BR – TechConnect Briefs

COGMCI – Toward a Zero CO2 Economy

Boschiero do Espirito Santo D., Sisterm Thermal Systems, BR

Intermittent electricity (solar and wind) needs to be equilibrated with resilient supply. Fuel demand can be partially replaced by electric cars, heat pumps, and electrical equipment. How much additional electricity will be required? How much [...]

Controlling light diffraction with nanostructures

Tufaile A., Tufaile A.P.B., Vanderelli T.A., Snyder M., Tufaile A., Tufaile A.P.B., University of Sao Paulo, BR

We are presenting the main results of our research using smart fluids to control the light scattering using some devices based on nanotechnology. We are presenting the Ferrolens or Ferrocell®, which consists of a Hele-Shaw [...]

Nanostructured biopolymers obtained from blends by extrusion

Rodriguez J.H., Tadini C.C., Gastaldi E., University of Sao Paulo, BR

The extrusion of biopolymers is a promising technology for the plastic industry since enables to lead to wide range of innovative and environmentally friendly products displaying many advantages for the food packaging sector such the [...]

Electric Field Assisted Placement of Carbon Nanotubes Using Sacrificial Graphene Electrodes

Engel M., Farmer D., Tirapu Azpiroz J., Seo J.-W.T., Kang J., Avouris P., Hersam M.C., Krupke R., Steiner M., IBM Research, BR

Here we detail a complete process flow to overcome the challenge of placement of carbon nanotubes on solid surfaces, limiting "bottom-up", large-scale integration in semiconductor process technology. To date most bottom up placement strategies are [...]

Fiber-optic sensor for bacteria detection based on intensity-modulated SPR by monochromatic excitation

da Silva Arcas A., da Silva Dutra F., da Silva Arcas A., da Silva Dutra F., Barros Allil R.C.S., Werneck M.M., Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, BR

The Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 is a human pathogen of animal origin that can cause serious illness if ingested. The most common routes of E. coli contamination are drinking water, vegetables, undercooked meat, unpasteurized [...]

Are microalgae a possible energy source for a sustainable world?

Kava V., Vargas J.V.C., Mariano A.B., Ordonez J.C., Federal University of Parana, BR

In recent years, much scientific research has been directed to the search for viable alternatives to clean energy. Investments in research and development of renewable energy sources have been implemented, and the economic viability of [...]

The maximization of hydrogen rhythmic production in large scale photobioreactors from genetically modified microalgae biomass

Dias F.G., Vargas J.V.C., Kava V., Ordonez J.C., Balmant W., Mariano A.B., Federal University of Parana, BR

A transient mathematical model for managing microalgae derived hydrogen production as a source of renewable energy is developed for large scale compact photobioreactors (PBR). The model allows for the determination of microalgae and hydrogen mass [...]

Nanoscale Flow Chip Platform For Laboratory Evaluation Of Enhanced Oil Recovery Materials

Engel M., Neumann R.F., Giro R., Bryant P.W., Steiner M.B., IBM Research Brazil, BR

We present a lab-on-chip platform for the experimental evaluation of Enhanced Oil Recovery [EOR] methods from the nanoscale to the scale of reservoir rock pore networks. We have employed semiconductor process technology to build lab-on-chip [...]

Uses of Self-assembled Peptide structures doped with electroluminescent compounds

Martins T.D., Ribeiro A.C.C., Souza G.A., Camargo H.S., Cordeiro D.S., Federal University of Goias, BR

Several distinct technological applications can be addressed to self-assembled peptide nanostructures, especially when electroluminescent organic compounds are inserted in these structures. Depending on the preparation methods, these additives can drive the peptide´s self-assembling, resulting in [...]

Surface Treatment of Kevlar® Polyaramid Fibers with Imidazolium Dicationic-based Ionic Liquids

Moraes C.V., da Silva V.D., Schrekker H.S., Amico S.C., Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, BR

Polyaramid fibers (Kevlar) can be used to strengthen materials due to their high tensile strength-to-weight ratio and high thermal stability. These properties of Kevlar fibers can be attributed to the intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the [...]