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Fast screening for potential new catalysts

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.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 4, 2020

Accelerating chemical reactions without direct contact with a catalyst

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 31, 2020

Study finds first major discovery in hydroformylation in 50 years

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.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Science at the interface: Bioinspired materials reveal useful properties

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.

SourceArizona State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 27, 2020

Atomic tuning on cobalt enables an eightfold increase of H2O2 production

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.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 13, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Gasification goes green

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.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 10, 2020

Thermolysis helps rid petroleum of viscous components

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.

SourceKazan Federal University·DateJan 10, 2020

Catalytic protocells get zingy

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Research provides new design principle for water-splitting catalysts

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateDec 18, 2019

Large carnivores and zoos -- essential for biodiversity conservation marketing

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.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNature Conservation·DateDec 17, 2019
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.

Big step in producing carbon-neutral fuel: Silver diphosphide

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.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2019

Ether-based biofuel design and production

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

Growing carbon nanotubes with the right twist

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.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 13, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New function for plant enzyme could lead to green chemistry

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.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateDec 9, 2019

Metal-organic sponge can convert CO2 into fuel

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.

SourceAarhus University·DateDec 7, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Scientists devise catalyst that uses light to turn carbon dioxide to fuel

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.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateDec 3, 2019

Two chiral catalysts working hand in hand

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.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Catalysis·DateDec 3, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Imaging technique gives catalytic 2D material engineering a better view

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.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 3, 2019

New study analyzes viability of sustainable fuels developed through ORNL process

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.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2019
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.

Smart reactions through online design of catalytic pockets

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.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 26, 2019

Ammonia synthesis made easy with 2D catalyst

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.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 25, 2019

Chemists create new route to PHAs: naturally degradable bioplastics

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.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScience·DateNov 21, 2019

Turning up the heat to create new nanostructured metals

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.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateNov 20, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Researchers design an improved pathway to carbon-neutral plastics

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2019

Energy research -- Economizing on iridium

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.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 20, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Balancing elementary steps for boosting alkaline hydrogen evolution

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 18, 2019

New catalysts remove NOx pollutants at lower temperatures

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.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateNov 16, 2019
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.

Storing energy in hydrogen 20 times more effective using platinum-nickel catalyst

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.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 2019

Light at the end of the nanotunnel for future catalysts

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...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2019

New catalyst efficiently produces hydrogen from seawater

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 11, 2019
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.

A cheaper way to scale up atomic layer deposition

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 11, 2019

Catalyst switching means four become one

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.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 7, 2019

Chemists' surprising discovery of nanoconfined reactions could aid catalytic design

Researchers at Georgia State University have made a groundbreaking discovery in catalytic reactions, revealing that nanoconfinement can actually speed up chemical reactions. This finding has major implications for the engineering of new, more energy-efficient catalysts that could save billions of barrels of gasoline every year.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2019
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.

Tethered chem combos could revolutionize artificial photosynthesis

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new approach to artificial photosynthesis that improves the efficiency of capturing light and splitting water molecules to produce hydrogen fuel. The system uses molecular tethers to attach chromophores to catalysts, allowing for stable and efficient electron transfer and ge...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateNov 4, 2019
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.

Nanoceramics from the ball mill

Researchers have found a way to produce corundum nanoparticles using simple mechanochemistry in a ball mill, which could lead to more robust and easier-to-manufacture automotive catalysts and ceramics. The production method involves grinding lumps of boehmite in a ball mill for 3 hours and then heating them briefly.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateOct 30, 2019

Tungsten suboxide improves the efficiency of platinum in hydrogen production

Researchers have developed a new strategy to enhance catalytic activity using tungsten suboxide as a single-atom catalyst, significantly improving hydrogen evolution reaction performance. The study found that the support effect of tungsten suboxide enhances platinum's mass activity for hydrogen evolution by up to 16.3 times.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 28, 2019

Finally, the answer to a 'burning' 40-year-old question

Researchers at Lehigh University have discovered the mechanism behind a crucial catalyst that reduces harmful industrial emissions. The study found that tungsten oxide changes the structure of vanadium oxide, increasing its activity and reducing undesirable reaction products.

SourceLehigh University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 24, 2019
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.

Bio-inspired nano-catalyst guides chiral reactions

A team at the University of Michigan developed a new catalyst that selectively produces the correct version of twisted molecules, which are essential for medicines. The catalyst is made from mineral nanoparticles and can work in water, reducing costs and environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2019

Upcycling polyethylene plastic waste into lubricant oils

Researchers have developed a catalyst to upcycle polyethylene plastic waste into high-quality liquid products like motor oils and waxes. The new catalyst produces intermediate-sized hydrocarbons, increasing the value of the resulting materials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 23, 2019

New center to replace oil and gas with sustainable chemistry

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen are establishing a new center to study catalysis on high-entropy alloys, aiming to develop sustainable chemistry alternatives. The project aims to identify materials capable of combining carbon and oxygen-containing molecules to produce valuable chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·DateOct 23, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.