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Over the past decades, intensive efforts have been dedicated to overcoming the strength-ductility trade-off dilemma of advanced high-strength steels by creating multi-phase microstructures with chemical heterogeneity. This paper presents a brief summary of the advancements in medium Mn steel (MMnS), which has garnered prominence in automobile applications due to its high strength coupled with good toughness achieved via the modulation of retained austenite (γret) stability. We examine the optimization of integral mechanical attributes such as strength, ductility and toughness. MMnS can reach an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) beyond 2200 MPa; however, there is a steep decline in toughness below 100 J when the UTS is > 1200 MPa. The relevant mechanisms including novel alloying design strategies, innovative processing routines such as flash processing, chemical boundary engineering and meticulous modulation of γ stability through chemical heterogeneity are analyzed. Furthermore, the potential avenues for research and innovation in MMnS are outlined by incorporating laser additive manufacturing technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the challenges faced in “Principles of Chemical Engineering” teaching, characterized by students’ difficulties in comprehension, application, and persistence, the teaching team, guided by the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) philosophy, has enriched the theoretical teaching framework through a “multi-dimensional and comprehensive” approach. Efforts to solidify foundational knowledge and strengthen practical skills aim to cultivate chemical engineering thinking. The adoption of a “multi-project, multi-stakeholder” approach for teaching evaluation has facilitated the innovative reform of the “Principles of Chemical Engineering” course. This initiative has significantly enhanced students’ abilities in innovation, practice, and engineering thinking. Simultaneously, as the teaching team progresses with the instructional innovations and reforms, their engagement in teaching research and participation in teaching competitions have notably improved their teaching competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with the conventional emulsification method, droplets generated within microfluidic devices exhibit distinct advantages such as precise control of fluids, exceptional monodispersity, uniform morphology, flexible manipulation, and narrow size distribution. These inherent benefits, including intrinsic safety, excellent heat and mass transfer capabilities, and large surface‐to‐volume ratio, have led to the widespread applications of droplet‐based microfluidics across diverse fields, encompassing chemical engineering, particle synthesis, biological detection, diagnostics, emulsion preparation, and pharmaceuticals. However, despite its promising potential for versatile applications, the practical utilization of this technology in commercial and industrial is extremely limited to the inherently low production rates achievable within a single microchannel. Over the past two decades, droplet‐based microfluidics has evolved significantly, considerably transitioning from a proof‐of‐concept stage to industrialization. And now there is a growing trend towards translating academic research into commercial and industrial applications, primarily driven by the burgeoning demands of various fields. This paper comprehensively reviews recent advancements in droplet‐based microfluidics, covering the fundamental working principles and the critical aspect of scale‐up integration from working principles to scale‐up integration. Based on the existing scale‐up strategies, the paper also outlines the future research directions, identifies the potential opportunities, and addresses the typical unsolved challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of the optimal operational policy for an automotive supply chain is explored under a centralized management approach using dynamic programming. A deterministic optimal control model is proposed to meet multi-product demand over a period while minimizing a cost performance index for a five-echelon network. The production-inventory levels are the state variables and the raw material acquisition rates are the control variables to be decided in the problem. The novelties include parts mixing operations, assembly requirements, and a push–pull chain operation strategy. The continuous model is solved using Iterative Dynamic Programming, an algorithm with successful applications in chemical engineering problems. Its implementation here is the first in supply chain (SC) management models. The results demonstrate that the proposal is suitable to represent the dynamic behavior of the SC and provides useful information to outline a cooperative decision-making process. Managerial insights are derived to improve the resilience and efficiency of the chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on use of AI-based chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT in the chemical engineering industry, highlighting both the potential benefits and the challenges of deploying such technologies. Topics include recent updates to ChatGPT, differences between paid and free versions; and case studies demonstrating its application in process safety.

