Chementator
A zinc-based catalyst makes syngas by co-electrolysis
Researchers from the University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia; www.unsw.edu.au), led by professor Rose Amal, have shown that by making zinc oxide at very high temperatures using a technique called flame spray pyrolysis (FSP), they can create nanoparticles that…
Waste-based rubber can be joined or repaired catalytically
A new sustainable rubber that can, with an amine catalyst, be repaired and returned to its original strength in minutes, has been discovered by researchers from Flinders University (Adelaide, Australia; www.flinders.edu.au), the University of Western Australia (Perth), and the University…
Improved process for treating AMD waste recovers more rare earth elements
By modifying a traditional treatment method for acid mine drainage (AMD), researchers at Penn State University (PSU; State College, Pa.; www.psu.edu) were able to both reduce the amount of chemicals required for treatment and increase the amount of rare earth…
A new approach makes flexible screw pumps
Leistritz Pumpen GmbH (Nuremberg, Germany; www.leistritz.com) has recently introduced Flexcore, the first screw pump capable of adapting to a wide range of installation situations. “With Flexcore, Leistritz has now created a globally groundbreaking innovation — a pump class that, for…
A steam-stable MOF for high-capacity carbon capture
A recently discovered family of highly porous metal-organic framework (MOF) materials is showing promise in carbon-capture applications. Researchers from University of California, Berkeley (www.berkeley.edu), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL; www.lbl.gov) and ExxonMobil Corp. (Irving, Tex.; www.exxonmobil.com) demonstrated the efficacy of…
Making CO-rich syngas while avoiding carbon formation
Haldor Topsoe A/S (Lyngby, Denmark; www.topsoe.com) has developed a new technology, called ReShift, that can utilize a significant amount of CO2 for making synthesis gas (syngas; H2 + CO) without the traditional challenge of carbon formation. “CO2 addition in HyCO…
A step toward supercritical-carbon-dioxide power generation
Construction is complete on a new building to house a fully integrated electricity-generating power plant that will demonstrate operability and performance of a 10-MW power-generation facility using supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) as the working fluid in a Brayton thermodynamic cycle.…
New method makes nanocellulose composites industrially viable
Cellulose nanoparticles are of great interest as constituents of polymer composite materials because they can dramatically increase strength and toughness in a range of different polymer types. “Cellulose nanoparticles can be thought of as a more sustainable version of carbon…
Chementator Briefs-Aug 2020
Curing with less Pt Silicone-release coatings generally use a platinum-based curing catalyst. Aiming to reduce the amount of this expensive precious metal, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. (Tokyo, Japan; www.shinetsusilicones-global.com) has developed a Reduced-Platinum Reaction-Curing System Technology that lowers Pt usage by…
Italian industry-academic collaboration yields prototype machine for making new masks
The Marchesini Group S.p.A. (Pianoro Bologna, Italy; www.marchesini.com) and a multidisciplinary research group at Bologna University (www.unibo.it) have created a prototype that manufactures “super” filtering material for face masks with greater protection against viruses and bacteria compared to materials currently…