Perovskite solar cells have attracted much interest in the past few years as the next-generation solar cells capable of surpassing silicon cells’ efficiency. However, because the perovskite materials are easily decomposed in moist conditions, they must be properly encapsulated, which…
H2SO4 Catalyst BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany; www.basf.com) has introduced a new catalyst for making sulfuric acid. The cesium-based O4-115 Quattro catalyst has a unique geometrical shape — a combination of four strands — leading to a 30% greater catalytic surface…
In boilers, silicates can volatilize with the generated steam and then form silicate glass on turbine blades, causing an imbalance. Therefore, the concentration of silicates in boiler circuits must be reduced to below 0.5 parts per million (ppm). The conventional…
A new adsorption-based technology can separate ozone from oxygen in O3-generating systems, allowing recycling of unreacted O2. In corona-discharge O3 generation, O2 molecules are split by passage through an electric field to create free oxygen atoms, which quickly combine with…
Significant workforce-related hurdles remain in place for CPI companies, but signs of progress are emerging For the past several years, companies in the chemical process industries (CPI) have been grappling with three consequential workforce issues that have also plagued other…
Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Ga. Tech; Atlanta; www.gatech.edu) have demonstrated a precision-machining technique to manufacture an entire pumping loop from materials that can withstand temperatures as high as 1,400–1,600°C. These materials are typically thought to be too…
Optimization, advanced process control and performance monitoring are possible via simulation tools Software advances, including faster computations and ease of use, are opening new doors for simulation software applications in chemical process industries (CPI) facilities, allowing processors to extend the…
Polymer-electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are promising devices for clean power generation in automotive, stationary and portable applications. Up to now, the proton exchange membranes (PEMs) used in PEFCs have been based on perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomers (for example, Nafion). However,…
The TW Series turbine flowmeter (photo) provides flow measurement of oils, water and chemicals with±1% of reading or better and 0.1% repeatability. TW Series turbine meters are available in flow ranges from 0.6 to 5,000 gal/min and feature 316 stainless-steel…
A new process for producing lithium titanate oxide (LTO) anode materials could lead to smaller batteries with ultrafast recharging. LTO offers a significantly higher surface area than graphite anode materials, which enables rapid electron transit and, ultimately, much faster recharging…