The perspectives of technological advances needed for short term energetic transition are briefly reviewed and discussed critically. In particular, the technologies for the greenhouse gas emission-free production of electrical energy, its storage and transport, the production, transport, storage and use of hydrogen, and the use of biomass derived technologies are shortly and critically reviewed. Critical aspects are emphasized. The role of chemistry, and in particular materials chemistry and engineering, in short-term developments are underlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gradient‐index (GRIN) lenses have long been recognized for their importance in optics as a result of their ability to manipulate light. However, traditional GRIN lenses are limited on a scale of tens of microns, impeding their integration into nanoscale optical devices. This study presents a groundbreaking self‐assembled method that overcomes this limitation, allowing for constructing GRIN lenses at an extremely small dimension. The self‐assembly process offers several advantages, including creating highly precise, scalable, cost‐effective, and complex structures that eliminate the need for intricate and time‐consuming manual assembly. By engineering densely packed arrays of metallic nanoparticles, exceptional control over the local refractive index has been achieved. This is accomplished by layer‐by‐layer assembly of gold nanoparticles of different sizes over silica beads. A GRIN lens light‐sink is built where light is preferentially directed toward the center, which is corroborated by measuring the fluorescence of Rhodamine B (RhB) in the inside. Unlike traditional bulky macroscopic GRIN lenses, light‐sinks boast a size under 2.5 µm. Notably, the self‐focusing effects of this design allowed us to track the growth of single‐nanoparticle layers using SERS (Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy). These results pave the way for designing and developing lens‐like devices at the nanoscale, allowing unprecedented light manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the movement to improve process safety, incidents in chemical-related industries are still occurring around the world. Personnel process safety lack of knowledge is a typical cause of these events. Process safety is an integral part of a chemical engineer’s work. Employees’ discontent with chemical engineering graduates’ process safety understanding revealed deficiencies in undergraduate courses. Inadequate accident investigation and prevention training has also hampered graduates’ knowledge and preparation for high-risk jobs. To address the gaps, an online game platform was suggested and tested with 450 undergraduate students at different levels and disciplines. Virtual reality process safety game proven to improve chemical engineering graduates’ process safety competency while delivering industry experience. The approach is also believed to improve students’ problem-solving and decision-making skills and motivate engagement to study process safety. The main features of the game are desired to be online web-based with serious role-play integrated into real-life simulation activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active learning, also called "learning by doing" (LbD), has resulted in positive learning outcomes in several higher education degrees. This paper describes an LbD experience within Chemical Engineering education aiming to enhance learning and transferable competencies using a Life Cycle Assessment course as a vehicle. This compulsory course belongs to the European Project Semester (EPS) program taught in the fourth year of the Chemical Engineering Degree at the University of Cantabria. From the beginning, the activity has targeted LCA practice with a strong emphasis on performance and its application as a decision-making tool in real case studies through close collaboration with regional companies. Working in partnership with industrial companies has favoured a win-win-win situation as students could apply knowledge as future LCA specialists. In contrast, companies gained valuable insights to improve their environmental performance, and lecturers enhanced their industrial networks. A public session carried out at the end of the activity created an enriching debate on subjects from a diversity of points of view (e.g., the selection of impact categories, the proposed improvements for environmental impact reduction, etc.). According to the lecturers, the competencies acquired by students through this LbD experience in life cycle assessment have notably evolved, demonstrating not only an enhanced understanding of environmental impacts across a product life cycle but also a significant improvement in critical thinking, team collaboration, and practical problem-solving skills, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and its application in real-world scenarios. This is in line with the student's perception that considered, such as "problem resolution", "capacity for analysing" and synthesis and "capacity for information" management. These are essential not only for future LCA practitioners but for chemical engineers. [Display omitted] • LbD has been positively applied in LCA course of Chemical Engineering Degree. • Students have applied LCA to real cases with the collaboration of industrial companies. • The proposed methodology has demonstrated overall learning strengths and challenges. • Connection with chemical industry has created an opportunity for students to apply learning. • Students have improved several skills such as decision-making and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents ten different exercises covering various computational tools. These exercises are practical applications presented to improve the understanding and skills of students in important concepts of chemical-aided process synthesis. A few exercises aim to build a foundation in computational techniques for chemical engineering undergraduates. The exercises are based on a spreadsheet that covers the design of regression analysis to find the optimum Antoine constants, array calculation for multicomponent distillation material balance, and the generation of a Gantt chart to plan and study the activities of batch processes. The other exercises included an introduction to process simulation, simulation, and reactor rating, and a simulation of multicomponent shortcut distillation. These exercises provide students with hands-on experience in utilizing process simulation software essential for analysing and optimizing chemical processes in real-world scenarios. The exercises also included the design of a heat exchanger network and solving a linear programming problem. An anonymous