Research on catalysts that speed chemical reactions. Covers methane conversion, zeolite catalysis, and AI-guided catalyst design.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University developed cobalt-based catalysts that improve heavy oil refinement by breaking down asphaltene-resinous compounds. The study found a decrease in asphaltenes' molecular masses and sulfur content, leading to improved oil viscosity.
Researchers develop a catalyst that accelerates CO2 conversion into simple chemicals, transforming greenhouse gas into useful products for industry. The technology uses water electrolysers with a polymer coating to facilitate CO2 transport, increasing productivity and efficiency.
The study reveals the structure-function relationship of the specific and efficient lovastatin hydrolase PcEST, which determines its efficient and specific lovastatin hydrolysis. A variant of PcEST improved solubility and thermostability, suggesting a promising application in industrial processes for green production of monacolin J.
Researchers at Emory University have developed a new approach to organic synthesis that can efficiently transform simple molecules into complex ones with 3D structures. This method opens up whole new chemical space for potential drug targets, enabling the creation of more direct and efficient pathways for pharmaceutical research.
Researchers at University of Groningen develop novel artificial enzyme using unnatural amino acid and copper complex, demonstrating potential for improved industrial chemical catalysis. The study showcases the power of combining abiological components to achieve active site creation, paving way for new enzymatic options.
Researchers discovered that black carbon catalyzes sulfate production during regional haze events in the North China Plain, leading to significant air quality issues. The study suggests reducing SO2, NOx, NH3, and black carbon emissions is crucial to improve air quality.
Researchers develop enhanced device to transform CO2 into valuable chemicals by harnessing electricity. The new design enables gas reactants to reach the catalyst surface fast enough to significantly increase the rate of reaction.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method that fluidizes catalyst particles in electrolyte, avoiding fatigue and improving stability. This approach could lead to improved production processes for electrolysis and energy conversion.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology discovered that copper oxide particles on the sub-nanoscale are more powerful catalysts than those on the nanoscale, catalyzing aromatic hydrocarbons' oxidation reactions far more effectively. The smallest CunO subnanoparticles showed superior catalytic performance and longevity.
Researchers have designed and synthesized an atomically dispersed co-promoter of Sn and Zn on the CuO surface, demonstrating a greatly enhanced promoting effect in the industrially important Rochow reaction. The synergistic interaction between single-site Sn and Zn co-promoters leads to improved catalytic performance.
Researchers developed a concept to understand correlations between element selection, theoretical properties, and measurable parameters. This enables quick identification of promising candidates and optimisation of element proportions.
Researchers developed a Noncontact Catalysis System (NCCS) to accelerate chemical reactions using gold nanoclusters as intermediaries, enabling independent reactions of normally incompatible substances. This breakthrough could lead to more versatile, efficient, and cost-effective industrial chemical production processes.
Researchers at Louisiana State University have developed a new cationic cobalt bisphosphine hydroformylation catalyst system that is highly active and extremely robust. The discovery has the potential to replace rhodium-based catalysts, which are currently expensive and in short supply.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a palladium-based intermetallic electride, Y3Pd2, as a highly efficient catalyst for Suzuki cross-coupling reactions. The material exhibits improved catalytic activity and reduced activation energy compared to traditional pure Pd catalysts.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed bioinspired materials with tailored physical properties for various industries. The new materials are inspired by nature's mechanisms and can be custom-tailored to suit specific needs, offering a cheaper and more efficient alternative to conventional catalysts.
A new photocatalyst material converts methane into synthesis gas at lower temperatures than traditional thermal reactors, avoiding aggregation and coking issues. This eco-friendly development has significant implications for reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy applications.
Researchers have developed a new cobalt-based catalyst that enables an eightfold increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, a major electronic cleaning chemical. The catalyst, Co1-NG(O), is highly stable and efficient, producing up to 8 times more H2O2 than existing noble metal-based electrocatalysts.
Thermolysis helps rid petroleum of viscous components by analyzing composition and mechanisms of catalytic activity during in-situ refining of heavy oils. The technique aims to improve efficiency and selectiveness in reactions with destruction of asphalt-resin compounds, reducing oil viscosity.
Scientists at EPFL develop a reactor system to observe real-time production of synthetic natural gas from CO2 and H2, capturing dynamic reaction phenomena with high resolution. The method allows for optimized reactor and catalyst designs to improve performance in dynamic conditions.
