Chemical Engineering Research Articles

Data analysis of non-linear radiative electro-periodic MHD flow past a stretching sheet with activation energy impact

Electro-periodic Magneto-hydrodynamics (EPMHD), activation energy, and non-linear radiation are pivotal elements in engineering and industry also contribute to advancements in fields like heat transfer, materials science, and chemical engineering. Through similarity transformation, governing partial differential equations simplify into ordinary differential equations. Precise computational solutions are derived using the Nachtsheim-Swigert shooting iteration method (NSSIM) and the reliable 6th-order Runge-Kutta integration algorithm (RKIA). The profiles of velocities, temperatures, concentrations, skin friction, heat and mass transfer rate are presented by graphically. The novel aspect of this research is that thermal performance is enhanced by non-linear radiation by around 2.28%, whereas linear radiation only produces a 0.28% improvement in thermal performance. Also the mass transfer rate experiences a decrease of about 25.76% with increasing chemical reactions in the presence of activation energy and a more substantial 62.22% reduction in its absence, notably showing a comparatively milder decline of 36.46% in the presence of activation energy than in its absence. Furthermore, this study yields three novel linear regression equations, skillfully derived from the numerical and graphical results. This research have practical applications in understanding and optimizing processes involving fluid dynamics, such as the behavior of certain materials or substances subjected to stretching or deformation.

Editorial: Precise chemical application technology for horticultural crops

Editorial: Precise chemical application technology for horticultural crops

Iodine(III)-Mediated Ring-Contraction Reactions Using Halogenated and Non-halogenated Solvents

AbstractThe transformation of a six-membered ring into the corresponding five-membered product is an important synthetic approach used in medicinal chemistry and industrial technologies. However, the yield of the product obtained through a simple one-step reaction is lower in some reported solvent systems. Here, we present the ring contraction of 1,2-dihydronaphthalene derivatives into the corresponding indanes­ using an environmentally friendly reagent hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodobenzene (HTIB). This transformation is achieved in both non-halogenated and halogenated solvents. We show that the halogenated solvent system not only increased the yield of the anticipated product but also reduced the formation of by-products. This study delivers an important development regarding the effectiveness of hypervalent iodine reagents in halogenated and non-halogenated solvents for ring-contraction reactions.

Reflections in Chemical Safety and Research: The Odyssey of a Female Chemical Engineer from Iraq

Reflections in Chemical Safety and Research: The Odyssey of a Female Chemical Engineer from Iraq

Advances in paclitaxel biosynthesis and transcriptional regulation mechanisms

Paclitaxel, a rare diterpene extracted from the bark of Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis), is renowned for its anti-cancer activity and serves as a primary drug for treating cancers. Due to the exceptionally low content of paclitaxel in the bark, a semi-synthetic method that depletes Chinese yew resources is used in the production of paclitaxel, which, however, fails to meet the escalating clinical demand. In recent years, researchers have achieved significant progress in heterologous biosynthesis and metabolic engineering for the production of paclitaxel. This article comprehensively reviews the advancements in paclitaxel production, encompassing chemical synthesis, heterologous biosynthesis, and cell engineering. It provides an in-depth introduction to the biosynthetic pathway and transcriptional regulation mechanisms of paclitaxel, aiming to provide a valuable reference for further research on paclitaxel biosynthesis.

Deconstruction of Polymers through Olefin Metathesis.

The consumption of synthetic polymers has ballooned; so has the amount of post-consumer waste generated. The current polymer economy, however, is largely linear with most of the post-consumer waste being either landfilled or incinerated. The lack of recycling, together with the sizable carbon footprint of the polymer industry, has led to major negative environmental impacts. Over the past few years, chemical recycling technologies have gained significant traction as a possible technological route to tackle these challenges. In this regard, olefin metathesis, with its versatility and ease of operation, has emerged as an attractive tool. Here, we discuss the developments in olefin-metathesis-based chemical recycling technologies, including the development of new materials and the application of olefin metathesis to the recycling of commercial materials. We delve into structure-reactivity relationships in the context of polymerization-depolymerization behavior, how experimental conditions influence deconstruction outcomes, and the reaction pathways underlying these approaches. We also look at the current hurdles in adopting these technologies and relevant future directions for the field.

