Articles tagged with Catalysis
Researchers have developed a process for immobilising organic catalysts on textiles using ultraviolet light, enabling simple textiles to be used in complex chemical reactions. The method results in excellent yields, little wear and tear, and provides several advantages over other forms of catalyst immobilisation.
Researchers from UNC School of Medicine challenge the widely-held theory that RNA self-replicated without protein enzymes, instead suggesting a 'Peptide-RNA World' scenario where proteins accelerated key chemical reactions. The study's findings support the idea that ancient protein enzymes played a vital role in life's emergence.
Scientists have isolated and characterized a stable intermediate in a dirhodium metal complex reaction, allowing them to study its mechanism for the first time. The discovery opens new avenues for the field of catalysis and could lead to more efficient chemical reactions.
Researchers at DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory discovered a new zeolite catalyst that breaks down nitric oxide into water and atmospheric nitrogen, reducing pollution. The catalyst uses copper as its added metal and takes an unusual side-on approach to binding with nitric oxide.
Scientists present innovative approaches to reduce hazardous substances in production processes, using renewable materials and minimizing waste. The symposium features topics such as banana-peel powder removal of toxic metals from water and sustainable nanoparticle production.
Scientists have developed a new filtering system to remove carbon dioxide from electric power station smokestacks, inspired by the efficient lungs of birds and the swim bladders of fish. The technology uses an array of tubes with porous membranes, which can capture up to 50% more CO2 than existing methods.
Several Nobel laureates will present research on organic synthesis, including Ei-ichi Negishi's work on palladium-catalyzed cross couplings and Richard Schrock's development of the metathesis method. George A. Olah's research on carbocations and Roald Hoffmann's theories on chemical reactivity will also be presented.
Researchers aim to turn CO2 from fossil fuels back into a renewable energy source by capturing and processing the gas with catalysts. A symposium at the American Chemical Society meeting features studies on the activation of CO2 for catalytic transformation.
Researchers at the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis have developed a method to interface molecular hydrogen-producing catalysts with a semiconductor that absorbs visible light. This breakthrough enables the production of hydrogen fuel from sunlight without external electrical potential.
Researchers found that complex oxide films remain stable with reduced oxygen levels at the surface, contrary to expected changes. This discovery has implications for designing functional oxides in consumer products like batteries and electronic devices.
Scientists have unexpectedly created two differently colored crystals from one chemical, revealing new insights into agostic bonds crucial for industrial catalytic reactions. The discovery provides valuable information for making plastics and fuels.
Researchers at Boston College have developed a novel approach to accelerate a chemical reaction using cooperative co-catalysts. By employing two Lewis base molecules in concert, the team was able to reduce reaction time from two to five days to less than an hour and minimize catalyst loading.
Scientists from Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin used RIXS spectroscopy and ab initio theory to study the iron carbonyl complex. They discovered a strong orbital mixing between metal and ligands, weakening the chemical bond during excitation. This fundamental insight can help control catalytic properties and produce novel materials.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new fuel cell design that produces as much electricity as current models but requires significantly less platinum, a rare and valuable precious metal. The discovery, published in Nature Materials, could lead to more economically viable fuel cell production.
Researchers at Penn and two institutions developed a way to precisely design active elements of catalysts, identifying critical parameters for improvement. This new paradigm can fine-tune catalysts used in various applications, including environmental remediation and material production.
A NASA team has successfully grown uniform layers of carbon nanotubes using atomic layer deposition, enabling the growth of these forests on three-dimensional components like baffles and tubes. This innovation promises to make spacecraft instruments more sensitive without enlarging their size.
Researchers at the University of York have developed a new technology allowing them to observe and analyze single atoms in dynamic experiments under realistic conditions. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding reactions in physical sciences, medicine, and energy sources.
Researchers developed a combined approach of MicroCT-based visualization and microfluidic-based electrochemical analysis to correlate changes in electrode performance with catalyst layer structure. This allows for systematic investigation of electrode-based electrochemical processes and guides electrode optimization for improved cataly...
Researchers at University College London have uncovered a groundbreaking explanation for the properties of mixed-phase titania catalysts, revealing that anatase has lower energy levels than previously thought. This discovery will aid in developing more efficient photocatalysts with applications in clean energy and self-cleaning coatings.
Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology developed a novel bio-inspired composite electrocatalyst outperforming platinum, demonstrating higher electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction. The catalyst showed exceptional durability during cycling in an alkaline media.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new catalyst that can produce hydrogen gas from water using electricity, avoiding rare and expensive metal platinum. The discovery uses commercially available molybdenum disulfide to facilitate the reaction.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a diamond catalyst that efficiently converts nitrogen to ammonia under ambient conditions. The new technique, which uses synthetic industrial diamond, reduces energy consumption by up to 2% compared to traditional methods.
Researchers from McGill University have developed a method to use iron nanoparticles as catalysts in water-ethanol mixtures, overcoming the limitation of rusting in the presence of oxygen or water. This innovation enables the possibility of replacing platinum-series metals for hydrogenation under industrial conditions.
A new method for converting CO2 into methanol has been developed by Université Laval researchers. The catalyst is made of two chemical groups and produces little waste, making it more effective than previous methods.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed an inexpensive catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into synthetic fuels for powering cars, homes, and businesses. The catalyst uses solar energy to convert CO2 into carbon monoxide, a valuable commodity chemical with many industrial applications.
Industrial palladium-copper catalysts change structure before use, affecting reaction catalysis. The discovery reveals potential environmental and economic benefits of alternative activation methods.
Researchers develop a platinum-nickel nano-octahedra material that accelerates hydrogen and oxygen conversion to water, saving 90% of typical platinum usage. The unique atomic structure enhances reactivity while limiting lifetime.
A new discovery by Penn State researchers may lead to the creation of cheaper clean-energy technologies. The team, led by Raymond Schaak, has found that a nickel phosphide nanoparticle can effectively trigger hydrogen production from water. This process is crucial for many energy-production technologies, including fuel cells and solar ...
A nanofiber sensor developed by researchers at KAIST can detect acetone levels associated with diabetes and toluene levels linked to lung cancer. The sensor offers a highly sensitive detection of these biomarkers, which is important for accurate diagnosis.
Scientists at the Vienna University of Technology have observed and explained the dance of atoms on iron-oxide surfaces. They found that carbon monoxide is the partner responsible for rapid motion, which leads to clustering and reduces the effectiveness of catalysts. A hydroxyl coating of the surface can suppress this effect.
Researchers have discovered an inexpensive and easily produced metal-free catalyst that performs better than platinum in oxygen-reduction reactions. The catalyst is more stable and tolerant of carbon monoxide poisoning and methanol crossover.
A new catalyst, based on carbon nanotubes, shows high oxygen reduction reaction activity in alkaline media, critical for efficient storage of electrical energy. This breakthrough could enable economical lithium-air batteries to power electric vehicles and provide reliable energy storage for intermittent green energy sources.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a high-efficiency zinc-air battery with improved catalytic activity and durability, paving the way for a low-cost alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Duke University engineers have created a novel method for producing clean hydrogen, reducing carbon monoxide levels to nearly zero. This approach uses a new catalytic process with nanoparticle combinations of gold and iron oxide, making it a more practical option.
A study by Georgia Tech researchers reveals that RNA can catalyze single electron transfer in oxygen-free environments with the assistance of iron. This process suggests that complex biochemical transformations may have been possible when life began on Earth, and could even revive a latent function of RNA.
A team of researchers is studying the protein structure and reaction dynamics of a key photosynthesis catalyst. They aim to understand the intermediate stages necessary for the oxidation of water, which could help develop sustainable solar energy solutions.
University of Illinois researchers created a novel approach to produce highly uniform Pt icosahedral nanocrystals using the hot injection-assisted GRAILS method. The synthesis results in high-purity products with ideal models for studying structure-property relationships.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a low-cost, stable, and effective catalyst that can produce hydrogen in an environmentally friendly manner. The catalyst, made from renewable soybeans and abundant molybdenum metal, has the potential to increase the use of clean energy sources.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method to convert ethanol into butanol, a more efficient and sustainable fuel source. The new catalysts enable higher selectivity and conversion rates, making butanol an attractive alternative to gasoline.
Controlling the shape of nanometer-sized catalytic particles is crucial for optimizing their activity and selectivity in applications such as catalytic converters, fuel cells, and chemical catalysis. Surface diffusion plays a key role in defining these shapes. The research found that varying temperature and deposition rate can control ...
