Novel nanowires boost fuel cell efficiency
Yale engineers have developed miniscule nanowires made of a novel material that boosts long-term performance in fuel cells. The nanowires' high surface area exposes more catalyst, increasing efficiency.
Catalysis
Articles tagged with Catalysis
New method for preparation of high-energy carbon-carbon double bonds
Boston College and MIT researchers developed a new catalytic chemical method to synthesize high-energy carbon-carbon double bonds, expanding the versatility of metal-based catalysts. The method uses molybdenum at its core to produce Z-selective cross metathesis reactions with unprecedented levels of reactivity and selectivity.
Cheap catalyst made easy
Catalysts made of carbon nanotubes dipped in a polymer solution have been shown to equal the energy output and outperform platinum catalysts in fuel cells. The new process is simpler and cheaper, reducing the cost of fuel cells by up to 75%.
Iowa State, Ames Lab researcher hunts for green catalysts
L. Keith Woo is searching for cleaner chemical reactions by studying iron porphyrins, a type of enzyme that catalyzes oxidation and electron transfer reactions. His research aims to develop more efficient catalysts that promote reactions at lower pressures and temperatures, reducing waste and creating safer alternatives.
Researchers discover new way to design metal nanoparticle catalysts
Researchers designed nanoparticles by engineering the support structure, exposing stable crystal faces for enhanced selectivity and yield in catalytic reactions. The discovery could lead to better catalysts with a significant impact.
Mimicking photosynthesis path to solar-derived hydrogen fuel
A Penn State materials chemist has developed an artificial system that mimics photosynthesis to produce solar-derived hydrogen fuel. However, the process remains inefficient and expensive due to recombination of electrons and limited lifetime of the system. The researcher aims to improve efficiency by modeling energy pathways and adjus...
Greener process for key ingredient for everything from paint to diapers
Researchers have developed a new catalyst that efficiently converts lactic acid into acrylic acid at lower temperatures, offering a sustainable alternative for producing essential industrial materials. This breakthrough could lead to reduced fuel consumption and decreased environmental impact.
A paperweight for platinum
Researchers created a new catalytic material that is harder, more chemically active, and provides stability for fuel cells. The material combines graphene with metal oxide nanoparticles, resulting in improved performance and durability.
Somorjai wins Frontiers of Knowledge Award
Gabor Somorjai has been recognized with the prestigious BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award for his groundbreaking work in surface chemistry and catalysis. His research has led to significant advancements in fields such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and automotive industries.
New reactor paves the way for efficiently producing fuel from sunlight
A new reactor converts solar energy into fuels by concentrating sunlight and using cerium oxide to convert carbon dioxide and water. The reactor achieves high rates of CO2 dissociation, demonstrating potential for efficient production of fuels.
Direct observation of carbon monoxide binding to metal-porphyrines
Researchers discovered that carbon monoxide binds to metalloporphyrins in a unique saddle-shaped configuration, contrary to previous expectations. This finding has significant implications for the development of catalyzers and sensors.
New method for making tiny catalysts holds promise for air quality
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a simpler method to add iron to tiny carbon spheres, creating catalytic materials that can remove pollutants. The new technique uses ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and produces ash-free, inexpensive materials with potential applications for fuel cells and environmental remediation.
Heat helped hasten life's beginnings
Scientists found that extreme temperature variations greatly impact chemical reactions, with some taking over 2 billion years to occur without enzyme assistance. This discovery challenges traditional views on life's origins and may influence future research on artificial catalysts.
Chemistry for greenhouse gases
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new metal complex that can convert methane into ethane, a crucial step towards building longer-chain hydrocarbons as alternative energy sources. This breakthrough could pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable method of producing fuels from greenhouse gases.
Novel fuel cell catalyst lowers need for precious metal
Researchers have developed a novel fuel cell catalyst that uses large spheres of gold instead of platinum, reducing the need for precious metals. The catalyst retains its converting power and produces electricity at top capacity for longer periods than traditional small-particle models.
