Commercial Process Research Articles

An In Situ Generated Organic/Inorganic Hybrid SEI Layer Enables Li Metal Anodes with Dendrite Suppression Ability, High-Rate Capability, and Long-Life Stability.

High-quality solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers can effectively suppress the growth of Li dendrites and improve the cycling stability of lithium metal batteries. Herein, 1-(6-bromohexanoyl)-3-butylurea is used to construct an organic/inorganic hybrid (designated as LiBr-HBU) SEI layer that features a uniform and compact structure. The LiBr-HBU SEI layer exhibits superior electrolyte wettability and air stability as well as strong attachment to Li foils. The LiBr-HBU SEI layer achieves a Li+ conductivity of 2.75 × 10-4 S cm-1, which is ≈50-fold higher than the value measured for a native SEI layer. A Li//Li symmetric cell containing the LiBr-HBU SEI layer exhibits markedly improved cyclability when compared with the cell containing a native SEI layer, especially at a high current density (e.g., cycling life up to 1333h at 15mA cm-2). The LiBr-HBU SEI layer also improves the performance of lithium-sulfur cells, particularly the rate capability (548 mAh g-1 at 10C) and cycling stability (513 mAh g-1 at 0.5C after 500 cycles). The methodology described can be extended to the commercial processing of Li metal anodes as the artificial SEI layer also protects Li metal against corrosion.

Modeling the output from a commercial chemical process using regression models from survival analysis

This article is concerned with the modeling of the gas output of a commercial chemical plant using the coal sources as predictor variables. We consider the use of two models to incorporate these predictors; the Cox proportional hazards and accelerated failure time regression models. These models are chosen for their simplicity and for the ease with which the effects of explanatory variables can be interpreted. The contribution of this article lies therein that these models are used in the current context for the first time. We show, using both graphical and formal hypothesis testing procedures that these models (with a Weibull baseline distribution) fit observed gas production data well. We provide a discussion of the interpretation of the estimated model parameters and we comment on how these estimates can be of substantial practical value. The large scale of production from the chemical plant in question ensures that potential cost savings and increases in production associated with more accurate models are of great practical importance.

High-performance single crystal Ni-rich cathode with regulated lattice and interface constructed by separated lithiation and crystallization calcination

Incorporating high valence dopants, such as W6+ and Mo6+ has been verified to be effective for tuning the microstructure and grain boundary of polycrystal Ni-rich cathode. However, the hindered consolidation of primary particles induced by dopants during lithiation calcination limits the utilization of those dopants to crystalize single-crystal Ni-rich cathodes with stabilized lattice and surface. Herein, high performance single crystal LiNi0.84Co0.11Mn0.05O2 cathode with Al3+ and W6+ regulated lattice and boundary phase was construed based on commercial process with two-step calcination process containing separated lithiation and crystallization. The introduction of appropriate amount of Al3+ in the first lithiation calcination of 6 h endows the bulk of crystalline with enhanced lattice stability, while the incorporation of W6+ with stoichiometrical LiOH in the secondary crystallization calcination of 6 h renders uniformly distributed surface layer without hampering the growth of single-crystal. With the Al3+ doped bulk lattice, W6+ doped subsurface region and hetero-epitaxially grown Li2WO4, the cathode infused by two-step calcination exhibits high discharge capacity, rate performance, and cycling stability. Specifically, the modified LiNi0.84Co0.11Mn0.05O2 exhibits exceptional capacity retention, maintaining 88.98% of its initial capacity after 200 cycles at a rate of 1 C within a voltage window of 2.7–4.3 V at a temperature of 25 °C in half-cell. This performance is markedly superior to the capacity retention of 72.96% observed for pristine cathode. Even when subjected to a stringent test after 200 cycles at the same rate, the modified cathode sustains an impressive capacity retention of 82.41% at an elevated cut-off voltage of 4.5 V and a temperature of 30 °C.