Researchers create light-powered nanoparticle that shrinks the carbon footprint of syngas production, a valuable chemical feedstock used to make fuels, fertilizer, and other products. The low-energy, low-temperature process produces a mix of carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas.
Researchers have developed artificial cells capable of decomposing hydrogen peroxide and generating oxygen, as well as implementing a rudimentary chemical signalling pathway between the cells. The new protocells use a combination of synthetic and biological catalysts to create multi-functional activity.
A portfolio start-up company of the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund, ILCT is developing engineered therapeutic interleukins for cancer treatment. The grant will support collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University towards development of its commercialization efforts.
A NFCR-funded translational cancer research project has been awarded a $700,000 Virginia Catalyst grant to advance its lead cancer drug candidate. The funding will support collaboration among VCU, UVA, and ILCT to commercialize and bring to patients novel therapeutic treatments targeting metastatic cancers.
Researchers have found that alloy metal nanoparticles facilitate faster carbon nanotube growth by attracting more active metal atoms to the growth front. This leads to a larger carbon concentration and quicker addition of carbon atoms, preventing precursor accumulation around the nanoparticle.
University of Wisconsin-Madison chemists create a novel method for synthesizing large ring-shaped molecules, the backbone of many pharmaceuticals, using foldamers that mimic enzymes' ability to bring molecular ends together and form rings.
A new study by Brown University researchers reveals that the hydrogen atoms bound to platinum at high activity regions are actually inert bystanders, not participating in the reaction. Instead, they sit atop platinum atoms and meet up with each other to form H2 gas, making platinum reactive.
The article suggests that large carnivores and zoos can catalyze public engagement with nature and pro-environmental behavior, fostering an emotional appreciation for diverse species. By exploring connections between people, large carnivores, and zoos, this approach provides a rich multifaceted framework for biodiversity conservation.
Researchers have designed a catalyst that converts biomass into light olefins with an impressive yield of over 99%, requiring significantly less energy than previous catalysts. The optimized catalyst, NbAlS-1, offers a more environmentally friendly approach to biofuel synthesis.
Researchers at Wake Forest University have developed a new process to convert carbon dioxide into usable chemicals or fuels using silver diphosphide as a novel catalyst. The process reduces energy loss by a factor of three compared to current state-of-the-art methods.
Researchers developed a biomass-derived ether with favorable fuel properties by combining computational screening and high-yield catalytic production. The resulting blend showed improved ignition quality, reduced sooting tendency, and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional petrodiesel.
Scientists have developed a method to synthesize carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a selectivity of 90%, challenging existing theories. The new approach allows for the production of specific types of CNTs, such as (2n, n) CNTs, which are ideal for electronic applications.
Researchers create novel materials with diameters of 0.5-2 nm using dendrimer molecules, enabling applications in electronics, biomedicine, and chemistry. Enhanced Raman spectroscopy method boosts sensitivity for detecting subnano clusters.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a method to turn plastic waste into valuable chemicals by harnessing sunlight, converting non-biodegradable polyethylene into formic acid, a chemical used in fuel cells and energy generation.
Scientists have discovered a new function in a plant enzyme that can initiate a crucial chemical reaction, producing diols used in lubricants and plastics. The enzyme's unique dioxygenase chemistry has implications for designing greener industrial catalysts with less waste and toxic chemicals.
Associate Professor Nina Lock's project aims to create a metal-organic sponge that can convert CO2 into useful products such as fuel or building blocks. The research team plans to develop scalable catalysts using cheap elements, investigating the atomic level process of electro-catalysis.
Researchers from University of Groningen create a molecular motor-based catalyst that switches the preference of anion-binding, enabling selective production of one enantiomer. The discovery has potential applications in pharmaceuticals and polymer production.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a photocatalyst made of cuprous oxide that can selectively reduce carbon dioxide to methanol using sunlight. The catalyst's unique geometry and surface structure enable it to convert CO2 into a usable fuel with high selectivity.
A team of researchers from the University of Münster has developed a new synthetic method for producing all four stereoisomers of α,β-disubstituted γ-butyrolactones. The method uses two chiral catalysts working in tandem to efficiently produce the final product.
Researchers at Kanazawa University develop a scanning electrochemical cell microscopy technique to engineer the catalytic properties of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides. The study reveals changes in catalytic activity at edges, terrace features and heterojunctions, which agrees with previous reports.
