Plasma technology is being explored as an avenue for many molecular conversions, such as methane reforming. Now, for the first time, a plasma-based CO2-conversion technology is being demonstrated industrially. The proprietary technology, developed by D-CRBN, is being trialed at a steel plant operated by ArcelorMittal in Ghent, Belgium. The modular and scalable plasma technology is capable of splitting the CO2 molecule into CO in a fully electrified, gaseous phase, without solvents or catalysts. MORE

Recycling rates for post-consumer textile waste are very low (<0.5%) because the fabrics often consist of tightly interlaced synthetic and natural fibers that require costly sorting and separation processes, and because they often contain dyes and additives that must be addressed. A research team at the University of Delaware has developed a method for recycling mixed fabrics made from blends of synthetic fibers, such as spandex, nylon and polyester, with natural fibers, such as cotton. The process uses a microwave-assisted glycolysis reaction over a zinc-oxide catalyst, followed by solvent dissolution to depolymerize polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and spandex into their respective monomers, while leaving nylon and cotton intact. MORE

Artificial intelligence techniques have great potential in generating insights into catalytic reaction mechanisms, opening the door to more selective and efficient catalysts. However, using machine-learning (ML) in a general way to study chemical reactions is challenging because broad approaches aimed at outlining all possible reaction pathways are impractical. Now, a team of researchers led by Iowa State University materials science professor Qi An has developed an ML framework to autonomously explore catalytic reaction pathways and mechanisms. MORE

Using halide perovskites for photovoltaic (PV) solar-energy cells could dramatically reduce production costs compared to silicon-based PV cells, because perovskites are solution-processible at relatively low temperatures. However, long-term stability of these materials has been a significant challenge. Now, a research team at Rice University, has developed a method for synthesizing the perovskite formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) that imparts structural stability while also retaining high efficiency in converting solar energy to electricity. MORE

Co-fermentation processes that can consume both sugars and CO2 are emerging as a promising technology to enhance product yield and reduce emissions in biofuels production. A team of scientists at Oklahoma State University are working to accelerate the large-scale adoption of co-fermentation processes and validate the use of industrially significant feedstocks. Since receiving a patent for a co-fermentation process in 2021, the team has integrated an in-situ separation process to recover butanol during the co-fermentation process and has also tested the ability of three new acetogens to convert CO2 into C2 to C6 alcohols and fatty acids. MORE

Electrolyzers are the key technology for producing “green” hydrogen using renewable energy. However, a new reactor platform aims to facilitate electrolysis without the need for any external electricity. The Electroless Coupled Exchange Reduction Oxidation technology platform (eXERO), developed by Utility Global, Inc., removes the external electrical circuit from a traditional electrolyzer and instead drives the electrolysis reaction with the overpotential (voltage) that is present between different gas compositions being introduced at the system anode.  MORE

The prevalence of the various per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — compounds that are notoriously difficult to break down — in the water supply is causing global concern. A new partnership between Element Six and Lummus Technology is tackling the PFAS challenge by combining Element Six’s Diamox boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrochemical oxidation technology with Lummus’ Zimpro Electro-Oxidation (ZEO) technology.  MORE