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A powerful platform for studying ions in solids

Researchers developed a new technique to study coupled multi-ion and electron transport in solids, revealing traditional diffusion models are insufficient. The tracer exchange method showed complexities such as nanoscale confinement and one-dimensional channels forcing ions to move in single file.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2026

Billions of people to benefit from technology breakthrough that ensures freshwater for the world

Researchers from UniSA have developed a simple strategy to increase seawater evaporation rates, making desalination more energy-efficient and sustainable. By introducing clay minerals into a photothermal hydrogel evaporator, they achieved a 18.8% higher evaporation rate for seawater compared to pure water.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2024

Hypersaline brine produced by fracking has left us in a pickle. A new process developed by Lehigh University researchers could help dry it up.

A new process developed by Lehigh University researchers uses evaporative ion exchange (EIX) to concentrate hypersaline brine at room temperature, avoiding scaling and fouling. The process has shown promising results in concentrating salts from hypersaline water, with the potential for widespread use.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Water·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

USTC develops high-performance anion exchange membranes for sustainability applications

Researchers at USTC developed a novel spiro-branched polymeric membrane with exceptional performance in flow battery applications, exceeding 60 mS cm-1 chloride ion conductivity. The membranes demonstrated superior power density and energy efficiency, potentially addressing various energy and environmental challenges.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 25, 2024

A new understanding of ion exchange

A team from the Liu Lab has shown that there is a general pathway for lithium and sodium ion exchange in layered oxide cathode materials. This discovery enables researchers to predict intermediate states and create more efficient processes for synthesizing materials.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2024

NHM scientists discover first-ever mineral-based treatment for widespread disease using the structure of crystals

Researchers develop innovative treatment to alleviate deleterious effects of hyperkalemia, a disease affecting 350 million people worldwide. The new mineral-based therapy uses ion transfer to flush excess potassium from the body, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.

SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024

Pusan National University researchers develop new adsorbent for removing radioactive cesium ions from nuclear wastewater

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a new adsorbent that utilizes problematic protons in acidic wastewater to enhance the removal of radioactive cesium ions. The adsorbent, potassium calcium thiostannate, shows improved capacity under strongly acidic conditions.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023

Pusan National University researchers develop high-adsorption phosphates for radionuclide cesium ion capture

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed high-adsorption phosphates that can efficiently capture radionuclide cesium ions. These phosphates outperform standard adsorbents with record-high adsorption capacities, making them promising candidates for radioactive waste disposal.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 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

Extracting rare-earth elements from coal could soon be economical in US

Researchers at Penn State have developed a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to extract rare-earth elements from coal byproducts. This breakthrough could provide an economic boon for companies and reduce the US's dependence on importing these metals, which are essential for producing high-tech equipment.

SourcePenn State·JournalMetallurgical and Materials Transactions E·DateFeb 2, 2016