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Semiconductor, nuclear industries poised for green boost thanks to chemistry breakthrough

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed an eco-friendly process for separating zirconium and hafnium, two critical metals for semiconductor and nuclear industries. The process uses a water-based solution and produces a high separation factor, outperforming the current industry standard.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2026

New technique filters PFAS forever chemicals using “molecular Velcro”

Researchers developed a new gel-based material that filters PFAS 'forever chemicals' from water using 'molecular Velcro', improving filtration capacity and reducing the need for fluorinated materials. The material can be reused by flushing out contaminants, offering a potential solution to removing PFAS from water.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalEnergy & Environmental Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2026

From cleaner “cracking” to black gold

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a more sustainable and economically competitive process to produce battery-quality graphite, with hydrogen generated as a valuable co-product. The new method uses molten metal catalysis to dehydrogenate ethane, producing high-quality graphite that is currently dominated by China.

From cleaner “cracking” to black gold

Graphonos Materials, a startup from the University of Pittsburgh, has developed a novel technology to produce battery-quality graphite and hydrogen using molten metal catalysis. This process is more energy-efficient and sustainable than current methods, which require high temperatures and generate significant carbon emissions.

Novel approach to a key biofuel production step captures an elusive energy source

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel approach to recover native lignin structure in plants, enabling higher yields of valuable materials with lower energy inputs. This breakthrough advances biofuel production by providing a key component for conversion to other valuable products.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalChemical Engineering Journal Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2026

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

Helping farmers, boosting biofuels

A WSU-led study has discovered two promising cover crops that can be sold as a biofuel source and won't harm the soil. Triticale and hairy vetch showed promising results in Western and Central Washington fields, providing stable yields at low costs while adding nitrogen to the soil.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBiomass and Bioenergy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2025

A unique method of rare-earth recycling can strengthen the raw material independence of Europe and America

A new method of separating rare earth elements from used neodymium magnets has been developed, allowing for environmentally friendly purification without organic solvents or toxic substances. The process is adaptable for other rare earths found in neodymium magnets and has the potential to influence various industrial sectors.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2025

A Pitt study has identified a protein that can separate critical metals from electronic waste

A University of Pittsburgh study has identified a protein called ferritin that can selectively recover critical metals like cobalt and nickel from liquid solutions. The process uses benign conditions and could significantly reduce energy demands and costs associated with metal recovery.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2025

Unlocking precise composition analysis of nanomedicines

Researchers developed a technique to separate and quantify ions, nanoparticles, and aggregates in nanomedicines, improving quality control for advanced pharmaceutical products. This method ensures the safe use of metal-based nanomedicines by distinguishing between their different forms.

SourceChiba University·JournalTalanta·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2025

From steel solid waste to green cement: A catalytic leap towards low-carbon cement production

Researchers propose a novel approach to reduce carbon emissions in cement manufacturing by leveraging iron naturally present in cement raw materials. The method enables the co-thermal conversion of CaCO₃ with CH₄ under a methane atmosphere, resulting in high-value syngas as a byproduct and significantly reducing carbon footprint.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2025

SNU researchers develop portable artificial kidney, paving the way for innovation in kidney failure treatment

Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a compact peritoneal dialysis device that can be used as a wearable artificial kidney, offering an alternative to traditional hemodialysis. The device uses nanoelectrokinetic technology to continuously regenerate peritoneal dialysate and remove waste products from the body.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Nanobiotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2025

Low-threshold anisotropic polychromatic emission from monodisperse quantum-dots

Researchers have successfully achieved low-threshold anisotropic polychromatic emission from monodisperse quantum dots by coupling them with microcavities, overcame technical bottlenecks for practical applications. This enables broadband gain, amplification, and even lasing, as well as full-color display and patterning.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Advancing catalysis: Novel porous thin-film approach developed at TIFR Hyderabad enhances reaction efficiency

Researchers at TIFR Hyderabad developed a novel porous thin-film approach to enhance catalysis efficiency in industrial reactions. The new methodology increases the density of catalytic sites and improves reactant diffusion rates, resulting in higher turnover frequencies and reaction efficiency.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Advancing catalysis: Novel porous thin-film approach developed at TIFR Hyderabad enhances reaction efficiency

Researchers at TIFR Hyderabad have developed a novel porous thin-film approach to enhance reaction efficiency in catalytic reactions. The new methodology integrates a porous heterogeneous thin film in a cross-flow microfluidic setup, allowing for faster reaction rates and increased catalyst reusability.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2025