Breaking the stability limit of zeolite-based alkane dehydrogenation catalysts

Metal catalysts confined inside zeolite micropores or crystals are widely applied in the chemical industry because of their distinctive catalytic functions, especially with regard to the conversion of small and stable alkane molecules [1,2]. Silicalite-1 (S-1), a pure silica zeolite with an MFI topology, has a robust framework capable of withstanding harsh thermal and chemical conditions. Recently, S-1-based catalysts have demonstrated significant advantages in the construction and stabilization of various active metal centers and have attracted considerable attention for their potential in alkane dehydrogenation reactions. The absence of acidic sites prevents various acid-catalyzed side reactions, rendering S-1 a promising candidate for high-temperature reactions such as non-oxidative propane dehydrogenation (PDH). Sun et al. revealed that encapsulating subnanometer bimetallic PtZn clusters in S-1 resulted in a high propylene selectivity of 99%, with no catalyst deactivation even after 200h in the PDH reaction [3]. However, sustaining high stability at high conversion rates is still challenging for PDH reactions, and commercial processes are still based on Pt- and Cr-based catalysts, which need frequent regeneration.

Perspective on Quantum Sensors from Basic Research to Commercial Applications

Quantum sensors represent a new generation of sensors with improved precision, accuracy, stability, and robustness to environmental effects compared to their classical predecessors. After decades of laboratory development, several types of quantum sensors are now commercially available or are part-way through the commercialization process. This paper provides a brief description of the operation of a selection of quantum sensors that employ the principles of atom–light interactions and discusses progress toward packaging those sensors into products. This paper covers quantum inertial and gravitational sensors, including gyroscopes, accelerometers, gravimeters, and gravity gradiometers that employ atom interferometry, nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscopes, atomic and spin-defect magnetometers, and Rydberg electric field sensors.

Statistical Optimization and Purification of Cellulase Enzyme Production from Trichosporon insectorum

Enzymatic degradation of cellulosic biomass represents the most sustainable and environmentally friendly method for producing liquid biofuel, widely utilized in various commercial processes. While cellulases are predominantly produced by bacteria and fungi, the enzymatic potential of cellulase-producing yeasts remains significantly less explored. In this study, the yeast strain Trichosporon insectorum, isolated from the gut of the coprophagous beetle Gymnopleurus sturmii, was utilized for cellulase production in submerged fermentation. A central composite design was employed to optimize cellulase production, with substrate concentration, temperature, and pH as dependent variables. The highest CMCase activity of 0.71 IU/mL was obtained at 1% substrate concentration, pH 5, and an incubation temperature of 40 °C for 72 h of fermentation using cellulose as a carbon source. For FPase production, the high value was 0.23 IU/mL at 0.5% CMC, pH 6, and an incubation temperature of 40 °C for 72 h. After purification, the enzymes produced by T. insectorum represent 39% of the total proteins. The results of this study offer an alternative strategy for utilizing various carbon sources, both soluble (CMC, carboxymethylcellulose) and insoluble (cellulose), to efficiently produce cellulase for the degradation of lignocellulosic materials. This approach holds promising benefits for sustainable waste management.

Comparative analysis of the microbiota succession and flavor formation in spontaneously fermented fish sauces made with silvery pomfret (Pampus argenteus) and little yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis)

Our study delved into exploring the bacterial profiles and volatile compounds during the fermentation of two distinct fish sauces, i.e., Larimichthys polyactis (LP) and Pampus argenteus (PA), and a co-occurrence network was employed to investigate the underlying relationship between flavor and microorganisms. The pH (6.97–5.66) remarkably declined while the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N, 92.36–116.55 mg/100 mL) and amino acid nitrogen (AAN, 104.49–638.68 mg/100 mL) contents gradually rose with the fermentation of LP and PA samples. Bacterial community analysis revealed that Psychrobacter was the dominant genus before LP fermentation, and its relative abundance was gradually occupied by Staphylococcus after 7M. The most dominant genus before PA fermentation was Photobacterium, while Virgibacillus emerged as the predominant genera of PA samples after 7M. Seven main volatile compounds made salient contributions (VIP ≥1.0, ROAV ≥1.0) to the flavor of LP- and PA-fermented samples, respectively. Among them, three typical genera (Tetragenococcus, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus) and four specific genera (Tetragenococcus, Psychrobacter, Vagococcus and Lactobacillus) were the core microorganisms contributing to flavor compounds in LP and PA samples, respectively. Therefore, acquiring insight into the microbes responsible for key flavors in multi-variety fermented fish sauces could provide essential indicators for optimizing commercial fermentation processes.

