Chemical engineering

Revolutionary carbon fiber electrocatalysts pave the way for affordable green hydrogen production

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A groundbreaking technology has been developed to address the limitations of current catalyst electrodes, facilitating the large-scale production of green hydrogen at a relatively low cost. This significant advancement was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. The innovative project was led by Professor Han Gi Chae from the Department of Materials Science … Read more

Advancements in thermophotovoltaic cells edge closer to grid-scale applications

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Researchers at the University of Michigan have made significant strides in the efficiency of devices that convert heat into electricity, pushing these technologies closer to practical use on the electrical grid. These developments, which include reaching near-theoretical maximum efficiencies, could revolutionize how we store and utilize renewable energy. Harnessing Heat for Energy Storage The innovation … Read more

Researchers develop high-purity gold recovery method from E-waste using functionalized textile adsorbent

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Korea relies on imports for most of its metal resources, and in recent years, due to resource depletion and rising raw material prices, ‘circular resources’ that recycle waste metal resources have emerged. In response, SK hynix has established a mid- to long-term plan to increase the percentage of copper, gold, etc. recovered and reused from … Read more

DGIST develops high-efficiency photocatalyst for CO2 conversion into methane fuel

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DGIST Professor In Su-il’s research team has developed a high-efficiency photocatalyst that utilizes sunlight to convert carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary cause of global warming, into methane (CH4) fuel. The research team expects that this environmentally friendly technology can be applied to Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technology. According to a US university research team, … Read more

Researchers develop technology to remove nanoplastics from water

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Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a promising technology to remove harmful nanoplastics from contaminated water. This innovation boasts a remarkable 94% efficiency rate, offering a potential solution to the growing problem of plastic pollution in our environment. Plastic pollution is a global crisis with significant environmental and human health concerns. Microplastics, tiny … Read more

New technique enables mass production of polymer solid electrolytes

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A research team led by Professor Seok Ju Kang in the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST has unveiled a technique for mass-producing polymer solid electrolytes, crucial components in batteries. Their paper is published in the journal Energy Storage Materials. Departing from the traditional melt casting method, the team introduced a horizontal centrifugal … Read more

Stable polymer anode paves way for high-energy, long-lasting air batteries

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Dr. Jodie Lutkenhaus, an esteemed chemical engineering professor and associate department head at Texas A&M University, has made significant strides in overcoming challenges associated with polymer-air batteries, specifically addressing issues related to stability, kinetics, and conductivity. Her collaboration with chemical engineering professor Dr. Abdoulaye Djire resulted in a groundbreaking method utilizing a polymer as an … Read more

MIT develops AI model to rapidly predict structures of elusive transition states

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In the intricate dance of chemical reactions, molecules undergo a subtle transformation until they reach a critical juncture known as the transition state—a fleeting moment that marks a point of no return for the reaction. Ironically, this elusive state is challenging to observe experimentally due to its ephemeral nature. Traditionally, the structures of these transition … Read more

Plastic waste turned valuable chemicals with sunlight

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A global team of experts dedicated to groundbreaking research has pioneered a method to repurpose polyethylene waste (PE), transforming it into valuable chemicals through light-driven photocatalysis. Professor Shizhang Qiao, Chair of Nanotechnology and Director of the Center for Materials in Energy and Catalysis at the School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, led the team. … Read more

Xanthan gum-based protective film enhances durability of zinc-ion battery electrodes

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Xanthan gum, derived from plants like cabbage and known for its carbohydrate content, serves as a natural protective barrier in cosmetics to retain their benefits on the skin. In a recent development, this remarkable substance has been harnessed to create a protective shield for battery electrodes, rather than for the skin. Professor Changshin Jo from … Read more

Researchers develop new urethane-based crosslinkers for flexible electronics with exceptional adhesion and recovery properties

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Recent advancements in flexible electronic technology have given rise to innovative devices like foldable displays, wearables, e-skin, and medical gadgets. These breakthroughs have sparked a rising demand for flexible adhesives capable of quickly regaining their shape while effectively connecting various components in these devices. Nevertheless, traditional pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) often struggle to strike a balance … Read more

Researchers develop rapid, eco-friendly process to convert CO2 into commercial products

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Climate change poses a grave global concern, demanding worldwide attention. Nations are actively formulating policies to combat the impacts of global warming. For example, the European Union is leading the charge with its ambitious target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 through initiatives like the European Green Deal, which focuses on slashing greenhouse gas emissions. … Read more

Scientists develop new energy-efficient plastic recycling process

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Researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), have devised an innovative process that efficiently transforms various plastics, including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS), into valuable chemical components for energy storage. Unlike traditional heat-driven recycling methods like pyrolysis, this process operates at room temperature using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a readily available catalyst. … Read more

Researchers develop stable and efficient organic semiconductor photoelectrode for hydrogen production

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Professor Ji-Hyun Jang, leading a team of researchers at the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST, has achieved a significant milestone in photoelectrode development. In collaboration with Professor Junghoon Lee from Dongseo University and Dr. Hyo-Jin Ahn from the German Engineering Research and Development Center LSTME Busan, the team has successfully created a … Read more

Researchers develop disruptive technology to decarbonize long-haul trucks

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Today’s global supply chains heavily rely on the transportation of goods, with long-haul trucking playing a pivotal role in this intricate network. Achieving worldwide climate goals necessitates the development of eco-friendly alternatives to diesel powertrains. However, given the indispensability and extensive usage of trucks, these solutions must be both economically feasible and logistically practical. While … Read more

New catalyst for sustainable chemical synthesis

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Researchers at Politecnico di Milano have made a groundbreaking discovery that has the potential to revolutionize sustainable chemical synthesis. Published in the esteemed journal Nature Synthesis, their study introduces an innovative technique involving dispersed isolated atoms on carbon nitride supports, resulting in a highly efficient and environmentally friendly catalyst for esterification reactions. Esterification reactions are … Read more

New microscopy technique reveals the molecular secrets of life

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When you imagine looking through a microscope, you might envision observing a glass slide with an amoeba, a human cell, or even a small insect. However, microscopes have the capability to see far beyond these tiny living entities. At Caltech, a groundbreaking type of microscopy has been developed, facilitating the visualization of the very molecules … Read more

New strategy to create tough fluorescent hydrogels using curcumin

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Stimuli-responsive fluorescent hydrogels (FHs) are highly promising for information encryption and anti-counterfeiting applications, offering enhanced security levels through vibrant visual displays. However, the development of environment-friendly, low-cost, and scalable methods for producing stimuli-responsive FHs remains a challenge. Curcumin, a natural and sustainable material, has garnered attention for its therapeutic potential in combating conditions such as … Read more

New catalytic material converts methane to formaldehyde with near-100% selectivity

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Researchers from the University College London and two esteemed professors, Zhengxiao Guo from the Department of Chemistry at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Junwang Tang from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University, have collaborated to develop a groundbreaking catalytic material. This innovative substance, derived from tungsten trioxide (WO3 catalyst), exhibits exceptional … Read more

New underground research facility helps prepare for human missions to moon and mars

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Deep underground tunnels in North Yorkshire are being utilized for an extraordinary purpose: studying the potential for human habitation and operations on celestial bodies like the moon and Mars. The University of Birmingham has embarked on the Bio-SPHERE project, set within an unprecedented research facility situated 1.1 km below ground level. This unique endeavor focuses … Read more