Articles tagged with Catalysis
Researchers develop a novel process to convert polyethylene and polypropylene into valuable olefins, producing fewer unwanted byproducts. The method uses inexpensive base-metal catalysts, operates under mild conditions, and achieves high yields of propylene and isobutylene.
Researchers have discovered a new material that matches or exceeds the performance of commercial iridium-based materials, but at a fraction of the cost. The breakthrough was achieved using a powerful new tool called a megalibrary, which rapidly screened vast combinations of metals to find a suitable alternative.
A team of researchers from Waseda University has developed a novel technology to control the crystallinity of pore walls in single-crystalline nanoporous metal oxides. The method, known as chemical-vapor-based confined crystal growth (C3), allows for simultaneous control of the material's composition, porous structure, and crystal size.
Researchers have designed a novel single-atom ruthenium-doped Co3O4 catalyst that significantly promotes water splitting efficiency. The high-spin Co3+ species facilitate robust OH* adsorption and enhance the supply of H* intermediates, accelerating the Volmer–Tafel pathway of the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Catal-GPT streamlines catalyst formulation generation and optimizes data-driven industrial catalysis. The AI-powered platform achieves high accuracy in knowledge extraction from scientific literature and generates experimental protocols.
Researchers at WPI-AIMR developed copper/cobalt-based catalysts improving the conversion of nitrate to ammonia under ambient conditions. The new approach boosts green ammonia production and mitigates nitrate pollution, with a peak ammonia yield of 24.58 mg h⁻¹ mgcat⁻¹ observed.
Researchers explore converting bioprecursors into fossil-free graphite, providing sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. This transition has significant implications for industrial decarbonization and the development of eco-friendly technologies.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a method to produce environmentally friendly fuels using the furfural reduction reaction. By combining a zinc single-atom catalyst with an electrochemical reaction, they achieved high efficiency and selectivity in producing hydrofuroin, a precursor to aviation fuels.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a catalyst system that converts alcohols to valuable chemical products at lower temperatures using safer iodine compounds. The new system eliminates toxic heavy metal waste, cuts reaction temperatures by over half, and reduces energy costs.
Lehigh University Professor Christopher J. Kiely has been awarded the 2025 Presidential Science Award from the Microanalysis Society for his outstanding contributions to microanalysis research. He is recognized internationally for his decades-long leadership in microscopy education through the Lehigh Microscopy School.
Researchers developed a new method to activate water-splitting catalysts at an oven temperature of just 300 °C, boosting oxygen evolution efficiency by nearly sixfold. This breakthrough enables large-scale energy storage and conversion using solar and wind power.
A research team at Politecnico di Milano has created a single-atom catalyst capable of selectively adapting its chemical activity. The catalyst, composed of palladium encapsulated in an organic structure, can 'switch' between two key reactions in organic chemistry by varying reaction conditions.
Researchers have developed an acid-base bifunctional catalyst that efficiently produces ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), a crucial component of lithium-ion batteries. The catalyst, [DBU+[IM-]@UiO-66, achieves high EMC yields and selectivity with minimal loss of yield over six reuse cycles.
Researchers develop efficient template-guided method for synthesizing endo-functionalized oligophenylene cages with yields up to 68%. The approach enables precise control over internal environments, leading to selective molecular encapsulation and recognition capabilities.
Researchers at Tohoku University have uncovered key principles that could advance sustainable ammonia production by electrochemically converting nitrate waste. Pyrrolic-coordinated M-N-C catalysts achieve higher turnover frequencies for ammonia production, and the adsorption of nitrate is the rate-determining step in this reaction.
Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology have developed a scalable and safer method to generate hydrogen fluoride, eliminating the need for pressurized HF gas and corrosive liquid reagents. The new fluorinating complexes can be used for pharmaceuticals, functional materials, and molecular probes.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a novel method to generate metal carbenes, highly useful for drug synthesis and materials development. The new approach is 100 times better than previous methods, making it easier and safer to produce these short-lived carbon atoms.
A new nickel-based catalyst has been developed to produce valuable liquid hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide, a key component in fuels like gasoline and jet fuel. The research shows that the catalyst can selectively promote the production of branched hydrocarbons, which are ideal for high-performance fuels.
Researchers successfully converted CO2 from thermal power plant exhaust into formic acid and formamide using waste silicon wafers from discarded solar panels. The reaction produces high yields of these valuable organic chemicals, demonstrating the practicality of recycling materials to sequester greenhouse gases.
Scientists have developed a molecular uranium catalyst that can bind nitrogen gas in a 'side-on' way and convert it into ammonia. This breakthrough reveals a new catalytic pathway, bridging biological efficiency and industrial feasibility.