Steady-state and dynamic simulation of gas phase polyethylene process

Gas-phase polyethylene (PE) processes are among the most important methods for PE production. A deeper understanding of the process characteristics and dynamic behavior, such as properties of PE and reactor stability, holds substantial interest for both academic researchers and industries. In this study, both steady-state and dynamic models for a gas-phase polyethylene process are established as a simulation platform, which can be used to study a variety of operation tasks for commercial solution polyethylene processes, such as new product development, process control and real-time optimization. The copolymerization kinetic parameters are fitted by industrial data. Additionally, a multi-reactor series model is developed to characterize the temperature distribution within the fluidized bed reactor. The accuracy in predicting melt index and density of the polymer, and the dynamic behavior of the developed models are verified by real plant data. Moreover, the dynamic simulation platform is applied to compare four practical control schemes for reactor temperature by a series of simulation experiments, since temperature control is important in industrial production. The results reveal that all four schemes effectively track the setpoint temperature. However, only the demineralized water temperature cascade control demonstrates excellent performance in handling disturbances from both the recycle gas subsystem and the heat exchange subsystem.

Effects of surfactants, ion valency and solution temperature on PFAS rejection in commercial reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) processes

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have garnered attention as a pressing environmental issue due to their enduring presence and suspected adverse health effects. This study assessed the rejection or removal efficacy of PFAS by commercial reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes and examined the impacts of surfactants, ion valency and solution temperature that are inadequately explored. The results reveal that the presence of cationic surfactants such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) increased the rejection of two selected PFAS compounds, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), by binding with negatively charged PFAS and preventing them from passing through membrane pores via size exclusion, whereas the presence of anionic surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) increased the PFAS rejection because the increased electrostatic repulsion prevented PFAS from approaching and adsorbing onto the membrane surface. Moreover, aqueous ions (e.g., Al3+ and PO43−) with higher ion valency enabled higher rejection of PFOA and PFBA through increased effective molecular size and increased electronegativity. Finally, only high solution temperature at 45 °C significantly reduced PFAS rejection efficiency because of the thermally expanded membrane pores and thus the increased leakage of PFAS. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the various factors impacting PFAS rejection in commercial RO and NF processes. These findings are crucial for developing efficient PFAS removal methods and optimizing existing treatment systems, thereby contributing significantly to the ongoing efforts to combat PFAS contamination.

Potential and Simulation of Functional Compounds Recovery from Clitoria ternatea L. Extract during The Commercial Sterility Process

The butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) is a flower that is identical to blue to purple petals and contains various phytochemical compounds. Heat processing in butterfly pea flower extract can reduce its nutritional and sensory properties, which is indicated by a decrease in each quality parameter, namely color intensity, total anthocyanins, red flavylium cation, purple quinonoidal base, blue anionic quinonoidal base, ferrulic acid, caffeic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, procatechuic acid, gallic acid, vanillic acid, vanillin, procyanidin hexamer III, and delphinidin-3-glucosse. The thermal process can deactivate bacterial spores to maintain the quality of butterfly pea flower extract. This paper will review steps that can be used as a reference for researchers or industry to optimize commercial sterilization processes using heating process kinetics. The method studied to be adopted in this article is based on the heating process kinetics of each quality parameter (k and D values) combined towards temperature (Z value). The combination of temperature and time to optimize the process is determined by referring to the D and Z values. To optimize the heating process, the sterilization heater needs to be evaluated and the kinetics of the thermal process for each quality parameter need to be prescribed. This thermal process design will contribute greatly to the functional food business with commercial sterilization standards that aim to claim functional compounds at certain concentrations after processing.