survey was collected from the cohort that had undergone the exercises, and the practical grades were compared with the batch that did not study the proposed exercises. Additionally, student feedback on practical exercises was collected. Based on the experience of the course coordinator and the collected feedback from participants, it was clear that the exercises helped students to inculcate critical thinking and self-learning abilities. An article essentially sheds light on the computer-aided practical exercises that enable chemical engineering graduates to engage in lifelong learning. [Display omitted] • Ten exercises cover spreadsheet, regression, array, Gantt charts, and more. • Diverse computer-aided exercises promote lifelong learning. • Coordinator experience and feedback highlight self-learning capability. • An integrative approach that combines engaging practical exercises enhances the application of theory. • Computer-aided practical exercises for process synthesis actively engage students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As engineering educators attempt to develop solutions to increase student retention and graduation rates and decrease student departures from their majors during the first two years of study, findings from a summer bridge program at a large minority-serving institution (MSI) show promise for practices that could potentially help to mitigate these issues. Summer bridge strategies have been shown to be effective in assisting in college students' transition from first to sophomore year. This study comprises a case study of a chemical engineering summer bridge program in which undergraduate peer facilitators introduced sophomore-level chemical engineering material and energy balance course material to their peers. The goal of this study was to understand the types of discourse methods used during problem-solving sessions by peer facilitators and how students' learning experiences were impacted. Data for this study were collected via video observations and a post-program open-ended survey. Authors found that peer facilitators created an environment where students felt encouraged and supported and could relate to facilitators and course materials in new ways. This work further illustrates promising practices of using peer facilitators that need further attention, along with the potential for how engagement and learning could be enhanced by the more formal preparation of peer facilitators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow meters are extensively utilized in fields such as chemical engineering, petroleum, and aerospace, and are an indispensable component of modern industry. This paper examines the metrological properties of a dual-rotor turbine flow meter within its measurable flow range through experimental approaches and investigates the cavitation flow dynamics within the flow meter using numerical methods. First, the flow characteristics curve of the dual-rotor turbine flow meter was established experimentally, and the accuracy of numerical simulation results was validated. Secondly, the transient characteristics of the cavitation cavity were revealed using the Z-G-B cavitation model and dynamic mesh technology. Finally, entropy production theory was applied to investigate the energy losses caused by cavitation, analyzing the contributions of different types of energy losses during the cavitation process. Flow calibration experiments and numerical simulations reveal an increase in the meter coefficient of the dual-rotor turbine flow meter in high-flow cavitation zones, indicating that the displayed flow rate is slightly higher during cavitation compared to non-cavitating flows. Transient cavitation flow undergoes three stages: attachment, development, and collapse. At 323 K, the volume fractions of upstream and downstream cavities increase by 38.9% and 48.3%, respectively, with the cavitation cycle duration being 1.21 times that at 298 K. At 343 K, these increases are 75.3% and 239.2%, with the cycle duration being 2.63 times that at 298 K. Among the various sources of loss, the contribution from losses due to pulsating velocity gradients is the most significant, with maximum proportions of 81.95%, 85.1%, and 87.11% at 298 K, 323 K, and 343 K, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lifestyle of mankind has improved significantly since the start of the industrial revolution and the establishment of a science (engineering)‐based society, some 250 years ago. Notwithstanding, the outcome of these advances, a major threat is looming on the future of humanity due to the greenhouse effect produced by fossil fuel effluents and the degradation of the environment on earth. Chemistry and chemical engineering are key players in confronting these challenges and establishing sustainable lifestyle on earth. In particular, the interplay between materials research; solid‐state chemistry and nanoscience (nanotechnology) will be crucial for the future of sustainable life on earth. Education of the population‐at‐large to shift from a consumer‐based society into sustainability‐concerned lifestyle, is mandatory for realization of this paradigm shift. Harmonizing the interplay between entrepreneurs, financing bodies, public agencies, international organizations, legal bodies and research institutes should also play an integral part of this new equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structurally ordered soft materials that respond to complementary stimuli are susceptible to control over their spatial and temporal morphostructural configurations by intersectional or combined effects such as gating, feedback, shape‐memory, or programming. In the absence of general and robust design and prediction strategies for their mechanical properties, at present, combined chemical and crystal engineering approaches could provide useful guidelines to identify effectors that determine both the magnitude and time of their response. Here, we capitalize on the purported ability of soft intermolecular interactions to instigate mechanical