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Researcher pursues new applications for 'hot' electrons

A University of Houston researcher is exploring electron oscillation in porous gold nanoparticles to harness their energy. The goal is to enhance catalytic reactions and boost biosensing, potentially leading to ultrasensitive detection of disease biomarkers.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 1, 2016

Chemists find new way to recycle plastic waste into fuel

Researchers have devised a method to recycle millions of tons of plastic garbage into liquid fuel by breaking down polyethylene with alkanes. The process is more efficient and milder than current methods, using readily available substances from oil refining.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 21, 2016
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

On the path toward bionic enzymes

Chemists at Berkeley Lab have successfully created a bionic enzyme by replacing iron in muscle protein with iridium, enabling a new type of chemical reaction. The discovery opens the door to converting complex structures in biomass and natural gas into higher-value materials and molecules for pharmaceuticals.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2016

New molecular design to get hydrogen-powered cars motoring

Researchers have designed a molecular catalyst that produces only hydrogen and carbon dioxide when formic acid is decomposed at a low temperature. This breakthrough could pave the way for hydrogen-powered cars by overcoming one of the major challenges: efficient production of clean energy.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·DateJun 6, 2016

Highly tuned catalytic controls

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new process that triggers targeted reactions using red or near-infrared light or a tiny dose of an enzyme. This breakthrough has significant implications for medicine and engineering, particularly in drug delivery and tissue engineering.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 2, 2016

Getting the most out of natural gas

Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully upgraded methane into methyl bromide, a base material for fuels and chemicals, through oxybromination chemistry. The new catalyst, vanadium phosphate, enables closed-bromine recycling, making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 24, 2016
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.

Single-step hydrogen peroxide production could be cleaner, more efficient

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a new way to synthesize hydrogen peroxide in a single step, which could make it an economically feasible oxidant for various chemical processes. The method uses a palladium-based catalyst and avoids the decomposition reaction that typically occurs during synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2016

Clue for efficient usage of low-cost nickel catalysts

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a method to form bonds between two butadiene molecules, an alkyl group, and benzene rings using a cheap nickel catalyst. This technique enables the synthesis of high-value terminal olefins from cheap butadiene, which can be used in various industrial applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 24, 2016

Speeding up key oxygen-oxygen bond-formation step in water oxidation

Scientists have developed two new molecular catalysts that can drive the key oxygen-oxygen bond-formation step in water oxidation, a crucial process for artificial photosynthesis. These ruthenium complexes enable faster and more efficient water oxidation, potentially leading to the creation of clean fuels from solar energy.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 16, 2016

Ferrous chemistry in aqueous solution unravelled

Researchers have developed a method to analyze the electronic states of iron(II) in aqueous solution, revealing new insights into its interactions with surrounding solvent. This breakthrough could improve our understanding of electron interactions in catalytic and functional materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 11, 2016

Mimicking the ingenuity of nature

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have developed a supramolecular ruthenium macrocycle that mimics photosystem II, improving water oxidation efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The new catalyst enables the production of high-energy-density fuels like hydrogen, methane, or methanol.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 3, 2016
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.

Englerin analogues with anti-cancer activity

A team of researchers at ICIQ has designed and synthesized highly selective and effective Englerin analogues that inhibit the growth of renal cancer cells. The analogues were developed using gold catalysis and exhibited potent anti-cancer activity in cell lines, offering a promising treatment option for patients with kidney cancer.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalChemMedChem·DateMay 2, 2016

Making biodiesel with used cooking oil and a microwave

Researchers develop a new method to convert waste cooking oil into biodiesel, reducing production costs and increasing efficiency. The process involves heating the oil with catalyst-coated beads in a microwave oven, resulting in a nearly 100% conversion rate.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateApr 20, 2016

Catalyst could make production of key chemical more eco-friendly

Researchers developed a new composite catalyst using nitrogen-rich graphene dotted with copper nanoparticles that can convert carbon dioxide to ethylene efficiently and selectively. The study showed a selectivity of 79 percent for ethylene production, significantly higher than other approaches.

