Articles tagged with Catalysis
A new method using laser light can convert methane into methanol, producing a low-cost, clean fuel that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The process also yields hydrogen for fuel cells and other industrial applications.
Scientists at the University of Washington and North Carolina have made a breakthrough in converting methane to methanol, a liquid that can be transported easily. This discovery could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly production of chemicals and fuels.
Researchers at UC Riverside successfully created metal-free 'abnormal N-heterocyclic carbenes', which are highly reactive molecules used to make catalysts. These carbenes are stable and can be used in numerous catalytic chemical reactions, greatly benefiting industry.
Dr. Óscar Custance has been awarded the 2009 Feynman Prize for Experimental Work in Nanotechnology for his pioneering research in atomic-scale precision. His work could lead to more effective catalysts for hydrogen fuel production. The prize recognizes advancements toward molecular manufacturing.
Researchers have developed a method to control the formation of carbon nanotubes, which can be used as semiconductors or metals. The breakthrough could lead to more powerful, compact and energy-efficient computers and ultra-thin electronic circuits.
Ethylene, a gas crucial for fruit ripening and industrial chemistry, can reversibly bind to tin atoms, according to a new UC Davis study. The discovery has implications for understanding catalytic processes, which are essential in both living cells and industrial settings.
The study shows that aluminum atoms in the supporting material anchor platinum atoms, allowing them to group into rafts that provide ample space for catalytic reactions. Increasing the number of penta sites by raising the temperature during catalyst synthesis can lead to better dispersion of the platinum atoms.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a method to control the structure and function of single-walled carbon nanotubes. By varying the composition of a metal catalyst, they can produce semiconducting nanotubes with desired properties, opening up new possibilities for applications such as medicine delivery and en...
University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have developed a computational model that optimizes fuel cell catalysts by increasing particle size, reducing degradation and extending the lifespan of fuel cells. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective fuel cells for widespread use.
Rice University chemists have developed a polymer-coated platinum-gold nanorod catalyst that can be used in organic solvents favored by the chemical and drug industries. The coated particles exhibit nearly 100% catalytic selectivity, making them attractive to industry.
Brown University researchers have discovered that yttrium and nickel, two metal catalysts used to form carbon nanotubes, interfere with critical signaling transactions in neurons. Removing these metals can lead to the development of safe treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and paralysis.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered new deoxyribozymes capable of cleaving single-stranded DNA with sequence and site selectivity. These DNA catalysts require two metal ions and hold promise for developing more efficient methods for manipulating DNA.
A team of MIT chemists has created a new synthesis technique that allows for the easy addition of fluorine atoms to aromatic compounds, commonly used in drugs. This breakthrough could lead to more flexible and cost-effective drug design and development.
Researchers at NYU have created molecules with a twist, allowing them to selectively interact with target molecules and catalyze chemical transformations. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of new drugs and complex chemical structures.
Researchers at MIT have successfully grown carbon nanotubes without a metal catalyst, using zirconium oxide instead, which could improve electronic performance and material strength
Researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have identified key characteristics of a rhodium-based catalyst that efficiently releases hydrogen from ammonia borane. The study provides new insights into the catalytic reaction, shedding light on the hardest part of the process and suggesting ways to improve the catalyst.
Scientists have developed a new catalyst made from shrimp shells that can convert canola oil to biodiesel more efficiently and with less waste. The new catalyst enables faster and more environmentally friendly production of biodiesel, reducing pollution and minimizing wastewater.
The Clemson University-led Center for Atomic-Level Catalyst Design aims to develop new catalysts for producing clean fuels and chemicals from renewable sources. The project seeks to lower the cost of renewable fuels and reduce carbon footprint through advanced computational methods.
Kris Matyjaszewski developed an environmentally friendly form of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP), reducing copper catalyst levels by 1,000 times. This breakthrough has led to the creation of safer materials with tailored functionalities for various industries.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a one-step process to convert cellulose into a chemical feedstock for fuels and plastics. This simplified method avoids the multi-step approaches currently used in biofuel production, potentially making it more cost-effective.
Scientists have successfully converted cellulose from plants directly into the building block HMF in one step, bypassing an earlier sugar-forming step. The single-step process generates a high yield of HMF and allows the use of raw cellulose as feed material.
