Research on catalysts that speed chemical reactions. Covers methane conversion, zeolite catalysis, and AI-guided catalyst design.
Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and University of Copenhagen developed an approach to predict optimal composition and confirm accuracy with high-throughput experiments. The strategy enables identification of complex mechanisms at surfaces consisting of five chemical elements, overcoming limitations of previous catalysts.
Researchers have developed a method to synthesize N-C axially chiral compounds, which have promising applications in medicine and agriculture. The team's breakthrough enables the creation of highly enantioselective syntheses using chiral catalysts, leading to potentially useful compounds with therapeutic properties.
Scientists have developed a platinum-gold alloy catalyst that enables efficient hydrogen peroxide production from hydrogen and oxygen at room temperature. The new process achieves a selectivity of 95%, reducing the formation of unwanted water byproducts.
Scientists have developed a method to estimate the temperature of chemical reactions activated by plasmons, revealing that properties of plasmons depend on thermal effects and other factors. The study used organic molecules as ultra-small sensors, showing different temperatures for two molecules triggered by plasmon energy.
Scientists at TU Dresden have discovered that the dried flowers of St. John's Wort can catalyze photochemical reactions, showcasing a promising green and sustainable method for chemical synthesis. The discovery utilizes the plant compound hypericin as an active compound in chemical reactions without prior chemical processing.
The Spinning Disc Mesh Reactor (SMDR) creates chemicals by reacting enzymes on a spinning cloth-covered plate, like a vinyl record. It offers flexibility and scope for batch production, making pharmaceutical companies more responsive to emerging health issues.
Researchers developed a new approach to modifying coal combustion behavior, reducing unburnt carbon in ash residue and CO content in gaseous products. The method uses copper salts to intensify combustion and reduce emissions, improving fuel efficiency and minimizing energy use.
Researchers at Nagoya University have found catalysts that improve an important industrial reaction, producing high yields of a compound used in various industries without toxic compounds or high temperatures. The approach offers a practical and sustainable solution for industrial (meth)acrylate ester synthesis.
Researchers uncovered dynamic details of a platinum-based catalyst's active site, resolving earlier conflicting reports. They found that only certain platinum atoms play an important role in the chemical conversion, which may lead to designing more efficient and cost-effective catalysts.
Researchers created a 'defective' catalyst that simplifies the generation of hydrogen peroxide from oxygen, with 100% Faradaic efficiency. The process is simpler and cheaper than existing methods, with potential to replace expensive and toxic chemicals in various industries.
Scientists at Nagoya Institute of Technology have developed a new method for synthesizing chiral N,N-acetals, which are crucial components in diuretic drugs and other bioactive compounds. The method uses diketones as starting materials and produces high enantiopurity with yields up to 99%.
Researchers have discovered three undesired off-cycle pathways in nickel-catalysed Negishi cross-coupling reactions, including ligand scavenging, reduction-oxidation pathways and the formation of unorthodox Ni/Zn clusters. The study provides a new understanding of the inner workings of these reactions.
The Galej group has discovered the structure and arrangement of the proteins comprising Integrator's catalytic core, revealing a network of multiple subunits interacting with each other. This complex is involved in the transcription attenuation process and plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a stable and reusable nickel phosphide nanoparticle catalyst that exhibits high activity and selectivity in the hydrogenation of glucose to sorbitol. The catalyst produces D-sorbitol with yields over 99%, making it suitable for sustainable, low-cost production in various industries.
Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a protocol that combines random sampling, high-throughput experimentation, and data science to identify synergistic catalyst combinations. The study identified 51 out of 300 catalysts as effective in the oxidative coupling of methane reaction.
A novel photocatalyst developed by City University of Hong Kong turns carbon dioxide into methane fuel selectively and effectively using sunlight. The catalyst, made from copper-based materials, produces almost double the quantity of methane compared to previous methods.
Researchers discovered a unique molecular mechanism in CbA5H that shields the catalytic cofactor from oxygen attack, allowing it to repeatedly survive and resume activity. This protective function is provided by a thiol group binding directly to the substrate coordination site of the catalytic cluster.
Researchers have developed CuCo oxy- and thio-spinels as advanced oxygen evolution electrocatalysts, achieving low overpotentials of 267 mV for OER. The non-metallic electronic regulation in these spinel structures enhances Co active sites' valence states, accelerating electron exchange with oxygen adsorbates.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a new tungsten-substituted vanadium oxide catalyst that works efficiently at 100-150 degrees Celsius, even in wet conditions. The material's superior performance makes it ideal for processing real industrial exhaust and contributing to cleaner air.
