Atlantic Labs’ Post

"When deciding what material to use for infrastructure projects, metals are often selected for their durability. However, if placed in a hydrogen-rich environment, like water, metals can become brittle and fail. Since the mid-19th century, this phenomenon, known as hydrogen embrittlement, has puzzled researchers with its unpredictable nature. Now, a study published in Science Advances brings us a step closer to predicting it with confidence. The work is led by Dr. Mengying Liu from Washington and Lee University in collaboration with researchers at Texas A&M University. The team investigated formation of cracks in initially flawless, crack-free samples of a nickel-base alloy (Inconel 725), which is primarily known for its strength and corrosion resistance. There are currently several working hypotheses that attempt to explain hydrogen embrittlement. The results of this study show that one of the more well-known hypotheses—hydrogen enhanced localized plasticity (HELP)—is not applicable in the case of this alloy."... Phys org read & learn more "Researchers zero in on the underlying mechanism that causes alloys to crack when exposed to hydrogen-rich environments" by Alyssa Schaechinger, Texas A&M University

Fresh off the press: Regulating reactions in lithium-sulfur batteries using organic additives. A new approach to controlling intermediate and unwanted reactions in the battery's electrolyte to enhance performance. The paper is published in Advanced Energy Materials (Impact Factor 24) #energystorage #battaries #nanomaterials Advanced Materials Lab

Chemists at Rice University have recovered 98% of metal recovery yield from a mix of batteries by using their signature technique, which could mean big things for the recycling of batteries! ♻ 🔋♨ “Battery recycling is a very big deal, especially now. Batteries in electric vehicles last about 10 years, and many of those are coming due now, because it’s been about 10 years that we’ve been using them.” - Professor James Tour, Rice University Chemistry Department This research is supported by the AFRL/AFOSR Organic Materials Chemistry program, managed by Dr. Kenneth Caster. Air Force Research Laboratory U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) The Robert A. Welch Foundation #BasicResearch #AFOSRBoldResearch #MaterialsScience #Materials #Science #Chemistry #Batteries #BatteryRecycling #Recycling

🎉 Exciting news! Daniel Edumujeze has just published his first review article in Fuel on the valorization of furfural production. 🌿🔬 Furfural and 5-HMF are often referred to as "sleeping giants" in the field of green chemistry. This review highlights recent advances in catalysts, solvents, kinetic models, process intensification, separation techniques, and industrial production methods. In particular, Daniel Edumujeze's work takes an in-depth look at potential solvent systems, comparing them based on key factors such as miscibility with furfural, azeotrope formation with water, and boiling points—all evaluated using the CHEM21 sustainability ranking to ensure safety, health, and environmental considerations. Review articles are a major challenge for any young researcher, so a big congratulations to Daniel Edumujeze on this achievement! 🎓👏 Daniel Edumujeze's doctoral research is supported by insa rouen and Région Normandie. The article is in open access at https://lnkd.in/eDseENTU Authors: Daniel Edumujeze, MC Fournier and sebastien leveneur

Exciting News! I'm thrilled to share our latest collaborative review paper titled "Carbon-based Nanomaterials (CNMs) Modified TiO2 Nanotubes (TNTs) Photo-driven Catalysts for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Applications: A Comprehensive Review." Published in Environmental Chemical Engineering Journal (Elsevier). In this paper, we delve into the transformative potential of carbon-based nanomaterials integrated with TiO2 nanotubes as photo-driven catalysts. These hybrid materials hold tremendous promise for improving photocatalytic efficiency in applications like hydrogen production, CO2 reduction, and environmental remediation. Our review provides a detailed analysis of the synthesis, modification techniques, and mechanisms that enhance the performance of CNM-modified TNTs. It also explores future research directions and technological challenges in this rapidly growing field. I'm grateful to have worked alongside a brilliant team of researchers, and we hope this paper will contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy and environmental solutions. You can read the full paper draft from the following link: https://lnkd.in/gbuQDMr2