compliance by using halogenation to elicit both mechanical and photochemical activity of organic crystals. Starting from (E)‐1,4‐diphenylbut‐2‐ene‐1,4‐dione, whose crystals are brittle and photoinert, we use double and quadruple halogenation to introduce halogen‐bonded planes that become interfaces for molecular gliding, rendering the material mechanically and photochemically plastic. Fluorination diversifies the mechanical effects further, and crystals of the tetrafluoro derivative are not only elastic but also motile, displaying the rare photosalient effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near‐infrared (NIR) photonic materials find extensive applications across important fields such as telecommunications, laser radar, and atmospheric remote sensing. In particular, photonic materials activated by main group elements, which exhibit unique spectral features including ultra‐broadband tunable luminescence and long lifetime, have become rising stars in NIR emitting dopants. In this review, the energy level characteristics of the p‐electrons to gain insight into the fundamentals of the NIR optical response from the main group elements are first introduced. Next, the NIR luminescence properties of the main group elements are discussed. Then, the strategy for the design of main group elements activated materials with the desired properties based on local chemical environment engineering is proposed. In addition, recent advances in the applications of main group element (excluding bismuth) activated materials are highlighted. Furthermore, the key scientific issues that urgently need to be solved for such materials, such as the detailed luminescence mechanism are highlighted. Anticipation also extends to the future research trends in this exciting field, including the ways for enhancing luminescence efficiency and extending spectral region, and the efforts for implementing these advancements in novel cutting‐edge technologies like photovoltaics and biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nachwuchs Reaktionstechnik (NaWuReT) is an organization of early‐career chemical engineers of the DECHEMA/VDI subject division Reaction Engineering. In the spring of 2023, we organized a series of online lectures involving five invited speakers from industry to shed light on different career opportunities. The speakers gave insights into their individual career pathways and presented their current projects, both of which sparked active discussions among speakers and attendees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on celebrating the significant contributions of chemical engineers to society, emphasizing the transformative impact enabled by the AIChE community's support. Topics include successful fundraising efforts totaling 5.7 million U.S. dollar, advancements through initiatives like Bee a ChemE and the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative.

X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non‐destructive spectrometric technique to detect elements with an atomic number from 11 (sodium) and beyond 92 (uranium). When X‐rays or gamma rays eject tightly bound inner core electrons, an electron from an outer shell will fill the empty orbital and fluoresce. Every element has a characteristic fluorescence, which depends on the element and the electrons in the orbitals that are ejected and those that fill the orbital. With the characteristic energy of the fluorescence, we determine elemental composition and concentration when adequately calibrated. Typical run times range from a second to a few minutes with an sensitivity to as low as 1μgg−1 (ppm). XRF guns are portable devices that produce qualitative data while libraries loaded to laboratory instruments are capable of producing quantitative data. A broad range of scientists and engineers apply XRF in research—140 of the 250 scientific categories in the Web of Science (WoS) cite XRF analyses. Of the 10,000 articles indexed in WoS since 2018, chemical engineering ranks fifth with the most articles. The focus of the research in this category includes adsorption and waste water, combustion and pyrolysis, catalysis and zeolites, and nanoparticles and oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The realms of natural products and synthetic compounds exhibit distinct chemical spaces that not only differ but also complement each other. While the convergence of these two domains has been explored through semisynthesis and conventional pharmacomodulation endeavours applied to natural frameworks, a recent and innovative approach has emerged that involves the combinatorial generation of libraries of 'natural product‐like compounds' (NPLCs) through the direct synthetic derivatization of natural extracts. This has led to the production of numerous NPLCs that incorporate structural elements from both their natural (multiple saturated rings, oxygen content, chiral centres) and synthetic (aromatic rings, nitrogen and halogen content, drug‐like properties) precursors. Through careful selection of extracts and reagents, specific bioactivities have been achieved, and this strategy has been deployed in various ways, showing great promise without reaching its full potential to date. This review seeks to provide an overview of reported examples involving the chemical engineering of extracts, showcasing a spectrum of natural product alterations spanning from simple substitutions to complete scaffold remodelling. It also includes an analysis of the accomplishments, perspectives and technical challenges within this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern technologies continuously change humans and their relationship with the environment. They can achieve a lot in the field of chemical engineering, thereby improving and enhancing the quality of human life, but on the other hand, technologies can be used to destroy human lives. Technical and technological culture (hereinafter referred to as TTC) is the entirety of social achievements in the field of technical and technological sciences and their