AIChE Journal最新文献

{"title":"From continuous to interruptible distillation: Flexible electric heating column architecture with fast start-up","authors":"Samuel Mercer, Michael Baldea","doi":"10.1002/aic.70380","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.70380","url":null,"abstract":"Electrification of distillation offers a promising route to reducing scope-1 emissions from one of the chemical industry's most energy-intensive unit operations. However, conventional adiabatic columns are dynamically inflexible: Long, energy-intensive start-ups make shutdown and restart impractical under variable electricity prices and renewable power availability. This work advances complementary dynamic and thermodynamic arguments for a new distillation architecture. Dynamically, a modular column design with hydraulic isolation preserves stage-wise liquid holdup and composition during shutdown, enabling parallel stage reheating and rapid restart. Thermodynamically, distributed stage-wise electric heating transfers heat along the column section, reducing exergy losses during transients. A unified dynamic model captures phase transitions, hydraulics, and control switching during shutdown and startup. A methanol-water case study demonstrates a 79% reduction in startup time (20.1 h to 4.05 h), along with reductions in startup energy use and exergy losses of 56% and 58%, respectively. These results enable interruptible, demand-responsive electrified distillation.","PeriodicalId":120,"journal":{"name":"AIChE Journal","volume":"93 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147709254","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phenolic/carboxylic functionalized hypercrosslinked polymers for aromatic diamine recovery from polyurethane hydrolysate","authors":"Liyan Chen, Meng Rong, Jiemiao Yu, Qiyu Meng, Xia Wu, Li Wang, Huizhou Liu, Liangrong Yang","doi":"10.1002/aic.70415","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.70415","url":null,"abstract":"Upcycling waste polyurethane (PU) via (bio)chemical depolymerization is a promising strategy for advancing a circular plastic economy, yet efficient recovery of toxic but valuable aromatic diamines remains a critical bottleneck. Herein, a phenolic- and carboxylic acid–functionalized hyper-cross-linked polymer (HCP–PCA) was designed for the selective recovery of 2,4-toluene diamine (TDA) and 4,4′-methylene dianiline (MDA) from PU biohydrolysates. HCP–PCA features a high surface area (610 m²/g), abundant acidic sites, and low material cost (~$0.102/g). Batch adsorption experiments demonstrated high capacities of 1.46 mmol/g for TDA and 2.65 mmol/g for MDA, along with rapid kinetics and strong selectivity. Spectroscopic analyses revealed that adsorption is driven by synergistic acid–base interactions, hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and hydrophobic effects. Dynamic column tests further confirmed efficient adsorption–desorption behavior and practical applicability. This work provides a scalable and sustainable strategy for aromatic diamine recovery, facilitating downstream PU bio-upcycling and plastic waste valorization.","PeriodicalId":120,"journal":{"name":"AIChE Journal","volume":"67 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147695978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A fluorinated phosphite enabling safe low-concentration Li-ion electrolytes via radical capture and weak solvation","authors":"Yun Ji, Haipeng You, Tianhao Lan, Rui Cao, Xinyu Mai, Yihui Liu, Runtao Wen, Long Chen, Chunzhong Li","doi":"10.1002/aic.70403","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.70403","url":null,"abstract":"Low-concentration electrolytes (LCEs) offer economic benefits for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) but suffer from poor conductivity, interfacial instability and safety risks. Here we show that tuning additive molecules for electrophilic radical capture and weak Li⁺ solvation effectively overcomes these limitations. A rationally designed fluorinated phosphite, tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)phosphite (TTFPi), exhibits strong radical-quenching capability enabled by a negative hyperconjugation effect (LP(P) → σ*(C–O)), which promotes rapid bond cleavage and enhances flame retardancy. Meanwhile, the absence of a P=O group and perfluorination markedly weaken its interaction with Li⁺, confining TTFPi to outer solvation sheath. TTFPi further weakens Li⁺-solvent interactions via dipole coupling, increases ion aggregates and induces a stable inorganic-rich interface. The resulting 0.75 M electrolyte enables an NCM811||graphite pouch cell to retain 