Scientists make methanol using oxygen

Scientists make methanol using oxygen

Methanol is currently produced by breaking down natural gas at high temperatures into hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide before reassembling them – expensive and energy-intensive processes known as ‘steam reforming’ and ‘methanol synthesis.’But researchers at Cardiff Catalysis Institute have discovered they can produce methanol from methane through simple catalysis that allows methanol production at low temperatures using oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.Read More

 

Researchers describe new way to make dissolving electronics

 

Researchers from the University of Houston and China have described a new type of electronic device that can be triggered to dissolve through exposure to water molecules in the atmosphere.The work holds promise for eco-friendly disposable personal electronics and biomedical devices that dissolve within the body. There are also defence applications, including devices that can be programmed to dissolve in order to safeguard sensitive information, said Cunjiang Yu, Bill D. Cook assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Houston and lead author of the paper.Read More

Researchers invent novel method for extracting sugars from wood

A research team from the University of Delaware (UD) has invented a more efficient process for extracting the sugars from wood chips, corn cobs and other organic waste from forests and farms.This bio renewable feedstock could serve as a cheaper, sustainable substitute for the petroleum used in manufacturing tons upon tons of consumer goods annually — goods that consumers want to be greener.Read More

 

 

Chemical sector patches revival and growth prospects post crisis

By Sonal Srivastava: Economic development in Japan thrives on growth of its manufacturing industry. Previously, the manufacturing industry of Japan was known for its competitive strength globally. Chemical sector accounts for a significant section of GDP in Japan. However, emergence of electronic companies in developing countries including South Korea and China has posed significant challenges for the manufacturing industry of Japan. Striving to maintain competitive pace with other countries, the companies in Japan significantly rely on its chemical sector for integrating technological development. Read More