The artificial leaf, a simple catalyst-coated wafer of silicon, can now run on impure water, making it suitable for providing electricity in developing countries. The device uses hydrogen and oxygen produced by sunlight to generate fuel that can power homes and portable generators.
Research from Nobel laureates presented at the American Chemical Society meeting includes advances in green chemistry and understanding of molecular structures. The work has significant implications for industries such as medicine and energy production.
Researchers use PALM microscopy technique to analyze enzyme cocktails and find specific targets for cellulase synergy. This reveals how different combinations of enzymes can generate synergistic activity, increasing saccharification efficiencies and reducing biofuel production costs.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute illuminate the copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction, revealing key findings on its mechanism. The discovery enables better control, efficiency, and versatility in pharmaceutical synthesis, enabling the development of new reactions.
Researchers developed an inexpensive and green procedure for catalytic acetylation of phenols and alcohols using Amberlyst-15. The catalyst exhibits excellent potential for sustainability, allowing mild and selective transformations under heterogeneous conditions.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have developed a new, affordable catalyst for converting electricity into chemical energy, enabling the efficient storage and reuse of solar and wind power. The breakthrough technology has the potential to support a large-scale clean energy economy.
Scientists have developed a new method for chemical reduction using a biomimetic catalyst that mimics naturally occurring enzymes. The catalyst-based approach uses cheap, replenishable reagents and works well at room temperature and in air, even allowing for safe use in a teacup. With high efficiency rates, the research has wide applic...
Researchers at Brown University have made a breakthrough in making acrylate by combining carbon dioxide with ethylene, potentially leading to a cheaper and more sustainable way to produce the commodity chemical. The team discovered that Lewis acids can break open a five-membered ring, allowing for the formation of acrylate.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed ultra-thin films of nickel and iron oxides that demonstrate high catalytic activity for forming oxygen from water. The nickel-iron oxide catalyst was found to be most effective when just 0.4 nanometers thick, making it a promising material for solar-hydrogen production.
Scientists create artificial DNA catalysts that can modify amino acids in proteins, altering their function. This breakthrough could lead to new tools for studying protein modifications and developing practical applications.
Researchers directly verified a state of transition where molecules hover above the catalyst before flying away, opening up possibilities for improving catalysts. This study uses the world's strongest X-ray laser to observe ultrafast chemical reactions in real-time.
Scientists used ultrafast X-ray pulses to study a chemical reaction in real-time, revealing surprising details of a short-lived early state at the catalyst's surface. The study offers important clues about how catalysts work, which is essential for producing new energy sources and reducing pollution.
Researchers at SISSA have simulated a catalyst that mimics nature's process of producing 'green' fuel from sunlight. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uses Ru4-POM to oxidize water and produce hydrogen, paving the way for cost-effective and efficient energy storage.
New experiments show that complex molecules can form in icy grains in space, potentially bringing the building blocks of life to Earth. The discovery opens the door to comets or meteorites as a source for life's origins.
Researchers develop fast and efficient iron-based molecule that splits hydrogen gas into electricity, rivaling commercial catalysts. The breakthrough could make fuel cells more economical, addressing the high cost of platinum used in current systems.
Researchers used an X-ray laser to study the structure and chemical behavior of a natural catalyst involved in photosynthesis. The breakthrough, made possible by ultrafast and ultrabright X-ray pulses, provides insights into atomic-scale transformations in photosynthesis and other biological processes.
Berkeley Lab and SLAC researchers demonstrate simultaneous diffraction/spectroscopy of metalloenzymes using ultrafast, intensely bright X-ray pulses. The study provides critical snapshots of the photosystem II machinery's design principles for artificial light-driven catalysts.
Researchers have made significant progress in producing hydrogen fuel from water using enzymes inspired by bacteria. Their artificial catalyst is stable and efficient, making it a cost-effective way to produce hydrogen.
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä Nanoscience Center used computational modeling to understand how redox chemistry affects the binding of gold particles on modified calcium oxide surfaces. They found that the energy released during a redox reaction correlates with the ability of the dopant metal atom to donate an electron.
Researchers have created new biocatalysts using the power of protein engineering and evolution, allowing nature's premier oxidation catalyst to drive synthetically useful reactions. This breakthrough enables the production of pharmaceutical drugs and natural products in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner.