"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Tag: Chemical Engineering
Why Bombings Lead to Long-Lasting Environmental Problems
03/15/22
“Why do bombings lead to long-lasting environmental problems?”
When bombing damages are evaluated, the immediate physical repercussions are often what is discussed first. However, long-lasting environmental problems also arise from the toxins released into the ground. These can affect ecosystems for decades after impact. This is Why Bombings Lead to Long-Lasting Environmental Problems.
How Alcoholism Hurts National Productivity
01/04/21
“How can alcoholism hurt national productivity?”
While alcohol in moderation can make life much more pleasurable, having too much can destroy it. If this happens at a national scale, then it can seriously dampen national productivity by reducing work output and increasing instability. This is How Alcoholism Hurts National Productivity.
Salt Water Electricity Batteries
07/10/20
“How can we make batteries that use salt-water as a catalyst?”
Traditional lithium-based batteries are too corrosive to operate in salt-water. However, a start-up built out of MIT may have made a new type of battery that this won’t be a problem for. Using alloyed aluminum, a primarily nickel-based alloyed cathode alloy, and an alkaline electrolyte that’s positioned between the electrodes that can split ocean water at the cathode into hydroxide anions and hydrogen gas. These hydroxide anions interact with the aluminum anode, creating aluminum hydroxide and releasing electrons. These Salt Water Electricity Batteries have a very promising design that can revolutionize the submarine industry.
Image credit http://news.mit.edu/
Why Battery Energy Storage Needs to Be Strategically Placed to Build Flood Resilience
11/11/19
“Why do we need to strategize battery placement to ensure flood resilience?”
Energy storage from batteries is critical for building resilience against blackouts. However, due to its delicate chemistry, even a minor flood could have devastating effects on it. As a result, batteries will need to have strategic placement to stay safe during floods. A few ways to accomplish these include keeping batteries at elevated heights and in floodproof containers. This is Why Battery Energy Storage Needs to Be Strategically Placed to Build Flood Resilience.
Image credit thedriven.io
Battery Leakage
10/21/19
“What causes a battery to leak and what are the repercussions?”
Batteries are usually formed by storing potential energy in an electrolyte. But if there’s a rupture on the external structure, then the electrolyte can leak out. If this liquid comes in contact with the human skin before it reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere, then the Battery Leakage can cause great harm.
Image credit https://c8.alamy.com
Single-use Plastics
09/23/19
“What exactly are single-use plastic and why are they so bad?”
Plastic is a very useful material. It’s flexible, fairly non-reactive, and strong, making it applicable for single-use grocery bags. However, the fact that Single-use Plastics are not recyclable and biodegradable means that they will end up in a land-fill and release toxic chemicals into the environment. To solve this crisis, a new generation of thinkers will have to come up with innovative policy and technical solutions. This could be anyone, from a regular Joe to someone whose name rhymes with Narina.
Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft
04/30/19
“How can aircraft be powered by hydrogen?”
The worst problems with aircraft and sustainability is the fact that they are powered by GHG-ridden fuels. This can be offset by creating aircraft powered by electrolysis-based hydrogen. This results in Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft.
Why Liquid Hydrogen in Vehicles Can Be Very Dangerous
04/03/19
“What are the dangers of liquid hydrogen fuel in vehicles?”
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are a very hot research topic. However, liquid hydrogen vehicles present some strong dangers. Although sealed hydrogen is relatively safe, exposed hydrogen has some factors which can make it less so. First of all, hydrogen can catch fire really easily as it only requires 1/10th of the energy to combust compared to gas. Hydrogen flames are also nearly invisible and can displace oxygen in human lungs, making it a very silent killer. This is Why Liquid Hydrogen in Vehicles Can Be Very Dangerous.
Methanol Fuel
02/18/19
“What is a more optimal fuel than gasoline?”
While gasoline is the most widespread vehicle fuel in the world, recent advances in science and technology have created competitors. One in particular comes in the form of Methanol Fuel. Methanol fuel is synthesized from carbon dioxide and hydrogen burns cleaner and is cheaper to produce sustainably than ethanol. Since it does not produce a thick cloud of smoke upon use, it is often used in racing applications. Although methanol is less toxic than petroleum, there exist very few methanol refueling stations, it is commonly found in a mixture with other fuels.
Image credit https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov
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