Research on the Improvement of Vocational College Student’s Learning Input Under the “Three Education” Reform – Taking the Chemical Engineering Course as an Example

Taking the chemical engineering course as an example, this paper discusses the path to improving the learning input of higher vocational students under the background of “three education” reform. Through the in-depth analysis of teachers, teaching materials, and teaching methods, a series of concrete reform measures are put forward, including the change of teachers’ roles, the update of teaching materials, and the innovation of teaching methods. Practice has proved that these measures can effectively improve the learning input of higher vocational students, improve the teaching quality, and provide strong support for training high-quality chemical technical personnel.

Sr2HgGe2OS6: A Hg-Based Oxychalcogenide Infrared Nonlinear Optical Material Exhibiting Favorable Balance between a Large Band Gap and Strong Second Harmonic Generation Response.

Currently, oxychalcogenides with mixed-anion groups that integrate the property advantages of oxides (wide optical band gap) and chalcogenides [strong second harmonic generation (SHG) response] through chemical substitution engineering have attracted widespread interest and are considered to be important candidates for infrared (IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. Herein, the first Hg-based oxychalcogenide Sr2HgGe2OS6 with mixed anion [GeOS3] units has been successfully synthesized through a spontaneous crystallization method, which exhibits a favorable balance between the strong SHG response (0.7 × AgGaS2) and large optical band gap (2.9 eV). In addition, Sr2HgGe2OS6 shows high laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT, 2.1 × AgGaS2) as well as phase-matching (PM) performance. Theoretical calculations indicate that the Sr2HgGe2OS6 encompasses large birefringence of 0.128@2090 nm (3.3 × AgGaS2) and its SHG density mainly comes from [HgS4] tetrahedra and [GeOS3] units. This work not only demonstrates that Sr2HgGe2OS6 is a promising IR NLO material but also provides new ideas for the exploration of Hg-based oxychalcogenide IR NLO materials.

A simultaneous optimization of the seawater bittern and waste seashell recovery process for CO2 and SOx utilization

This study proposes a novel integration of seawater bittern and waste seashell recovery processes for CO2 and SOx utilization. Furthermore, simultaneous optimization of waste seashells and Ca(OH)2 separated from seawater bittern as an SOx absorbent was conducted to derive the blending ratio using a genetic algorithm (GA). The GA-based optimization process consists of four steps: (1) data generation using process model and data preprocessing, (2) DNN-based surrogate model development to predict the gypsum purity, CaCO3 yield, and CO2 emissions, (3) mathematical model development for TAC calculation, (4) GA-based optimization to derive the cost-optimal blending ratio and TAC. As a result, the derived cost-optimal blending ratios were scallop shells (0.03 %), cockle shells (0.03 %), clam shells (13.66 %), oyster shells (40.31 %), mussel shells (28.80 %), and Ca(OH)2 (17.18 %), reducing the TAC by up to 10.88 % compared to conventional CO2 and SOx capture processes. At the optimal blending ratio, the recycling efficiency of each seashell in the Republic of Korea was achieved from a minimum of 2.72 % to a maximum of 99.15 % annually. Therefore, this work makes a significant contribution to the chemical engineering field, providing an environmentally friendly, economical process and an efficient simultaneous optimization framework applied to the proposed model.

Research on Practical Training Mode of Chemical Engineering Specialty from the Perspective of City-Wide Industry-Education Consortium

This paper focuses on the construction of an industry-education consortium in Pingdingshan, Henan Province, analyzing the difficulties in practical training for chemical engineering majors under this background. It initially outlines the “learning site” practical training curriculum system. Building upon this system, it proposes methods for constructing training modules, setting training objectives, enhancing training content, designing training methods, and establishing evaluation criteria. It then summarizes the significance of research on the training model for chemical majors from the perspective of urban-industrial-educational consortiums.