Researchers developed an illumination-reaction decoupled n-Si MIS photocathode that surmounts challenges impeding p-Si MIS photocathode development. The new design utilizes majority carriers to drive the surface reduction reaction, avoiding light-shielding problems and enabling higher efficiency.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to significantly boost the performance of systems capturing and converting carbon dioxide from power plant emissions. By concentrating carbon dioxide next to the catalyst surface, the system nearly doubles the reaction rate and produces valuable products like fuels and chemical feedstocks.
Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new approach to single-atom catalysis, which can lead to more effective and cost-efficient catalysts. The study reveals that customized properties through tailored surfaces can change the reactivity of individual atoms, making expensive metals like platinum less necessary.
A global collaboration aims to produce climate-neutral, green ammonia through new reaction technologies. The project will analyze and develop three scalable technologies for decentralized production.
Chemists at the University of Jena have successfully created a bimetallic main-group complex using gallium, demonstrating cooperative bond activation that can remove fluorine atoms from hydrocarbon compounds. The breakthrough paves the way for further development of sustainable catalytic reactions.
Scientists have developed a method to control the activity of chemical catalysts using sculpted light, which can lead to faster or more efficient reactions. By manipulating the location of reactive sites on the catalyst, researchers can optimize the performance of single catalysts and avoid unwanted reactions.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have launched a comprehensive resource on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies and policies to mitigate climate change. The CDR Primer provides an overview of various techniques, including sequestering carbon in soil through improved agricultural practices.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have gained new insights into aerosol formation by detecting volatile components for the first time. Volatile components were found to catalyze vapor nucleation, accelerating the process.
Research reveals molybdenum-nitrogen complexes as effective catalysts for disproportionation of cyclohexadienes, with the Mo-N=N unit playing a key role in the reaction. High catalytic activity suggests new approaches to participate in catalytic systems for nitrogen ligands.
A new research method has successfully investigated the role of oxygen in complex metal oxide surfaces, revealing that oxygen atoms settle down particularly easily in specific places. This breakthrough understanding will aid in improving important catalysts needed for energy and environmental technology.
Scientists at USTC created a new type of catalyst by etching Pd-Pt nanocubes, resulting in higher surface area and active sites. The new tesseracts framework structure showed improved atomic utilization and stability, achieving mass activities 11.6 times that of commercial Pt/C catalysts.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a highly efficient nickel-based catalyst system that produces high-purity hydrogen fuel with reduced overvoltage. The catalyst combines earth-abundant nickel with oxophilic transition metal elements to optimize adsorption abilities.
A study published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition reveals the role of pyridinic nitrogen in optimizing oxygen reduction reactions in PEM fuel cells. Nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts were found to have improved performance, paving the way for more sustainable transportation technologies.
Researchers discovered that tweaking one layer of atoms on a catalyst's surface can significantly improve its performance in splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of hydrogen fuel, a crucial component of renewable energy storage.
Rice University engineers have created a process that converts carbon monoxide directly into acetic acid, a widely used chemical agent. The electrochemical process uses nanoscale copper cubes and solid-state electrolytes to produce highly purified acetic acid with up to 98% purity.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago developed a new catalyst made from 10 elements that can lower methane combustion temperatures by half. This could lead to a significant reduction in harmful greenhouse gases produced by burning natural gas in households, power turbines, and cars.
Researchers at Oregon State University have made a significant breakthrough in producing hydrogen from water using an electrochemical catalytic process. The study found that this method is cleaner and more sustainable than traditional natural gas-based production, with potential applications in fuel cells and industrial processes.
Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics successfully synthesized bio-based Methylcyclopentadiene through direct hydrodeoxygenation of 3-methylcyclopent-2-enone derived from cellulose. The process achieved a high carbon yield of 70% and opens up a new horizon for the production of valuable products.
Researchers from Osaka City University have successfully recycled a type of plastic found in everyday items into liquid fuels and wax using a novel catalyst process. The process, which requires temperatures as low as 473 degrees Kelvin, produces a 92% yield of useful materials.
A research team from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics regenerates deactivated catalysts in the methanol-to-olefins (MTO) process by transforming coke to active intermediates. This approach promotes light olefin formation and recovers catalyst activity, achieving high selectivity rates.
Researchers from University of Illinois Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory developed alloy nanoparticles with high entropy, showing exceptional stability and durability during chemical reactions. These findings have potential applications in energy storage and conversion technologies, such as fuel cells and solar cells.
Scientists have found a way to reduce ammonia synthesis temperatures using lanthanide oxyhydrides as a catalyst support for ruthenium. These materials enhance catalytic activity and stability, overcoming hydrogen poisoning issues.
Researchers developed a novel multifaceted catalyst to access transient carbocation intermediates, achieving regiocontrolled elimination reactions. The new catalyst produces ring-shaped molecules highly sought after in synthetic, organic, and pharmaceutical chemistry.
Researchers have designed an effective material for speeding up the extraction of hydrogen from alcohols, using earth-abundant metals instead of precious ones. The catalyst, made from tiny clusters of nickel metal, accelerates the reaction efficiently and cleanly.
Pittsburgh engineers build a two-dimensional sheet that spontaneously transforms into a three-dimensional gear, performing sustained work without external power. The innovation enables the development of self-powered machines for resource-poor environments.
Researchers at UC Berkeley develop a new catalytic process converting polyethylene plastic into high-value adhesives, enhancing its stickiness without compromising other traits. This breakthrough could change the economics of turning waste into valuable products.
Researchers at UVA, Caltech, and Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new catalyst using cobalt and titanium that can efficiently split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen. This breakthrough has the potential to make solar energy practical on a large scale.
A new diagnostic tool allows for the visualization of catalysts in three dimensions, enabling researchers to study complex chemical reactions and improve materials. The technique, operando X-ray spectroscopy, provides detailed information on the structure and function of active catalysts.
Rice University scientists found that van der Waals force can indent rigid nanosheets, changing their electromagnetic properties. The researchers discovered that the force is sufficient to deform 8-nanometer-thick silver sheets into curvilinear structures with potential applications in nanophotonic research and catalytic systems.
Researchers discovered water's unique properties when confined in a tiny cage, facilitating access to the catalytic center. The team showed that water forms a droplet inside the cage, structurally and dynamically distinct from known phases of water.
Researchers have developed a new technique to analyze the properties of individual cobalt oxide particles, enabling more efficient catalysts for hydrogen production. The method allows for the selection of particles under an electron microscope and their placement on a nanoelectrode for electrochemical analysis.
Researchers from Xiamen University demonstrated a bio-inspired heterometallic cluster that mimics the CaMn4O5 structure of PSII, showing efficient overall water splitting activity without sacrificial reagents. The cluster anchors on phosphorus-doped graphitic carbon nitrides and exhibits high H2 production rates and O2 evolution rates.
Researchers from Incheon National University develop a novel catalyst with a protective carbon shell that selectively prevents undesired reactions in methanol fuel cells. The study showcases improved performance and stability over commercial platinum catalysts.
A Korean research team has made a breakthrough in understanding the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to ethylene, a challenging process that could produce high-value-added chemicals. The study identified key intermediates and proposed copper hydroxide nanowire as a promising catalyst for enhancing selectivity.
Researchers have developed a novel heterogeneous catalyst combining intermetallic and support materials to improve Suzuki cross-coupling reaction stability and efficiency. The new Pd-ZrC catalyst exhibits high stability, large effective surface area, and enhanced catalytic performance compared to existing compounds.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a new method to produce chemical molecules more efficiently through a one-step reaction in an enzyme. This breakthrough has significant implications for the production of pharmaceuticals, with potential applications in the development of new drugs.
Researchers at Skoltech have discovered a way to increase the productivity of carbon nanotube synthesis by adjusting catalyst injection rates, leading to a 9-fold increase in yield while preserving key properties. This breakthrough has the potential to pave the way for cheaper and more accessible nanotube-based technology.
Recently, N-heterocyclic phosphines have emerged as a new group of promising catalysts for metal-free reductions. Their excellent hydricity rivals or exceeds that of many metal-based hydrides, making them suitable alternatives for reducing unsaturated compounds.
Researchers from Kanazawa University have developed a new procedure to reduce the use of rare metals in pharmaceutical and chemical syntheses. The study found that benzylic organoborates can perform tertiary alkylative cross-coupling reactions without using rare elements, paving the way for a more sustainable chemical industry.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed stable catalysts for water splitting and CO2 reduction by studying atomic surface structures. The team found that specific surface angles can create microscopically small triangular holes that stabilize the material and enhance its effectiveness.
Researchers at FAU have developed a light-controlled molecular motor that can control catalysis reactions. The system uses visible light to trigger the release and bonding of catalysts, accelerating or decelerating desired chemical reactions.