OptiMedica's Catalys Precision Laser System study shows marked advancement in cataract surgery
A clinical study published in Science Translational Medicine shows the Catalys Precision Laser System significantly improves precision in cataract surgery, reducing risks and enhancing visual outcomes. The system's advanced optics and control software enable surgeons to perform critical steps with greater accuracy.
Molecular fossil
Researchers at Northwestern University have produced an atomic picture showing how RNase P recognizes and cleaves transfer RNA, revealing the versatility and complexity of RNA as a catalyst. The study supports the idea that RNA played a crucial role in the emergence of life.
New highly stable fuel-cell catalyst gets strength from its nano core
Scientists have developed a new fuel-cell catalyst with a palladium core that protects precious platinum and enhances its reactivity. The new catalyst maintains high levels of activity even after 100,000 cycles of testing, compared to conventional catalysts that lose nearly 70% of their reactivity.
OU researchers receive $2.9M DOE EPSCoR grant
A University of Oklahoma research team has established a new Center for Interfacial Reaction Engineering, focusing on biofuel and fossil fuel upgrading using revolutionary nanocatalysts. The $2.9M grant will accelerate reactions at the interface of water and oil, creating emulsions for refining processes.
Smaller is better in the viscous zone
Duke University researchers discovered that smaller catalyst particle size is crucial for improving efficiency in chemical reactions. The team found that the surface-to-volume ratio of the catalyst particle is more important than previously thought, leading to faster reactions.
Behind-the-scenes advances underpin new super-strong plastics
Cost-cutting advances in metallocene catalysts have led to production of stronger, more durable polyethylene plastics. These upgraded plastics are used in a range of consumer products, including garbage bags and camping cookware.
Oxidation mechanisms at gold nanoclusters unraveled
New research evidence reveals gold nanoclusters can break the O-O bond by forming a novel one-dimensional gold-oxide phase. This mechanism is predicted to dominate at ambient conditions, enabling catalysts to use ambient oxygen in reaction processes.
The effects of hydrogen on growing carbon nanotubes
Researchers used transmission electron microscopy to study the effects of increasing hydrogen concentrations on iron metal catalysts. They found that too much hydrogen causes fibers with thick walls, instead of nanotubes, or no growth at all.
Catalyst sandwich
Scientists create a synthetic structure that mimics the behavior of PCR enzymes, allowing for highly sensitive detection of small molecules. The new catalysts could lead to advancements in medical diagnostics, forensics, and environmental monitoring.
Researchers discover less expensive low-temperature catalyst for hydrogen purification
A new, less expensive catalyst for hydrogen purification has been discovered using platinum on standard support metal oxides. The research team developed a platinum-based catalyst that is highly active and stable at low temperatures, reducing the need for rare-earth elements like cerium.
Nanocatalyst is a gas
A new catalyst formula, developed by Rice Professor Michael Wong and his team, can improve the efficiency of gasoline production and make it better for the environment. The catalyst turns straight-line molecules into branched n-pentane, resulting in a higher-octane gasoline.
Transition metal catalysts could be key to origin of life, scientists report
Researchers suggest molecular structures involving transition metals could catalyze the synthesis of basic biochemicals, leading to the origin of life. The model proposes that simple transition metal-ligand complexes in hydrothermal ocean vents catalyzed reactions that gave rise to more complex molecules.
Penn State chemist Ayusman Sen awarded the medal of the Chemical Research Society of India
Ayusman Sen, a renowned Penn State chemist, has been awarded the prestigious Chemical Research Society of India (CRSI) Medal. His research focuses on developing novel catalysts and antimicrobial polymers with diverse applications.
Metal-mining bacteria are green chemists
Researchers have identified mechanisms allowing a common soil bacterium to recover precious metals from industrial waste. The discovery of 'BioPd' has great potential for generating clean energy and cleaning pollutants.
200-fold boost in fuel cell efficiency advances 'personalized energy systems'
Scientists have discovered a powerful new catalyst that can boost oxygen production in fuel cells by 200-fold, advancing the development of personalized energy systems. This breakthrough could enable homes and businesses to produce their own clean energy for heating, cooling, and powering cars.