Single-exposure femtosecond laser direct writing of Salvinia-inspired micropatterned functional surface

Bioinspired functional surfaces have attracted considerable attention within multiple scientific and industrial fields. In particular, the hollow hierarchical structure and chemical heterogeneity endow Salvinia leaves with superhydrophobicity and underwater air retention capability. However, replicating complex three-dimensional Salvinia-like patterns at the microscale currently relies on time-consuming additive manufacturing methods, preventing their wide adoption in industrial applications. Here, we report a high-throughput femtosecond laser direct writing strategy based on the quadrifurcate abruptly autofocusing beam for the single-exposure fabrication of Salvinia-like microstructures. Combined with chemical functionalization, both the hollow morphology and heterogeneous chemical properties of the natural counterpart were mimicked. The obtained bioinspired surfaces can repel and manipulate water droplets, and maintain superhydrophobicity even immersed underwater. The proposed single-exposure fabrication strategy is expected to contribute to the mass production of Salvinia-inspired surfaces, whose unique wetting properties promise great potential in chemical engineering, micro bioanalysis, and microfluidic devices.

Emerging trends in POME treatment and applications: chemical and biotechnological aspects

Globally, environmental challenges are growing more and more significant. Changes in soil have been caused by the years-long discharge and careless disposal of palm oil mill effluent (POME). A systematic review explored emerging trends in POME treatment and applications, with a focus on recent, innovative methods for POME treatment with biological and chemical treatment technologies, chemical and biotechnological approaches. The review highlighted several key findings, including the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these approaches, their ability to reduce environmental impacts, and their potential to recover resources such as energy and nutrients. Quantitative information on the efficacy of these approaches was also provided. Based on these findings, the review concludes that the aforementioned approaches can significantly improve POME treatment and offer a promising way to reduce environmental impacts and recover resources. However, further research is needed to optimize and scale up these approaches, as well as to assess their long-term sustainability. In addition, it is important to consider the social, economic, and environmental factors that may affect the successful implementation of these approaches.

Tailoring the d‐band centers enables NiM alloy to be multifunctional site for tandem reductive amination

AbstractIntegrating multi‐step reactions through tandem catalysis offers potential for efficient chemical engineering processes, but designing an efficient tandem catalyst is challenging. Herein, we report tailoring the d‐band centers of Ni through alloying with a second metal (M = Fe/Co/Cu/Ga), which enables it to be multifunctional site for tandem reductive amination. A linear correlation of d‐band center with yield of primary amine product was observed. Density functional theory and experiments revealed the upshifted d‐band center strengthened the adsorption of Schiff base intermediate in advantageous di(C&N) mode, also narrowed the adsorption energy gap between NH3 and H2. Furthermore, the multifunctional nanoparticles provide a confined space with short diffusion pathway for NH3* and H* to timely react with Schiff base. As a result, the NiFe/AlOx with a d‐band center nearest to the Fermi level exhibited the highest primary amine yield of 96.2% with five consecutive reusability under extremely low H2 pressure, which is superior to other reported precious‐metal‐based catalysts.

Visionary figures in the field of electrochemistry who revolutionized voltammetry

Understanding energetics and electron behavior has been pivotal in elucidating numerous fundamental phenomena, including electricity, corrosion, respiration, energy generation in biological systems, intermolecular interactions within living organisms, organic synthesis, drug development, enzyme functions, and the design of biosensors, among others. As 2024 records the centennial anniversary of the completion of the first polarograph by Nobel laureate Jaroslav Heyrovský (awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1959), it presents an opportune moment to pay tribute to several eminent electrochemists who have made significant contributions to the field of voltammetric techniques. Following our recent acknowledgment of the outstanding women who have made substantial contributions to voltammetry in a prior publication, this article aims to briefly highlight the major achievements of several distinguished male figures in the field (Jaroslav Heyrovský, Allen J. Bard, Christian Amatore, Richard Compton, Jean-Michel Savéant, Fraser Armstrong, Fritz Scholz, Joseph Wang, Milivoj Lovrić, Valentin Mirčeski, Alan M. Bond). Given that many of these remarkable personalities have contributed both as authors and referees for the Macedonian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, this tribute serves as a fitting acknowledgment of their remarkable accomplishments on the occasion of the journal's 50th anniversary.