Design and Synthesis of a Novel Catalytic System Based on Pd Supported on Alumina Extrudates for Hydrotreating of PAO Lubricants

ABSTRACTThe development of hydrogenation processes for polyalphaolefin (PAO) lubricants, which hold commercialization potential, is a challenging endeavor. Here, we synthesized and characterized rod‐shaped γ‐alumina supported Pd catalyst for PAO hydrofinishing, comparing it with γ‐alumina supported Ni catalyst. Results indicated that Pd/Al2O3 catalyst efficiently promoted PAO hydrofinishing, whereas Ni‐based catalyst exhibited lower activity. Optimization of reaction variables using the one‐factor‐at‐a‐time method revealed that hydrogenated polyalphaolefin could be achieved with a 90% yield using a 5 wt.% catalyst, a hydrogen pressure of 12 bar, at 130°C after 7 h. The superior performance of the fabricated catalysts, coupled with the use of rod‐shaped alumina suitable for large‐scale hydrogenation reactors, suggests the versatility of the process for potential commercialization. Additionally, the higher performance of Pd/alumina compared to Ni/alumina catalyst was computationally assessed at the molecular level using DFT methods.

Innovation and Commercialization Characteristics of Techno-Business Firms in Uganda: An Overview of Firm Processes, Strategies, and Challenges

The role of techno-business firms in shaping the innovation and commercialization processes in Uganda has been the focus of extensive research and analysis. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the contributions of techno-business firms to the innovation and commercialization landscape in Uganda. To accomplish this, qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed using interviews and observational approaches. These methods involve gathering evidence, including observations and interviews with techno-business entrepreneurs. By examining the various factors that influence the growth of these firms, such as their approaches to Research and Development (R&D), marketing, and partnerships, this study sheds light on the ways in which techno-business firms drive innovation and commercialization in Uganda. This study indicates that R&D and Intellectual Property (IP) protection are vital components of firms’ innovation and commercialization initiatives. The study underscores the importance of grants or subsidies as the primary financing mechanism for firm activities. The study highlights that product or innovation development depends on collaborative agreements, adjustments to current products, and internal idea generation. This study reveals innovation and commercialization disparities and proposes remedies to bridge these gaps. This ultimately fosters transformative growth by enhancing industrial production and strengthening the connections between techno-business firms and the industrial sector

Research Progress of Pt-Based Catalysts toward Cathodic Oxygen Reduction Reactions for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been considered by many countries and enterprises because of their cleanness and efficiency. However, due to their high cost and low platinum utilization rate, the commercialization process of PEMFC is severely limited. The cathode catalyst layer (CCL) plays an important role in manipulating the performance and lifespan of PEMFCs, which makes them one of the most significant research focuses in this community. In the CCL, the intrinsic activity and stability of the catalysts determine the performance and lifetime of the catalyst layer. In this paper, the composition and working principle of the PEMFC and cathode catalyst layer are briefly introduced, focusing on Pt-based catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs). The research progress of Pt-based catalysts in the past five years is particularly reviewed, mainly concentrating on the development status of emerging Pt-based catalysts which are popular in the current research field, including novel concepts like phase regulation (intermetallic alloys and high-entropy alloys), interface engineering (coupled low-Pt/Pt-free catalysts), and single-atom catalysts. Finally, the future research and development directions of Pt-based ORR catalysts are summarized and prospected.

Advancements in Synthetic Biology for Enhancing Cyanobacterial Capabilities in Sustainable Plastic Production: A Green Horizon Perspective

This comprehensive review investigates the potential of cyanobacteria, particularly nitrogen-fixing strains, in addressing global challenges pertaining to plastic pollution and carbon emissions. By analyzing the distinctive characteristics of cyanobacteria, including their minimal growth requirements, high photosynthetic efficiency, and rapid growth rates, this study elucidates their crucial role in transforming carbon sequestration, biofuel generation, and biodegradable plastic production. The investigation emphasizes cyanobacteria’s efficiency in photosynthesis, positioning them as optimal candidates for cost-effective bioplastic production with minimized land usage. Furthermore, the study explores their unconventional yet promising utilization in biodiesel production, mitigating environmental concerns such as sulfur emissions and the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons. The resulting biodiesel exhibits significant combustion potential, establishing cyanobacteria as a viable option for sustainable biofuel production. Through a comprehensive assessment of both achievements and challenges encountered during the commercialization process, this review offers valuable insights into the diverse contributions of cyanobacteria. Its objective is to provide guidance to researchers, policymakers, and industries interested in harnessing bio-inspired approaches for structural and sustainable applications, thereby advancing global efforts towards environmentally conscious plastic and biofuel production.