85.9% capacity after 1200 cycles, with a high thermal runaway temperature of 266.0°C and stable operation from −20 to 55°C, providing a promising approach for high-safety LCEs for LIBs.","PeriodicalId":120,"journal":{"name":"AIChE Journal","volume":"42 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147696023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coproduction of potassium diformate and hydrogen via glycerol electrooxidation at industry-level current density","authors":"Fanpeng Ma, Lingyu Gao, Huanhuan Guo, Chen Chen, Xinyi Huo, Yan Fu, Jinli Zhang","doi":"10.1002/aic.70408","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.70408","url":null,"abstract":"The economics of conventional water electrolysis is restricted by the energy-intensive oxygen evolution. To address this, we fabricate nanoneedle-like NiCo₂O₄ electrocatalyst capable of achieving efficient selective glycerol electrooxidation at low potential of 1.35 V vs. RHE, facilitated by synergistic redox cycling between Ni and Co sites in electrogenerated Ni/Co(OOH) species. Stable electrolysis at 500 mA cm⁻² for 240 h markedly reduces the cell voltage by 551 mV and the energy consumption by 1.59 kWh Nm⁻³ H₂ as compared to water splitting. Impressively, we establish an industrial-scale integrated electrolysis system with 11 electrode pairs (10 × 10 cm² each), enabling high production of potassium diformate within a short period of time. Techno-economic analysis confirms strong profitability for the coupled system, validating a feasible “green-hydrogen-production-sustained-by-chemical-revenue” paradigm. This work offers a high-performance spinel-based anode material that efficiently drives coproduction of high-value-added chemical and hydrogen at the industrial level.","PeriodicalId":120,"journal":{"name":"AIChE Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147695977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An enzyme-responsive block microneedle patch with cavity structure for advanced melasma therapy","authors":"Fu Jia Kou, Xiao Peng Zhang, Yi Ting Li, Xiao Tong Zhao, An Na Li, Wan Yue Zhang, Shitong Cui, Zhibing Zhang, Jun Ge, Can Yang Zhang","doi":"10.1002/aic.70413","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.70413","url":null,"abstract":"Melasma is a prevalent hyperpigmentation disorder with suboptimal treatment outcomes and frequent relapse, which seriously affects patients' psychological well-being, social life, and self-esteem. Current therapies including topical agents, chemical peels, and photo-therapies yield only partial and temporary improvements with severe side effects. Here, we proposed the enzyme-responsive embedded-cavity microneedle patches (ECMNPs) system for sustained melasma therapy. The MN tips are composed of hyaluronic acid, which dissolves subcutaneously to repair the skin barrier, can regulate the microenvironment and reduce hyperpigmentation triggered by external stimuli. The internal cavities as drug reservoirs enabled sustained release through enzyme-triggered degradation of the needle matrix, eliminating the microneedle for repeated penetration. Systematic evaluations, including morphological characterization, mechanical testing, porosity analysis, and drug release mechanism, confirmed the superior physical properties of ECMNPs. Studies in vitro and in vivo confirmed the high therapeutic efficacy and biosafety, proving the huge potential of ECMNPs in advanced melasma therapy.","PeriodicalId":120,"journal":{"name":"AIChE Journal","volume":"46 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147696020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immobilization of trigonal pyramidal copper(l) sites into bibenzotriazole Metal‐Organic Framework for efficient one‐step methane purification","authors":"Yuan Li, Zhiwei Zhao, Feifei Zhang, Yating Wang, Yanjie Wang, Xiaoqing Wang, Jinping Li, Jiangfeng Yang","doi":"10.1002/aic.70398","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.70398","url":null,"abstract":"The production of high‐purity CH <jats:sub>4</jats:sub> (&gt;99.99%) is critical for energy and advanced industrial applications, but the simultaneous removal of N <jats:sub>2</jats:sub> and O <jats:sub>2</jats:sub> remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report a Cu(I) coordination‐engineered metal–organic framework (Cu‐CFA‐1) based on theoretical design and experimental validation, which demonstrates remarkably selective adsorption of N <jats:sub>2</jats:sub> and O <jats:sub>2</jats:sub> over CH <jats:sub>4</jats:sub> , reversing the CH <jats:sub>4</jats:sub> selectivity of the parent material. <jats:italic>In situ</jats:italic> infrared