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Process for electrolytically converting CO2 to carbon materials to be scaled up
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…
Destroy PFAS while also producing syngas
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…
New method lowers energy required for production of cellulose nanofibers
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…
A non-toxic co-solvent makes batteries safer and more efficient
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…
Facts At Your Fingertips: Milling for Particle Size Control
Milling is commonly used for particle-size reduction and control of particle-size distribution (PSD) for crystalline solids. Mills are effective for generating consistent solids properties, through size reduction and surface-modification mechanisms [1]. This one-page reference outlines the mechanical forces involved in…
Cepsa rebrands itself as Moeve, highlighting focus on energy transition
Cepsa announced its name change to Moeve, marking a significant milestone in the company’s transformation. This change positions Moeve as a leader in the European energy transition and demonstrates the significant progress achieved under its 2030 Positive Motion strategy, reinforcing…
Merck KGaA investing $76 million to expand MilliporeSigma manufacturing plant in St. Louis
MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, announced a $76 million expansion of its antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) manufacturing capabilities and capacity at its Bioconjugation Center of Excellence facility in St. Louis, Missouri. This investment…
Grace announces startup of Nayara Energy polypropylene plant
W. R. Grace & Co. (Grace; Columbia, Md.) announced that Nayara Energy Limited (Nayara Energy) successfully started up its new 450,000-ton/yr UNIPOL PP process technology plant in Vadinar, Gujarat, India. Using Grace’s non-phthalate CONSISTA catalysts with the UNIPOL PP process…
Siemens acquires computational science and AI software developer Altair Engineering
Siemens AG (Munich, Germany; www.siemens.com) has signed an agreement to acquire Altair Engineering Inc. (Troy, Mich.; www.altair.com), a leading provider of software in the industrial simulation and analysis market. Altair shareholders will receive US$113 per share, representing an enterprise value…
INEOS announces closure of ABS facility in Ohio
INEOS Group Ltd. (London, U.K.; www.ineos.com) today announced its decision to permanently close its ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) production site in Addyston, Ohio. The Company will commence a safe and responsible decommissioning process in the second quarter of 2025. “Over…