material has similar characteristics to existing alternatives but is significantly cheaper and easier to produce.
Researchers at Northwestern University designed a quantum cascade laser (QCL) frequency comb that is one order of magnitude more efficient than previous iterations. The new design emits over four times the output power, making it suitable for detecting industrial emissions, explosives, and chemical warfare agents.
Researchers found that short-term feeding of canned dog food resulted in a significant increase in BPA concentrations in dogs. The study also identified gut microbiome and metabolic changes associated with exposure to BPA from canned foods, which could have implications for human health.
Scientists have discovered two new chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and one new hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) in the atmosphere, which were released into the air in recent years. The discovery strengthens the argument that there are many more man-made gases in the atmosphere that could pose a threat to the ozone layer.
Researchers developed a model called Perfumery Radar 2.0 to quantify perfumes' nuances, matching expert descriptions without biases. The tool helps perfumers create new scents by classifying fragrances into families and identifying their characteristics, such as spicy or sweet.
The Review finds that the number of recognized chemical causes of neurodevelopmental disorders has doubled, and the list of unregulated chemicals has expanded. Stringent controls could generate billions in savings and improve childhood health outcomes.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health identifies toxic chemicals as a major contributor to neurodevelopmental disabilities among children. The researchers propose mandatory testing and international regulation to control the use of these substances.
The global chemical industry is expected to rise by 2.5% in the US and see increased sales in Europe, driven by strong economic growth in China and India. Low-priced natural gas from shale deposits and an uptick in housing starts are also contributing factors.
The UK chemical industry must radically transform its production processes to achieve absolute emission reductions by 2050, according to a new report. The sector's energy intensity and reliance on high-emission feedstocks pose significant challenges to meeting the Government's 80% greenhouse gas reduction target.
Researchers at UTHealth found phthalates in 72 commonly consumed food samples, with all products showing some level of phthalate contamination. The discovery raises concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals, particularly given the potential health risks associated with phthalates.
The National Science Foundation has extended the Center for Biorenewable Chemicals at Iowa State University with $12 million over three years. Researchers are developing new technologies that produce industrial chemicals from biorenewable resources, attracting industry partnerships and funding.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a new iron-based material that can separate saturated hydrocarbons from unsaturated gases at high temperatures, eliminating the need for chilling. This breakthrough could lead to significant energy savings in the chemical industry, particularly in the production of plastics and fuels.
The American Chemical Society's Employment Outlook feature package explores the jobs situation for chemists, with a focus on the impact of economic weakness on hiring plans. The article also provides guidance for current and future job seekers to fully benefit from recruiters' services.
A game-changing catalyst has been discovered by University of Alberta researchers, offering a potential solution to the chemical industry's environmental and economic challenges. The new catalyst produces minimal waste and can achieve multiple turnovers, reducing the industry's ecological footprint.
Scientists find that honeysuckle extract improves UV-blocking ability of wool fabrics, providing significant potential as a natural UV-blocking agent for clothing. The extract remains effective after exposure to sunlight and laundering, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional sunblocks.
Researchers created a 'perfumery radar' system to classify perfume families, closely matching expert descriptions. The tool speeds up perfume development, saving time and money for manufacturers.
Georges Belfort has made seminal contributions in liquid-phase pressure-driven membrane-based processes, bioseparations engineering, interfacial science, and affinity separations. He is honored by the American Chemical Society for his outstanding research and practice contributions to the advancement of science and technology.