Research on catalysts that speed chemical reactions. Covers methane conversion, zeolite catalysis, and AI-guided catalyst design.
A team of researchers at Chalmers University of Technology has developed a new way to produce hydrogen gas without the use of platinum, a scarce and expensive metal. The process uses sunlight and tiny particles of electrically conductive plastic to efficiently produce hydrogen.
Researchers have developed a novel catalyst for acidic two-electron oxygen reduction that enables the self-adjusting mechanism. This breakthrough offers a highly efficient, selective, and stable method for hydrogen peroxide synthesis in acidic media.
Researchers developed a computational framework to identify effective catalysts for producing hydrogen peroxide from water and electricity. The approach successfully predicted key reaction properties across diverse materials, leading to the discovery of promising candidate lithium scandium oxide.
A new study reveals a simple two-stage catalytic system using corn straw, biochar, and nickel-based catalysts can more than double the hydrogen content of gas produced during biomass pyrolysis. The addition of biochar as a pre-catalyst further increases hydrogen yield.
A team from Tokyo Metropolitan University has uncovered the sequence of events in the formation of hexaniobate clusters, revealing a precursor's vital role in rapid catalyst formation. This insight promises finer control over an industrially important technology for speeding up chemical synthesis.
Researchers have proposed a new approach to boost sulfur use in solid-state batteries using tandem catalysis. This method achieves stepwise S8 reduction to Li2S via intermediate Li2S2, significantly reducing conversion energy barriers and exploiting deep sulfur conversion capacity.
Researchers at AIMR discovered that Europium substitution in Cu2O catalysts allows for selective control of electrochemical CO2 reduction products. By leveraging the Eu3+/Eu2+ redox couple, they demonstrated how subtle changes in electronic structure can favor either C-C coupling or deep hydrogenation.
Researchers have developed a new approach to overcome limitations in single-atom catalysts by creating one-dimensional organic polymers capable of selectively binding metal atoms. The platform marks a major advance in single atom catalysis, enabling stronger gas binding compared to other structures.
A nickel-catalyzed hydrogen metallization cyclization strategy was developed to synthesize multi-substituted bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanol and its skeletal rearrangement product, a series of 1,2,4-trisubstituted bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanone derivatives. The method offers mild conditions, broad substrate scope, and easy product derivatization.
University of Rochester researchers developed algorithms to analyze complex chemistry in propane-to-propylene conversion. The study reveals the importance of defective metal sites and oxide phase stability in catalysts.
A study from OIST shows that abrasion from common additives can lead to efficient reactions under mechanochemical conditions. Abrasive materials like tungsten carbide or diamond powder activate catalysts and drive coupling reactions. This finding changes the way researchers think about mechanochemical catalysts.
Researchers have designed a new catalyst that stabilizes oxidized copper species under reducing potentials, enabling highly efficient and stable CO2 conversion to C2+ products. The cerium oxide nano-islands act as nanoscale anchors, preserving the active copper oxidation states.
The team's novel findings use metal-organic framework-derived hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers with low-coordinated cobalt single-atom catalysts to enhance redox kinetics and suppress dissolution of lithium polysulfides. This synergistic design enables high-capacity retention and superior rate performance over hundreds of cycles.
The study reveals a temperature-dependent mechanism evolution effect on RhRu3Ox catalysts, leading to more stable oxygen evolution reactions. The researchers demonstrate that the catalyst remains stable for over 1000 hours at room temperature, paving the way for efficient and durable electrochemical devices.
Researchers unveil a paradigm shift in rechargeable Na-Cl2 battery systems by transforming conventional anode-protective additives into efficient cathode catalysts. The discovery reveals a hidden chemistry behind record-breaking performance and cycle life.
Researchers developed a highly efficient cell-free enzyme system that achieves remarkable increases in catalytic performance, reduces cofactor consumption, and produces high yields of 1-alkenes. The system overcomes challenges of whole-cell biocatalysts by mimicking the biological reaction environment.
Researchers developed a photothermal catalyst, Li0.51Mn2O4, to upgrade spent lithium manganate oxides and waste PET into highly efficient recyclable materials. The study achieved high conversion rates and reduced fossil resource consumption by up to 77% compared to traditional thermal catalysis.
Researchers have developed a novel strategy for efficient CO₂ conversion, achieving a mass activity 3.77 times higher than pristine CoPc. The new catalyst, pyridinic-N incorporated phthalocyanine (CoTAP), demonstrates superior performance with less catalyst.
