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New study suggests an alternative technique for determining the true activity of catalysts

Researchers from Waseda University have developed an alternative technique, sampled current voltammetry (SCV), to accurately determine the activity of electrocatalysts used in water-splitting reactions. The study shows that SCV can provide reliable measurements of electrocatalytic performance at constant steady-state applied voltages.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Scientists weave atomically thin wires into ribbons

Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a scalable way to assemble nanowires into nanoribbons, a promising material for sophisticated electronic devices and catalysts. The method involves weaving together nanowires with chalcogen atoms and heat, resulting in atomically thin ribbons with unique properties.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateJan 29, 2022

New, highly efficient catalyst for propylene production

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a novel catalyst that significantly improves the efficiency of propylene production. The catalyst utilizes carbon dioxide efficiently and exhibits high selectivity, stability, and long-term reusability.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Cu interface matters during CO2 electroreduction

A team of scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China developed an oxide-derived Cu catalyst with a superior Cu(100)/Cu(111) interface, which displayed high Faradaic efficiency during CO2 reduction reaction. The interface played a critical role in C-C coupling and exhibited superior catalytic performance.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 25, 2022

One pot wonder for polymer diversity

Researchers developed an auto-switchable phosphazene-based catalyst to create well-defined diblock terpolymers in a single step, overcoming the limitations of traditional two-step polymerizations. This innovative approach offers vast potential for producing diverse polymers for various industrial applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2022

Smarter catalysts through ‘induced activation’

A new method of molecular-level control, called induced activation, doubles the efficiency of widely used industrial catalysts. This approach manipulates the catalyst surface by controlling reducing agents at the catalyst activation stage.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJan 20, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Confined Ni–In intermetallic alloy nanocatalyst for methane dry reforming

Researchers have developed a new nanocatalyst for the dry reforming of methane, overcoming coking resistance with its confined core-shell structure. The catalyst's superior carbon resistance is attributed to the confinement and electron transfer between In and Ni.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·DateJan 20, 2022

Penn State awarded $3.4 million contract to target plastic waste

Researchers at Penn State have been awarded a $3.4 million contract from the REMADE Institute to develop a flexible, two-stage chemical recycling process for mixed plastic waste. The process aims to decompose multiple types of plastic and convert them into valuable chemicals that can be used to create new products.

SourcePenn State·DateJan 18, 2022

Blue LEDs light the way toward sustainable development

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new method for creating chemical subunits using blue LEDs and copper, reducing the need for precious metals. This breakthrough has potential applications in pharmaceutical and photoelectronic development.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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A catalyst for more efficient green hydrogen production

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new water-splitting process and material that maximize the efficiency of producing carbon-free green hydrogen. The hybrid catalysts show superior performance for both oxygen and hydrogen splitting, making it an affordable and accessible option for industrial partners.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Catalysis·TypeObservational study·DateJan 14, 2022

"Hand in hand in hand": Three catalysts solve chemical problem

A research team has developed a new strategy to create molecular compounds without multi-step syntheses, using a system of three catalysts. The catalysts work together to selectively insert an aryl group into unactivated alkenes, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for organic synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

New catalytic approach directly converts raw biomass into natural gas with low carbon footprint

A new catalytic approach directly converts solid biomass into natural gas with a low carbon footprint, achieving nearly complete conversion of various agricultural and forestry materials. This process reduces fossil energy depletion and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 26% and 34%, respectively.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 11, 2022
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Overcoming a bottleneck in carbon dioxide conversion

A team of researchers at MIT has identified and modeled a major reason for poor performance in electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion systems, which is caused by a local depletion of CO2 gas near the electrodes. By pulsing the current off and on, they can replenish the gas levels, allowing the process to continue efficiently.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalLangmuir·DateJan 11, 2022

Cancer therapy using on-site synthesis of anticancer drugs

Researchers at RIKEN successfully treated cancer in mice using metal catalysts that assemble anticancer drugs inside the body. The technique avoids indiscriminate tissue damage and increases cancer-inhibiting activity by 1000 times.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022

Migrating holes help catalysts be productive

Researchers at Rice University have developed a theory showing how manipulating quasiparticles could help improve chemical reactions. By applying electric fields, holes can be made to migrate across the surface of catalyst particles, activating neighboring sites and increasing the efficiency of the reaction.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2022

Catalyst surface analysed at atomic resolution

Scientists visualized the distribution of atoms in cobalt iron oxide nanoparticles and studied structural changes on the surface during oxygen evolution reaction. The findings provide atomic insights into compositional changes affecting catalytic performance.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2022

Gold solution to catalysis grand challenge

Researchers at Cardiff University have demonstrated the suitability of gold as a catalyst to produce methanol and acetic acid from methane in natural gas. The novel method uses gold nanoparticles, which exhibit different physical and chemical properties compared to larger material counterparts.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJan 6, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

"Heavy" hydrogen stabilizes drugs

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a new method to introduce heavy hydrogen isotopes into drugs, potentially making them more effective. The technique involves the use of epoxides and a titanium-based catalyst, allowing for precise control over the placement of deuterium atoms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 23, 2021

UCF researchers’ ethanol fuel cells offer new alternative to power cars, technology

The University of Central Florida researchers have developed an alcohol-based power source for cars and other technology that uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. The ethanol fuel cell has achieved a maximum power density and operation time of over 5,900 hours, making it a promising alternat...

