The destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) presents unique issues in wastewater treatment, as these substances are persistent in many treatment environments, and PFAS-laden purification media is challenging to dispose of. Now, InEnTec Inc. (Richland, Wash.; www.inentec.com) says that…
With hydrogen’s evolution into an alternative fuel requiring precise production and storage, selecting the right valves has never been more important Hydrogen shows great promise in the search for alternative fuels. Handling hydrogen safely and reliably, from generation to end…
The Valve World Conference & Expo (www.valveworldexpo.com) is being held December 3–5 in Düsseldorf, Germany. One of the world’s largest events for industrial valve technologies, this year’s Valve World boasts nearly 400 exhibitors covering the full spectrum of the industry.…
Because of their excellent mechanical properties, light weight and biodegradability, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) are attractive materials for next-generation reinforced biomaterials and bioplastics. However, the method for separating cellulose to make CNF, known as fibrillation, is energy-intensive, which limits applications for…
Plant Watch BASF completes superabsorbent polymers expansion project in Texas October 16, 2024 — BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany; www.basf.com) announced that its petrochemicals division has completed production upgrades for superabsorbent polymers (SAP) after a $19.2-million investment in its Freeport, Tex.…
The solvent N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) has been used to coat anodes and cathodes in lithium-ion batteries, but it has been shown to be a reproductive toxin, necessitating controlled handling and recycling within a closed system, which adds complexity and cost to…
Acrylic acid, a commodity chemical used widely in superabsorbent polymers, paints, coatings, adhesives and more, is typically produced from fossil-based propylene at relatively high temperatures. As part of an initiative supported by the U.S. Dept. of Defense, funding was recently…
With a recent round of investment funding, UP Catalyst (Tallinn, Estonia; www.upcatalyst.com) plans to build a pilot plant for a process that converts waste carbon dioxide into a range of solid carbon materials, such as carbon nanotubes, (CNTs), graphite and…
The electrolytes used in nearly all lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries are carbonate-based, which makes them flammable and prone to degradation mechanisms, including side reactions, which can result in gas evolution and the formation of undesirable chemicals like hydrogen fluoride. A…
Removing per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) from surface and groundwater has become an environmental and public health imperative, but methods for doing so are often complicated and costly, and may not destroy the molecules. Researchers at the University of British…