SourceBrown University·JournalNano Energy·DateApr 7, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Ruthenium nanoframes open the doors to better catalysts

A team of chemists has developed a new method to make metal nanoframe catalysts, which could lead to improved hydrogen fuel production and reduced usage of precious materials. The breakthrough involves creating ruthenium nanocrystals with a unique crystal structure, increasing their surface area and catalytic activity.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 1, 2016

Engineering black gold, as light as the bones of birds

A team of Korean researchers has successfully developed a way to fabricate an ultralight, high-density nanoporous gold material, known as Black Gold. This new material is twice as solid and 30% lighter than standard gold, with a wider surface area due to its unique nanostructure.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 28, 2016

Efficient methane C-H bond activation achieved for the first time

A team of chemists, led by Mu-Hyun Baik, has achieved the first-ever efficient activation of methane's C-H bond using a hybrid computational-experimental approach. The method enables the conversion of methane into liquid methanol, paving the way for petroleum independence and alternative fuel production.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 2016

Saving sunshine for a rainy day: New catalyst offers efficient storage of green energy

Researchers at the University of Toronto have designed the world's most efficient catalyst for storing energy in chemical form. The new catalyst enables the efficient conversion of sunlight into hydrogen, which can be converted back into energy using hydrogen fuel cells. The study demonstrates a more efficient and highly scalable means...

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Correction: Solar fuels: Protective layer for the 'artificial leaf'

Researchers have developed a stable and conductive protective layer for the 'artificial leaf' that enhances water oxidation efficiency. The innovative layer, made from ruthenium dioxide nanoparticles and an organic polymer, improves current densities and stability.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 23, 2016

Solar fuels: A refined protective layer for the 'artificial leaf'

Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin developed a protective layer for the 'artificial leaf' that converts 12% of incident solar energy into hydrogen. The new layer, made from graphene, enables stable and efficient water splitting.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 21, 2016

Efficiency of water electrolysis doubled

Researchers have successfully increased water electrolysis efficiency by applying a copper layer to platinum electrodes. This innovation boosts the reaction's activity and extends electrode lifespan. The breakthrough could lead to large-scale implementation of climate-friendly energy conversion using surplus electricity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New way to control chemical reactions

Researchers at Australian National University have successfully controlled chemical reactions using static electricity, improving reaction rates by a factor of five. The breakthrough could lead to cleaner industry, cheaper nanotechnology, and unprecedented control over chemical processes.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature·DateMar 3, 2016

First 3-D structure of the enzymatic role of DNA

Researchers have solved the first three-dimensional structure of a deoxyribozyme, a flexible DNA molecule that can act as an enzyme. This breakthrough challenges the long-held perception of DNA's stiffness and has significant implications for understanding molecular reactions and potential applications in medicine.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2016

Sugar-power -- scientists harness the reducing potential of renewable sugars

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have pioneered sugar-powered catalysis, which could revolutionize industries such as agro-chemistry and pharmaceuticals. By harnessing the reducing potential of renewable sugars, scientists have developed a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for catalysis.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalRSC Advances·DateMar 2, 2016

Nanoparticles on nanosteps

A new study by SISSA/CNR IOM scientists reduces wastage of expensive catalysts used in fuel cells, allowing for more efficient and sustainable energy production. The researchers created nanoparticles on nanosteps, which remain dispersed and stable, enabling the material to be reused with lower costs.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 29, 2016
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.

Water-cleaning chemical made 'on-demand' with new group of catalysts

Researchers at Cardiff University have developed a new group of catalysts that can produce hydrogen peroxide on-demand in a simple one-step process, opening up possibilities for manufacturing the chemical in remote areas. The production of hydrogen peroxide is essential for water purification and could significantly reduce costs.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 2016

Model perfect

Researchers developed a framework to address uncertainty in mathematical models by considering the effects of correlated parameters. This approach improves model predictability and reliability, with applications in fields such as catalysis, combustion, environmental sciences, and biology.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 22, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

An international group synthesizes georgeite for first time

A team of international researchers synthesized large quantities of pure georgeite, a rare copper-hydroxycarbonate mineral. They found that the georgeite was an excellent catalyst precursor for two important reactions in the chemical industry, outperforming commercial catalysts.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature·DateFeb 15, 2016

Graphene decharging and molecular shielding

Researchers found that graphene efficiently shields chemical interactions by covering surface defects, reducing reactivity. This shielding enables controlled selectivity and activity of supported metallic catalysts on carbon substrates.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateFeb 8, 2016

Catalysts for heavy oil extraction developed at Kazan University

Researchers at Kazan University have developed catalysts that speed up heavy oil extraction under the conditions of in-situ combustion. The study, published in Energy and Fuels, shows promise for increasing efficiency in extracting heavy oil from Russia's vast reserves.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry·DateFeb 1, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Small is different

Researchers at TUM and Georgia Institute of Technology found that the size of platinum catalyst particles significantly affects reactivity, with clusters having fewer atoms showing lower activity. The discovery could lead to more efficient production of margarine and other chemicals, as well as new materials.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2016

For this nanocatalyst reaction, one atom makes a big difference

Researchers have explained why platinum nanoclusters facilitate the hydrogenation reaction used to produce ethane from ethylene. The shape of these small clusters dramatically affects reaction efficiency, contradicting macro-scale observations. The findings may apply to other catalysts and reactions at the nanoscale.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2016

Chemists uncover how key agent allows diseases to reproduce

Scientists have discovered the molecular mechanism behind thyX's role in enabling diseases to reproduce. The finding could lead to the creation of non-toxic antibiotics that block the chemical reaction involving thyX. Several deadly diseases rely exclusively on thyX for survival and reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 2016

Microwaved nanotubes come up clean

Researchers at Rice University and Swansea University have developed a two-step process using microwaves and chlorine to remove iron catalyst residues from carbon nanotubes. This method makes the nanotubes more pristine and suitable for applications such as drug delivery and solar panels.