spectroscopy and computational modeling studies revealed that the threefold coordination of Cu(I) by nitrogen ligands (Cu(I)‐3N) significantly enhances its electron‐donating capability, enabling targeted adsorption of π‐acidic gases (N <jats:sub>2</jats:sub> /O <jats:sub>2</jats:sub> ) through charge‐transfer effects. Breakthrough experiments demonstrated that Cu‐CFA‐1 can provide high‐purity CH <jats:sub>4</jats:sub> in a single adsorption–desorption cycle from ternary (N <jats:sub>2</jats:sub> /O <jats:sub>2</jats:sub> /CH <jats:sub>4</jats:sub> ) and even six‐component (N <jats:sub>2</jats:sub> /O <jats:sub>2</jats:sub> /CH <jats:sub>4</jats:sub> /CO <jats:sub>2</jats:sub> /C <jats:sub>2</jats:sub> H <jats:sub>6</jats:sub> /C <jats:sub>3</jats:sub> H <jats:sub>8</jats:sub> ) gas mixtures. This work provides an energy‐efficient solution for CH <jats:sub>4</jats:sub> purification from multicomponent systems, and establishes a theoretical and practical foundation for the mechanism of π‐acidic gas adsorption.","PeriodicalId":120,"journal":{"name":"AIChE Journal","volume":"68 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147681647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experimental and numerical study of inertial particle clustering mechanism in a laminar stirred flow","authors":"Qianqian Kang, Haohan Xu, Dapeng He, Cong Wang, Qiwu Yang, Xin Feng, Jie Chen, Chao Yang","doi":"10.1002/aic.70405","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.70405","url":null,"abstract":"Isolated mixing regions (IMRs) in high‐viscosity laminar stirred tanks reduce mixing efficiency but enable new solid–liquid separation and localized reactions. This work establishes an experimental and a modeling methods for inertial particle clustering. Experiments show that particle density and Reynolds number of the fluid control ring‐like clustering. Simulations reveal buoyant particles are attracted to the IMR via slow manifold attraction and “Sweep‐Stick” mechanism and locked onto closed IMR orbits (Lissajous‐like trajectories) by the pressure gradient force. The “orbital classification” phenomenon of binary particles is found. Lighter buoyant particles approach the higher‐vorticity region of the IMR, while heavier particles are pushed to the periphery. A novel clustering criterion is proposed in three‐dimensional laminar stirred flows. The study enables a deeper insight into the dynamics of inertial particle migration and clustering, and provides a new paradigm for the design of solid–liquid separation and localized reaction environments.","PeriodicalId":120,"journal":{"name":"AIChE Journal","volume":"30 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147681646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Decomposition and smart enumeration for the globally optimal design of distillation columns with associated equipment","authors":"Alice Peccini, Yi Cui, Yufei Wang, André L. H. Costa, Miguel J. Bagajewicz","doi":"10.1002/aic.70406","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.70406","url":null,"abstract":"Several articles on the optimal design of distillation columns have focused on minimizing cost, addressing only the determination of the optimal number of trays and the feed tray location, while making several assumptions about condenser and reboiler costs and, in most cases, ignoring tray geometry design. However, no prior work determines the detailed geometry design of a distillation column and its associated equipment simultaneously. In this work, we present this method for the first time, and we guarantee global optimality. Aside from considering exchangers, drum and plate geometry, we propose a Bilevel Optimization Approach aided by Set Trimming and Smart/Segmental Enumeration. Set Trimming is used to rule out infeasible separations from the candidate solutions. Smart Enumeration searches the set of candidates organized in ascending order of the objective function lower bound until a stopping criterion is met. Results for columns with two diameters further demonstrate the versatility and efficiency of the proposed method.","PeriodicalId":120,"journal":{"name":"AIChE Journal","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147666500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CO2 Capture with Terpenoid-based Deep Eutectic Solvents: Effects of Molecular Thermodynamics and Topology","authors":"Minghao Song, Ruisong Zhu, Fei Zhao, Zhigang Lei","doi":"10.1002/aic.70400","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.70400","url":null,"abstract":"This study systematically investigates the impact of molecular isomerism on CO<span