KAUST researchers have developed a passive cooling system that uses solar energy to evaporate water and regenerate salt for reuse, achieving temperatures as low as 3.6 degrees Celsius. The system uses ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) due to its high solubility and low cost. The crystallized salt stores solar energy and can be reused for cooling when needed. Why it matters: This off-grid design offers a sustainable and inexpensive cooling solution for communities in hot regions with limited electricity access, addressing a critical need exacerbated by climate change.
Researchers at KAUST, USTC, and SUSTech have developed a method for carbon capture and storage using guanidinium sulfate salt to create clathrate structures that trap CO2 molecules. This salt-based structure mimics methane hydrate activity and captures CO2 through physisorption, without water or nitrogen interference. The method allows CO2 to be carried as a solid powder at ambient temperature and pressure, offering a less energy-intensive alternative to traditional methods. Why it matters: This innovation introduces a new, energy-efficient way to store and transport CO2 as a solid, potentially revolutionizing carbon capture and storage technologies in the region and beyond.
KAUST researchers led by Prof. Omar Mohammed developed safer scintillation materials to improve X-ray imaging. A team led by Assoc. Prof. Yoji Kobayashi discovered a calcium-based catalyst that unexpectedly synthesizes ammonia. Why it matters: These research advancements from KAUST contribute to scientific innovation in materials science and sustainable chemical processes within the region.
Three researchers from the UAE's Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) are pursuing advanced degrees at the University of Manchester through the Advanced Technology Research Council’s NexTech program. Shamma Alhashmi is pursuing a PhD in chemical engineering, while Mohamed Alnuaimi and Omar BaNabila are working towards master's degrees in Advanced Engineering Materials. Their research focuses on nanomaterials, piezoelectrics, and material damage analysis, respectively. Why it matters: This initiative demonstrates the UAE's investment in STEM education and aims to enhance domestic research capabilities in advanced materials by providing international training opportunities for promising Emirati researchers.
KAUST and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) have partnered to develop a new method using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to detect adulterants in olive oil. The method aims to identify and quantify vegetable oils mixed with olive oil, addressing concerns about the mislabeling of olive oil in the Saudi market. KAUST's comprehensive suite of NMR machines was critical for the project. Why it matters: This collaboration enhances food safety and quality control in Saudi Arabia, a major olive oil importer, and helps to ensure consumers receive authentic, high-quality products.
Mani Sarathy, an associate professor of chemical engineering, has been appointed Associate Director of the Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC) at KAUST. Sarathy is part of the University’s Physical Science and Engineering Division. The announcement did not detail specific research directions. Why it matters: This signals KAUST's continued investment in and focus on clean combustion research.
KAUST researchers, in collaboration with KACST, discovered that dissolving nylon in battery electrolytes improves the performance of lithium-metal batteries. The nylon additive resulted in more efficient batteries with longer lifespans and fewer unwanted reactions. The research was published in ACS Energy Letters and Energy Environmental Science. Why it matters: This promises cheaper, safer, and more powerful lithium batteries for applications in electric vehicles and aviation, supporting Saudi Arabia's renewable energy goals.
KAUST researchers have developed a novel wastewater treatment method that recovers energy while removing ammonium. The process harnesses anammox bacteria to oxidize ammonium and generate electrical current or hydrogen gas. Pilot-scale reactors are being tested at KAUST, coupled with photovoltaic panels for solar-powered wastewater treatment. Why it matters: This approach could lead to more energy-efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment, aligning with circular economy principles.