application, as well as of the all knowledge and skills needed to understand the achievements, use them correctly, transfer them to the younger generation and create new values in this field. This paper will present a pilot study aimed to examine the attitudes and beliefs of engineers, Technological (chemical engineering) and Technical faculties, regarding the development of TTC and to determine socio-demographic factors that may influence its development. The research was conducted in Serbia and Croatia. The results indicate that the most important aspects of TTC are: the development of awareness of sustainable development, the impact on environmental protection, etc. The respondents recognized the ethical challenges we face today, the need for the education of young engineers and the promotion of TTC in the media and professional public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses about a new compact 2-level implicit numerical method in the form of exponential approximation for finding the approximate solution of nonlinear fourth order Kuramoto–Sivashinsky and Fisher–Kolmogorov equations, which have applications in chemical engineering. The described method has an accuracy of temporal order two and a spatial order three (or four) on a variable (or constant) mesh. The approach has been demonstrated to be applicable to both non-singular and singular issues. This article has established the stability of the current technique. The suggested approach is used to solve several benchmark nonlinear parabolic problems associated in chemistry and chemical engineering, and the computed results are compared with the existing results to demonstrate the proposed method's superiority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering as a discipline, profession, practice, and area of study continues to add substantial value in an increasingly complex world. With continually evolving complexity around the planet, such as the need for massive energy transition, global health technologies, or sustainable food systems, how might engineering education practices and theory be considered within these rapid and necessary changes? This paper presents an experiment of co‐creation through experiential reflection about the state of chemical engineering education. Four chemical engineering professors engaged in a dialogue, facilitated by a researcher in education, through collaborative and actionable research. This dialogue uncovered innovative possibilities, educational themes, experiences, and opportunities for others in the profession to consider. The process of dialogue also encouraged the development of an imaginative future sense‐making, known as futuring, through a collective experience. The findings reveal instructive perspectives on the shape of chemical engineering education that should be of value not only to engineers, but also other professionals, practitioners, or those in various science, technology, and math fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the intersection between chemical and materials engineering, binder jetting is an additive manufacturing technique that foregoes many of the limitations of the conventional metal 3D printing technique. Binder composition and thermal post‐processing influence final part quality. Herein, three different atmospheres, ranging from reactive (air) to non‐reactive (vacuum, argon), are studied to determine their effect on the quality of binder jetting printed parts after thermal treatments, namely debinding and sintering. These parts were printed using SS316L powder. Samples debound in air were negatively affected as they presented high porosities and low densities, averaging 6.80 (±0.4) g/cm3, whereas samples debound and sintered under vacuum demonstrated the best outcome with low porosities and high densities, averaging 7.65 (±0.1) g/cm3. This study highlights how oxide formation during debinding causes ferrite phase formation during sintering and how it affects atomic diffusion in the samples during both thermal treatments. This research also demonstrates the respective effects of these on the densification and porosity of parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Securing an affordable and environmentally friendly fuel source is a pressing global need. Hydrogen gas, renowned for being carbon-free and derived from water, stands as an abundant and low-cost energy resource. Efficient water electrolysis hinges upon selecting economical yet effective electrocatalysts. In this context, copper-based chalcogenides have garnered attention for driving water electrolysis. This report presents a newly developed electrocatalyst: copper sulfide (CuS) supported silver indium selenide-nickel foam (AgInSe 2 –NF) composites, characterized by a diverse array of morphologies. The optimized CuS@15%AgInS 2 electrocatalyst showcased superior performance when related to electrocatalysts based on noble metals and metal sulfides which were reported previously. CuS@15%AgInSe 2 –NF nanocomposite exhibits significant potential in water oxidation, revealing a marked reduction in overpotential: 289 mV at a benchmark current density of 10 mA cm−2 for OER and 85 mV for HER. This heightened efficiency is accredited to various exceptional elements associated with design of nanocomposite, which offers abundant reactive sites and ion transfer pathways within its structure. Furthermore, this design fortifies structural integrity and conductivity of CuS@15%AgInSe 2 heterostructure. Additionally, synergistic interplay between AgInSe 2 and CuS enhances electron transport and augments electrocatalytic properties. Notably, electrocatalyst exhibits exceptional stability, consistently producing hydrogen gas for over 25 h. These findings not only highlight potential of CuS@15%AgInSe 2 for a multitude of OER and HER applications but also underscore effectiveness of material hybridization as a straightforward yet potent method to enhance the electrochemical performance of an electrode. