Articles tagged with Solvents
Researchers have developed a new membrane technology that efficiently separates water from isopropanol, a widely used solvent in pharmaceuticals and electronics. The new membrane reduces energy consumption and improves purity levels, making it an attractive solution for a more climate-friendly chemical industry.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a safer metal recycling method for the battery industry using renewable biomass, reducing the risk of fire and hazardous substance exposure. The new method performs just as well as conventional processes in extracting important metals.
Complex systems exhibit emergent properties due to water's unique polarity, enabling DNA to store information and proteins to adopt specific structures. This order forms the basis for complex molecules to develop unpredictable properties, driving the evolution of life.
Researchers developed a new catalyst design using ethanol, achieving high nitrogen oxide removal efficiency at low temperatures. The new method improves the distribution of active catalytic components, leading to better performance.
A new study shows that lithium can be recovered from battery waste using an electrochemically driven recovery process, which demonstrates economic viability with the potential to simplify operations. The method has been tested on commonly used types of lithium-containing batteries and produces recovered lithium at a cost comparable to ...
Assistant Professor Mohammad Halim is studying protein- and enzyme-based solvents to improve storage of injection-based therapeutics. His research aims to find the optimal mixture of eutectic solvents that can preserve these drugs at subfreezing temperatures without altering their critical proteins.
Research from Colorado State University reveals how wildfire smoke combines with existing particulate pollution to create secondary, often more toxic, pollution and contribute to ozone formation. The study found that 90% of aerosol pollution over NYC is sensitive to at least one aspect of global changes, such as high temperatures.
A team of researchers developed a new manufacturing process using bio-based solvents to reduce the production cost of perovskite solar cells by half and decrease climate impact by over 80%. AI-based reverse engineering technology was used to identify optimal conditions for efficiency and sustainability.
A team of scientists observed the earliest steps of ultrafast charge transfer in a complex dye molecule, with high-frequency vibrations playing a central role. The experiments showed that these vibrations initiate charge transport, while processes in the surrounding solvent begin only at a later stage.
Researchers at Zhejiang University developed a novel 3D-printed hydrogel that can easily switch its Young's modulus from kPa to GPa through on-demand crystallization. The hydrogel exhibits a hardness of 86.5 Shore D and a Young's modulus of 1.2 GPa, surpassing current 3D-printed hydrogels.
Researchers have developed a novel electrochemistry approach to build new molecules using micelles from naturally occurring amino acids and coconut oil. This breakthrough method could reduce the cost of making medicines by combining solvents, electrolytes, and reaction boosters into one simple tool.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a groundbreaking method to recycle Plexiglas by breaking down polymer chains into individual monomer building blocks. The process relies on a chlorinated solvent and UV light, with yields of up to 98% even in multicoloured samples.
Scientists at Linköping University have created a sustainable recycling process for perovskite solar cells, allowing all parts to be reused without hazardous solvents. The recycled cell retains the same efficiency as the original, paving the way for efficient energy harvesting and reduced e-waste.
Researchers used drum mills to manufacture kilograms of ibuprofen-nicotinamide, a formulation that improves therapeutic efficacy and stability. The study demonstrates the possibilities of drum mills for large-scale synthesis of pharmaceutical co-crystals.
Researchers developed chlorophyll-based structures with controlled hierarchical stacking, mimicking natural photosynthetic systems. The study demonstrates the potential for creating materials that surpass natural capabilities in efficiency and adaptability.
A new theory reveals that the solvent, not solute, is the dominant component in solution, leading to improved understanding of crystal formation. Thermodynamic phase diagrams demonstrate that crystals grow through a melt-like intermediate before organizing into a crystal structure.
Scientists at ORNL identified a new method to process nanocellulose, reducing energy needs by 21% and lowering production costs. The breakthrough enables the development of sustainable, carbon-neutral materials for 3D printing and construction.
A new process by Rice University researchers recovers up to 50% of lithium in spent LIB cathodes in just 30 seconds, overcoming a significant bottleneck in LIB recycling technology. The microwave-based method uses a readily biodegradable solvent and achieves efficiencies similar to conventional heating methods but much faster.
Researchers developed a unique electrochemical ultrasonic force microscopy (EC-UFM) technique to observe sodium-ion battery interfaces during operation. The new method guides passivating layer formation, preserving charge carrier transport and enhancing battery performance.
