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Researchers in the United States have developed a new type of nanocomposite ultrafiltration membrane that overcomes the usual trade-off between selectivity and liquid permeability associated with ultrafiltration membranes.
When designing a membrane for the ultrafiltration of proteins from a liquid, it is usually difficult to achieve a material that is both effectively selective and permeable. Protein molecules can also ‘foul’ the membrane, reducing its permeability and necessitating cleaning or replacement. This new membrane material exhibits both high permeability and protein rejection through the use of conducting polymers in the membrane material.
A team of researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles have combined their expertise in conducting polymers and advanced membrane materials to produce a highly permeable nanocomposite polysulfone-polypyrrole nanoparticle membrane by non-solvent induced separation. The conducting polymers interact favourably with water and unfavourably with proteins such that the membrane performs the separation, but doesn’t become clogged with proteins sticking to its surface. The scientists have used the membrane effectively to separate bovine serum albumin from an aqueous solution.
Effective pathway to convert CO2 into ethylene discovered
A research team from Caltech and the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering has demonstrated a promising way to efficiently convert carbon dioxide into ethylene -- an important chemical used to produce plastics, solvents, cosmetics and other important products globally. The scientists developed ... more
Caffeine gives solar cells an energy boost
Scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Solargiga Energy in China have discovered that caffeine can help make a promising alternative to traditional solar cells more efficient at converting light to electricity. Their research may enable this cost-effective rene ... more
Ultra-lightweight ceramic material that withstands extreme temperatures
UCLA researchers and collaborators at eight other research institutions have created an extremely light, very durable ceramic aerogel. The material could be used for applications like insulating spacecraft because it can withstand the intense heat and severe temperature changes that space m ... more
New coating is self-defence for seeds
Scientists in Switzerland have developed a protective coating for seeds that poisons pests with cyanide when they bite into it. The coating is a system of two layers and only becomes toxic when the layers are mixed, eliminating the problem of environmental contamination that is associated w ... more
Using bacteria to make electrodes
Scientists in France have produced hematite using a bacterial pathway for use as an electrode material in Li-ion technologies. Currently, most commercial electrode materials for Li-ion technologies are prepared using the ceramic method, which requires long heating periods at high temperatur ... more
Marine plant replacement for platinum in solar cells
An international research team has shown that that the power conversion efficiency of sea tangle extract is comparable to platinum in solar cell electrodes. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are quickly becoming a widespread and affordable alternative to photovoltaic solar cells. The electr ... more
Royal Society of Chemistry – About us
With more than 51,000 members and an international publishing and knowledge business we are the UK’s professional body for chemical scientists, supporting and representing our members and bringing together chemical scientists from all over the world. more
Hear from RSC member Vicki Stone talk about her role as a Nanotoxicologist. more
When Food met Pharma: Delivery Strategies for Nutraceuticals
With growing prevalence of lifestyle-associated diseases, including obesity, Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease, there is an urgent need and demand to try to prevent the onset of these diseases within our growing population. Nutraceuticals, along with appropriate diet and exercise, ... more
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
The RSC is a leading international publisher of highly regarded journals and books in the chemical sciences. The RSC is also the professional body for chemists with a global membership of over 46,000. more
