Innovative membrane electrolysis products a step closer to commercialization
Ten years after coming up with materials to inexpensively produce hydrogen using membrane-based electrolysis, Steven Holdcroft’s discovery is paying off.
Read More >>Stretchy, washable battery could lead to better wearable electronics
University of British Columbia researchers recently created a prototype battery works when twisted or stretched to twice its normal length and even after being tossed in the laundry.
Read More >>New polymer coatings could improve medical testing
LEARN
Researchers at the University of Toronto have come up with a polymer coating that lets low surface tension liquids move over longer distances than currently possible, without losing any of the liquid.
Read More >>The trouble with tire chemicals and urban waterways
CHEMISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
For 20 years, the mystery behind what was killing salmon in Seattle’s urban creeks seemed unsolvable. So when toxicologists at Washington State University unmasked the culprit last year, their findings made headlines. Now the same chemical is turning up in Canadian rivers.
Read More >>Saying goodbye to a global legend in adsorption engineering
CIC MEMBERS
Doug Ruthven’s was a professor of chemical engineering at the University of New Brunswick from 1966 to 1995 and at the University of Maine from 1995 to 2018. One of the leading pioneers in adsorption science and engineering, Ruthven passed away on September 23 at the age of 82.
Read More >>Simplifying the sweet science of chocolate making
CHEMISTRY FOR SOCIETY
Little-known fact: the things we like about chocolate – its creamy smooth texture and how it melts in our mouths – are thanks to the crystal structure of cocoa butter. Now University of Guelph researchers have found a way to create that perfect crystal structure while simplifying the fussy tempering process.
Read More >>Carleton chemist had a “beautiful mind”
COMMUNITY
Pudupadi (Sundar) Sundararajan had an unrivalled knowledge of polymer chemistry, an impressive scientific pedigree and an unwavering commitment to helping students find free food.
Read More >>A sweet ‘camo jacket’ for transplant organs
CHEMISTRY FOR HEALTH
Researchers have found a way to shield organs from rejection following a transplant by using a special sugar coating inside of blood vessels in the organ.
Read More >>Cannabis, chemistry and the coming opportunities
CHEMISTRY FOR HEALTH
Canada’s legal cannabis market grew 118% in 2020 and is expected to grow another 60% this year, according to market research firm, Brightfield Group. This explosive rise in popularity, fueled by Ottawa’s 2018 legalization, makes it both a frustrating and exciting time to be a chemist in the cannabis industry.
Read More >>Semiconductor’s imperfection could lead to a better solar cell
CHEMISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
One of the world’s most promising materials in the quest to produce more efficient, robust and cheaper solar cells is defective. And that’s a good thing. Now there is new insight into how perovskites’ less-than-perfect crystal structure is an advantage.
Read More >>Science and government: what the House of Commons’ new standing committee might (and might not) achieve
CHEMISTRY FOR SOCIETY
When former Minister of Science Kirsty Duncan put forward a motion to create the Committee in May, she spoke of the importance of parliamentarians gaining a better understanding of science and research.
Read More >>Celebrating Black chemists around the world
GROW
Over the summer of 2020, American chemist Dr. Devin Swiner was paying close attention as Twitter campaigns promoting scientists of colour started taking off. “I thought I’d love to curate a #BlackinChem campaign. I looked around and said, ‘Who is down to help with that?’” The result? A hugely successful week of networking.
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