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Machine learning potential-driven insights into pH-dependent CO₂ reduction

A team of researchers at Tohoku University's AIMR used machine learning potential to characterize Sn catalyst activity, identifying the most effective catalysts for CO2 reduction. The study provides novel insights into the behavior of Sn-based catalysts and could lead to more efficient fuel production.

Using light-powered enzymes to build clean, high-value chemicals

Scientists developed a precise, cost-effective way to make chiral ketones for medicines, agrochemicals, and more using photocatalysis. This approach solves the challenge of reaching remote stereocenters in molecules, allowing for eco-friendly production of valuable chemicals.

Simultaneous analysis of 21 chemical reactions... AI to transform new drug development​

Researchers developed a technology that precisely analyzes 21 types of reactants simultaneously using high-resolution fluorine nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This breakthrough contributes to new drug development and catalyst optimization in AI-driven autonomous synthesis.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeObservational study·DateJun 19, 2025

Researchers realize direct methane to acetic acid conversion under mild condition

Researchers developed a novel MoS2-confined Rh-Fe dual-site catalyst for the direct conversion of methane to acetic acid, achieving an unprecedented CH3COOH selectivity of 90.3% at room temperature. The catalyst's unique structure effectively balances C-H activation and C-C coupling, addressing long-standing challenges in this process.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 8, 2025

The era of human-guided epoxide selection in CO₂ cycloadditions is over—AI tools now take the lead

A study combines DFT and machine learning to analyze a wide range of epoxides in CO₂ cycloaddition, identifying key molecular descriptors and predicting reactivity trends. The research aims to develop predictive catalyst and substrate design for optimized CO₂ fixation, contributing to greener chemical processes.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2025

Green hydrogen: MXene boosts the effectiveness of catalysts

Researchers at HZB have developed MXene-based catalysts that significantly enhance the oxygen evolution reaction in electrolysis, a crucial step for producing green hydrogen. The study found that embedding catalytically active particles into the flaky structure of MXenes increases the reaction's efficiency.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

New model revolutionizes zeolite catalyst design for enhanced stability

Researchers developed a theoretical model describing metal cluster migration and aggregation within individual zeolites, revealing key factors affecting catalyst stability. The model shows that increasing zeolite support properties can achieve 'migration-aggregation-self locking' of Pt species, creating ultra-stable catalysts.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 28, 2025

Researchers uncover mechanism behind high performance of cobaltosilicate zeolite catalyst in propane dehydrogenation

A new cobaltosilicate zeolite catalyst has been developed for propane dehydrogenation, achieving high propylene productivity and long-time stability. The catalyst's flexible framework lowers dehydrogenation barriers through entropic effects, while non-bonding adsorption of propylene enables rapid product desorption.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 20, 2025

Gold-catalyzed strategy yields atomically rough surfaces for high-efficiency ethanol electrooxidation

Researchers have developed a novel gold-catalyzed approach to engineer atomically rough surfaces on Au-based binary alloys, significantly enhancing the electrocatalytic performance for ethanol oxidation reaction. The ARSs provide abundant low-coordinated atoms with lower energy barriers for reactant activation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2025

Highly dispersed MoOx-Ru/C bimetallic catalyst for efficient hydrogenolysis of esters

A new MoOx-Ru/C bimetallic catalyst has been developed for the efficient hydrogenolysis of esters to alkanes, exhibiting high conversion rates and selectivity. The catalyst's unique synergistic effect between Ru and MoOx species promotes the conversion of esters into alkanes without carbon loss.

Sustainable method produces high-purity material for use in green hydrogen production

Researchers developed a simple, economical and environmentally friendly purification method for mullite-type bismuth ferrite, improving its efficiency in producing green hydrogen. The process uses light and glycerol to eliminate unwanted compounds, resulting in high-purity material suitable for photoelectrochemical reactions.