Exciting news from Chemnitz University of Technology! Chemists have made a groundbreaking discovery involving gallium, a metal that melts at just 30°C! They've successfully synthesized a unique gallium compound that could help make catalysts more sustainable. Catalysts are super important in many everyday products, like car exhaust systems and fertilizers, because they help reactions happen more efficiently and with less energy. The problem? Most catalysts are made from rare, expensive metals like iridium and rhodium, which aren’t great for the environment. The cool part? Researchers are now looking at cheaper and less toxic alternatives like gallium and aluminum! These metals are abundant and have awesome chemical properties. The Chemnitz team has shown for the first time that gallium can participate in reactions that were previously only seen with those pricey metals. They created a compound where gallium is only bonded to one carbon atom—something super rare! This new compound can do some really interesting reactions that could change the way we think about catalysts in the industry. Their findings were published in Nature Synthesis, and it’s a huge step toward greener chemistry! #SustainableChemistry #Gallium #Catalysts #Innovation #GreenScience https://lnkd.in/emvYpKBV

Zinc Nano Products for Optimum Plant Growth Nanotechnology delivers Zn to the plant in a form the plant can use for optimum growth. Nanoparticles have a slight electrical charge that attracts Zn cations. When you apply Zn to your fields, it often gets tied up with other elements and is unavailable for plant uptake. Adding NanoZn from AquaYield to your liquid fertilizer creates greater nutrient uptake efficiency. A plant can take up Zn in its molecular form and immediately use it for enzymatic processes. ST Biologicals delivers our clients the highest quality nano products by partnering with Aqua-Yield. Give your plants the right amount of Zn this year. Soil tests and nanotechnology are tools that lead to higher farm profits. Contact us, and one of our team of certified crop consultants will help you determine the right amount of zinc for each of your fields. Make 2024 the year you improve your soil while improving your bottom line. https://lnkd.in/g2JFUw4E Image: Aqua-Yield

Researchers at the Southern University of Science and Technology and other academics have made significant advancements in seawater electrolysis, specifically in developing a more stable nickel-iron alloy electrode. This innovation holds the potential to produce hydrogen gas sustainably and more efficiently. The technique faces challenges like chlorine oxidation reactions, anode degradation due to chloride ions, and expensive catalysts. To overcome these, the team has tapped into a promising solution using a nickel-iron (NiFe) compound, known for its activity and cost-effectiveness, combined with a wood-based carbon structure that enhances conductivity. Professors Chen Hong, Ni Bingjie, and Shao Zongping have introduced an innovative method, incorporating tungsten into the nickel-iron alloy, significantly enhancing the anode's corrosion resistance and stability for seawater electrolysis. Their creation, a W-doped nickel iron sulfide electrode supported by wood-based carbon, exhibits improved conductivity and efficiency due to its three-dimensional porous structure. This electrode excels in oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions within alkaline seawater, outperforming standard catalysts in activity and stability, making it a cost-effective solution for seawater electrolysis. The study showcases the potential of utilizing wood waste-derived carbon structures in advanced electrochemical devices and emphasizes the importance of sustainable green hydrogen production methods.

🏆 【Chambroad Technology Award】Chang Xin, one of the silver medalists of 2023 Chambroad Outstanding Doctoral Award. More information can be found at https://lnkd.in/emGBDjSu Chang Xin conducts foundational research at the micro-atomic level, clarifying the basic design principles of catalysts. She has developed new strategies for catalyst screening and has defined concise descriptors of catalytic performance. These efforts have sped up the research and development process for industrial catalysts, with less resources consumption, enabling the development of catalysts to shift from traditional experimental trial-and-error methods to rational design. When this approach has been applied to develop the new platinum-based catalysts, the usage of precious metals has been reduced by over 60%. With lower production costs, it will enhance the competitiveness of the catalysts in the market, while promoting energy efficiency and emission reduction in the chemical industry. The efficient transformation of low-carbon resources into high-value chemical platform molecules and downstream products hold significant practical importance. Propylene, a fundamental raw material used in the production of plastics, rubber, and synthetic fibers, plays a crucial role in industrial production. The most promising and fastest-growing technology for producing propylene is propane dehydrogenation. Therefore, developing new, efficient catalysts is essential for advancing China's low-carbon olefin technologies.

Undoubtedly, Self assembly control specifically in case of nano lignin involves an amazing and advanced and critical process. In fact, this paper can be beneficial to researchers along the line of lignin based value added products development.