Researchers explore synergetic energy-coupled catalytic systems to overcome barriers in CO2 reduction, enabling more efficient and selective conversion of carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals. Hybrid systems combine multiple energy inputs, such as light, heat, plasma, and electricity, to activate reactants and catalysts effectively.
A recent study has unraveled the atomic-scale mechanisms behind pH effects on electrochemical reactions, paving the way for rational catalyst design. The research reveals that interfacial electric fields and molecular interactions play a critical role in determining reaction rates and selectivity.
A Tohoku University research team synthesized a high-purity graphene mesosponge that serves as a stable scaffold for loading polymorphic ruthenium catalysts. The study clearly distinguished between carbon cathode degradation and electrolyte decomposition, revealing the 'weakest link' in Li-O2 batteries.
A team from the Universitat Jaume I developed a robotic platform powered by artificial intelligence to optimize chemical processes, reducing environmental impact and increasing productivity. The Reac-Discovery system makes it possible to design and test reactors in just weeks, compared to months or years with traditional methods.
Researchers at Auburn University have developed a new class of materials that allows for tunable electron delocalization, enabling applications in quantum computing, catalysis, and advanced electronics. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize fields such as energy transfer, bonding, and conductivity.
Hanbat National University researchers have developed a new method for enhancing the performance of solid oxide fuel cells by inducing cobalt exsolution in high-temperature oxidizing atmospheres. This process results in improved electrochemical properties and higher oxygen reduction reaction activity, making it a promising direction fo...
A team of researchers has discovered the fraction of an electron that makes catalytic manufacturing possible, explaining the utility of precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. The discovery provides insight for designing new breakthrough catalytic materials, enabling lower-cost manufacturing processes across industries.
Researchers have successfully grown the smallest stable carbon nanotubes, a breakthrough that could lead to advancements in nanoelectronics and cutting-edge technologies. The study uses rhodium-based catalysts to achieve a high yield of the (5, 4) nanotube, paving the way for future applications.
Researchers are creating anchored molecular catalysts to improve stability and efficiency in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The new approach could lead to cleaner, safer reactions, faster production, and reduced costs.
Researchers at DTU Energy and DTU Construct developed a new fuel cell design using 3D printing and gyroid geometry for improved surface area and weight. The Monolithic Gyroidal Solid Oxide Cell delivers over one watt per gram, making it suitable for aerospace applications.
Researchers at the University of Maine Forest Bioproducts Research Institute have discovered a sustainable method to produce (S)-3-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone, a crucial building block in pharmaceuticals. This approach could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and production costs by up to 60%.
Researchers at Tohoku University have created a high-density W single atom catalyst that significantly speeds up the oxygen evolution reaction, overcoming a key barrier in environmentally friendly technologies. The stable incorporation of tungsten into transition-metal hydroxides/oxides enables ultrathin structures with enhanced active...
A new catalyst, NiFe-BNC, has been developed for efficient styrene degradation and CO2 reduction. The catalyst demonstrates scalable potential for pollutant remediation and carbon recycling, advancing closed-loop carbon utilization.
A new catalyst breaks down polyolefin plastics into liquid oils and waxes, which can be upcycled into higher-value products. This process bypasses the labor-intensive step of pre-sorting mixed plastic waste, making recycling more efficient and practical.
A team of researchers from TU Wien and NUS has successfully observed the production of syngas using operando TEM combined with computational simulations. The results show that a synergy between palladium and palladium oxide is necessary for efficient catalysis, with the two phases taking on different tasks.
Researchers developed a new model and theory to explain nanoparticle growth dynamics, accounting for six essential characteristics of nanoparticle growth. The new theory provides fresh physical insights into the role of nanoparticle motion and configurational degeneracy on their nucleation and growth.
A new AI-driven framework uses a custom-built catalysis knowledge graph and LLMs to recommend relay catalysis pathways. The system successfully found existing and suggested new pathways for several target molecules, demonstrating its potential to improve efficiency and selectivity in chemical reactions.
A team of researchers proposes hydroxyl adsorption as a selectivity descriptor for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia over copper-based catalysts. They found that more negative potentials and lower NO3- concentrations can improve ammonia selectivity.
Researchers at Chiba University developed a method for selectively attaching an alkyl group to the C5 position of indole using a copper-based catalyst, producing yields of up to 91%. This approach could enable more affordable and scalable modification of indoles, crucial for drug development.
Researchers at Tohoku University have created a new Fe-N-C catalyst that can partly renew itself while working, showing efficient performance in converting oxygen. The catalyst's ability to maintain activity over time is attributed to a balance between renewal of active sites and gradual processes of deactivation.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.