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Rethinking the science of plastic recycling

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and top universities have developed a catalytic method to selectively convert discarded plastics into higher quality products like lubricant oils or waxes. The catalyst converts polyethylene molecules into value-added commercial products with high yield.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 23, 2019

Turning plastic trash into treasure

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new catalytic method to upcycle single-use plastics into high-quality liquid products, such as motor oils, lubricants, and cosmetics. This breakthrough improves current recycling methods, producing fewer greenhouse gases and toxic byproducts, while contributing to a circular economy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 23, 2019

Machine-learning analysis of X-ray data picks out key catalytic properties

Scientists developed a machine-learning approach to extract catalytic properties from x-ray signatures of catalysts. This method helps identify the active phase of the catalyst, which converts carbon dioxide to methane, and guides the design of more efficient catalysts.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 22, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Livestream available: metal to metal oxide progression

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have developed a simplified approach for studying charge transfer in catalysis, using a tiny ruthenium catalyst and real-time detection. This method provides a complete picture of the reaction mechanics and has potential applications in industrial processes such as solar energy devices.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 16, 2019

Study shows a much cheaper catalyst can generate hydrogen in a commercial device

Researchers have developed a cheap catalyst that can generate hydrogen gas for hours in a commercial device, offering a potential solution to reduce the cost of producing this important industrial chemical. The catalyst, based on cobalt phosphide nanoparticles, was tested in a commercial electrolyzer and operated well over 1,700 hours.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 14, 2019

Liquid metals the secret ingredients to clean up environment

Researchers have discovered that liquid metals, such as gallium, indium, bismuth, and tin, can be used to create catalysts for the conversion of CO2 into useful byproducts. By heating an alloy of these metals, they can melt at a lower temperature than individual metals, producing eutectic alloys with unique properties. These alloys can...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

How to make biocatalysts immortal

A research team from Bochum and Marseille has developed a self-defence mechanism in biocatalysts that shields them from oxygen, extending their service life up to 22,000 years. The new design uses tiny molecular spheres to create an extremely thin protective film that maintains efficiency.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 9, 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.

A new mathematical approach to understanding zeolites

Researchers at MIT have developed a mathematical approach to understanding zeolites, revealing why only a small subset has been discovered or made. The graph-based model predicts which pairs of zeolite types can be transformed from one to the other, opening doors for new pathways in production and potential discoveries of novel materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 7, 2019

Determining the activity of noble-metal-free catalyst particles

Researchers have created a new measurement method to determine the electrochemical activity of individual noble-metal-free nanoparticle catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient hydrogen production through water electrolysis by using affordable alternatives to precious metal catalysts.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 4, 2019

Chemicals for pharmaceuticals could be made cheaper and greener by new catalysts

Researchers have developed a series of new catalysts for the asymmetric synthesis of alcohols, which could be used to make high-value chemicals such as pharmaceuticals and electronics chemicals. The new method is faster, cheaper and more sustainable than traditional methods, requiring less material and reducing waste.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalOrganic Letters·DateOct 1, 2019

Shocking heat waves stabilize single atoms

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory successfully stabilized single atoms using record-high temperatures of up to 2000 K. The method enables the creation of stable single atom catalysts, which can remain in their place for unprecedented periods of time, maximizing atom-use efficiency and improving catalytic performance.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 26, 2019
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.

Nanocatalyst makes heavy work of formic acid

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a palladium-based alloy nanocatalyst that promotes the selective production of deuterium isotope compounds from formic acid. The catalyst enables a cost-effective and scalable process for producing these gases, which are useful in fine chemical production and research applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 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.

