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Motiva licenses UOP process technologies for new aromatics complex in Texas
Motiva Enterprises, LLC (Houston) announced that it has advanced its aromatics project by executing a license for Honeywell UOP's aromatics technologies and is now undertaking engineering and design work. The project, planned for construction at Motiva's Manufacturing Complex in Port…
Utilizing carbon dioxide
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions has taken center stage in efforts to reduce concentrations of greenhouse gases in the environment. Much effort is going into limiting the use of fossil fuels through increased use of renewable energy sources, switching to alternate…
First industrial demonstration of plasma-based CO2 conversion
Plasma technology is being explored as an avenue for many molecular conversions, such as methane reforming. Now, for the first time, a plasma-based CO2-conversion technology is being demonstrated industrially. The proprietary technology, developed by D-CRBN (Antwerp, Belgium; www.d-crbn.com), is being…
Generalizable deep-learning technique for elucidating catalyst reaction mechanisms
Artificial intelligence techniques have great potential in generating insights into catalytic reaction mechanisms, opening the door to more selective and efficient catalysts. However, using machine-learning (ML) in a general way to study chemical reactions is challenging because broad approaches aimed…
This electrolysis reactor requires no external electricity source
Electrolyzers are the key technology for producing “green” hydrogen using renewable energy. However, a new reactor platform aims to facilitate electrolysis without the need for any external electricity. The Electroless Coupled Exchange Reduction Oxidation technology platform (eXERO), developed by Utility…
Recycling process allows fast depolymerization of post-consumer mixed textiles
Recycling rates for post-consumer textile waste are very low (<0.5%) because the fabrics often consist of tightly interlaced synthetic and natural fibers that require costly sorting and separation processes, and because they often contain dyes and additives that must be…
Biofuels production via co-fermentation of sugar and CO2 takes a step forward
Co-fermentation processes that can consume both sugars and CO2 are emerging as a promising technology to enhance product yield and reduce emissions in biofuels production. A team of scientists at Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, Okla.; www.okstate.edu) are working to accelerate…
Two-dimensional template increases stability of perovskite photovoltaics
Using halide perovskites for photovoltaic (PV) solar-energy cells could dramatically reduce production costs compared to silicon-based PV cells, because perovskites are solution-processible at relatively low temperatures. However, long-term stability of these materials has been a significant challenge. Now, a research…
Taking Control of Chemical Dusts
Equipment innovations and monitoring solutions help chemical processors create more effective dust collection systems Uncontrolled dust can lead to several complications, including health and safety concerns, product quality problems, regulatory compliance issues and legal ramifications. Although dust should not be…
This integrated technology effectively destroys PFAS — even short-chain compounds
The prevalence of the various per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — compounds that are notoriously difficult to break down — in the water supply is causing global concern. A new partnership between Element Six (Oxford, U.K.; www.e6.com) and Lummus Technology…