Minimizing cost is the key parameter for the viability of direct-air-capture (DAC) systems that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The startup company Sustaera Inc. (Research Triangle Park, N.C.; www.sustaera.com) has built a prototype DAC system that it says can…
Extracting lithium from currently underutilized brines, such as geothermal and oilfield brines, will be necessary to meet the growing demand for lithium in energy-storage applications in the future. Technical hurdles for extracting lithium from these sources include the relatively low…
Ammonia cracking, decomposing ammonia into its constituent nitrogen and hydrogen molecules, is gaining traction as an emerging source for cleaner hydrogen. However, this reaction is very endothermic and requires heat and high temperature. In a proprietary technology developed by Duiker…
Nanomox (London, U.K.; www.nanomox.net) has invented a synthesis platform for metal oxides where multifunctional ionic liquids enable high selectivity for specialized morphologies. While the technology can be tailored for a large number of metals, the company is currently targeting zinc…
Biocompatible materials are designed and engineered to be introduced into the human body, either temporarily or permanently, as part of a medical device, to bring about therapeutic medical benefits. Biocompatible materials include various types of metals, ceramics, polymers and composite…
Current recycling methods for recovering platinum-group metals (PGMs) from catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) used in proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and fuel cells incinerate the highly valuable membrane material, requiring the manufacture of new material and the management of hydrogen fluoride offgas…
HAZOP data management should be treated as a systemic process-safety issue, as it can be a significant and invisible source of inefficiency. This article describes the principles required to create HAZOP records that can stand on their own over time…
Olefin epoxidation is an important reaction for making a range of industrial intermediates in processes for epoxy coatings, polyurethanes, polyester textiles, surfactants, specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals and others. Conventional olefin epoxidation involves organo-peroxides or organo-halogen oxidants, which present safety and environmental…
New pump designs and smart technologies ensure long-term performance in chemical process applications Chemical processes have some of the most demanding pump environments. Pumps are exposed to aggressive media and extreme operating conditions, while strict safety and environmental regulations, coupled…
Plant Watch Indorama Ventures to establish one of Africa’s largest recycling facilities for PET March 12, 2026 — Indorama Ventures Ltd. (Bangkok, Thailand; www.indoramaventures.com), Nigerian Breweries p.l.c. and Genesis Power & Energy Solutions Ltd. plan to establish one of Africa’s…