Identifying the optimal geometry of continuous flow reactors is a major challenge due to the large available parameter design space. Here the authors combine a machine learning-assisted methodology with computational fluid dynamics and additive manufacturing for the design of more efficient, complex coiled-tube reactors.

The design of CO₂ electrolyzers is complicated by coupled transport and reaction phenomena. Here the authors develop a continuum model incorporating physical phenomena across multiple scales to predict the activity and selectivity of CO₂ electrolysis, along with the loss of CO₂ due to crossover in membrane electrode assemblies.

All-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries have been recognized for their high energy density and safety. This Perspective explores sulfur redox in the solid state, emphasizing the critical roles of electrochemical kinetics, thermodynamics, mass transport and advanced techniques such as cryogenic electron microscopy to help bridge gaps in current understanding.

Tandem CO₂ electrolysis has demonstrated strong potential for transforming captured CO₂ into multicarbon products, but more effort is needed in scaling these systems to commercial levels. The authors address this crucial need by elevating tandem CO₂ electrolysis to the kilowatt scale, marking a significant step toward real-world implementation.

Biodegradable plastics, often considered environmentally friendly, may contribute to environmental impacts in natural ecosystems, which are not fully understood due to inadequate assessment methods. The authors develop a life cycle impact assessment method to evaluate the climate-change and aquatic-ecotoxicity impacts of biodegradable microplastics in freshwater environments and support the design of future plastics.

This study develops a liquid-gating topological gradient microfluidics device that generates finely tuned microbubbles in a functional liquid in a high-throughput manner for air purification in different scenarios.

Metal recycling plays a crucial role in mitigating the shortage of critical metals. Here the authors develop an electrothermal chlorination process incorporating direct electric heating into chlorination metallurgy for rapid and selective recovery of metals that are critical in electronics.

Low-temperature CO₂ methanation processes have potential for improved energy efficiency due to high equilibrium conversion but are generally limited by poor catalyst activity. Here the authors report an inverse CeZrO_x/Ni catalyst that realizes high low-temperature (200 °C) methanation activity at ambient pressure.

Gene therapies and cellular programming rely on effective cell transfection. Here it is shown that optimizing the viscosity of cell culture media to match that of biological fluids substantially enhances the transfection efficiency for various gene delivery vehicles across different cell types.

The fundamental thermodynamic principles of sulfur redox reactions in Li–S batteries are not fully understood. A ternary phase diagram is obtained after equilibrium between sulfur, lithium sulfide and dissolved polysulfides, which accurately describes the system evolution and predicts the behavior of Li–S batteries at an arbitrary given state.

Paul J. Dauenhauer describes the mathematical basis for designing dynamic catalysts that are programmed to change with time.

Mass, energy and momentum transfer impact nearly all aspects of chemical engineering. This Editorial reiterates our interest in transport processes, with some recent highlights from reaction engineering.

Robert H. Davis argues quantitatively how hiring more teaching faculty could boost both research and teaching.