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an application of L-moments and respective L-moment ratio diagrams (LMRD) to the task of control performance assessment (CPA). An L-moment ratio diagram is a graphical approach to the visualization of statistical properties for a given time series. Moreover, it enables comparing various data, showing their similarities and homogeneity. Simultaneously, CPA aims at measuring the control loop quality, supporting decision-making about their tuning and maintenance. This paper shows that control system quality can be efficiently visualized using LMRDs. The method was analyzed using simulations and further validated at a real chemical engineering industrial ammonia synthesis plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aldoxime dehydratases (Oxds) have received considerable attention recently due to their application in the asymmetric synthesis of nitriles without cyanide by catalyzing the dehydration of aldoxime. However, the low stability of Oxds remains a huge obstacle to achieving high conversions and productivities of hydrophobic substrates. OxdPsp was immobilized on a macroporous adsorption resin (IOP) via an ATPS coupled with in situ immobilization. IOP-catalyzed dehydration of 2-phenylpropanal oxime (1) to prepare (S)-2-phenylpropanenitrile ((S)-2) was successfully performed with 95.7% yield, 94.1% ee and 98.6% conversion. The enriched (S)-nitrile (ee 94.1%) was obtained by using (E)-enriched aldoximes (E/Z = 97/3) as the substrate, which is consistent with the Gröger enantiopreference rule. A kinetic model to predict the dehydration catalyzed by IOP was established with an average deviation of 7.6%. The IOP-catalyzed dehydration reaction follows a sequential mechanism including substrate and product inhibition. Developing a kinetic model is a key step in the application of artificial intelligence in chemical engineering. After three recycling steps of IOP, the yield of (S)-2 still reached 83.6%, indicating that the stability of IOP was greatly enhanced, which was attributed to employing an organic solvent with a higher lg P value as the working medium and the immobilization protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmented reality (AR) technology has emerged as a highly beneficial tool in the educational context, and its potential impact on chemical engineering teaching is notable. This study addresses AR as an accessible and effective alternative for representing complex concepts and safely visualizing industrial processes in the area. By incorporating immersive resources, AR provides an innovative means of teaching and promotes greater engagement among students, contributing to improved learning and the development of interpersonal, investigation, and autonomy skills. This study systematically reviews the literature on the application of augmented reality in chemical engineering. Twenty-two articles in the Scopus and Web of Science databases were chosen, and a bibliometric analysis was used to extract the data in the discussions. The results highlighted the success of AR applications, predominantly employed in disciplines such as molecular chemistry, unit operations, transport phenomena, and practical chemistry. Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, were the most common means of implementing these applications. The positive perception of students and teachers was evident, with both agreeing that the integration of AR contributed significantly to improving learning and facilitated the understanding of more challenging concepts. As a result of this research, a framework was developed that outlines the steps necessary to develop AR applications to teach chemical engineering effectively. This framework can serve as a valuable guide for future initiatives in this field, providing a solid framework for creating and successfully implementing AR-based educational resources. • This study performs a systematic review to map existing emerging trends in AR in chemical engineering education. • Assesses AR's impact on chemical engineering, emphasizing its role in boosting comprehension and skill acquisition. • Examine the literature to assess student and teacher satisfaction with the use of AR in chemical engineering education. • It proposes a methodological framework for implementing and evaluating educational solutions in AR in chemical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutical wastewater is a kind of industrial wastewater which is difficult to treat. Its large-scale discharge and difficult to achieve harmless treatment will cause great harm to the environment. In this study, the research results of pharmaceutical wastewater from 1990 to 2023 were comprehensively analyzed by means of bibliometrics. This study used VOSviewer, CiteSpace and bibliometix R-package to analyze and draw 1060 retrieval results based on the Web of Science core collection database. The results show that the number of articles in the field of pharmaceutical wastewater was increasing year by year, and CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL was the most influential journal in this field. At the same time, pharmaceutical wastewater has a wide impact on the world, effectively promoting international cooperation. The analysis of highly cited articles and keywords shows that adsorption, photocatalysis and MBR were popular research technologies in the field of pharmaceutical wastewater during the selected period. In general, more research is needed in the future to improve the feasibility of this technology in engineering application and strive for the realization of sustainable development technologies. The fate of characteristic pollutants in pharmaceutical wastewater in the environment and the establishment of detection methods are also major challenges in this research field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofibres have been widely used in many chemical engineering applications and their performance greatly depends on the size distribution of the nanofibres. Researchers have developed automated tools to determine nanofibre diameters, primarily using commercial MATLAB