Research on catalysts that speed chemical reactions. Covers methane conversion, zeolite catalysis, and AI-guided catalyst design.
Researchers at University of Göttingen develop a new method to convert CO2 into chemical substances by confining molecules in nano-sized environments. The team demonstrates the ability to break individual chemical bonds and restore them in single molecules under controlled conditions.
A Korean research team created a dual-catalyst system that precisely controls catalytic reactions like cells. The nanoreactor combines magnetic materials and metal catalysts to selectively activate the catalyst under magnetic fields and near-infrared rays.
Researchers aim to improve and expand Enzymatic Construction Material (ECM), a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete that can repair cracks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The grant will also support programs to inspire girls' interests in engineering and construction, addressing the industry's gender gap.
Scientists defined the structure of a substrate-bound iron enzyme and found it uses cations to drive desaturation during catalysis. The work could lead to the creation of valuable molecules like vinyl isonitriles with antibiotic properties.
The TU Wien team has created a catalyst that can convert CO2 and methane into synthesis gas without the formation of carbon nanotubes. This approach, called dry reforming, has the potential to convert climate-damaging greenhouse gases into valuable products.
Researchers developed a main-group catalyst with atomically dispersed In sites to overcome the trade-off between conversion and selectivity in oxidative dehydrogenation. The novel catalyst achieved over 80% C2H4 selectivity, outperforming existing transition metal oxide catalysts.
Researchers develop a new strategy to activate methane under mild conditions by confining copper atoms in ultrathin two-dimensional Ru nanosheets. This approach enables highly selective and efficient room-temperature conversion of methane to liquid C1 oxygenates with an over 99% selectivity.
Researchers created an unnatural monoterpene skeleton using nickel catalysis, enabling enantioselective transformation of bulk chemical isoprene. This work provides a new approach to access terpenoids with different biological activities.
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a new method for converting plastics into valuable chemicals using hydrogenolysis. The process reduces the use of precious metal ruthenium while increasing efficiency and selectivity.
Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a surface-modified dye-sensitized nanosheet catalyst that can suppress undesirable back electron transfer and improve water splitting activity. This results in an efficient Z-scheme overall water splitting system with improved hydrogen production.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg have successfully synthesized the cationic low-valent aluminum complex [Al(AlCp*)3]+, which exhibits ambiphilic reactivity. This breakthrough brings us closer to developing catalysts using abundant and earth-abundant metal like aluminum, potentially replacing expensive transition metals.
Researchers have developed new methods to prepare state-of-the-art zeolites with nano-sized dimensions and hierarchical structures, critical for industrial applications. The findings emphasize the importance of smaller size and structure in determining performance.
Researchers developed a new enzyme that can degrade poly(ethylene) terephthalate (PET), a common plastic used in bottles. The enzyme, HotPETase, is thermostable and selectively breaks down PET, offering a potential solution to the global plastic waste challenge.
The research team will analyze the remaining two enzymes necessary for riboflavin production and build a 'riboflavinator' in a test tube. This understanding could lead to improved methods for treating diseases and improving public health.
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new protocol for synthesizing dialkyl ethers using three catalysts that hydroxylate alkenes quickly and cheaply. This method enables the precise control of electrons and protons to convert unactivated alkenes into reactive carbocation equivalents under mild reaction conditions.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science create a metal–organic framework-based magnesium ion conductor showing superionic conductivity at room temperature, overcoming the limitations of magnesium ion-based energy devices. The novel Mg2+ electrolyte exhibits a high conductivity of 10−3 S cm−1, making it suitable for battery applica...
Researchers at KAUST have found that molybdenum plays a central role in electrochemical hydride transfer, a process for producing valuable chemicals or carbon-free fuels. The discovery could enable more sustainable production of sustainable fuels and chemicals.
Engineers at UIC have been awarded a grant to build a system that selectively removes and destroys PFAS, commonly called 'forever chemicals,' from industrial and municipal wastewaters. The team will develop a prototype of their system and deploy it for scale-up and pilot testing in California's Orange County Water District.
Researchers from Aarhus and Berlin have developed an algorithm that can predict how complex molecules will bind to the surface of catalysts. This is achieved through a machine-learning approach inspired by 3D Tetris, allowing computers to quickly identify promising catalysts.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new catalyst to improve butane conversion into butadiene, increasing efficiency and reducing byproducts. The breakthrough could make butadiene production more commercially viable and address the growing demand-supply imbalance.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel synthesis procedure to produce high-quality manganese oxide nanoparticles with large surface areas. The new approach enables the creation of ultra-small nanoparticles with excellent catalytic performance, outperforming previously reported methods.