Scientists have developed a synthetic catalyst that mimics the active site of naturally occurring enzymes, which process hydrogen like platinum. The researchers created a model of the nickel-iron complex, including a bridging hydride ligand, to better understand the mechanism of hydrogenases.
A new chalcogel made of cobalt-molybdenum-sulfur exhibits impressive catalytic activity in hydrodesulfurization and gas separation, with high surface area and stability under catalytic conditions. The material can remove nearly 99% of mercury from contaminated water.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis developed a bimetallic fuel cell catalyst that is two to five times more effective than commercial catalysts. The novel technique enables a cost-effective fuel cell technology with potential for cleaner use of fuels worldwide.
Scientists develop catalytic process to convert phenolic components of bio-oil directly into cycloalkanes and methanol. The 'one-pot' reaction uses palladium metal on a carbon support and phosphoric acid as a proton source.
The Department of Energy has established a new Energy Frontier Research Center at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to study catalysis for solar energy and fuel cells. The center will be led by chemist Morris Bullock and will focus on grand challenges in converting electrical energy into chemical bonds and back again.
Chemists have developed a catalyst to produce hydrogen and electricity simultaneously in existing gas power plants with minimal investment. The technology could ease the transition to a hydrogen economy by repurposing existing infrastructure.
Researchers have created a novel reaction scheme to efficiently convert carbon dioxide into methanol with minimal energy input. The method utilizes an N-heterocyclic carbene catalyst and silane as the reducing agent, enabling the use of air-borne CO2 as a renewable resource.
Scientists at IBN have successfully converted carbon dioxide into methanol using organocatalysts, a novel approach that offers a low-energy and non-toxic process. This breakthrough has significant implications for the sequestration and conversion of greenhouse gases, providing a viable alternative energy option.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have created a new green catalyst using iron that could replace expensive and toxic platinum metals in industrial chemical processes. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly reduce costs associated with drug production by avoiding costly purification techniques.
The researchers used mechanical forces to control catalytic activity, initiating chemical reactions and creating a 'molecular ripcord' that can switch between dormant and active states. This discovery enables the creation of self-repairing materials that strengthen under mechanical stress.
Researchers have developed a novel, eco-friendly process to convert algae oil into biodiesel fuel, promising a cheaper alternative to traditional methods. The 'continuously flowing fixed-bed' method produces no wastewater and uses a proprietary solid catalyst, reducing processing costs and increasing efficiency.
A team of scientists has identified carbon nanostructures as catalysts for storing and releasing hydrogen. Complex hydrides show promise for hydrogen storage, but previous studies indicate defects from added catalysts. The new solvent technique allows for defect-free introduction of catalysts.
Research by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists discovered water acts as a catalyst in complex explosive reactions at high temperatures and pressures. Water transports oxygen between reaction centers, challenging the current view that it's just a stable detonation product.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a novel approach to creating palladium nanoparticles with increased surface area, resulting in improved efficiency and stability. The breakthrough enables the production of fuel cell catalysts that are four times more stable and twice as active, making them ideal for future applications.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have devised a way to catalyze propane in a more environmentally friendly manner using platinum clusters. The discovery could lead to the development of energy-efficient and sustainable synthesis strategies, potentially replacing petrochemical feedstocks with abundant small alkanes.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism behind the catalytic effects of carbon nanomaterials in hydrogen storage. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient and sustainable methods for producing, storing, and using hydrogen.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed long, thin platinum nanowires that could improve the performance of fuel cells. The wires are designed to provide a larger surface area for catalysis, reducing the loss of platinum particles during fuel cell operation.
Researchers at Iowa State University are developing a new, low-emissions burner and catalyst to produce clean, renewable energy for the ethanol industry. The technologies use biomass-based gasification to efficiently and cleanly burn biomass and convert it into ethanol.
Researchers at Lehigh University have developed a catalyst that can directly produce hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen, reducing the need for large quantities and high concentrations. The gold-palladium nanoparticles catalyst enables the on-site production of H2O2 in smaller quantities and more desirable concentrations.