Luciferase-Decorated Gold Nanorods as Dual-Modal Contrast Agents for Tumor-Targeted High-Performance Bioluminescence/Photoacoustic Imaging.

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) have been considered highly compelling materials for early cancer diagnosis and have aroused a burgeoning fascination among the biomedical sectors. By leveraging the versatile tunable optical properties of AuNRs, herein, we have developed a novel tumor-targeted dual-modal nanoprobe (FFA) that exhibits excellent bioluminescence and photoacoustic imaging performance for early tumor diagnosis. FFA has been synthesized by anchoring the recombinant bioluminescent firefly luciferase protein (Fluc) on the folate-conjugated AuNRs via the PEG linker. TEM images and UV-vis studies confirm the nanorod morphology and successful conjugation of the biomolecules to AuNRs. The nanoprobe FFA relies on the ability of the folate module to target the folate receptor-positive tumor cells actively, and simultaneously, the Fluc module facilitates excellent bioluminescent properties in physiological conditions. The success of chemical engineering in the present study enables stronger bioluminescent signals in the folate receptor-positive cells (Skov3, Hela, and MCF-7) than in folate receptor-negative cells (A549, 293T, MCF-10A, and HepG2). Additionally, the AuNRs induced strong photoacoustic conversion performance, enhancing the resolution of tumor imaging. No apparent toxicity was detected at the cellular and mouse tissue levels, manifesting the biocompatibility nature of the nanoprobe. Prompted by the positive merits of FFA, the in vivo animal studies were performed, and a notable enhancement was observed in the bioluminescent/photoacoustic intensity of the nanoprobe in the tumor region compared to that in the folate-blocking region. Therefore, this synergistic dual-modal bioluminescent and photoacoustic imaging platform holds great potential as a tumor-targeted contrast agent for early tumor diagnosis with high-performance imaging information.

Emerging Technologies in Chemical Engineering: Advancements in Process Optimization, Sustainable Practices, and Future Innovations

The abstract encapsulates the essence of the study on emerging technologies in chemical engineering, focusing on advancements in process optimization, sustainable practices, and future innovations. Within the dynamic landscape of chemical engineering, the integration of emerging technologies has reshaped industrial processes, offering new opportunities to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. This study explores the transformative potential of emerging technologies, such as computational modelling, artificial intelligence, and bioprocess engineering, in addressing pressing societal and environmental challenges while driving innovation and sustainable development. Through a comprehensive literature review and synthesis of key findings, the study highlights the pivotal role of chemical engineering in shaping the design, optimization, and implementation of industrial processes across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, energy production, pharmaceuticals, and environmental remediation. Advancements in process optimization, facilitated by the integration of computational tools and data analytics, enable engineers to systematically analyze and control chemical processes with unprecedented precision and efficiency, leading to improvements in productivity, resource utilization, and waste reduction. The adoption of sustainable practices, such as green chemistry principles, renewable energy sources, and circular economy initiatives, reflects a growing emphasis on minimizing environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency throughout the product lifecycle. Concurrently, the exploration of future innovations in chemical engineering, including nanotechnologies, bioprocesses, and advanced materials, offers promising opportunities to address emerging challenges and drive positive change in the field. By synthesizing these key findings, the study provides valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with emerging technologies in chemical engineering, guiding future research, policy, and practice towards achieving sustainable and resilient industrial processes. In essence, the study contributes to advancing knowledge and understanding of the transformative potential of emerging technologies in chemical engineering and their role in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for society and the planet.