The study investigates the defect dynamics in ceria nanowires under heating using in situ aberration-corrected TEM. The findings show that defects grow into regular rhombic or hexagon shapes at high temperatures, introducing more reactive sites and maintaining the cubic fluorite structure.
A new analysis by ORNL and collaborators found that a single-step catalytic conversion process can produce blendstocks at $2/gigajoule and $1.44/GJ in the future, competitive with conventional jet fuel. The process uses a zeolite catalyst to directly convert wet ethanol into hydrocarbon chains.
A new software tool, developed at KAUST, allows researchers to visualize and design catalytic pockets using topographic steric maps. This helps improve the understanding of how known catalysts function and guides exploration of chemical modifications to create better catalysts.
Rice University scientists create inorganic catalyst from molybdenum disulfide that mimics natural bacterial process to produce ammonia on demand under ambient conditions. The method uses electricity and can be used for small-scale production or even in space applications.
Researchers at Tokyo Tech developed a novel method for low-temperature synthesis of an oxygen-substituted perovskite, which outperforms existing catalysts in producing ammonia. The new material combines Barium amide and Cerium dioxide to form BaCeO3?xNyHz at lower temperatures than traditional methods.
Colorado State University scientists create a novel chemical catalysis pathway for producing PHAs with enhanced mechanical and physical properties. This breakthrough offers a scalable solution to the plastics crisis, enabling faster production and tunability of biodegradable materials.
Researchers have developed a novel, highly porous material that enables efficient hydrogen production from water using less expensive catalysts. The new electrode surpasses commercial systems in terms of activity and achieves significant reductions in iridium usage.
Scientists developed a new approach to create metal-metal composites with a 3-D interconnected structure in thin films. The heat-driven process, called thin-film solid-state interfacial dealloying (SSID), has potential applications in catalysis, energy generation and storage, and biomedical sensing.
A new system converts CO2, water, and renewable energy into ethylene under neutral conditions, offering a carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels. The improved catalyst reduces side products and increases selectivity for ethylene production.
Researchers develop a method to deliver palladium catalysts into cancer cells via exosomes, transforming inactive compounds into potent anticancer agents. This process targets cancer cells preferentially, reducing harm to healthy tissues.
Researchers have discovered that balancing elementary steps in alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions can improve electrocatalytic performance. By designing nanocrystals with tunable Ni/NiO heterosurfaces, the team found that a balanced composition ratio is crucial for promoting alkaline HER performance.
Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University developed a low-temperature catalyst using bulk defective vanadium oxide to remove NOx gas from industrial exhaust. The catalyst works at temperatures below 150 degrees Celsius with higher efficiency than conventional catalysts.
Scientists at Chinese Academy of Sciences create highly stable and coke-resistant Ni SAC, overcoming in situ catalyst deactivation. The unique capacity for selective activation of CH4's first C-H bond explains the intrinsic coke resistance.
The J.M.K. Innovation Prize recognizes 10 non-profit and mission-driven organizations addressing pressing challenges through social innovation, providing up to $175,000 in funding over three years. The award aims to shine a spotlight on innovators tackling issues in under-resourced parts of America.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed a new platinum-nickel catalyst that accelerates chemical reactions 20 times more effectively than traditional platinum-based catalysts. This breakthrough has significant implications for the storage and conversion of hydrogen, a promising source of sustainable energy.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new nanoreactor that allows them to map catalytic reactions on individual metallic nanoparticles, enabling the design of more effective catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to significant improvements in chemical processes and the creation of more sustainable technolo...
Researchers have developed a new oxygen evolution reaction catalyst that can produce hydrogen from seawater at current densities capable of supporting industrial demands. The catalyst requires relatively low voltage to start seawater electrolysis and avoids obstacles that limited earlier attempts.
Scientists at EPFL have developed a cheaper way to scale up atomic layer deposition, reducing costs and increasing precision. The new liquid-phase method uses standard lab equipment and achieves coatings that are not possible with gas-phase ALD.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have made a breakthrough in finding catalysts for renewable energy production. They discovered new molecules that can increase the efficiency of water splitting, reducing the
Researchers developed mass production technology for solid-solution alloy nanoparticles, which can be used as innovative catalysts for exhaust gas purification. The new technology achieved stable synthesis of 1nm-class nanoparticles at low temperatures, outperforming existing rhodium-based catalysts.
Scientists at KAUST have successfully combined four polymers to form a single substance using a novel approach called catalyst switching. This breakthrough could lead to the development of materials with enhanced properties, such as improved energy storage and tissue engineering applications.