software package. However, no researchers have reported automatic processing of multiple images, which is essential to the consistency and accuracy of results. Nor has anyone reported nanofibre sizing using deep learning. Therefore, this paper reports an automated tool to measure the size distribution of electrospun nanofibres by simultaneous multi‐image processing. This tool determines the diameters of nanofibres using deep learning based on UNet model. Results show that the UNet‐based deep learning approach is more accurate than those obtained using existing methods, compared to experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chemical Engineering Program at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) in Colombia will celebrate its 85th anniversary in 2023. This program is one of the oldest in the South American region. To commemorate the occasion, this work uses the bibliometric analysis and mapping tools to examine the evolution of the Faculty members' scientific output through time. 686 documents were analyzed in this work. Quantitative analysis enabled the identification of national and international cooperation, as well as preferred and most referenced journals. The evolution of trendy themes was determined by analyzing the authors 'keywords. The results reveal that Faculty teachers have been working on the most important subjects over time, cooperating with academics from 25 countries. The highest participation of female coauthors in at least 79% of the documents, as well as co-authorship with research from non-academic institutions that includes industry, are notable findings. This work contributes to recognizing the impact and relevance of the Chemical Engineering Program in Colombian society, as well as encouraging other writers around the world to assess the impact and contribution of their programs to societal development using tools such as bibliometric analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking advantage of the unique structure and properties of gramineous straw that are available across the world in a yearly scale of several hundred million tons, a strategy to design and fabricate flexible high‐performance supercapacitors (SCs) is developed, of which the key components including electrode, separator, and electrolyte are all made from the eulaliopsis binata (EB), a ubiquitous gramineous straw. This kind of all‐in‐one biomass‐based flexible supercapacitors (BFSs) is first proposed, with the cuticle‐derived fibers (EBMs) as a separator, the pith‐derived carbon sponges (EBCs) as an electrode, and the sodium salts of the extracted carboxymethyl cellulose as gel electrolyte. The EBM with uniform diameter size, developed porosity, and abundant ‐OH/‐COOH groups have good flexibility, wettability, and ionic conductivity, far exceeding those of commercial glass‐fiber separators. The EBC has a high level of N/O/S co‐doping and hierarchical porous structure, resulting in enhanced ion accessibility and supercapacitance. With these advantages, the as‐fabricated BFS has shown ultra‐high‐rate performance, high energy density, and excellent flexibility, surpassing the biomass‐derived flexible supercapacitors reported thus far. This novel approach will shed light on the value‐added utilization of biomass from the viewpoint of molecular chemical engineering and product engineering and pave the way for fabricating flexible high‐performance SCs and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow around a plate is a classic problem in fluid dynamics, with applications in fields such as aerospace, construction, energy, and chemical engineering. This paper studies the flow around a plate in a circular tube. The detached-eddy simulation method is used to calculate the unsteady flow near the plate, allowing the mechanical and wake flow characteristics of the plate to be analyzed at different open angles and the influence of the plate dome degree to be further investigated. The variation laws of the plate torque and pressure under the unsteady flow inside the circular tube are obtained. By comparing and analyzing the time-averaged velocity and instantaneous velocity fluctuations of the wake flow on the plate, the flow field distribution patterns under different structures and open angles are identified, and the unstable region of the wake flow is determined. The results presented in this paper provide a theoretical reference for applications involving the flow around a plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a summary of a special issue on nanomaterials for chemical engineering. It discusses the recent developments in nanomaterials and their preparation and characterization methods. The special issue covers various topics such as nanomaterial synthesis, catalytic applications, pollution treatment, and material composites. It emphasizes the importance of evaluating the performance, stability, safety, and environmental sustainability of nanomaterials for practical applications. The document also highlights the role of machine learning in nanomaterial research and encourages contributions from scholars in new areas such as green chemical engineering and energy applications. [Extracted from the article]

