Invention Description Enzymatic degradation offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative for recycling plastics compared to traditional chemical methods. However, its practical application is limited by slow reaction rates, the need for large amounts of constantly replenished buffer solution, and incomplete degradation that produces secondary...

Invention Description Over the last century, human activity has profoundly disrupted the natural nitrogen cycle, driven largely by the widespread use of ammonia (NH3) produced via the Haber–Bosch (HB) process. While this method is crucial for sustaining the global population, it is highly energy-intensive, requiring extreme temperatures and pressures,...

Invention Description The push for smaller, more efficient, and high-performance power electronics systems is fueling the rapid adoption of Wide Bandgap (WBG) and Ultrawide Bandgap (UWBG) semiconductors. Compared to traditional silicon (Si), these advanced materials allow devices to operate at higher voltages, faster switching frequencies, and elevated...

Invention Description The advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) have enabled the creation of complex, architected cellular materials (metamaterials) with extraordinary properties, surpassing traditional manufacturing capabilities. These materials offer significant improvements in weight reduction, thermal-fluid efficiency, and mechanical strength,...

Invention Description Traditional electronics and sensors often fail under mechanical stress due to structural fatigue, limited flexibility, and an inability to stretch, which restricts their use in advanced applications. Liquid metals (LMs), such as gallium alloys, like EGaIn, and gallium indium tin, have emerged as significant materials in the realm...

Invention Description Conventional fiber optic surface modifications rely on porous silica substrates, which are brittle and optically limited. While polymers such as PMMA and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) offer superior mechanical flexibility and optical clarity, their relatively inert surfaces resist functionalization via traditional methods. ...

Invention Description Because the atmosphere is a vast source of fresh water (estimates put it at around six times more than the combined total in lakes and rivers), atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) is being pursued as a viable tool to meet future global water challenges. There are various AWH devices including fog capture, desiccant-based (adsorber)...

Invention Description Commercial photoresins predominantly rely on (meth)acrylate-based formulations, which offer fast gelation rates, tunable crosslink densities/material properties, and relatively cost-effective production. Their popularity and demand is evidenced by the 27,000 metric tons of photoresins that were produced, globally, in 2023. Unfortunately,...

Invention Description Because of their insulating and porous physical properties, polyurethanes are excellent materials for use in cushions and mattresses, insulation, packaging, acoustic absorbers and more. However, polyurethane synthesis requires catalysts, isocyanates and other agents which can be toxic and release concerning VOCs. In addition,...

Invention Description In the field of infrastructure and material science, accurately predicting the lifespan of binders and coatings is essential for managing long-term maintenance costs and durability. Current chemical aging measurement techniques look at the "carbonyl index," which acts as a molecular fingerprint for how much a material...