A new catalyst has been developed that can efficiently oxidize ethanol and produce clean energy in fuel cell reactions. This breakthrough could make ethanol-powered fuel cells a viable alternative to hydrogen-based systems.
A University of Houston-led research team has developed a method to identify pollution sources using unique identifiers found in fine particulate matter. The findings suggest that people living close to highways and refineries are more likely to become seriously ill.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed self-healing coatings that can automatically repair themselves and prevent corrosion. The coatings use a dual capsule system to deliver a catalyst and healing agent, which react to fix damaged areas within minutes or hours.
Scientists at A*STAR have found imidazolium salts with powerful antioxidant properties that could fight diseases. They also efficiently convert carbohydrates into versatile chemical compounds for biofuel production.
Rice University scientists develop technique to view step-by-step breakdown of TCE, a common groundwater pollutant, using nanoparticles and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The method provides new level of detail for understanding catalyzed reactions in water, with potential applications in biofuels processing.
A team of Boston College and MIT scientists has discovered a new class of exceptionally effective catalysts that promote the powerful olefin metathesis reaction, opening up a vast new scientific platform. The new catalysts provide unprecedented control and selectivity for complex chemical reactions.
Scientists have discovered a biological transformation that occurs in the absence of an enzyme, taking 2.3 billion years to complete. This finding highlights the importance of enzymes as catalysts in life processes and has implications for drug design and molecular studies.
CU-Boulder researchers have developed a new method to observe electrons in action, using ultrafast lasers to chart chemical reactions and understand how atoms move and electrons rearrange. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields like catalysis and alternative energy.
Researchers observed catalysts restructuring themselves in response to gases, gaining insight into their behavior during reactions. This new understanding enables the development of smart catalysts tailored to optimize chemical reactions.
The report aims to initiate collaboration between The Lancet, China Medical Board, and WHO to strengthen China's health system. Key findings include improved translational research capacity and increased international collaboration.
Stevens will evaluate and demonstrate a novel microchannel reactor to reform pyrolysis oil into synthesis gas using reduced energy. The project is one of six university projects awarded by the DOE to develop biomass conversion technologies.
Researchers have developed a new catalyst that directly converts cellulose into ethylene glycol, an important intermediate product for the chemical industry. The catalyst, made of tungsten carbide and nickel on a carbon support, achieves 100% conversion of cellulose with high selectivity.
Physics aims to pull outstanding papers from the American Physical Society's peer-reviewed publications, including Physical Review Letters and the Physical Review series. The online publication features Viewpoints, Trends, and Synopses, providing in-depth commentary and summaries of exceptional research.
Researchers used aberration-corrected STEM instruments to visualize individual gold atoms on iron oxide surfaces, discovering that bilayer nanoclusters with 10 gold atoms are most active in CO conversion, achieving up to 100% efficiency
Researchers from Lehigh University and Cardiff University have identified gold nanoparticles triggered by bilayer clusters as responsible for the critical CO oxidation reaction. The discovery could help protect hydrogen fuel cells and firefighters entering burning buildings.
Brandeis scientists have identified a catalyst that efficiently breaks the carbon-fluorine bond, rendering it harmless to the environment. This breakthrough finding could lead to large-scale reactions to convert environmental pollutants into reusable or destroyable products.
Researchers have developed a manganese-containing complex that effectively catalyzes the photooxidation of water, a crucial half reaction in the photocatalytic splitting of water. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of a photoelectrochemical cell that produces pure hydrogen and oxygen from water and sunlight.
Researchers at Ohio State University have created a catalyst that converts ethanol into hydrogen with a 90% yield, using inexpensive ingredients. The new catalyst is less expensive than others being developed worldwide, making it more practical for widespread use in hydrogen-powered cars.
PNNL scientists are harnessing the power of catalysis to address real-world energy problems, including hydrogen oxidation and production for fuel cells. Researchers are also exploring alternative catalysts using inexpensive metals like nickel and cobalt to reduce costs.
Iron-TAMLs, a type of environmentally friendly catalyst, have been shown to be highly effective in reducing and cleaning up pollutants. The catalysts convert harmful substances into less toxic ones when paired with hydrogen peroxide, making them a promising alternative to existing industrial practices.