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A lightweight carbon nanofiber-based collector

Researchers have developed a lightweight carbon nanofiber-based collector that can restrain dendrite growth and achieve uniform lithium deposition. The collector, made with high nitrogen-doping levels, improves energy density by up to 2489.7 mAh/g, enabling the practical use of lithium metal anodes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateJun 20, 2018

Making the oxygen we breathe, a photosynthesis mechanism exposed

Researchers at Georgia Tech have elucidated the role of a small metal catalyst and an amino acid in the release of oxygen from water in photosystem II, a complex protein structure found in plants and algae. The discovery sheds light on the intricate chemistry of photosynthesis and has potential applications in improving crop productivi...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Rutgers physicists create new class of 2D artificial materials

A Rutgers-led international team of scientists has verified a 53-year-old theory on ferroelectric metals, creating a new class of two-dimensional artificial materials that exhibit ferroelectric-like properties at room temperature. These findings have the potential to spawn a new generation of multi-functional devices and applications.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2018

Controlled nano-assembly

Scientists have introduced a universal pH-regulated assembly method for DNA nanostructures, using ethylenediamine to control self-directed cohesions. This method enables the formation of various geometries without specific base sequences, expanding dynamic DNA nanotechnology applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 23, 2018

New theory shows how strain makes for better catalysts

Researchers have developed a new theory to explain why stretching or compressing metal catalysts can make them perform better. The theory suggests that applying a strain to a catalyst's atomic lattice can tune its reactivity, enabling fine-tuning of catalyst performance throughout different reaction steps.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 20, 2018

Lifespan of fuel cells maximized using small amount of metals

KAIST researchers have developed a new technique to improve the chemical stability of electrode materials in solid oxide fuel cells. By employing a small amount of metals, they can extend the lifespan of these energy technology devices. This innovation has the potential to improve the long-term performance and durability of fuel cells.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJan 17, 2018

Siberian chemists have improved hydrogen sensors

Scientists from Siberian Federal University and Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry create active layers in hydrogen detectors using metal phthalocyanines and palladium membranes. This increases the sensor's sensitivity, enabling detection of hazardous gases and aiding in disease diagnosis. The researchers plan to further improve...

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateJan 17, 2018

New database catalogues plants that soak up contamination

The Global Hyperaccumulator Database contains data on 721 species of plants capable of absorbing high amounts of metal compounds. The database aims to facilitate the identification and utilization of these hyperaccumulators for environmental cleanup, particularly in mining-affected areas.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateNov 21, 2017

How do you build a metal nanoparticle?

A novel theory explains how metal nanoparticles form, revealing a balance between bond strength and ligand binding. This understanding enables the creation of more efficient and sustainable nanoparticle production processes for applications like biolabeling and targeted drug delivery.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2017

Electrochemical performance of lithium-ion capacitors

Researchers developed a novel approach to lithium-ion capacitors using internal short-circuiting, achieving high energy storage capacity. The pre-lithiated multiwalled carbon nanotube anode showed improved performance, enabling the devices to store approximately 5 times more energy than conventional EDLCs.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateApr 21, 2017