Sticks and stones may break your bones, but this reaction edits skeletons

Researchers at ICIQ develop a new catalytic reaction that can edit the skeletons of organic molecules, enabling skeletal remodelling and circumventing long-standing challenges in metal-carbyne generation. This breakthrough expands synthetic possibilities for creating new materials or medicines.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 13, 2019

Gem-like nanoparticles of precious metals shine as catalysts

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to create highly active catalysts from precious metal nanoparticles, improving fuel cells' efficiency. The new catalysts can also be recycled from spent catalysts, reducing waste and increasing their lifespan.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateSep 12, 2019

Big game hunting for a more versatile catalyst

Researchers at Harvard University have discovered the architecture of a copper-nitrenoid complex that can transform carbon-hydrogen bonds into valuable building blocks for chemical synthesis. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and sustainable production methods for pharmaceuticals, household products, and other chemicals.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateSep 12, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Plastics, fuels and chemical feedstocks from CO2? They're working on it

SUNCAT researchers have made significant breakthroughs in converting CO2 into chemicals, fuels, and plastics using electrochemical reduction. By increasing the surface area of copper-based catalysts, they've improved selectivity and efficiency, offering a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Catalysis·DateSep 9, 2019

Precious metal flecks could be catalyst for better cancer therapies

Researchers have developed a molecular shuttle system to deliver precious metal catalysts directly to cancer cells, potentially reducing side effects of chemotherapy. The new method uses artificial exosomes to transport palladium catalysts straight to primary tumours and metastatic cells.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Catalysis·DateSep 9, 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.

Rice reactor turns greenhouse gas into pure liquid fuel

The Rice University lab has developed an efficient electrolyzer that can turn greenhouse gases into pure liquid fuels. The process uses renewable electricity and produces highly purified formic acid with high concentrations.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Energy·DateSep 3, 2019

Extracting clean fuel from sunlight

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed new technologies that combine light-gathering semiconductors and catalytic materials to produce clean fuel. The technologies use solar energy to drive chemical reactions capable of producing fuels, which store the sun's energy in chemical bonds.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 3, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Single atoms as catalysts

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have successfully incorporated individual metal atoms into a surface, enabling precise control over their chemical behavior. This breakthrough enables the creation of more efficient catalysts for environmentally friendly processes.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 2, 2019

Production of hydrogen peroxide from water

Researchers found that microdroplets of pure water spontaneously produce hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of around 1 ppm. This novel process has the potential to provide an inexpensive and environmentally friendly method for hydrogen peroxide production.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

A new way to make valuable chemicals

Researchers developed a new process to form high-value chemicals called amides by coupling carbon and nitrogen bonds in an electrochemical reaction. This breakthrough enables the production of useful substances in various industries, including pharmaceuticals.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2019

Stanford scientists create artificial catalysts inspired by living enzymes

Researchers developed a synthetic catalyst that produces chemicals like methanol using less energy, a cheaper alternative to gasoline. The catalyst mimics the function of natural enzymes in the laboratory, showing promise for industrial applications.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Catalysis·DateAug 5, 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.

Put a charge on it

Scientists from the López Group study Pt single atoms supported on CeO2, proposing a dynamic charge that enables CO-oxidation at 150ºC. This new concept explains the unique reactivity of activated single platinum atoms, meeting the DOE emissions challenge.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 5, 2019

Heterophase nanostructures contributing to efficient catalysis

Researchers have developed amorphous/crystalline heterophase PdCu nanosheets with high chemoselectivity and catalytic activity. The phase transformation behavior of these nanosheets affects their properties, leading to improved catalysis in hydrogenation reactions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 1, 2019

To get customers to buy more in the future, help them buy a gift

A study found that customers who buy gifts for others spend 63% more in the year following the purchase, increasing their frequency and cross-buying. Gift design characteristics like assistance during the gift process and branded wrapping can enhance the effect.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 30, 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 catalyst for sustainable methanol

Scientists at ETH Zurich developed a new catalyst technology converting CO2 and hydrogen directly into methanol, enabling the production of fuels and chemicals from renewable resources. The approach has significant potential to close the carbon cycle and produce sustainable methanol on an industrial scale.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2019

Oddball edge wins nanotube faceoff

The Rice team found that the Janus configuration, with a half-circle of zigzags opposite six armchairs, allows for tight contact with solid catalysts and preserves continuous nanotube growth. This discovery advances understanding of growth mechanisms and has implications for designing efficient catalysts.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 29, 2019

How nature builds hydrogen-producing enzymes

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and University of Oxford reveal the mechanism behind activating hydrogenases, complex enzymes that produce hydrogen efficiently. The discovery sheds light on the process of introducing a chemical cofactor into the enzyme's active center.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 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.

