GLG News by Nanotechnology Materials Experts

2010 EPA NOx regulations are leading most OEMs to design in Urea-based SCR catalysts.  Truckers will need to refill the Urea tank periodically and need widespread availability of the chemical solution at most truck stops and fuel depots.  While readily available, the intermodal distribution...

Key automotive technologies are measured by two primary metrics:  performance and long term durability. Automotive components and systems are exposed to extreme conditions on a daily basis and OEMs must accurately simulate these in testing if they are to bring new technologies to market in a timely...

Automotive production declines have alleviated the supply deficit for Platinum since 2007 as consumption for catalytic converters has fallen. Future production rebound and pending emissions regulations will increase demand at or above 2007 levels.

California has the most stringent requirements in the world for retrofitting or re-powering older diesel engines with advanced emission controls. As written the cost for compliance can exceed $10K per engine in many cases. Fleet owners and operators are faced with tough choices as they near compliance...

Both Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors have formed joint ventures with battery producers in Japan to produce batteries for electric vehicles.  This follows the example of the well-established Toyota-Panasonic JV that already produces batteries for hybrid electric vehicles like the Toyota Prius. ...

The FCC seems determined to have Telecommunications Service providers increase backup power to the eight hours written in their regulations.  The courts have provided opportunities for the Telecommunications companies to delay enforcement and have eased the degree to which smaller service providers...

EPA regulations in 2010 will require significant reductions in NOx emissions from diesel trucks.  SCR catalysts are the likely solution for most OEMs but Cummins and International have announced plans to proceed without SCR.   Significant fuel cost and performance tradeoffs are being...

Demand for sulfuric acid continues to grow in fertilizer and metals applications.  As prices skyrocket ethanol producers are finding their margins squeezed.  Sustained demand for acid in Ag and mining sectors may keep sulfuric acid prices at or above current levels for the foreseeable fut...

Fuel efficient diesel engines have the potential to restructure the US auto industry.  Current US refinery capacity for diesel is tight during seasonal heating oil demand peaks.  For diesels to realize their potential share of the US auto market increased fuel capacity must be secure...

Producing ethanol from corn is an unsustainable and economically unviable long term proposition.  Future shifts to switchgrass or other cellulosic ethanol crop sources makes more sense but does not help today.  Diesel remains a logical choice for immediate impact in fuel economy...