Nanozymes, a class of nanomaterials endowed with enzyme-like catalytic activities, have emerged as a transformative force in the fields of biotechnology and environmental science. This review provides an in-depth analysis of nanozymes, from their synthesis and properties to their diverse applications. The synthesis of nanozymes is a pivotal aspect of their development, involving intricate methods to create these nanoscale catalysts. The exploration begins with a fundamental definition of nanozymes as nanomaterials mimicking the catalytic functions of natural enzymes. Then the paper delved into numerous sources of nanozymes, ranging from noble metals to metal oxides, and elucidates the key preparation techniques that enable the fine-tuning of their catalytic properties. The remarkable properties of nanozymes are closely examined, focusing on their catalytic efficiency, stability, and adaptability. These properties lay the foundation for the extensive array of applications they offer. Nanozymes have revolutionized the imaging and tracking of microbes through luminescence and fluorescence detection, making them invaluable in understanding and combatting bacterial and viral infections. Their integration into biosensors has elevated disease detection and pesticide monitoring to unprecedented levels of sensitivity and accuracy, promising innovative solutions for diagnostic and analytical purposes. Additionally, nanozymes have paved the way for advancements in immunoassays, enhancing the precision of disease diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of nanozymes is gaining recognition, with notable applications in antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifouling treatments. Their use in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancer therapy, and orthopaedics showcases their versatility in clinical applications. In the food industry, nanozymes have improved food quality, safety, and shelf life, contributing to our well-being. Moreover, nanozymes have demonstrated their environmental significance by efficiently detecting and degrading pollutants, thereby promoting water treatment and environmental preservation. In summary, this review encapsulates the dynamic landscape of nanozymes, providing a technical insight into their synthesis, diverse properties, and wide-ranging applications. Nanozymes, with their unparalleled versatility, hold great promise for addressing contemporary challenges in both biotechnology and environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Social media has become a ubiquitous part of daily life. However, little is known about the influence of food-related social media content (FRSMC) on the eating habits of Malaysian undergraduates. This study explored FRSMC usage of undergraduates enrolled in a non-health program, its influence on eating habits, and how such social media content influences dietary behaviours. Method: This qualitative semi-structured interview study involved chemical engineering (CE) undergraduates at a university in Penang, Malaysia. The study was carried out from April 2021 to March 2022 during which ten participants were purposively selected. Based on precedent qualitative research sampling rule of thumb, this sample size of ten participants provided sufficient data saturation for an initial exploratory study. The interview sessions were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Results: According to study findings, in terms of usage, food advertising and promotions; cooking tutorials and food and nutrition information are the most appealing types of FRSMC. With regards to eating habits, FRSMC can lead to healthy and unhealthy food choices. The study identified several perceived challenges, namely unrealistic and untrustworthy content, difficult and repetitive content, and algorithm-driven deviations from healthy diets. The effectiveness of FRSMC can be enhanced by creating trustworthy and engaging content. Conclusion: The study highlights that social media engagement can have both positive and negative impact on food choices among undergraduates. Some FRSMC are perceived to encourage and motivate undergraduates to adopt healthier dietary habits. Future research could involve a larger sample, representative of diverse socio-demographic groups in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Offering virtual laboratories to chemical engineering students is likely to extend beyond the COVID-19 era. Thus, there is a need to develop more simulation-based tasks in a wide blend of subjects, spanning thermodynamics, chemical reactions, and unit operations. Molecular and material modeling based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations provides limitless opportunities to train students on how to obtain thermokinetic values that are typically measured experimentally. Through a series of illustrative cases, this contribution provides detailed procedures pertinent to calculating reaction rate constants, standard enthalpies of reactions, redox potentials, equilibrium reaction constants, and surface-assisted mechanisms. We hope that DFT-operated virtual labs will assist students in attaining learning outcomes and promote their self-learning in the above-mentioned subjects. From a broader prospective, the presented case studies are expected to encourage students to appreciate the practical applications of DFT, not only in the academic but also in the industrial domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical engineering of natural extracts has emerged as an effective strategy for the production of diverse libraries of chemicals, making it integral to drug discovery. A chemical engineering strategy based on the epoxidation and ring-opening reactions was used to prepare diversity-enhanced extracts of Chaetomium madrasense 375. Eleven unnatural cytochalasan derivatives (1-11) with unique functional groups, such as amine and isoxazole, were isolated and characterized from these chemically engineered extracts of C. madrasense 375. The identification of these new structures was accomplished through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, supplemented by synthetic considerations. Notably, compounds 5 and 13-16 displayed potent phytotoxic effects on Arabidopsis thaliana, while compounds 1, 2, 5, 10, and 12 demonstrated inhibitory activities on LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. Among them, compound 1 was found to be able to inhibit the upregulated expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein induced by LPS, while also decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6) and influencing the phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2, and JNK at 100 μM. Our findings demonstrate that the chemical engineering of natural product extracts can be an efficient technique for the generation of novel bioactive molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]