Latest Technologies
Microwave irradiation and ion exchange lower cost of battery upcycling
Approaches for recycling cathode active materials from used lithium-ion batteries generally face a tradeoff wherein recovering materials with the widest range of possibilities for re-use, such as pyrometallurgical methods, generally require high energy and long process times, while direct-recycling approaches…
Autonomous chemistry system identifies high-performing and tunable catalysts
Researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU; Raleigh; www.ncsu.edu) and the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill; www.unc.edu), with the support of Eastman Chemical Co. (www.eastman.com), have developed a closed-loop autonomous catalysis platform for identifying high-performing catalyst formulations and for…
Taming reactive radicals to streamline C-glycoside drug synthesis
Many widely used pharmaceuticals depend on a carbohydrate class known as C-glycosides, which are metabolically stable and acid-resistant. Although they can be made from common sugars like dextrose, C-glycosides have proven difficult to synthesize due to the preponderance of hydroxyl…
Precise molecular order results in remarkably thin monofilaments
A materials-science breakthrough for the production of ultra-fine monofilaments is now being commercialized by startup firm Z-Polymers (Lowell, Mass.; www.z-polymers.com). The company’s Tullomer-branded monofilaments support exceptionally thin functional fibers with low creep and shrinkage, while exhibiting extremely high mechanical strength…
Low-energy carbon capture using food-production byproducts
Direct-air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is required to meet climate goals, but highly effective and inexpensive DAC remains elusive. Researchers at ETH Zurich (www.ethz.ch) have developed a novel approach using waste proteins from dairy and tofu…
Field trials demonstrate the ability of novel scavenger to remove H2S from natural gas
Field demonstration trials of a novel method for removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from natural gas were recently completed in the Permian basin in Texas. The trials demonstrated the ability of the technology, known as ECOTREAT™, to remove H2S from shale…
Spark ablation technology cuts iridium use by 90% in PEM water electrolysis
Proton-exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis holds significant promise for “green” hydrogen production, but broader adoption hinges on reducing dependence on costly platinum-group metals, such as iridium. A new production method for ultra-thin nanoporous layers developed by VSParticle B.V. (VSP; Delft,…
The Future is Here: Embracing a Revolutionary Wave of AODD-Pump Diaphragms
In chemical processing, traditional diaphragm designs can often lead to frustrating issues such as outer-piston wear, leak points and time-consuming cleaning. This isn't just an inconvenience; it leads to costly downtime, safety concerns and reduced throughput. In the highly…
World’s largest e-methanol reactor delivered in major decarbonization initiative
Icelandic firm Carbon Recycling International (CRI) recently delivered the largest of its kind e-methanol reactor for the Liaoyuan E-Methanol Project in Jilin Province, China. Delivery and successful installation of CRI’s proprietary methanol converter reactor is a major construction milestone. The…
Commercialization of fermented lactoferrin takes a major step forward
Novonesis Group (Lyngby, Denmark) announced an agreement with TurtleTree, an expert in precision fermented ingredients, and the first company to receive a US GRAS “No Objection Letter” for its precision fermented lactoferrin LF+®. Simultaneously, Novonesis is making a minor investment…