Modulation of polyaniline memristive device switching voltage by nucleotide-free analogue of vitamin B12.

Memristive devices offer essential properties to become a part of the next-generation computing systems based on neuromorphic principles. Organic memristive devices exhibit a unique set of properties which makes them an indispensable choice for specific applications, such as interfacing with biological systems. While the switching rate of organic devices can be easily adjusted over a wide range through various methods, controlling the switching potential is often more challenging, as this parameter is intricately tied to the materials used. Given the limited options in the selection conductive polymers and the complexity of polymer chemical engineering, the most straightforward and accessible approach to modulate switching potentials is by introducing specific molecules into the electrolyte solution. In our study, we show polyaniline-based device switching potential control by adding nucleotide-free analogue of vitamin B12, aquacyanocobinamide, to the electrolyte solution. The employed concentrations of this molecule, ranging from 0.2 to 2 mM, enabled organic memristive devices to achieve switching potential decrease for up to 100 mV, thus providing a way to control device properties. This effect is attributed to strong aromatic interactions between polyaniline phenyl groups and corrin macrocycle of the aquacyanocobinamide molecule, which was supported by ultraviolet-visible spectra analysis.

An effective point cloud registration method for three-dimensional reconstruction of pressure piping

Abstract At present, industrial scenes with sparse features and weak textures are widely encountered, and the three-dimensional reconstruction of such scenes is a recognized problem. Pressure pipelines have a wide range of applications in fields such as petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, and hydropower station engineering. However, there is no mature solution for the three-dimensional reconstruction of pressure pipes. The main reason is that the typical scenes in which pressure pipes are found also have relatively few features and textures. Traditional three-dimensional reconstruction algorithms based on feature extraction are largely ineffective for such scenes that are lacking in features. In view of the above problems, this paper proposes an improved interframe registration algorithm based on point cloud fitting with cylinder axis vector constraints. By incorporating geometric feature parameters of a cylindrical pressure pipeline, specifically the axis vector of the cylinder, to constrain the traditional iterative closest point algorithm, the accuracy of point cloud registration can be improved in scenarios lacking features and textures, and some environmental uncertainties can be overcome. Finally, using actual laser point cloud data collected from pressure pipelines, the proposed fitting-based point cloud registration algorithm with cylinder axis vector constraints is tested. The experimental results show that under the same conditions, compared with other open-source point cloud registration algorithms, the proposed method can achieve higher registration accuracy. Moreover, integrating this algorithm into an open-source three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm framework can lead to better reconstruction results.

Mathematical Analysis for Optimizing Electro Discharge Machining Parameters and Enhancing Hastelloy Machining Efficiency

This study investigates the process parameter optimisation for Hastelloy electro discharge machining (EDM). The goal of the research is to increase machining accuracy and efficiency by precisely changing the EDM process factors. The most important variables affecting tool wear, surface quality, and material removal rate are identified. In order to improve the machining performance for Hastelloy components, the research highlights the importance of factors including discharge current, pulse duration, electrode material, and dielectric fluid properties. The study's conclusions give important information about how to improve EDM procedures for this tough, corrosion-resistant hastealloy. Extensive research is conducted into the features of tool wear and their connection to process parameters in an effort to increase tool life and reduce manufacturing costs. The findings of this research offer useful data for optimising the efficiency of the Hastelloy EDM process in terms of both money and time. The growing need for high-performance components in industries including aerospace, chemical, and nuclear engineering is being addressed by this study, which intends to lay the groundwork for the development of efficient and environmentally friendly machining practises for Hastelloy. To do this, one must get a thorough comprehension of the interrelationships between the various process parameters.

Formation of professional competence of future bachelors of chemical engineering in institutions of higher education: international experience

Formation of professional competence of future bachelors of chemical engineering in institutions of higher education: international experience