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Facile alcoholysis of polyesters
Summary:
Iowa State University researchers have discovered a method of breaking down polyesters capable of over 90% monomer recovery at atmospheric pressure and only mildly elevated temperatures.
Description:
Conventional recycling of polyesters is commonly done via thermomechanical means which limit the useful number of times they can be recycled....
Published: 3/4/2026
Category(s): Energy, Cleantech & Environmental, Materials
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A method of mechanochemically-assisted extraction of lithium from α-spodumene and other hard-rock minerals
Summary:
Ames Laboratory scientists have developed a method of extracting lithium from hard-rock minerals without the need for high temperature roasting and with reduced or eliminated harsh chemical requirements.
Description:
Lithium-bearing hard-rock minerals, such as α-spodumene, are reactively ball milled to convert the lithium content...
Published: 3/4/2026
Category(s): Energy, Cleantech & Environmental, Materials
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A method of acid- and water-free direct lithium extraction from α-spodumene and other Li-rich hard rock minerals
Summary:
Ames Laboratory scientists have developed a method for extracting lithium from hard-rock mineral sources that eliminates the need for high temperature roasting of the ore and without the use of water or other solvents.
Description:
Lithium-bearing hard-rock minerals, such as α-spodumene, are reactively ball milled to convert the...
Published: 3/4/2026
Category(s): Energy, Cleantech & Environmental, Materials
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Facile Production of Levulinate from Muconic Acid
Summary:
ISU researchers have developed a method of producing levulinic acid from cis,cis-muconic acid with high selectivity using only mild conditions.
Description:
Utilizing sulfuric acid as a catalyst under mild conditions of 80–120 °C and atmospheric pressure, biomass-derived cis,cis-muconic acid can be converted to levlulinc acid...
Published: 5/1/2025
Category(s): Engineering & Physical Sciences, Energy, Cleantech & Environmental
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Near net shape fabrication of anisotropic magnet using hot roll method
Summary:
ISU and Ames Laboratory researchers have developed a method of producing Nd-Fe-B magnets capable of operating at higher temperatures (T>150°C) without the addition of expensive heavy rare earth elements such as Dy. Mechanically milled Nd-Fe-B powder is loaded into a metal vessel which is hot rolled to produce fully dense magnets with...
Published: 7/2/2024
Category(s): Materials, Engineering & Physical Sciences, Energy, Cleantech & Environmental
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Secure message authentication in wireless relay networks
Summary:
Relays are extensively utilized in various wireless networks, such as cellular and WiFi, to extend coverage and enhance network capacity. However, the presence of relays also introduces data integrity challenges. One critical concern is the threat of data integrity attacks, where a relay maliciously modifies packets during transit. This type...
Published: 7/2/2024
Category(s): Agriculture, Healthcare, Energy, Cleantech & Environmental, Engineering & Physical Sciences, Sensors & Controls, Software & Information Technology
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Magnetic field assisted fast charging of lithium ion batteries
Summary:
ISURF 5180 describes a method for fast charging of lithium ion batteries. A major limitation of Li-ion batteries for use in many applications, including electric vehicles, is the timescale for normal charging. Although fast charging is possible, over-oxidation in charging is common as electrodeposition of the anodic surface occurs. This...
Published: 8/15/2022
Category(s): Energy, Cleantech & Environmental
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Low-voltage bipolar hydrogen production from aldehydes and water
Summary:
Iowa State University researchers have developed an electrochemical system for the production of hydrogen utilizing alkaline solution and a copper-based catalyst. Aldehyde's are used as they are more thermodynamically favorable for electrolysis than water and have the additional benefit of producing useful carboxylic acids. Both these...
Published: 8/15/2022
Category(s): Energy, Cleantech & Environmental, Engineering & Physical Sciences
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Catalytic upcycling of polyolefins into fatty alcohols and fatty acids
Summary:
ISURF #05189 describes the conversion of waste polyolefins into fatty alcohols or fatty acids by early metal or lanthanide-catalyzed chain cleavage. The alcohols or acids derived by this method are high value and useful as surfactants, detergent agents, or lubricants.
Description:
The catalyst supports a pseudo reverse-polymerization...
Published: 8/17/2022
Category(s): Energy, Cleantech & Environmental, Materials, Ames Laboratory
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Pore-encapsulated catalysts for selective hydrogenolysis of plastic
Summary:
ISURF #05082 describes a catalyst and method to break down and recycle plastic, particularly polyethylene. The catalyst mimics enzymes in that it first seeks to template the polymer chain in a configuration that yields a narrow distribution of end products. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) are used as scaffolds that polyethylene chains...
Published: 8/17/2022
Category(s): Energy, Cleantech & Environmental, Engineering & Physical Sciences, Ames Laboratory
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