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Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University


Unmasking the culprits of battery failure with a graphene mesosponge

A Tohoku University research team synthesized a high-purity graphene mesosponge that serves as a stable scaffold for loading polymorphic ruthenium catalysts. The study clearly distinguished between carbon cathode degradation and electrolyte decomposition, revealing the 'weakest link' in Li-O2 batteries.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateOct 20, 2025

Hot pressing and SPS found equally effective for next-gen batteries

Researchers from Tohoku University have compared hot pressing and spark plasma sintering (SPS) in processing garnet-type oxide Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ for solid-state lithium metal batteries. Both methods achieve nearly full densification and comparable ionic conductivity, challenging the long-held assumption that SPS is inherently superior.

Layered cobalt catalyst reimagines pigment as a pathway for carbon dioxide recycling

Researchers at Tohoku University introduced a new approach for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction using multilayer cobalt phthalocyanine/carbon core-shell structures. The study demonstrated a catalyst architecture that makes CO₂ conversion into carbon monoxide both stable and efficient.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateSep 26, 2025

An energy-efficient method to convert water pollutants into useful ammonia

A research team at Tohoku University has developed a new method to convert harmful nitrate pollutants in water into ammonia using NiCuFe-layered double hydroxide catalysts. The study achieved a Faradaic efficiency of 94.8% and demonstrated the efficacy of the process in real-world applications.

Creating a top-tier, high-density W single atom catalyst

Researchers at Tohoku University have created a high-density W single atom catalyst that significantly speeds up the oxygen evolution reaction, overcoming a key barrier in environmentally friendly technologies. The stable incorporation of tungsten into transition-metal hydroxides/oxides enables ultrathin structures with enhanced active...

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 9, 2025

Using AI to improve nickel catalysts for converting carbon dioxide into methane

Researchers applied explainable machine learning to design nickel-based catalysts for efficient CO2 methanation. The study identified optimal reaction conditions, including temperature, gas hourly space velocity, BET surface area, and nickel content, to improve conversion rates and selectivity.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateSep 3, 2025

AI-powered materials map speeds up materials discovery

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed an AI-built materials map that combines experimental data with computational predictions to identify promising materials for thermoelectric waste-heat recovery. The map enables faster development timelines and reduces trial-and-error, accelerating innovation in energy-related technologies.

Fullerene's role as an efficient, metal-free catalyst for clean energy

Researchers at Tohoku University found that C60 fullerene can serve as an active catalytic site for CO2 electroreduction, improving the efficiency of reactions like hydrogen evolution and carbon dioxide reduction. The discovery opens new possibilities for designing efficient, metal-free catalysts to combat climate change.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 20, 2025

Producing sustainable aviation fuel precursors with the furfural reduction reaction

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a method to produce environmentally friendly fuels using the furfural reduction reaction. By combining a zinc single-atom catalyst with an electrochemical reaction, they achieved high efficiency and selectivity in producing hydrofuroin, a precursor to aviation fuels.

New study clarifies catalyst design for cleaner ammonia production

Researchers at Tohoku University have uncovered key principles that could advance sustainable ammonia production by electrochemically converting nitrate waste. Pyrrolic-coordinated M-N-C catalysts achieve higher turnover frequencies for ammonia production, and the adsorption of nitrate is the rate-determining step in this reaction.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 22, 2025

New insights into Pd and Pt catalyst surface reconstruction and reaction selectivity

Researchers used advanced techniques to study propylene electrooxidation on Pd and Pt catalysts, revealing that surface reconstruction governs reaction selectivity. The findings show that changes in the catalyst surface under working potentials determine which products are formed.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 14, 2025

Machine learning potential-driven insights into pH-dependent CO₂ reduction

A team of researchers at Tohoku University's AIMR used machine learning potential to characterize Sn catalyst activity, identifying the most effective catalysts for CO2 reduction. The study provides novel insights into the behavior of Sn-based catalysts and could lead to more efficient fuel production.

Data-driven strategies to advance methane pyrolysis catalysts

Researchers at Tohoku University's AIMR have developed data-driven strategies to advance methane pyrolysis catalysts using artificial intelligence and machine learning. These approaches enable the identification of key physicochemical properties influencing catalyst performance, suggesting novel compositions for experimental validation.

New hydrogenation reaction mechanism for superhydride revealed by machine learning

Researchers successfully reproduced high-pressure synthesis reaction of superhydrides using a machine learning model, revealing a unique reaction pathway involving surface melting, hydrogen absorption, and solidification. This breakthrough deepens understanding of high-pressure physico-chemical processes and holds promise for easier de...