New catalyst of platinum nanoparticles could lead to conk-out free, stable fuel cells
Scientists at Cornell University have discovered a new catalyst that could make fuel cells more stable and conk-out free, using platinum nanoparticles on titanium oxide with added tungsten. The material is more stable and less expensive than pure platinum, allowing it to work with hydrogen fuels containing up to 2% carbon monoxide.
Nano 'pin art': NIST arrays are step toward mass production of nanowires
NIST nanowires grown through precisely defined holes in a stencil-like mask covering the silicon wafer exhibit excellent mechanical quality factors and controlled diameter placement. The technique enables precise control of wire location, resulting in uniform shape and size of nearly perfect hexagonal shapes.
Waste chip fat fuels hydrogen economy
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found an innovative process to produce hydrogen from used cooking oil, generating some of the energy needed and producing a nearly carbon-neutral byproduct. This breakthrough technology has the potential to power cars, large-scale power plants, and even reduce energy loss during transmission.
For platinum catalysts, smaller may be better
Researchers at Berkeley Lab found that high-pressure conditions can create nanoclusters of platinum, which may be more stable than single crystals. This discovery has implications for the future use of platinum in fuel cells and could potentially reduce costs.
Peering into the never-before-seen
Researchers have achieved unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution in single-shot images of nanoparticulate catalysts, enabling time-resolved imaging of particles as small as 30 nanometers. This breakthrough could greatly improve catalyst efficiency in various processes crucial to energy security.
Brown chemists report promising advance in fuel-cell technology
Researchers have developed a unique core and shell nanoparticle that uses far less platinum yet performs more efficiently and lasts longer than commercially available pure-platinum catalysts. The new catalyst generates 12 times more current than existing models, offering a promising advance in fuel-cell technology.
Chemist stitches up speedier chemical reactions
Warren Piers, a University of Calgary chemist, has developed a faster catalyst for olefin metathesis reactions. This breakthrough enables more efficient production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels while reducing energy costs and waste. The discovery opens up new applications and markets.
Berkeley scientists discover inexpensive metal catalyst for generating hydrogen from water
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered an inexpensive metal catalyst that can effectively generate hydrogen gas from water, offering a promising solution for renewable energy technologies. The catalyst, based on molybdenum-oxo metal complex, has high catalytic activity and stability in aqueous media.
Synthetic enzymes could help ID proteins
Researchers at Rice University have developed a synthetic enzyme that can selectively bind with proteins and attach tags for identification. The method has shown promise in identifying signaling proteins involved in health and disease, including those related to cancer.
CSHL scientists uncover alternative pathway of microRNA generation
Researchers have uncovered a new pathway of microRNA generation, revealing why Argonaute2 proteins are necessary in mammals. This alternative route bypasses the Dicer enzyme, allowing Ago2 to directly mature and regulate genes.
Song receives ACS's Henry H. Storch Award in Fuel Chemistry
Chunshan Song has been awarded the Henry H. Storch Award in Fuel Chemistry by the American Chemical Society for his outstanding contributions to clean fuels and catalysis research. His work focuses on developing innovative methods for producing advanced thermally stable jet fuels and removing sulfur from liquid hydrocarbon fuels.
Nano-infused filters prove effective
Researchers at Rice University and their international colleagues created ultra-fine air filters using carbon nanotube membranes. These filters can remove up to 99% of particles smaller than a micron, outperforming traditional HEPA filters.
Scientists develop environmentally friendly way to produce propylene oxide using silver nanoclusters
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have identified a new class of silver-based catalysts for producing propylene oxide with few by-products at low temperatures. The study uses nanoscale clusters of silver to achieve high selectivity and efficiency in the production process.
MIT makes significant step toward lightweight batteries
A team of MIT researchers has made significant progress on lithium-air batteries by identifying metal catalysts that can improve efficiency and increase energy density. The study finds that electrodes with gold or platinum catalysts show higher activity and efficiency than simple carbon electrodes.
Harvard University releases Profiles Research Networking Software as open source
The software uses advanced algorithms to form automatic social networks among researchers based on shared interests and collaborations. Harvard Catalyst will continue to develop the software with support from Recombinant Data Corp., an authorized service provider.