A smarter way to make sulfones: Using molecular oxygen and a functional catalyst

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo developed a novel catalyst that efficiently produces sulfones at low temperatures, achieving high selectivity and reducing precious metal consumption. The new SrMn₁₋xRu_xO₃ catalyst offers significant advantages over conventional systems, making it suitable for various industries.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2025

From steel solid waste to green cement: A catalytic leap towards low-carbon cement production

Researchers propose a novel approach to reduce carbon emissions in cement manufacturing by leveraging iron naturally present in cement raw materials. The method enables the co-thermal conversion of CaCO₃ with CH₄ under a methane atmosphere, resulting in high-value syngas as a byproduct and significantly reducing carbon footprint.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2025

Synergistic sites over the ZnxZrO catalyst for targeted cleavage of the C–H bonds of ethane in tandem with CO2 activation

A new ZnxZrO catalyst selectively cleaves ethane's C–H bonds while efficiently activating CO2, enabling an eco-friendly ethylene production process. This breakthrough enhances carbon neutrality initiatives and establishes sustainable chemical production systems.

A new take on the abilities of hydrogen binding energy for use in single atom catalysts

A new study emphasizes the importance of pushing metal site design limits to optimize hydrogen evolution reaction in single atom catalysts. Researchers found that hydrogen binding energy calculation can serve as a good predictor of activity, and neighboring nitrogen atoms can host catalytic activity to negate poisoning effects.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 17, 2025

With a dash of water and sunlight: Researchers turn propane into propylene using copper single-atom catalyst

A team of researchers developed a water-catalyzed PDH reaction route using a copper single-atom catalyst to achieve highly efficient propane-to-propylene conversion under mild conditions. The reaction was driven by photo-thermo catalysis and could be directly driven by sunlight.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 14, 2025

Watch a live catalytic event in real time

A Northwestern University-led team directly observes a catalytic event in real time, discovering short-lived intermediate molecules and a previously hidden reaction pathway. This breakthrough enables scientists to understand how catalysts work, potentially leading to more efficient and sustainable chemical processes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChem·DateApr 11, 2025

Scientists discovered chemical oscillations in palladium nanoparticles, paving the way for recycling precious metal catalysts

Researchers at University of Nottingham use transmission electron microscopy to observe real-time growth and contraction of Palladium nanoparticles. The study reveals a unique cyclic process where nanoparticles grow, dissolve, and re-grow, potentially leading to the development of new efficient catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNanoscale·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

Synthesis of organophosphorus (III) compounds from white phosphorus via an adduct-catalyzed tandem electro-thermal approach

Scientists have developed a novel synthesis method for trivalent phosphorus compounds, leveraging an adduct-catalyzed tandem electro-thermal approach to produce high-yielding organophosphorus compounds with improved efficiency and selectivity. The approach also enables the in-situ consumption of renewable energy sources.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025

Accelerating the proton transfer among electrolyte-electrode interface via regulating the interfacial hydrogen bond networks induced by extra catalytic centers

Researchers developed a strategy to regulate hydrogen bond networks at electrolyte-electrode interfaces, accelerating proton transfer in CO2 reduction reactions. The approach involves introducing extra catalytic centers, such as cubic phase molybdenum carbide, to enhance water dissociation and facilitate proton generation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2025

Self-optimizing catalysts facilitate water-splitting for the green production of hydrogen

Researchers have developed cost-effective and efficient water-splitting catalysts using cobalt and tungsten, which surprisingly increase in performance over time. The unique self-optimization process involves changes in the chemical nature of the catalyzing oxide, leading to improved activity and reduced overpotentials.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 11, 2025

Plastic recycling gets a breath of fresh air

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a solvent-free process to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics using a molybdenum catalyst and ambient air moisture. The process converts PET into monomers, the building blocks for plastics, paving the way for more sustainable plastic recycling.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Gd-induced oxygen vacancy activates lattice oxygen oxidation for water electrolysis

Researchers at Tohoku University found that incorporating gadolinium into iron-doped nickel oxide markedly enhances oxygen evolution reaction activity. Gd-doping reduces theoretical overpotentials and demonstrates favorable kinematics, leading to remarkable long-term stability and robust performance in water electrolysis.