Latest Technologies
Kiln-free, bio-based “sintering” makes low-carbon, ceramic-like materials
A new process called BioSintering takes advantage of plant-based bio-active molecules to fuse together particles at mild temperatures, yielding an alternative material for conventional ceramic tiles with a much lower carbon footprint. Developed by Dekiln (Manchester, U.K.; www.dekiln.com), the technology…
Novel saltwater fermentation process yields seaweed-based bioplastics
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are a class of biodegradable plastic materials that can be produced via a range of biological processes. Due to their versatile production pathways and physical properties, they have become an emerging alternative to fossil-based plastics. A new production…
Thermal management system for data centers boosts cooling efficiency and shrinks footprint
Fast-growing power densities within the server racks at new data centers often generate enough heat to quickly overwhelm legacy air- and liquid-cooling methods, and managing the thermal load is becoming a constraint for the data-center infrastructure that supports AI. A…
New technology unlocks longer lifespan for all-solid-state batteries
A new manufacturing technique is helping to overcome some of the major hurdles in developing more reliable and durable all-solid-state batteries. Combining a controlled sintering step with precise passivation, researchers from Paul Scherrer Institute PSI (Villigen, Switzerland; www.psi.ch) focused on…
Porous electrodes enable high-pressure electrolysis
Much hydrogen produced via water electrolysis (“green” hydrogen) requires downstream compression for end use or storage. A new electrolyzer concept developed by Supercritical Solutions Ltd. (London; www.supercritical.solutions) produces high-pressure hydrogen using a membraneless technology. “Supercritical’s technology outputs hydrogen at pressures…
A faster, lower-temperature method for generating graphite with iron-oxide catalyst
Traditional methods for making graphite involve heating premium needle coke and coal-tar pitch at temperatures above 3,000ºC in a process that requires several days of heating and cooling. A new process developed by researchers at the National Energy Technology Laboratory…
Pilot plant launched for process that makes lime sustainably from industrial waste
Calcining limestone (CaCO3) to produce lime (CaO) is a key industrial process for making cement, steel and chemicals, among other uses. Lime production is a target for CO2-abatement efforts because it generates a great deal of CO2 emissions, not only…
Research project looks to eliminate PFAS and iridium from PEM electrolysis
The PEM (proton exchange membrane) electrolysis process, which is particularly suitable for producing green hydrogen when the supply of electricity from wind power and photovoltaic systems fluctuates, is still very expensive compared to production using fossil fuels. Sustainability is also…
Operations commence at world’s largest methanation test facility
Inpex Corp. (Tokyo) and Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. commenced demonstration operations of a methanation test facility for a joint technology development project aimed at the practical implementation of a CO2 methanation system to achieve carbon neutrality for city gas. This…
Nextchem launches new process technology for polytetramethylene ether glycol
MAIRE S.p.A. (Milan) announced that NEXTCHEM, through its subsidiary CONSER, a technology licensor for high-value chemical derivatives and biodegradable plastics, is reinforcing its portfolio with the introduction of the new NX CONSER PolyFlexTM technology to produce polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG),…