Researchers created a composite of boron nitride and titanium dioxide that harnesses UV-A energy to break apart PFOA molecules in water, degrading 99% of the pollutant in less than three hours. The catalyst is more efficient than existing methods, offering new hope for removing PFOA from drinking water.
Researchers from Tokyo Tech investigated nonthermal plasma-promoted CO2 hydrogenation on Pd2Ga/SiO2 catalysts, revealing a more than two-fold increase in CO2 conversion compared to thermal methods. The study provides mechanistic insights into the NTP-activated species and metallic catalyst interaction.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science create new method for producing heterolayer coordination nanosheets with improved properties and controllability. The study expands the diversity of 2D materials, enabling potential applications in optoelectronics and renewable energy.
Researchers have developed a novel crystalline-amorphous NiO-CrOx electrocatalyst that accelerates the urea oxidation reaction, yielding hydrogen with less energy use than traditional water splitting processes. The catalyst exhibits excellent urea oxidation reaction activity and durability.
Researchers have successfully isolated and characterized rhodium(VII), the third-highest oxidation state of an element, using advanced ion trap technology. This discovery has significant implications for understanding exotic transition metal oxides and potential applications in materials science.
Researchers summarize their work on crystal phase engineering for electrocatalysts, exploring how atomic arrangements influence properties and performance. The study suggests that manipulating atoms to form new lattices can lead to better electrocatalysis, paving the way for sustainable energy conversion processes.
Researchers developed single atom-based catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction, overcoming challenges in stable C-O bonds and hydrogen evolution reactions. The study highlights the potential of these catalysts for converting CO2 into fuels and chemicals using renewable energy.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed an efficient and durable iron-based catalyst that can be used in hydrogen fuel cells. The catalyst, combined with nitrogen and carbon, overcomes the limitations of platinum-based catalysts and could make fuel cells more affordable for commercial use.
A new production method for styrene has been developed by researchers at Tsinghua University, improving the stability and dehydrogenation activity of the process. The method uses fully exposed platinum cluster catalysts, which exhibit high activity and selectivity in producing styrene.
Metal-organic frameworks based catalysts offer an alternative to traditional catalysts for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide. Researchers have systematically reviewed various metal-organic frameworks based catalysts for selective hydrogenation of carbon dioxide, identifying their potential in future applications.
Liu's three-year grant will pursue protein-derived cofactor studies to improve understanding of amino acids and their role in metabolism. The research aims to gain a quicker and more thorough understanding of amino acid function and purpose.
Researchers have developed a novel process converting methane into liquid methanol at ambient temperature and pressure using visible light. The method uses a continuous flow of methane/oxygen-saturated water over a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) catalyst, achieving 100% selectivity with no by-products.
Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University developed a new method to prolong the lifetime of hot electrons, allowing for more efficient hydrogen peroxide production using solar light. The combination of rutile titanium dioxide and graphene forms an elevated Schottky barrier, facilitating hot electron injection and preventing backflow.
Researchers developed a novel photocatalyst structure using isolated single atoms of copper in a polymer framework, significantly enhancing catalyst performance for converting CO2 into methane fuel. This breakthrough offers a promising solution for addressing climate change by providing a carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels.
The Impact Acceleration Account supports critical early-stage translation of UK research to transform public services, create new businesses, and jobs. The programme provides funding to unlock the value of UK research, including commercialisation of new technologies.
A research team discovered oxygenate-based routes in syngas conversion over oxide-zeolite (OXZEO) bifunctional catalysts using solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The study revealed the mechanistic difference between OXZEO and traditional zinc oxide and zeolite catalysts.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a chemical process that can add two distinct functional groups to single alkenes, a breakthrough in drug design and materials science. The process uses manganese catalysts and photocalysts to enable radical ligand transfer, allowing for the creation of unique molecules.
Scientists from Tsinghua University have constructed catalysts using a fluorine-doping method, enhancing their performance in reducing carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals. The researchers found that the fluorine-doping stabilizes Fe3+ sites, improving the catalyst's efficiency and stability.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a novel hydroxy-iodide (HSbOI) cluster compound with large, positively charged clusters. This finding may open up new possibilities in the design of solid-state catalysts.