Achieving the dual regulation of microstructure and microdefects in lithium rich materials by electrospinning technology

Lithium-rich manganese-based cathode materials (LNCM) have garnered tremendous attention for the superior reversible capacity. However, the inherently unstable structure and low diffusion kinetics of Li+ hamper their commercialization process. Recent studies have shown that void defects within grains are the main cause of oxygen release and voltage drop during cycling. Therefore, highly crystallinity small particles are the ideal structure for high power density and cycling stability of LNCM. However, improving the crystallinity of materials often means increasing the sintering temperature, which can easily cause material aggregation and grain growth. In this paper, by adopting the electrostatic spinning technology, nanowire shaped precursor are constructed, which facilitates the direct contact between the hot gas flow and the precursor during sintering, thus promoting ion diffusion and material crystallinity. Besides, the electronic and chemical environment in the modified LNCM sample have regulated simultaneously, accompanying with a significant increase in O vacancies, Mn4+ and Ni3+ ions. Adjustments from morphology to molecular structure increased the contact area between the material and electrolyte, improved the diffusion ability of Li+, and enhanced structural stability of the material, resulting in improved rate performance and cycling stability. This study expands our understanding of adopting electrospinning technology to prepare high-performance materials.

Assessment of the as-sintered surfaces of ceramic components additively manufactured by vat Photopolymerization (CerAMVPP)

The aim of this work was to gain an initial impression of the surface quality that can be achieved with additively manufactured ceramic components. For this purpose, an assessment body was generated, which has partially double-curved surfaces that can be scanned using a confocal microscope. After manufacturing using Vat Photopolymerization for ceramic components (CerAM VPP) with a commercial alumina suspension (Lithalox 350, Lithoz, Vienna, AUT) and thermal processing, the respective surface was measured at four different geometric areas. For evaluation, line sections were extracted to calculate Ra values as well as to determine Sa values for surfaces. Ra and Sa values were determined in all areas, reaching always values below 2.5 μm. The surface quality is therefore an order of magnitude lower than that of typical metallic AM components.

The challenges and prospects of developing an innovation intermediary organization: a case study of Iran

This paper aims to design the optimal structure of an innovation intermediary organization and its open innovation platform to facilitate the process of commercialization of inventions as well as establish effective communications between industrialists and researchers and inventors. Even though the issue of creating an open innovation platform and its design was raised in other research, the optimal structure that was extracted from the experience of working in the field of commercialization of inventions in a long-term period has not been done. Using the case study research methodology for seven years (from 2012 to 2018) in seven phases, we studied the obstacles in the way of, and strategies for, the development of the innovation intermediary organization in Iran, and proposed a model for the open innovation platform belonging to this innovation intermediary organization at the end of the 7th phase. The tool for gathering information is the review of open innovation organization documents and semi-structured interviews with 15 experts and managers of this open innovation organization. By categorizing the obtained codes, the intended themes were extracted. Then, Cohen's Kappa coefficient was used to measure the reliability of the obtained codes, the value of which was equal to 0.85, indicating the high reliability of this research. Also, to strengthen the credibility of this qualitative research, environmental observations and analyzed data were used to provide respondents with their opinions. The obtained findings indicate an appropriate structure for the innovation intermediary organization and its open innovation platform to accelerate the identification of the needs of industries, creating solutions for these needs, as well as supporting patents and entrepreneurial plans. In this structure, various components of the innovation ecosystem interact with each other, including universities, research centers, experts, start-ups, investors, entrepreneurs, science and technology parks, and accelerators. The results of the study show that by collaborating with this platform, universities can provide job opportunities for students in various fields. By joining this platform, industries will be able to meet some of their technological needs. Furthermore, entrepreneurs can use this platform to finance their entrepreneurial projects using investors and acquire their required experts.