The study found that an 80% concentration of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) and specific solvents leads to the highest pattern transfer efficiency. The conversion efficiency reaches impressive levels in the ultraviolet spectrum, paving the way for commercial viability of metasurfaces.
A study by Washington State University found that exposure to multiple air pollutants was associated with asthma symptoms among elementary school children. The researchers identified 25 combinations of air pollutants linked to asthma, with one group from a lower-income neighborhood experiencing higher exposure levels.
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.
Researchers at TU Graz have discovered that the cause of curling paper lies in solvents contained in the ink, which migrate towards the unprinted side over time. This causes the cellulose fibres on the unprinted side to swell and the paper starts to curl.
Researchers at Oxford University discovered that similarly charged particles in solution can attract each other at large separations, depending on the solvent. This effect has significant implications for processes such as self-assembly and phase separation.
Using machine learning and computational modeling, Washington State University researchers found six good candidates for solvents that can extract materials on the moon and Mars usable in 3D printing. The solvents, called ionic liquids, are salts in a liquid state.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to create energy-dense, safe batteries using low-melting alkali-based molten salt electrolytes. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of powerful lithium-metal batteries that operate safely at temperatures as low as 25°C.
Researchers discovered that a new type of electrolyte uses complex nanostructures similar to those in soap to improve battery life. This understanding could lead to the development of lithium batteries that store more energy and last longer.
Scientists generate and control coherent polaron oscillations, enabling the manipulation of dynamic electric properties of polar liquids. The study demonstrates the importance of many-body interactions in polar molecular ensembles.
Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to study how urea and alcohol induce structural changes in proteins, with a focus on stabilizing helices and coils. The team identified preferential binding parameters for both cosolvents, demonstrating opposing effects that can be predicted using computational methods.
Researchers have created a fire-inhibiting, nonflammable gel polymer electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries, increasing ion conductivity by 33% and improving life characteristics by 110%. The electrolyte prevents radical chain reactions during combustion, effectively inhibiting battery fires.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have made a groundbreaking discovery in polymer science, providing new insights into how polymer chains respond to accelerated solvent flows. This breakthrough has significant implications for various areas of physical sciences and industrial processes, including enhanced oil and gas recovery ...
Researchers used X-ray tomoscopy to study freeze casting processes, observing the formation of complex, hierarchically structured materials with large surface areas. The technique provided high spatial and temporal resolution, revealing the dynamics of directional ice crystal growth and the formation of organic-looking structures.
Direct ocean carbon capture (DOC) technology uses membrane contactors to remove CO2 from seawater, offering a cost-effective alternative to land-based solutions. The University of Pittsburgh team has developed innovative DOC methods using hollow fiber and encapsulated solvents, demonstrating their potential to significantly lower costs.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory discovered a new fluoride electrolyte that can protect lithium metal batteries against performance decline. The electrolyte maintains a robust protective layer on the anode surface for hundreds of cycles, enabling the battery to last longer.
Scientists have developed a new dynamic probe to measure electric interactions between molecules and the environment. Using ultrashort terahertz pulses, they mapped the optical absorption of molecules in an external electric field, revealing the strength and dynamics of these forces.
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.
A new fluorine-containing electrolyte has been developed to perform well in sub-zero temperatures, addressing the issue of cold weather affecting electric vehicle battery effectiveness. The research demonstrates how to tailor the atomic structure of electrolytes for low-temperature applications.
A large-scale study published in JAMA Neurology has demonstrated an association between trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure and the development of Parkinson's disease. Researchers compared health data from approximately 160,000 Navy and Marine veterans who served at Camp Lejeune or Camp Pendleton between 1975-1985, where TCE was used for ...
Scientists studied water's interactions with cellulose, discovering it can form layered shells that control chemical reactions and physical properties of the material. The work aims to design better cellulose-based products using water's properties for applications like drug delivery and electronics.
Researchers have developed a novel method for recycling valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries using spinning reactors. This technology simplifies the extraction-stripping process, allowing for rapid separation of metals in minutes with low concentrations of extractants.