Cleaning our water with groundbreaking 'bioinspired' chemistry

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Institute for Green Science unveiled a new field of sustainable chemistry using bioinspired oxidation catalysts. The catalysts, called NewTAMLs, can eliminate pharmaceutical micropollutants from water in under five minutes and have major cost savings over current water treatment techniques.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 18, 2019

Improving the odds of synthetic chemistry success

University of Utah chemists developed an algorithm that analyzes previous chemical reaction data to predict hypothetical reactions, narrowing the range of conditions needed for successful synthesis. The model successfully predicted outcomes for various reactions, offering a time-saving solution for pharmaceutical and materials research.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 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.

New imaging method aids in water decontamination

A new imaging method developed at Cornell University helps remove pollutants from water by identifying optimal catalyst particle sizes and shapes. The technique, called COMPEITS, reveals previously unknown behaviors of catalysts, rendering pollutants nontoxic.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 8, 2019

Optimizing the growth of coatings on nanowire catalysts

Researchers chemically treat zinc oxide nanowires to apply a uniform coating of titanium dioxide, enhancing catalytic activity and stability for the water-splitting reaction. The resulting nanowire-shell structures exhibit an amorphous structure with crystalline domains limited to a few nanometers.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 8, 2019

Two laureates for this year's Bertarelli Foundation Catalyst Fund

The Bertarelli Foundation has awarded two grants to researchers at EPFL, focusing on developing smart upper limb prostheses that can provide sensory feedback to patients. Additionally, a non-invasive brain stimulation system is being developed to improve cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment or brain injury.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateJul 8, 2019
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.

Activity of fuel cell catalysts doubled

Researchers at TUM have developed platinum nanoparticles that double the performance of current fuel cells. The particles are about one nanometer big and contain approximately 40 platinum atoms, resulting in high mass activity. This breakthrough could lead to widespread adoption of fuel cells in electric cars.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 3, 2019

Chemists give chance a helping hand

A team of chemists at the University of Münster has developed a strategy for generating random hits in a systematic way, discovering new reactions and gaining deeper understanding of molecular processes. The study identified three previously unknown reactions, including a photochemical cycloaddition.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalChem·DateJul 1, 2019

Rich defects boosting the oxygen evolution reaction

Researchers developed a new method to create OER catalysts with rich defects, enhancing their intrinsic activity and promoting mass transfer. This breakthrough provides a new direction for large-scale preparation and application of efficient OER catalysts.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateJun 27, 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.

Lightning bolt underwater

Scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum created underwater plasmas using optical spectroscopy and modelling, producing extreme conditions that briefly surpass the sun's temperature. The resulting plasma breaks down water molecules into their components, releasing oxygen crucial for regenerating catalytic surfaces.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPlasma Sources Science and Technology·DateJun 27, 2019

A study from IRB Barcelona describes the reaction mechanism of DNAzymes

A study from IRB Barcelona describes the reaction mechanism of DNAzymes, which catalyse RNA ligation through a similar mechanism to natural enzymes. The discovery may lead to improvements in current catalysers and the design of novel biocatalysers formed by DNA.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJun 20, 2019

High reaction rates even without precious metals

Scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed nanocatalysts made from cobalt iron oxide that achieve high reaction rates in oxygen generation without the need for binders. The catalysts exhibit exceptional stability under extreme conditions, making them a promising alternative to expensive precious metal catalysts.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateJun 19, 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.

Science snapshots: New nitrides, artificial photosynthesis, and TMDC semiconductors

Researchers have developed a large interactive stability map of ternary nitrides, predicting 244 new stable compounds. Artificial photosynthesis has also been improved by controlling cobalt oxide catalysts. Additionally, atomically thin semiconductors called TMDCs have shown a quantum yield of 100% when treated with an electrical voltage.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 17, 2019