Water oxidation advance boosts potential for solar fuel
Emory chemists develop most potent homogeneous catalyst for water oxidation, a crucial component for clean hydrogen fuel. The cobalt-based catalyst surpasses previous WOCs in selectivity, stability, and speed.
Asking 'what would nature do?' leads to a way to break down a greenhouse gas
Researchers develop method to efficiently turn carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide using visible light, a process similar to what organisms naturally do. The technique has potential applications in producing electricity or hydrogen and could be scaled up with mass production of the catalyst.
New process yields high-energy-density, plant-based transportation fuel
A team of UW-Madison engineers has developed a highly efficient process that converts gamma-valerolactone into the chemical equivalent of jet fuel, preserving about 95% of the energy from biomass. The process requires little hydrogen input and captures carbon dioxide for future use.
U. of Colorado scientists create tiny RNA molecule with big implications for life's origins
A team of scientists from the University of Colorado has created a tiny RNA molecule that can catalyze protein synthesis, a crucial reaction for the building blocks of life. This breakthrough supports the 'RNA World' hypothesis, proposing that life on Earth evolved from early forms of RNA.
Surface science goes inorganic
Researchers at Northwestern University and Oxford University have developed a new method to understand surface layers of atoms, critical for material properties. The bond-valence-sum method has shown how to arrange atoms on surfaces, enabling predictions of material behavior.
Gecko's lessons transfer well
A Rice University researcher has found a way to transfer forests of aligned carbon nanotubes from one surface to another in minutes. The technique uses water vapor to weaken chemical bonds between the tubes and the catalyst particles, allowing for precise control over the diameter of the nanotubes
New visible light photocatalyst kills bacteria, even after light turned off
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new visible light photocatalyst that can kill bacteria and viruses, even after the light is turned off. The catalyst's unique catalytic memory effect allows it to continue killing pathogens for up to 24 hours.
Harnessing the divas of the nanoworld
Researchers have grown virtual Persian carpets of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) on substrates made from simple catalysts, achieving perfect quality. The new technique enables precise control over nanotube growth, opening up possibilities for high-powered electronics and water-repellent surfaces.
The hidden lives of proteins
A Brandeis study directly visualizes protein structures crucial for enzyme catalysis at high-energy states, suggesting new molecular sites for potential drug targets. The research reveals the importance of protein dynamics in enzyme function, offering insights into protein function and potential avenues for targeted drug design.
First metallic nanoparticles resistant to extreme heat
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh developed metallic nanoparticles that can withstand temperatures of over 850 degrees Celsius. By sacrificing weaker components as temperatures rise, these particles maintain their structure and continue to catalyze reactions efficiently.
Energy-saving powder
Researchers at Max Planck Institute create a novel catalyst that efficiently converts methane to methanol, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. The breakthrough could help address global natural gas shortages and support the chemical industry.
Engineers image nanostructure of a solid acid catalyst and boost its catalytic activity
Researchers from Lehigh and Rice universities have developed a novel electron microscopy imaging study to shed light on the nanostructure and nanoscale behavior of a tungstated zirconia solid acid catalyst. The team successfully identified active species, including tungsten oxide clusters, that can improve catalytic performance.
How size matters for catalysts
Scientists at the University of Utah demonstrated a conclusive link between the size of catalyst particles on a solid surface and their ability to speed chemical reactions. The study focused on metal nanoparticles, finding that smaller sizes lead to increased electronic properties and catalytic activity.
New discoveries in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Researchers have uncovered a complex heteromeric structure of the essential enzyme PPCDC in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, composed of non-identical proteins. The discovery sheds new light on CoA biosynthesis and presents potential targets for antifungal therapy.
Similar molecular tweaks led both a shrew and a lizard to produce venom
Researchers at Harvard University found that similar molecular changes turned a harmless digestive enzyme into a toxin in two unrelated species, a shrew and a lizard. The study suggests that protein adaptation may be a highly predictable process, potentially leading to the discovery of other toxins across various species.