* denotes 2024 Innovation Award Winner
Direct Conversion Process™, UHT Silicon Carbon Fiber (Fi-Bar™) Materials
ACF technologies extend the performance utility of carbon fiber materials for use in "extreme environments". Our patented "Direct Conversion Process™ (DCP™), infuses a thin layer of silicon carbide on the surface of carbon fiber materials, effectively adding an "environmental shield" to enhance the base material's use in extreme environments.Critical Rare Earth Free Cerium Gap Magnets
Cerium Gap Magnets have a unique intra-granular domain pinning mechanism, which allows obtaining coercivity without sintering. Ready-to-use magnets are efficiently cast on a kg-scale using a one-step process and noncritical cerium. Their strong performance and efficient production addresses supply risks and reduces energy consumption by eliminating numerous manufacturing steps.A Method of Mechanochemically-Assisted Extraction of Lithium from α-Spodumene and Other Hard-rock Minerals
Method for extracting lithium from spodumene (mineral source) that eliminates the energy intensive and toxic waste producing steps. alpha-spodumene is ball milled with solid reactants, converting the lithium fraction into a water-soluble compound. Up to 96% of the lithium is then extracted by soaking and mixing with hot diluted acid.Selective extraction of copper and nickel from low-grade sulfide mineral resources using complexation leaching and indirect CO2 mineralization
The technology allows selective extraction of copper and nickel from low-grade sulfide ores using complexation leaching instead of the conventional sulfuric acid extraction, while offering simultaneous indirect mineralization of carbon dioxide (CO2). There is no need for an enrichment step like comminution, flotation, smelting, or electrorefining between feedstock and final products.Bambax- Unique high barrier paper technology with high moisture resistance
Bambax has developed a disruptive technology that provides a proprietary water-based treatment to create extraordinarily high water vapor resistance to paper. The treatment can be incorporated into conventional processes for manufacture of flexible and rigid packages over a wide range of basis weights to produce recyclable and domestically compostable packages.Unlocking the full value of recycled plastics by removing color and adhesive impurities
Over 2 billion USD in potential revenue is lost due to color and adhesive impurities in recycling plastic. Reborn+ aims to implement a process that eliminates color impurities from plastic packaging. This innovation will result in up to a 50% price increase from inverting mixed-colored recycled plastic to natural color.A Blue Chemical Portfolio from the Coral Microbiome
Bringing the next way of blue chemistry to empower our customers to create responsibly. We craft sustainable chemicals from coral bacteria through our AI guided process to develop a diverse eco-friendly chemical portfolio. Our initial offering, an eco-safe preservative ingredient, is part of an evolving lineup of environmentally responsible chemicals.Enhanced Detection and Removal of GenX from Water Supplies
The technical goal is to achieve enhanced detection and removal of GenX from water supplies. GenX is a short chain man-made organic molecule of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a proliferating family of the so-call forever chemicals that pollute environment and cause severe adverse health effects.Hawkquarium: Natural Approach in Antifouling Protection: Remedy for Safer Water for Fisherman, Boaters, and Cargo Ships.
Biofouling is an economically costly and environmentally concerning problem caused by the formation of biofilm on submerged surfaces, faced by cargo and military ships, fisheries, and recreational boats, water pipe systems, NASA projects, and even dentistry. We propose non-toxic protection based on extracts from natural plants and biocompatible polymers.A Novel Advanced Manufacturing Pathway for Direct Incorporation of Metal-Organic Frameworks in Polymeric Sponges
This technology is about a new manufacturing method to enable novel polymer composites that incorporate metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), for potential use as fire retardant materials as well as air and water filters for the treatment of harmful chemicals.Laser manufacturing of graphene-nanoparticle composite
Our innovative laser-based method utilizes advanced materials of graphene and nanoparticles to craft a unique nanohybrid sensor. Adaptability to movements makes it ideal for wearable tech and next-gen sensors. Our approach streamlines sensor production, providing a fast and scalable method for creating flexible hydrogen detectors, addressing challenges in current methods.UV-Absorbing Coating Including Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Hydroxyethyl cellulose and zinc oxide nanoparticles are utilized to form thin films ranging in thickness from 0.2-2.5 μm that block up to 95% of UV light while maintaining visible light transmittance of 65%. These simple and cost-effective thin films provide a readily scalable solution to the issue of UV degradation.Nano-additive based sizing solution for recycled carbon fiber
Development of a sizing solution formulated based on graphene and other modifiers to increase the molecular interaction between recycled carbon fiber and polymer matrix.PFAS-Free Coatings Using GHGs-Free Process for Making Protective Garments Adapted for Climate Change
Our technology is the combination of two innovative technologies of electrospinning and plasma-enhanced vapor chemical deposition (PECVD) for making water-resistant, air-permeable, oleophobic, and PFAS-free fabrics for clothing. Our garments, modified with PECVD for water resistance and oleophobic properties, keep users clean and dry. They're also breathable, thanks to “electrospinning" nanofibers for comfort.West Lafayette, IN
Cannabinoid-Based Bioplastic Materials Ecosystem
Sustainably-sourced cannabinoids are polymerized with ubiquitous linking monomers to create biopolymer plastics with readily tunable material properties. The novel Polycannabinoid platform boasts high hydrophobicity, inherent antioxidant/anticorrosion properties, and degradation paths for a circular economy. Polycannabinoid properties have been leveraged in transient electronics, biomonitoring, and nanotechnology.Active machine learning for accelerated materials design
Expedite the development of new materials and devices by reducing wasteful time and resources. Expand the search space and focus on promising new battery, semiconductor, catalysts, photovoltaic, and polymer materials through machine-learning accelerated atomistic and multiscale simulations.The invention provides efficient PFAS filtration from drinking water using modified clay sorbents, which perform better than granular activated carbon
PFAS are dangerous, widely used chemicals. Their persistence in the environment has led to their detection in drinking water,. Current methods to remove PFAS from water, such as using granular activated carbon, have shown limitations. These approaches often fail to eliminate PFAS, especially leaving residues in the treated water.Biomass microbeads for personal care consumer products
Microbeads for use as an exfoliant and thickening agent in personal care and cosmetic products. Unlike traditional plastic microbeads, these biomass-derived microbeads are biodegradable. This technology provides a sustainable alternative that does not contribute to plastic pollution while maintaining the desired properties needed for use in the cosmetic industry.Additives for repurposing mixed plastic waste
By introducing a reactive additive, different types of plastics can be combined and recycled together without being separated. Even with a small percentage of these additives, the resulting plastic blends exhibit increased strength and toughness, offering a more functional and eco-friendly approach to plastic recycling.Silica-based nanoparticles for PFAS remediation
Silica nanoparticles with an affinity for dangerous forever chemicals known as PFAS are taken up by plants and assist in removing both short and long-chain PFAS from contaminated soil and water. This eco-friendly solution is non-toxic, environmentally beneficial to plants, and offers a promising avenue for broad-spectrum PFAS remediation.