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Poly(phenylene sulfide) Gels and Aerogels
THE CHALLENGE
The key challenge in commercializing high-performance porous materials like poly(phenylene sulfide) aerogels lies in the complex, costly, and environmentally taxing manufacturing processes currently required. Traditional methods depend on toxic or high-boiling-point solvents and energy-intensive drying techniques such as supercritical...
Published: 1/29/2026
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Inventor(s): Robert Moore, Garrett Godshall, Christopher Williams, Daniel Rau
Keywords(s):
Category(s): Technology Classifications > Chemicals/Materials
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Polyaryletherketone (paek) Gels and Aerogels
THE CHALLENGE
Developing lightweight high-performance aerogels from advanced polymers like PEEK and PEKK presents a major business and manufacturing challenge due to the complex and costly processing these materials require. Their exceptional thermal and chemical stability make them ideal for demanding applications in aerospace energy and environmental...
Published: 1/29/2026
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Inventor(s): Robert Moore, Glenn Spiering, Michelle Pomatto
Keywords(s):
Category(s): Technology Classifications > Chemicals/Materials
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Polyester Gels and Aerogels
THE CHALLENGE
Polymer aerogels offer a unique combination of ultralow density, high porosity, and very low thermal conductivity, making them highly promising for industrial applications in energy storage, aerospace, filtration, and thermal insulation. Their lightweight and tunable mechanical properties give them an edge over traditional materials...
Published: 1/29/2026
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Inventor(s): Robert Moore, Garrett Godshall
Keywords(s):
Category(s): Technology Classifications > Chemicals/Materials, Technology Classifications > Additive Manufacturing
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Polymer-Ionic Composites for Selective Sorption and Separations of Gases
THE CHALLENGE
The gas separation industry faces a pressing business and technical challenge: current technologies like amine scrubbing and solid adsorbents are too energy-intensive, corrosive, or inefficient for widespread, cost-effective deployment. Chemical solvents such as aqueous amines require high regeneration temperatures and frequent replacement...
Published: 2/4/2026
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Inventor(s): Rebecca Martin, Louis Madsen
Keywords(s):
Category(s): Technology Classifications > Chemicals/Materials
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Tailored Molecular Ionic Composite Electrolytes for High-Voltage Solid-State Lithium Batteries with Improved Cycling Performance
THE CHALLENGE
The development of solid-state lithium batteries faces a major business challenge: creating a polymer electrolyte that is both technically reliable and commercially viable. While these batteries promise safer and more energy-dense storage by eliminating flammable liquids, current polymer electrolytes struggle with low ionic conductivity...
Published: 1/15/2026
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Inventor(s): Feng Lin, Jungki Min, Louis Madsen
Keywords(s):
Category(s): Technology Classifications > Chemicals/Materials, Technology Classifications > Energy
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Electrolytes Comprising a Rigid Polymer, Salt, and Salt-Coordinating Molecules
THE CHALLENGE
The commercialization of solid-state batteries faces a major challenge due to the lack of a single electrolyte material that can meet both technical performance and manufacturing needs. While polymer electrolytes like polyethylene oxide are easy to process, they struggle with low conductivity at room temperature and poor mechanical strength,...
Published: 1/15/2026
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Inventor(s): Deyang Yu, Louis Madsen
Keywords(s):
Category(s): Technology Classifications > Chemicals/Materials
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Metamaterial Adhesives for Packaging, Hanging, and Handling
THE CHALLENGE
A major challenge in adhesive technology is developing products that offer strong, reliable bonding while also allowing easy and repeatable removal—without damaging surfaces or requiring costly manufacturing. Most commercial adhesives force a trade-off: permanent glues offer strength but ruin surfaces or require harsh solvents...
Published: 1/15/2026
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Inventor(s): Michael Bartlett, Chanhong Lee
Keywords(s):
Category(s): Technology Classifications > Chemicals/Materials
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Enantioselective Metal Catalyst for Stereocomplex Poly(Lactic Acid)
THE CHALLENGE
The major challenge in commercializing high-performance polylactic acid (PLA) lies in bridging the gap between cost-effective production and premium material properties. While PLA is a biodegradable and sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, its basic form is too brittle and heat-sensitive for many industrial applications....
Published: 12/11/2025
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Inventor(s): Rong Tong, Xiaoyu Xie, Ziyu Huo
Keywords(s):
Category(s): Technology Classifications > Engineering, Technology Classifications > Chemicals/Materials
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Enriching Inlet
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THE CHALLENGE
More than 99.9999% of air is comprised of gases that are not chemically reactive (e.g., nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide), even in polluted regions. The remaining <0.0001% of air includes all the components that form what we typically think of as air pollution (toxic odors, particulate matter, ozone,...
Published: 12/1/2025
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Inventor(s): Gabriel Isaacman-Van Wertz
Keywords(s):
Category(s): Technology Classifications > Environment/Green Tech, Technology Classifications > Chemicals/Materials, Technology Classifications > Consumer Products, Technology Classifications > Engineering
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Overexpression of NUDIX Enzymes in Plants as a Tool for Soil and Water Phytoremediation
THE CHALLENGE
The challenge lies in developing a cost-effective, scalable solution for removing excess inorganic phosphate from agricultural runoff and wastewater that overcomes the limitations of current technologies. Existing methods like chemical precipitation, microbial bioreactors, and natural plants either involve high operational costs, produce...
Published: 10/17/2025
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Inventor(s): Catherine Freed, Glenda Gillaspy
Keywords(s):
Category(s): Technology Classifications > Biotechnology, Technology Classifications > Chemicals/Materials
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