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Catalyst technology converts methane greenhouse gas into useful, valuable chemicals

Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a catalyst technology that converts methane into ethane and ethylene with high efficiency and selectivity. The new technology uses platinum-based MXene structures to break down methane bonds, producing valuable chemicals without emitting the most abundant greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Researchers propose new method for electrocatalytic hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene under room temperature

Researchers develop highly efficient electrocatalytic hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene under room temperature, using water as a hydrogen source and reducing energy consumption. The process achieves high Faradaic efficiency and selective ethylene production via electron-coupled proton transfer pathways.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 8, 2021

Teaching an old chemical new tricks

Researchers have paired Barton's base, a 1980s catalyst, with click chemistry to accelerate complex molecule generation in biomedical research and drug development. The new ASCC method skips intermediate steps, reducing waste and enhancing 'green credentials',

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 6, 2021

Artificial intelligence to advance energy technologies

A new artificial intelligence framework called TinNet combines machine-learning algorithms and theories to identify new catalysts for efficient energy production. By understanding how catalysts interact with different intermediates, researchers can design robust catalytic processes that improve daily life.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2021

Novel carbon-coated bimetallic catalyst for in-situ aqueous phase hydrodeoxygenation

Researchers at Tianjin University have designed a novel carbon-coated Ni-Co alloy catalyst that improves the stability and efficiency of in-situ aqueous phase hydrodeoxygenation. The catalyst achieved a hydrocarbon yield of 92.6%, making it a promising alternative to traditional methods.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Potential of hydroxyapatite in transition metal catalysis

Researchers at Kazan Federal University study hydroxyapatite's properties as a catalyst, finding that iron incorporation is energetically comparable and preferentially localized. The study uses density functional theory calculations to analyze the introduction of iron ions in the HAp lattice.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalCrystals·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021

Chemistry: Researchers develop novel, inexpensive catalysts enabling noble metal chemistry

Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed novel, inexpensive catalysts for alkynes reactions. Alkynes are activated through a soft manner, mimicking gold and platinum-based catalysts, with aluminum oxide being a more accessible alternative.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Can defects turn inert materials into useful, active ones?

By introducing defects, researchers created chemically active hBN that can hold precious metal atoms, enabling cost-effective catalysts and potential applications in energy storage and sensors. This breakthrough challenges the long-held assumption that inert materials cannot be activated.

SourcePenn State·JournalMaterials Today·DateNov 19, 2021

Ternary ruthenium complex hydrides can catalyze ammonia synthesis under mild condition

Researchers have developed efficient catalysts for ammonia synthesis under mild conditions using ternary ruthenium complex hydrides. The unique configuration and function mechanism of these complexes enables non-dissociative activation of nitrogen, leading to superior kinetics and favored ammonia production.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 19, 2021

Methane from carbon dioxide

Researchers have developed a highly active and stable nickel-carbon catalyst for the light-driven methanation of CO2, converting it into methane with high efficiency. The new catalyst, named Ni@C, demonstrated a high rate of conversion and selectivity under artificial UV, visible, and IR light.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

New technique improves conversion of carbon dioxide into liquid fuels

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new approach to modify the surface of copper catalysts, improving the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels. The technique involves coating the copper with thin films of ionomers, which steer the reaction towards generating carbon-rich products.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

​​​​​​​New method converts bio-polyols into CO

Researchers developed a photocatalytic oxidative reforming process to convert bio-polyols into CO under ambient conditions. The Z-scheme catalyst structure facilitated adsorption and activation of dioxygen, promoting hydroxyl radicals and enhanced CO production rate.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalCheM·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 17, 2021

Catalysts: Poisoned and very much alive at the same time

Researchers at TU Wien discovered that a rhodium catalyst can be highly chemically active in some regions while completely inactive in others. The team found that the arrangement of atoms on the surface differs from grain to grain, leading to varying catalytic properties.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

This light-powered catalyst mimics photosynthesis

A team of MIT researchers has created a biohybrid photocatalyst that can mimic photosynthesis, improving the yield of chemical reactions for generating pharmaceuticals. The new catalyst uses a light-harvesting protein to capture energy from red light and transfer it to a metal-containing catalyst.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalChem·DateNov 15, 2021

