KAUST researchers have developed a surface treatment for jute storage bags to prevent moisture-induced damage to stored grains. The treatment involves roughening the jute surface with an alkali and applying a thin layer of paraffin wax. Experiments showed that seed moisture content reduced by up to 7.5 percent in wax-coated bags, and seed germination efficacy after storage was up to 35 percent higher. Why it matters: This simple, scalable technique could significantly reduce grain losses in developing countries and provide an environmentally friendly alternative for grain storage.
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.
KAUST Ph.D. student Reem Alghamdi is working at the KAUST Catalysis Center to improve the quality of industrially used polyethylene. Her research focuses on synthesizing a nanocomposite of polyethylene and nanomaterials to reinforce industrially made polymers, improving their mechanical characteristics. The resulting hybrid organic-inorganic product minimizes manufacturing defects, enhancing hardness. Why it matters: This research has the potential to significantly improve the durability and performance of polymer products across various sectors, from automotive to construction, impacting numerous industries in the region and beyond.
KAUST and Partanna have launched a 12-month R&D partnership to enhance CO2 removal in concrete manufacturing. The collaboration will integrate Partanna’s formula with KAUST’s Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. Partanna's patented concrete avoids Portland Cement and uses a binder made from natural and recycled materials, enabling CO2 absorption. Why it matters: This partnership highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to sustainable construction and carbon-negative technologies, potentially revolutionizing building practices in the region and beyond.
KAUST and KACST researchers have developed a nanoPE nanoplastic that improves LED streetlight energy efficiency by enhancing thermal radiation emission and reducing LED temperature. The nanoPE coating allows infrared light to pass through while reflecting visible light, optimizing illumination. Simulations suggest that adopting this technology in the US could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over one million metric tons. Why it matters: This innovation offers a sustainable lighting solution with significant potential for reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in Saudi Arabia and globally.
Researchers at KAUST, Fraunhofer ISE, and University of Freiburg developed a method using 1,3-diaminopropane dihydroiodide (PDAI) to treat the perovskite surface of perovskite silicon tandem solar cells. The treated solar cells achieved a conversion efficiency of 33.1% and an open-circuit voltage of 2.01 volts. The devices maintained performance at over 40°C for over 1500 hours along the Saudi coast. Why it matters: This innovation overcomes challenges in surface passivation of textured perovskite cells, paving the way for more efficient and stable solar energy solutions suitable for deployment in hot climates.
KAUST and GE have partnered to study the feasibility of using crude oils like Arabian Super Light (ASL) to power heavy-duty gas turbines. The collaboration aims to develop turbines capable of burning crude oil directly from the ground to meet Saudi Arabia's energy security needs. The research involves building a rig at KAUST's High Pressure Combustion Laboratory (HPCL) to conduct corrosion tests on turbine materials by burning ASL/AXL crude continuously for 2,000 hours. Why it matters: This partnership could reduce reliance on natural gas and offer an economically viable alternative fuel source, bolstering energy security in Saudi Arabia and potentially influencing turbine technology worldwide.
KAUST researchers led by Andrea Fratalocchi are developing a nanomaterial, initially recognized as the "blackest black" by Guinness World Records, to enhance solar cell efficiency. The material, made from gold nanoparticles, absorbs over 99% of visible light and 98% of infrared. The team is working to create the material from less costly alternatives to gold for energy production applications. Why it matters: This research could lead to significant advancements in solar energy harvesting, addressing a critical need for efficient light absorption in renewable energy technologies within the region and globally.