Scientists create high-performance bulk magnesium diboride superconducting magnets with low-cost technique, exhibiting good critical current density and trapped magnetic field. The work paves the way for commercialization of MgB2 superconducting magnets.
Researchers at Hokkaido University and Kyushu University have developed a technique to synthesize potential molecular switches from anthraquinodimethanes (AQDs), a group of overcrowded organic molecules. The synthesized derivatives can stably form twisted and folded isomers, as well as other isomeric forms, in different solvents.
Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum have observed a sudden change in pH value after a proton is released from pyranine molecules excited by light. The study used new technology to capture the process in real-time, revealing an oscillation that subsides over time and promotes excited-state proton transfer.
A new method to regulate singlet fission (SF) in chromophores enables the design of SF-based materials with enhanced energy conversion. Pressure-based control strategy opens doors to novel, tunable SF materials.
A team of researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin has developed a new method for producing perovskite solar cells using a slot die coater, resulting in high-power conversion efficiencies. The best cells were scaled up to mini-module size and tested for outdoor stability, showing promising results.
A widely used dry cleaning chemical, trichloroethylene (TCE), may be fueling the rise of Parkinson's disease. Exposure to TCE has been linked to an increased risk of developing the condition, particularly among individuals who worked with or lived near contaminated sites.
The new technique allows for the production of a dozen different soft polymer material morphologies, including ribbons, nanoscale sheets, rods, and branched particles. By precisely controlling three sets of parameters during manufacturing, researchers can fine-tune the morphology of polymeric materials at the micro- and nano-scale.
Researchers have developed a smart contact lens capable of implementing AR-based navigation using a novel electrochromic display technology. The device uses Prussian blue to display directions to the user in real-time, overcame limitations of existing AR devices.
The IMPACTIVE project aims to develop a sustainable alternative to traditional pharmaceutical production methods. By leveraging mechanochemistry, the team hopes to reduce waste and emissions in the industry. The initiative has already shown promising results, with potential cost savings of up to 12%.
A new technique uses reactive vapors to create thin films with enhanced properties, such as mechanical strength, kinetics, and morphology. The synthesis process is gentler on the environment than traditional methods and could lead to improved polymer coatings for microelectronics, advanced batteries, and therapeutics.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a sustainable method for creating high-performance porous membranes from plastic waste, using bio-based solvents to dissolve polyolefins. This process reduces the environmental footprint of industrial separations and creates access to fresh water.
Scientists at PNNL have created a new system that efficiently captures CO2 and converts it into methanol, reducing emissions and establishing a market for CO2-containing materials. The technology could help stimulate the development of other carbon capture technologies and promote a more circular economy.
Researchers at New York University captured extremely fast dynamics of water molecules moving around salt ions at a scale of over a trillion times per second. The findings allow for more reliable models of ion dynamics, which could improve rechargeable batteries and MRIs.
Researchers at KAUST developed a high-efficiency metal-free battery using ammonium cations as charge carriers, outperforming existing analogues with a record operation voltage of 2.75 volts. This breakthrough provides potential for lowering battery costs and enabling large-scale applications.
Scientists have created a novel approach to produce phase-pure quasi-2D Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites, enabling highly efficient and spectrally stable deep-blue-emissive perovskite LEDs. The rapid crystallization method yields high-performance devices with an emission wavelength centered at 437 nm.
Researchers develop low-cost and eco-friendly method for high efficiency CIGSSe solar cells, achieving power conversion efficiency larger than 17%, by using aqueous spray deposition in air environment.
Exposure to common workplace agents is associated with a heightened risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, which can be exacerbated by smoking and genetic predisposition. The study found that certain agents, such as quartz dust and gasoline fumes, are strongly linked to an increased risk of ACPA-positive disease.
Scientists have created a new type of battery that stores sodium ions in combination with their solvate shell, enabling reversible co-intercalation. This innovation could improve efficiency and performance at low temperatures, making it suitable for alternative cell concepts.
A pooled data analysis found that workplace exposure to gases, fumes, and aromatic solvents is associated with a decline in lung capacity. Regular check-ups are recommended for workers in these environments to prevent respiratory illness.
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory have developed a dimethyl ether-driven process for selectively separating rare earth elements and transition metals from magnet wastes. This method significantly reduces energy and product consumption compared to traditional methods.