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 2, 2025

Turning non-magnetic materials magnetic with atomically thin films

Scientists at Tohoku University discovered that chromium selenide transforms into a magnetic material when reduced to atomically thin layers, challenging previous theoretical predictions. The research opens new possibilities for spintronics applications and could lead to faster, smaller, and more efficient electronic components.

New Bayesian method enables rapid detection of quantum dot charge states

A new technique using Bayesian inference has been developed to rapidly and accurately determine the charge state of electrons in semiconductor quantum dots, which is crucial for quantum computing systems. The method outperforms traditional threshold-based techniques, especially in situations with varying measurement noise.

New porous crystal catalyst offers durable, efficient solution for clean hydrogen production

A new catalyst structure featuring mesoporous single-crystalline Co3O4 doped with atomically dispersed iridium (Ir) has been proposed as a potential pathway toward cost-effective hydrogen production. The material achieves efficient use of Ir while maintaining stability, reducing leaching during reaction.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 23, 2025

A new take on the abilities of hydrogen binding energy for use in single atom catalysts

A new study emphasizes the importance of pushing metal site design limits to optimize hydrogen evolution reaction in single atom catalysts. Researchers found that hydrogen binding energy calculation can serve as a good predictor of activity, and neighboring nitrogen atoms can host catalytic activity to negate poisoning effects.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 17, 2025

Gd-induced oxygen vacancy activates lattice oxygen oxidation for water electrolysis

Researchers at Tohoku University found that incorporating gadolinium into iron-doped nickel oxide markedly enhances oxygen evolution reaction activity. Gd-doping reduces theoretical overpotentials and demonstrates favorable kinematics, leading to remarkable long-term stability and robust performance in water electrolysis.

Researchers uncover key insights into CO₂ reduction using SnO-based electrocatalysts

A study by the Advanced Institute for Materials Research found that tin monoxide (SnO) electrocatalysts can produce both formic acid and carbon monoxide in significant amounts. The research team identified key structural changes that influence product distribution, providing insights into optimizing electrocatalyst performance.

A breakthrough in hydrogen catalysis: Electronic fine-tuning unlocks superior performance

Researchers develop a new electronic fine-tuning approach to enhance the interactions between zinc and ruthenium, resulting in a highly active and stable catalyst for both oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction. This breakthrough offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional platinum-based catalysts.

Using a data-driven approach to synthesize single-atom catalysts that can purify water

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a novel method to accelerate the development of single-atom catalysts (SACs) for robust and efficient water purification. Using data-driven predictions, they identified an optimized Fe-SAC with high decontamination performance, breaking down pollutants in water.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 18, 2025

Breakthrough catalyst boosts green hydrogen production with enhanced OER efficiency and stability

A new catalyst, Ru3Zn0.85W0.15Ox (RZW), has been developed to improve the efficiency and stability of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic media, enabling more efficient green hydrogen production. The catalyst harnesses the unique electron-withdrawing properties of tungsten and sacrificial behavior of zinc to enhance OER performance.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 14, 2025

Breakthrough in opto-magnetic technology: 5-fold increase in torque efficiency

Researchers at Tohoku University have achieved a significant advancement in opto-magnetic technology, observing an opto-magnetic torque approximately five times more efficient than in conventional magnets. This breakthrough enables the production of opto-magnetic effects with only one-fifth of the previous light intensity.

Researchers unlock new insights into tin-based catalysts for electrochemical CO₂ reduction

Researchers developed efficient tin-based catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction, enabling the production of high-value formic acid with improved selectivity and activity. The study's findings provide critical insights into the reaction mechanism, highlighting the importance of structural and kinetic factors in catalyst design.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 22, 2025

Spintronics memory innovation: A new perpendicular magnetized film

A new cobalt-manganese-iron alloy thin film demonstrates high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, a key aspect for fabricating MRAM devices using spintronics. This breakthrough offers a new candidate for memory materials and contributes to the development of novel spintronics memory devices.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials·DateDec 26, 2024

Room-temperature ferroelectricity and data storage potential in tellurium nanowires

Researchers have discovered room-temperature ferroelectricity in single-element tellurium nanowires, paving the way for advancements in ultrahigh-density data storage. The discovery also enables fast switching speeds of less than 20 nanoseconds and impressive storage density exceeding 1.9 terabytes per square centimeter.