sustainability – TechConnect Briefs

Carbon nanotubes as a reinforcement material for sustainable construction composites

Makgabutlane B., Coville N., Mhlanga S., Maubane-Nkadimeng M., University of the Witwatersrand, ZA

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have gained considerable attention for various applications because of their distinct inherent properties. They are characterized by high surface area, aspect ratio, thermal stability, and excellent mechanical strength. There are different synthesis [...]

Colored Magnetic Nanoparticles to Improve the Sustainability of Textile Dyeing

Wen J., Sun Y., University of Massachusetts-Lowell, US

Current dyeing techniques face growing environmental and economic challenges due to high consumption of water, salts, auxiliaries and energy, and production of substantial amounts of industrial polluting waste waters. This project demonstrated that colorants can [...]

STEP, Efficient solar syntheses: A comprehensive approach to decreasing the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide

Lau J., Licht S., Stuart J., Li F-F, Licht S., Meng F., George Washington University, US

The Solar Thermal Electrochemical Process (STEP) was introduced to provide a complete solution to lowering carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (1). STEP utilizes a synergy of thermal and electrochemical energy to drive endothermic processes at [...]

Capturing and Using CO2 as Feedstock for Clean Chemical Processes Technologies

Demirel Y., University of Nebraska Lincoln, US

Chemical-looping technology for capturing CO2 are discussed with critical assessments of the circulating fluidized bed systems and the packed bed reactor with periodic switching of the feed streams of fuel and air. Beside, some industrial [...]

Capturing and Using CO2 as Feedstock for Clean Chemical Processes Technologies

Demirel Y., University of Nebraska Lincoln, US

Chemical-looping technology for capturing CO2 are discussed with critical assessments of the circulating fluidized bed systems and the packed bed reactor with periodic switching of the feed streams of fuel and air. Beside, some industrial [...]

STEP, Efficient solar syntheses: A comprehensive approach to decreasing the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide

Lau J., Licht S., Stuart J., Li F-F, Licht S., Meng F., George Washington University, US

The Solar Thermal Electrochemical Process (STEP) was introduced to provide a complete solution to lowering carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (1). STEP utilizes a synergy of thermal and electrochemical energy to drive endothermic processes at [...]

Using Proton Exchange Membranes (PEMs) to Revolutionize Refrigeration

Bahar B., Xergy Inc, US

Xergy utilizes proprietary technology to create the most efficient and greenest compressor system for refrigeration applications. Kuel-Cell(TM) technology has it’s roots in fuel cell technology and biomimicry and utilizes the greenest possible refrigerant, water. With [...]

Using Proton Exchange Membranes (PEMs) to Revolutionize Refrigeration

Bahar B., Xergy Inc, US

Xergy utilizes proprietary technology to create the most efficient and greenest compressor system for refrigeration applications. Kuel-Cell(TM) technology has it’s roots in fuel cell technology and biomimicry and utilizes the greenest possible refrigerant, water. With [...]

Save Hawai‘i…Save the Planet

Barlow J., Power Alternative, US

Petrochemicals are quintessential ingredient in most all products, technologies, and conveniences of modern lifestyle, so it is imperative that we eliminate abusing it to fuel modes of progress, and transports. Power Alternative is scientific R&D [...]

The New OPEC

Pfaltzgraff L., Budarin V., Clark J.H., Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, UK

Society faces the twin challenges of resource depletion and waste accumulation, increasing concerns to governments leading to increasing taxes for waste disposal restrictive legislation. Research in the area of renewable feedstock is of great importance [...]