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 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 Water is fundamental to sustainable development, acting as a crucial element for human survival, economic growth, energy, food production, and a healthy ecosystem. When more water is withdrawn from the ecosystem than is replenished, the risk for depletion and long-term damage to aquifers and that ecosystem is increased. Thus,...

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 Drinking water often contains unsafe levels of toxic contaminants including bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Common disinfectants include chlorine and mercury-based UVC lamps. However, chlorine is not widely available in all parts of the world, and mercury-based UVC systems don’t typically provide uniform distribution of...

Invention Description Detecting bright point scatterers is important to quality assessments of sonar, radar and medical imaging systems, particularly as it pertains to resolution characterization. Prominent, or coherent, scatterers are typically detected using thresholding techniques in addition to statistical measures in the detection processing chain....

Various technologies have been developed to reduce CO2 emissions and achieve net-zero energy sectors. One common method is carbon capture and storage, which traps CO22 using special materials. However, they are facing challenges in handling the captured CO2 for long-term storage and potential secondary emissions. Converting CO2 into useful products...

Invention Description Heavy metals are non-biodegradable and can contaminate in ecosystems and the food chain, making them one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Certain industrial practices have resulted in an increase in the amount of heavy metals discharged into wastewater which can then leach into or contaminate other water...