data-altimg=\"/cms/asset/a82e8468-f242-4be0-a517-17c9206d7ef6/aic70400-math-0003.png\"></span><mjx-container ctxtmenu_counter=\"5\" ctxtmenu_oldtabindex=\"1\" jax=\"CHTML\" role=\"application\" sre-explorer- style=\"font-size: 103%; position: relative;\" tabindex=\"0\"><mjx-math aria-hidden=\"true\" location=\"graphic/aic70400-math-0003.png\"><mjx-semantics><mjx-mrow><mjx-msub data-semantic-children=\"0,1\" data-semantic- data-semantic-role=\"unknown\" data-semantic-speech=\"Subscript 2\" data-semantic-type=\"subscript\"><mjx-mrow data-semantic- data-semantic-parent=\"2\" data-semantic-role=\"unknown\" data-semantic-type=\"empty\"></mjx-mrow><mjx-script style=\"vertical-align: -0.15em;\"><mjx-mrow size=\"s\"><mjx-mn data-semantic-annotation=\"clearspeak:simple\" data-semantic-font=\"normal\" data-semantic- data-semantic-parent=\"2\" data-semantic-role=\"integer\" data-semantic-type=\"number\"><mjx-c></mjx-c></mjx-mn></mjx-mrow></mjx-script></mjx-msub></mjx-mrow></mjx-semantics></mjx-math><mjx-assistive-mml display=\"inline\" unselectable=\"on\"><math altimg=\"urn:x-wiley:00011541:media:aic70400:aic70400-math-0003\" display=\"inline\" location=\"graphic/aic70400-math-0003.png\" xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML\"><semantics><mrow><msub data-semantic-=\"\" data-semantic-children=\"0,1\" data-semantic-role=\"unknown\" data-semantic-speech=\"Subscript 2\" data-semantic-type=\"subscript\"><mrow data-semantic-=\"\" data-semantic-parent=\"2\" data-semantic-role=\"unknown\" data-semantic-type=\"empty\"></mrow><mrow><mn data-semantic-=\"\" data-semantic-annotation=\"clearspeak:simple\" data-semantic-font=\"normal\" data-semantic-parent=\"2\" data-semantic-role=\"integer\" data-semantic-type=\"number\">2</mn></mrow></msub></mrow>$$ {}_2 $$</annotation></semantics></math></mjx-assistive-mml></mjx-container> capture using hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents composed of DBU and four stereoisomeric terpenes: Geraniol, nerol, linalool, and L-menthol. Experimental results demonstrate that the linear trans-configured geraniol-based DES exhibits superior performance (0.59 mol/mol) and favorable hydrodynamics due to lower viscosity, whereas sterically hindered isomers show reduced capacity. DFT calculations reveal a base-promoted concerted mechanism strictly governed by steric hindrance. Consequently, activation free energy barriers follow the order: Geraniol &lt; Menthol &lt; Nerol &lt; Linalool. Furthermore, microwave-assisted regeneration achieved 86% capacity recovery within 30 s, ensuring rapid cyclability. This work establishes a rigorous structure-activity relationship, highlighting the pivotal role of stereochemical topology in designing efficient, water-tolerant non-aqueous absorbents.","PeriodicalId":120,"journal":{"name":"AIChE Journal","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147696024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reaction-controlled kinetic sieving: Mechanistic insights into selective SO2/CO2 absorption using alkaline-wetted membrane contactor","authors":"Kaiyun Fu, Kexin Zhang, Huiping Zhang, Peng Xu, Xianfu Chen, Minghui Qiu, Yiqun Fan","doi":"10.1002/aic.70390","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.70390","url":null,"abstract":"Membrane contactors for gas separation typically employ hydrophobic membranes to prevent pore wetting, a phenomenon considered detrimental to performance. This work disruptively demonstrates that deliberately wetted hydrophilic membranes enable ultrahigh selective and fast SO₂/CO₂ separation, outperforming hydrophobic membranes. We unfold the underlying mechanism through three causal and hierarchical layers: interface advancement, microenvironment creation, and asymmetric compression of reaction fronts, formally defining it as Reaction-Controlled Kinetic Sieving (RCKS). To transform it into a quantitative theory, we defined an intrinsic parameter, RCKS sieving factor (SF), which quantifies the relative positioning of reaction fronts between fast and slow components. Each front is defined by the condition where its local Damköhler number equals one, indicating the region of strongest reaction–diffusion competition. By establishing a two-dimensional mechanism variable space (intrinsic SF vs. external fast/slow component interfacial concentration ratio), we provide a universal framework for designing high-performance, process-centric gas separation systems that transcend material-centric limitations.","PeriodicalId":120,"journal":{"name":"AIChE Journal","volume":"45 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147664179","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}