A novel copper nanocluster has been developed, demonstrating high stability and exceptional selectivity in electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reactions. The incorporation of a single Cu(0) atom into the cluster significantly alters its electronic landscape, leading to improved product selectivity.
A recent study utilizes AI to optimize catalyst design and synthesis, predicting structure-property relationships and minimizing resource-intensive calculations. The research also explores the integration of automated synthesis, characterization, and optimization in closed-loop systems.
Heterometallic nanosheets with defined structures can be synthesized in a single-phase reaction, enabling their use as coatings, electronic devices, and catalysts. The discovery paves the way for mass-producing these nanomaterials using printing technology.
A new palladium-loaded a-IGZO catalyst achieved over 91% selectivity when converting CO2 to methanol, leveraging electronic properties of semiconductors. The study demonstrates novel design principles for sustainable catalysis based on electronic structure engineering.
A team of researchers at Tohoku University's AIMR used machine learning potential to characterize Sn catalyst activity, identifying the most effective catalysts for CO2 reduction. The study provides novel insights into the behavior of Sn-based catalysts and could lead to more efficient fuel production.
A new study reports the easy preparation of copper single atoms (Cu SACs) using a mesoporous silica KIT-6 templating agent. The resulting product exhibits excellent catalytic performance in CO2 cycloaddition reactions, with a yield of 91.7% and high turnover frequency (TOF).
Researchers developed a solid-state NMR method to characterize separation and recycling processes of real-life plastic waste mixtures. The technique identified individual components in complex polymer systems, enabling precise tracking of chemical evolution and mapping of conversion processes.
Scientists developed a precise, cost-effective way to make chiral ketones for medicines, agrochemicals, and more using photocatalysis. This approach solves the challenge of reaching remote stereocenters in molecules, allowing for eco-friendly production of valuable chemicals.
Researchers are turning to electron spin to unlock new possibilities for high-performance electrocatalysts. By fine-tuning how electrons spin within catalyst materials, scientists can accelerate reactions such as oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, carbon dioxide conversion, and nitrogen fixation.
Scientists developed an algorithm that can accurately simulate atomic interactions on material surfaces, reducing the need for massive computing power. This breakthrough enables the analysis of complex chemical processes in just two percent of unique configurations, paving the way for improved battery performance.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a more efficient light-based process for transforming fossil fuels into useful modern chemicals, effective even at room temperatures. The organic photoredox catalysis system uses visible light to alter chemical compounds, reducing energy demands and pollution in various industries.
Researchers developed a technology that precisely analyzes 21 types of reactants simultaneously using high-resolution fluorine nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This breakthrough contributes to new drug development and catalyst optimization in AI-driven autonomous synthesis.
The European Research Council has awarded ERC Advanced grants to Inga Kamp, Wouter Roos, and Syuzanna Harutyunyan from the University of Groningen for their innovative research projects. Kamp's project focuses on deciphering rocky planet building blocks using the James Webb Space Telescope, while Roos investigates RNA-containing viruse...
Researchers have developed a more efficient method for producing green ammonia using artificial intelligence and machine learning. The new process achieves a sevenfold improvement in production rate while being nearly 100% efficient, making it a viable alternative to traditional methods.
Scientists have developed a holistic understanding of light-driven hydrogen gas production using a nanocrystal-enzyme complex as catalyst. This breakthrough framework can be applied to optimize future light-driven chemical reactions.
Researchers developed a novel MoS2-confined Rh-Fe dual-site catalyst for the direct conversion of methane to acetic acid, achieving an unprecedented CH3COOH selectivity of 90.3% at room temperature. The catalyst's unique structure effectively balances C-H activation and C-C coupling, addressing long-standing challenges in this process.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a novel oxidation process using sonicated carbon nanotubes to remove industrial and municipal pollutants from contaminated water. The nonradical pathway achieves unprecedented removal rates within five minutes, targeting distributed water sources.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a novel strategy to modulate spin states of single-atom catalysts using external magnetic fields. This approach improves electrocatalytic performance by reducing activation energy and increasing reaction rates.
A study combines DFT and machine learning to analyze a wide range of epoxides in CO₂ cycloaddition, identifying key molecular descriptors and predicting reactivity trends. The research aims to develop predictive catalyst and substrate design for optimized CO₂ fixation, contributing to greener chemical processes.
Researchers have developed metal-based Janus nanostructures that boost CO2 reduction via tandem electrocatalysis. These structures exhibit unique properties and mechanisms, enabling the generation of single-carbon and multi-carbon products.
Researchers have developed a method to convert carbon dioxide into methanol, a versatile compound used in fuels and plastics. The process involves hydrogenating CO2 with the help of catalysts, which can produce e-fuels that are sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.