A new double-layered catalyst, combining platinum with NiFe hydroxide, was developed to enhance hydrogen generation efficiency. The catalyst's activity is 11.2 times higher than conventional materials, making it a promising solution for increasing green hydrogen production.
A research team from Tokyo University of Science has developed a new method to create copolymers with different metal species, which have potential uses in catalysis and drug discovery. The technique allows for controlling the composition of metal species in the resulting polymer.
Scientists at Chung-Ang University have created a new catalyst that can efficiently generate hydrogen from water without the need for expensive noble metals. The innovative heterostructured material boosts both the half-reactions, improving its overall performance and paving the way for large-scale industrial applications.
Chemists have successfully developed a new multi-component reaction involving ketyl radicals and palladium catalysis, enabling the rapid production of complex structures in a single step. This approach is considered environmentally friendly and has potential for further unforeseen synthetic transformations.
A research team led by Miriam Unterlass successfully produced a hybrid material that combines organic and inorganic substances in a single process. The method uses hot water instead of toxic solvents, creating a reusable catalyst with potential applications in pharmaceuticals.
Researchers developed a sustainable method of synthesizing diphenylmethanol derivatives using Chinese alumina, reducing waste and costs. The new method recycles alumina by washing it with water and drying between usages, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.
A KAUST-led team developed organic semiconductor-based photocatalysts to store solar energy as clean hydrogen fuel. These catalysts can absorb visible light and generate long-lived charges, improving efficiency for hydrogen evolution.
A team of scientists at Tokyo University of Science has successfully produced hydrogen peroxide using spent coffee grounds and tea leaf residue. The new method, which is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, opens up new applications for unused biomass resources.
Researchers use trace amounts of liquid platinum to create efficient chemical reactions at low temperatures, extending earth's reserves and offering CO2 reduction solutions. The liquid catalyst is over 1,000 times more efficient than its solid-state rival.
Researchers have developed a novel route to transform CH3Cl to acetic acid through carbonylation, achieving high selectivity and efficiency. The study proposes a reaction mechanism involving chemical adsorption, formation of acetyl groups, and hydrolysis.
Researchers at KAUST developed a new exhaust catalyst concept that can effectively remove NOx from vehicle emissions, resolving an ongoing debate over additive atoms in the catalyst mix. The team identified the ideal atomic recipe to catalytically remove NOx from diesel car tailpipes.
Researchers have designed an iron catalyst to facilitate the olefin metathesis reaction, a widely applicable catalytic reaction for carbon-carbon double bond formation. The iron-based catalyst shows promise in reducing costs and environmental impact compared to traditional ruthenium-based catalysts.
Researchers anchored Mo2C nanoparticles onto MAPbI3 to enhance photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution. The composite exhibits superior performance, surpassing pristine MAPbI3 and Pt-deposited MAPbI3.
Researchers used ultrahigh-field NMR spectroscopy to study the structure of Al(V) on γ-Al2O3. They found flexible structural features and hydroxyl groups that can be removed under high-temperature dehydration, leading to surface reconstruction. Most Al(V) species aggregate into domains rather than forming tetragonal pyramids.
A new artificial enzyme has successfully degraded lignin, a stubborn polymer in woody plants, offering hope for developing a new renewable energy source. The enzyme, developed by mimicking natural enzymes that break down lignin in nature, shows promise for producing valuable products from lignin.
Scientists at TU Wien have developed a new photocatalyst design that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight. This process, called photocatalytic water splitting, has the potential to produce environmentally friendly 'green hydrogen' with higher efficiency than traditional electrolysis methods.
Researchers from Prof. Martin's group at ICIQ develop a new strategy to create organic molecules of pharmacological interest using ketones as alkyl cross-coupling synthons. The method provides flexibility and mild reaction conditions, making it suitable for the synthesis of various organic molecules.
Researchers at MIT have designed a new type of photoredox catalyst that can be used to coat plastic tubing and perform chemical transformations on reactants as they flow through the tube. This breakthrough could enable the use of light-driven reactions in manufacturing processes, increasing efficiency and reducing waste.
A team of researchers has developed a unique catalyst that breaks down plastics into valuable molecules at an increased rate without sacrificing desirable product chains. The catalyst's activity and selectivity can be independently controlled, allowing for faster and more efficient plastic upcycling processes.
Researchers have found a way to perform hydrogen atom transfer reactions with fewer chemicals and less cost, making it more efficient for industrial and academic settings. The new method uses electrochemistry to create cobalt hydride catalysts, reducing the need for expensive oxidants and reductants.