Modification of clinoptilolite as a natural zeolite by copper oxide nanoparticles for efficient desulfurization of kerosene

In recent years, researchers are looking for ways to reduce the amount of sulfur in kerosene. Therefore, desulfurization of kerosene is considered an important commercial and environmental process. Among the hard and complicated methods available for the desulfurization process, natural zeolites can be a suitable alternative for the desulfurization of oil products due to their economic efficiency, biocompatibility, and natural abundance of oil reserves. In this research, natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) was modified with CuO nanoparticles and used as adsorbent for desulfurization of kerosene. The effect of important parameters such as adsorbent dose, pH of solution and initial adsorbate concentration were investigated. Results indicated the optimum conditions as follows: dose of adsorbent 2 g, pH 10 and the adsorbate dose 200 ppm. Results showed that the modified adsorbent is a suitable, low-cost and good efficiency for the desulfurization process of kerosene.

Inactivation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus with High-temperature Short Time Continuous Flow Pasteurization and Virus Detection in Bulk Milk Tanks

Infections of dairy cattle with clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) were reported in March 2024 in the U.S. and viable virus was detected at high levels in raw milk from infected cows. This study aimed to determine the potential quantities of infectious HPAIV in raw milk in affected states where herds were confirmed positive by USDA for HPAIV (and therefore were not representative of the entire population), and to confirm that the commonly used continuous flow pasteurization using the FDA approved 72 °C (161°F) for 15 s conditions for high−temperature short time (HTST) processing, will inactivate the virus. Double-blinded raw milk samples from bulk storage tanks from farms (n = 275) were collected in four affected states. Samples were screened for influenza A using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qrRT-PCR) of which 158 (57.5%) were positive and were subsequently quantified in embryonating chicken eggs. Thirty-nine qrRT-PCR positive samples (24.8%) were positive for infectious virus with a median titer of 3.5 log10 50% egg infectious doses (EID50) per mL. To closely simulate commercial milk pasteurization processing systems, a pilot-scale continuous flow pasteurizer was used to evaluate HPAIV inactivation in artificially contaminated raw milk using the most common legal conditions in the US: 72 °C (161°F) for 15 s. Among all replicates at two flow rates (n = 5 at 0.5 L/min; n = 4 at 1 L/min), no viable virus was detected. A mean reduction of ≥5.8 ± 0.2 log10 EID50/mL occurred during the heating phase where the milk is brought to 72.5 °C before the holding tube. Estimates from heat-transfer analysis support that standard U.S. continuous flow HTST pasteurization parameters will inactivate >12 log10 EID50/mL of HPAIV, which is ∼9 log10 EID50/mL greater than the median quantity of infectious virus detected in raw milk from bulk storage tank samples. These findings demonstrate that the US milk supply is safe when pasteurized.

Enhanced Dye-Sensitized Mechanosensation Utilizing Pulsed and Digitally Modulated Light.

The generation of pressure perturbations in matter stimulated by pulsed light is a method widely recognized as the photoacoustic or light-induced thermoelastic effect. In a series of psychophysical experiments, the robustness of the tactile perception generated with a variety of light sources is examined: a diverging pulsed laser used for photoacoustic tomography optical parameter oscillation (OPO), a miniature diode laser (MDL), and a commercial digital light processing (DLP) projector. It is demonstrated that participants can accurately detect, categorically describe the sensations, and discern the direction of pulsed light travel. High detection accuracy is reported as follows: (d' = 4.95 (OPO); d' = 2.78 (modulated MDL); d' = 2.99 (DLP)) of the stimulus on glabrous skin coated with a thin layer of dye absorber. For all light sources, the predominant sensation is felt as vibration at the distal phalanx (i.e., fingertip, 55.21-57.29%) and the proximal phalanx (41.67-44.79%). At the fingertip, thermal sensations are perceived less frequently than mechanical ones. Moreover, these haptic effects are preserved under a wide range of pulse widths, spot sizes, optical energies, and wavelengths of the light sources. This form of sensory stimulation demonstrates a generalizable non-contact, non-optogenetic, in situ activation of the mechanosensorysystem.