Researchers developed a theoretical model describing metal cluster migration and aggregation within individual zeolites, revealing key factors affecting catalyst stability. The model shows that increasing zeolite support properties can achieve 'migration-aggregation-self locking' of Pt species, creating ultra-stable catalysts.
Researchers at HZB have developed MXene-based catalysts that significantly enhance the oxygen evolution reaction in electrolysis, a crucial step for producing green hydrogen. The study found that embedding catalytically active particles into the flaky structure of MXenes increases the reaction's efficiency.
The study reveals that monodispersed ZnOx species anchored on ZnCr2O4 spinel surface are key active sites for syngas conversion to light olefins. The catalyst achieved high catalytic performance with 64% CO conversion and 75% selectivity among total hydrocarbons.
Researchers developed a low-cost nanocomposite with excellent electrochemical performance for supercapacitors and strong catalytic efficiency in degrading industrial pollutants. The material has promising dual functionality for energy storage and environmental remediation.
A new cobaltosilicate zeolite catalyst has been developed for propane dehydrogenation, achieving high propylene productivity and long-time stability. The catalyst's flexible framework lowers dehydrogenation barriers through entropic effects, while non-bonding adsorption of propylene enables rapid product desorption.
A team from The University of Osaka has developed an efficient non-precious metal catalyst for converting biomass-derived furfural to tetrahydrofurfuryl compounds, achieving high yields under mild conditions.
Researchers have developed a novel gold-catalyzed approach to engineer atomically rough surfaces on Au-based binary alloys, significantly enhancing the electrocatalytic performance for ethanol oxidation reaction. The ARSs provide abundant low-coordinated atoms with lower energy barriers for reactant activation.
A new MoOx-Ru/C bimetallic catalyst has been developed for the efficient hydrogenolysis of esters to alkanes, exhibiting high conversion rates and selectivity. The catalyst's unique synergistic effect between Ru and MoOx species promotes the conversion of esters into alkanes without carbon loss.
Researchers developed a simple, economical and environmentally friendly purification method for mullite-type bismuth ferrite, improving its efficiency in producing green hydrogen. The process uses light and glycerol to eliminate unwanted compounds, resulting in high-purity material suitable for photoelectrochemical reactions.
Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo developed a novel catalyst that efficiently produces sulfones at low temperatures, achieving high selectivity and reducing precious metal consumption. The new SrMn₁₋xRu_xO₃ catalyst offers significant advantages over conventional systems, making it suitable for various industries.
Researchers have discovered a new enzyme called CelOCE that can cleave cellulose using an unprecedented mechanism. This discovery has the potential to significantly increase the production of second-generation ethanol from agro-industrial waste, enabling the large-scale production of biofuels.
Researchers developed iron carbide catalysts for deoxygenative C-C coupling of benzyl alcohols, producing bibenzyls and leveraging the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process. The system promotes radical reaction pathways and accelerates oxygen removal on the catalyst surface.
A team of researchers has outlined a new roadmap for harnessing heterogeneous catalysis to destroy PFAS, which can contaminate water supplies worldwide. The proposed sequential treatment train uses tailored catalytic steps to break down complex PFAS mixtures into harmless by-products.
Researchers propose a novel approach to reduce carbon emissions in cement manufacturing by leveraging iron naturally present in cement raw materials. The method enables the co-thermal conversion of CaCO₃ with CH₄ under a methane atmosphere, resulting in high-value syngas as a byproduct and significantly reducing carbon footprint.
A research team developed a novel strategy to balance high catalytic activity and durability under industrial-level conditions. They constructed a MOF@POM superstructure that undergoes an in-situ transformation into a single-layer CoFe hydroxide catalyst, exhibiting exceptional performance in alkaline electrolytes.
Researchers synthesized three porphyrin-based COF materials with tunable structural distortion, revealing correlations between linker distortion and material properties. The NN-Por-COF photocatalyst exhibits exceptional CO2 reduction performance under simulated industrial flue gas conditions.
A new ZnxZrO catalyst selectively cleaves ethane's C–H bonds while efficiently activating CO2, enabling an eco-friendly ethylene production process. This breakthrough enhances carbon neutrality initiatives and establishes sustainable chemical production systems.
A new study emphasizes the importance of pushing metal site design limits to optimize hydrogen evolution reaction in single atom catalysts. Researchers found that hydrogen binding energy calculation can serve as a good predictor of activity, and neighboring nitrogen atoms can host catalytic activity to negate poisoning effects.
A team of researchers developed a water-catalyzed PDH reaction route using a copper single-atom catalyst to achieve highly efficient propane-to-propylene conversion under mild conditions. The reaction was driven by photo-thermo catalysis and could be directly driven by sunlight.