Rice researchers develop efficient lithium extraction method, setting stage for sustainable EV battery supply chains

Researchers from Rice University have developed an efficient lithium extraction method using solid-state electrolyte membranes, which can separate lithium from water and other ions with near-perfect selectivity. This breakthrough could make the production of EV batteries more sustainable by reducing reliance on traditional mining methods.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 28, 2025

Nanoparticle island-modified LiMn₂O₄ electrode advances lithium extraction from brine

Researchers have developed a novel LiMn₂O₄ electrode material with improved lithium extraction capacity and cycle stability. The SnO₂ nanoparticle island-modified LMO electrode material shows good selectivity and stability for lithium ions, enabling efficient electrochemical salt lake lithium extraction.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Direct discharge electrical pulses for carbon fiber recycling

Researchers developed a novel method for carbon fiber recycling that leverages Joule heat generation, thermal stress, and expansion forces to separate fibers without chemicals. The technique is more effective than traditional methods, preserving longer fibers with higher strength and reducing environmental impact.

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2025

Advances and applications in single-cell and spatial genomics

This review highlights the transformative capabilities of single-cell and spatial genomics, providing critical insights into disease mechanisms and developing innovative therapies. The technologies enable comprehensive cell atlases, tracing the evolution of sequencing methods and incorporating multi-omics approaches, which significantl...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateJan 12, 2025

TIFR Hyderabad researchers devise strategy to enhance control over separating chemical isomers

A team of researchers at TIFR Hyderabad has devised a strategy to enhance control over the separation of chemical isomers using a nanoporous metal-organic framework. This approach enables fine-tuning of molecular interactions and diffusion processes, allowing for more efficient and sustainable separation methods.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2024

‘Game changer’ in lithium extraction: Rice researchers develop novel electrochemical reactor

Researchers at Rice University have developed a novel three-chamber electrochemical reactor that improves the selectivity and efficiency of lithium extraction from geothermal brines. The reactor achieves high lithium purity rates and minimizes by-product formation, offering a promising approach to address growing demand for lithium in ...

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2024

Eco-friendly biomass pretreatment method yields efficient biofuels and adsorbents

A new biomass densification technique increases bioethanol production efficiency by up to 95% sugar retention and 90% enzymatic sugar conversion. The method also utilizes biomass residues as effective bio-adsorbents for dye wastewater treatment, achieving removal rates of over 90%.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2024

Closing in on Parkinson’s Disease proteins in extracellular vesicles in the blood

Researchers have developed a new protocol to exclusively access and quantify proteins carried by extracellular vesicles in the blood. This breakthrough may lead to early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and other brain disorders, providing treatment opportunities before symptoms appear.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2024

Unveiling a new technique for preparing ionic liquid-based membranes for mixture separation

Researchers developed a simpler method to produce IL-immobilized membranes through gas-phase reactions, transforming nanoporous tubes into selective separation tools. The innovative vapor-phase transport treatment enables the creation of tailored membranes with improved performance and potential industrial applications.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2024

Researchers innovate sustainable metal-recycling method

A new recycling process reduces environmental impact by eliminating energy-intensive methods, producing harmful waste streams. The innovative technique recovers critical metals with high purity (>95%) and yield (>85%), addressing critical metal shortages and negative environmental impacts.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·DateSep 25, 2024

Breakthrough in hydrogen research

Researchers have developed a new method for efficiently separating hydrogen isotopes using porous metal-organic frameworks. This breakthrough could lead to the production of highly pure deuterium and tritium, essential for pharmaceuticals and nuclear fusion, in a cost-effective way.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

From neutralizing water contamination to creating full-taste, reduced alcohol wine and spirits: success in world first liquid-liquid extraction trial opens up a realm of possibilities

Researchers at the University of Birmingham used Porous Liquids to separate harmful alcohols from water mixtures, consuming up to 88% of the PL pore volume. This innovation can reduce alcohol content in drinks while retaining flavor profiles, aligning with growing consumer demand for low-alcohol beverages.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

Upcycling e-waste into heterogeneous CuxO nano skeletons for high-performance glucose sensing

Scientists at Shanghai Jiao Tong University created a novel glucose sensing system using heterogeneous CuxO nano skeletons from electronic waste. The method employed laser-induced transfer techniques to fabricate electrodes with high sensitivity and stability, achieving detection limits of 0.34 μM.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024