SourceRice University·JournalRSC Advances·DateJan 22, 2016
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.

Research reveals mechanism for direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide

Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a new mechanism for directly synthesizing hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen gases using palladium cluster catalysts. This breakthrough provides insight into the formation of H2O2, which can be used as an environmentally benign alternative to chlorine.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 20, 2016

Fuel cell advance

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a low-cost nickel-based catalyst that can power fuel cells with unprecedented efficiency. This breakthrough could make hydrogen fuel cell cars truly affordable, potentially priced around $23,000 for a Toyota Mirai.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2016

'Radiolabeling' lets scientists track the breakdown of drugs

Researchers at Princeton University create a method to selectively radiolabel compounds with tritium atoms, allowing for the study of drug metabolism and potential development speedup. The technique uses an iron-based catalyst that can tolerate various solvents, enabling the tracking of drug breakdown in the body.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

NREL research advances hydrogen production efforts

Researchers at NREL have developed a new approach to producing hydrogen using solar energy, which uses molecular catalysts instead of precious metals. The new method showed comparable activity to metal-based catalysts and has the potential to be scalable and cost-effective.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 5, 2016

IU scientists create 'nano-reactor' for the production of hydrogen biofuel

Researchers at Indiana University have developed a highly efficient biomaterial that catalyzes the formation of hydrogen gas from water. The material, called P22-Hyd, is produced through a simple fermentation process at room temperature and has potential to replace platinum-based fuel cells.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 4, 2016

NREL research advances hydrogen production efforts

Researchers at NREL have developed a new photoelectrochemical process for producing hydrogen that uses molecular catalysts instead of precious metals. The new method is more efficient and cost-effective, making it a promising solution for scalable hydrogen production.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 22, 2015
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.

Facile hydrolysis of the Metal-NHC framework under regular reaction conditions

Scientists found that nickel N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes decompose into initial reagent and nickel hydroxide when exposed to water. The rate of hydrolysis varies depending on the type of NHC ligand, with some complexes breaking down quickly while others remain stable for over a week.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences·JournalOrganometallics·DateDec 17, 2015

How nanoparticles give electrons away

Researchers at FAU and University of Barcelona discovered that platinum nanoparticles lose approximately every tenth electron when in contact with oxide support. This effect can be controlled using theoretical methods, allowing for more efficient catalytic processes and new electronic components.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 14, 2015

New catalyst paves way for bio-based plastics, chemicals

Researchers at Washington State University developed a catalyst that easily converts bio-based ethanol to isobutene, a widely used industrial chemical. The breakthrough could help reduce environmental impacts and meet new regulations for sustainability in the chemical industry.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 11, 2015

Cooperative catalysts offer unique route to alkenes

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a novel two-component catalyst system that performs the dehydrogenation reaction at room temperature. This method produces hydrogen gas and an alkene molecule without requiring high temperatures or precious metals, opening up new possibilities for chemical transformations.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2015

Scientists develop diesel that emits far less CO2

Researchers have discovered a new approach to producing cleaner diesel by optimizing molecule interactions between metal and solid-state acid catalysts. This method can significantly reduce particulates and CO2 emissions from cars.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature·DateDec 10, 2015
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.

Plant-inspired power plants

A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers outlines a framework for developing catalysts that convert excess CO2 into liquid fuel. The catalyst's effectiveness is determined by its hydrogen adsorption energy and Lewis pair hardness, allowing for more efficient and inexpensive production.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalACS Catalysis·DateDec 8, 2015

IBS reports a high performance nanoparticle electrocatalyst

Scientists have reported a high-performance nanoparticle electrocatalyst for fuel cells, featuring durable and active PtFe nanoparticles coated with nitrogen-doped carbon shells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient and affordable fuel cell technology.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 8, 2015

A more efficient way of converting ethanol to a better alternative fuel

A research team at the University of Rochester has developed a new catalyst that selectively converts ethanol to butanol with near total conversion efficiency. Butanol is a more efficient and less volatile alternative to gasoline, yielding more energy and causing less engine damage.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 3, 2015