Chinese researchers illustrate guiding principle of stable nanocatalysts design

Researchers proposed rational design of nanocatalysts using metal-support interaction descriptor, identifying optimal balance between adhesion and cohesion energies. This theory guides the design of ultrastable heterogeneous metal nanocatalysts, overcoming sintering issues and improving productivity.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience·DateNov 12, 2021

Recycling CO2 to fuel a carbon-neutral future

Scientists at KAUST have created catalysts that can convert CO2 into valuable hydrocarbons, such as gasoline-grade isoparaffins, with high selectivity rates. The development paves the way for a circular carbon economy and drop-in fuels from CO2.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2021

Intensified solar thermochemical CO2 splitting over iron-based perovskite

A new iron-based perovskite material has been developed to intensify solar thermochemical CO2 splitting. The material achieves an unprecedented CO production rate of 381 mL g−1 min−1 with 99% CO2 conversion at 850 ºC, outperforming state-of-the-art materials.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateNov 9, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Converting methane to methanol -- with and without water

A team at Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified a common industrial catalyst that can efficiently convert methane to methanol with or without water. The findings suggest strategies for improving the water-free conversion, achieving 30% selectivity in the absence of water, and 80% selectivity with water.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2021

"Chainmail catalysis" improves efficiency of CO oxidation at room temperature

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics designed a chainmail catalysis system for CO oxidation, achieving near 100% conversion at room temperature. The graphene-isolated Pt catalyst overcomes the issue of deep oxidation and enables efficient CO conversion.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 1, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Tuneable catalysis: Solving the particle size puzzle

Researchers linked microscopic and macroscopic approaches to describe a technologically important chemical reaction under realistic conditions. This allows understanding why catalyst particle size plays a crucial role in chemical processes.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2021

A big leap forward in using iron catalysts for pharmaceuticals

University of Rochester researchers have developed a novel three-component cross-coupling reaction using iron catalysts, which could potentially bring iron to the front of the class. The reaction enables faster and less expensive synthesis of previously difficult-to-make drug-like compounds in a single step.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

The next big thing: How do scientists bring hydrogen fuel cells from laboratory to public life?

Researchers at USTC have successfully synthesized small-sized Pt intermetallic nanoparticle catalysts with ultralow Pt loading and high mass activity. These catalysts exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, potentially decreasing the cost of fuel cells.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2021

Chemists develop a fundamentally new mode of adsorption

Researchers developed a new mechanism of adsorption called mechanisorption, which can store significant amounts of energy by recruiting molecules onto surfaces at high concentrations. This breakthrough has implications for energy storage, controlled release, and environmental remediation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have successfully engineered microbes to produce novel chemicals and developed a new technique for studying enzyme reactions in real-time. This breakthrough could lead to the production of sustainable fuels, pharmaceuticals, and renewable plastics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Researchers develop catalyst for stable reduction of carbon dioxide

The researchers developed a catalyst that achieves high selectivity and stability in the reduction of CO2 to formic acid. The catalyst, containing indium sulfide and zinc, demonstrates excellent catalytic stability even at industrial current density for extended periods.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 2021

Supernova: A glowing DNA enzyme

Researchers at IOCB Prague have created a glowing DNA enzyme called Supernova, which catalyzes a chemiluminescent reaction. This breakthrough uses artificial evolution to identify light-producing deoxyribozymes in a vast library of DNA molecules, opening up new possibilities for point-of-care assays and high-throughput screens.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

Anionic Nickel

Researchers discovered that nickel can catalyze the cross-coupling of aryl ethers through a nickelate anion. This reaction pathway relies on the formation and stability of the catalyst, providing an alternative to traditional palladium-catalyzed cross-couplings.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Catalyst advance improves natural gas cleaning technology

Researchers developed a new catalyst with unique atomic-sized rafts that improve the cleaning of emissions from natural gas engines. The catalyst enhances energy efficiency and reduces unburnt methane emissions, making natural gas-powered technology cleaner and more viable.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Bimetallic catalysts for oil extraction

Researchers have developed bimetallic catalysts that enhance oil upgrading, decreasing heavy hydrocarbons and increasing light hydrocarbons. The test results showed positive influence on petroleum quality, transportation efficiency, and environmental impact.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021

Predict phosphine reactivity with one simple metric

Researchers developed a predictive tool using %V bur (min) to categorize phosphine structures as active or inactive in many experimental datasets. This advancement will facilitate organometallic chemistry and catalysis, enabling easier computation and prediction of phosphine reactivity.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021

New theories and materials aid the transition to clean energy

Researchers at Arizona State University explore alternative approaches to catalysis, a chemical process crucial for industrial applications. The study aims to develop synthetic catalysts that can improve on nature's designs, leading to the production of carbon-neutral fuels.

SourceArizona State University·JournalChem Catalysis·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 14, 2021