Research on catalysts that speed chemical reactions. Covers methane conversion, zeolite catalysis, and AI-guided catalyst design.
Researchers at TU Wien have developed a process to recover nickel from spent batteries and convert it into a nanocatalyst that reduces CO2 into valuable methane. This innovation has the potential to reduce waste and provide a sustainable fuel source.
Researchers at IISc have developed an onsite production strategy for hydrogen peroxide using a zinc-air battery. The process generates H2O2 while degrading toxic dyes, making it a low-cost and highly energy-efficient method. This approach has the potential to be scalable and can be used in various applications.
Scientists have uncovered the molecular structure of Mycoplasma mobile's twin motors that power its gliding ability, using cryo-electron microscopy. The complex structure reveals a new mechanism by which energy from ATP hydrolysis is converted into motility.
A study by the Advanced Institute for Materials Research found that tin monoxide (SnO) electrocatalysts can produce both formic acid and carbon monoxide in significant amounts. The research team identified key structural changes that influence product distribution, providing insights into optimizing electrocatalyst performance.
Researchers from NUS have pioneered a new catalytic transformation that converts epoxides into fluorinated oxetanes, a coveted class of drug molecules. The discovery potentially opens the door to new medicines and offers a reliable route to incorporate these motifs into the design of novel small-molecule therapeutics.
The newly synthesized monolayer Ti3C2Tx transforms photocatalytic bioaerosol disinfection at the catalyst-cell interface. The material achieves a sterilization efficiency of 3.3 log in just 12.8 seconds, far exceeding traditional TiO2.
Researchers at HZB and HU Berlin have discovered a high-spin manganese centre, crucial for molecular oxygen formation in natural photosynthesis. The discovery, made possible by BESSY II's unique experimental capabilities, sheds light on the complex process of photosynthesis.
Researchers have made progress in understanding the dynamics of Cu-based catalysts in electrochemical CO2 reduction. The study highlights the importance of structural factors and cation effects on catalytic performance.
Research reveals oxygen vacancies in ZrO2 catalysts increase catalytic performance in propane dehydrogenation. The vacancies create a localized electronic state that promotes the activation of C-H bonds in propane.
Researchers uncover a novel reaction pathway in weak-binding metal-nitrogen-carbon single-atom catalysts, contradicting the traditional Sabatier principle. This discovery offers new insights into their exceptional catalytic behavior.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a novel method to accelerate the development of single-atom catalysts (SACs) for robust and efficient water purification. Using data-driven predictions, they identified an optimized Fe-SAC with high decontamination performance, breaking down pollutants in water.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota discovered a new method to selectively burn one molecule in a mixture of hydrocarbons using a bismuth oxide catalyst. This process, called chemical looping combustion, could help remove pollutants and improve industrial processes with high energy efficiency.
Researchers from DGIST develop a catalytic technology that effectively removes additives hindering plastic recycling, using sugar-derived cyclodextrin. This breakthrough provides an alternative to complex processes and suggests expandability into environmental remediation.
A new nanomedicine, ZnDHT NM, selectively targets cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and tumor cells, promoting CSC differentiation while inhibiting EMT. This approach also leads to the release of toxic compounds in tumor cells, inducing apoptosis/ferroptosis pathways.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new catalytic graphitization technology to convert petroleum coke into graphite, reducing emissions and cost associated with conventional synthetic graphite production. The process uses lower temperatures and shorter times, making it more sustainable and efficient.
Researchers at Stanford University have illuminated how enzymes speed up life-sustaining biochemical reactions so dramatically. By understanding the chemical and physical interactions responsible for enzyme's enormous reaction rates, scientists may be able to design new enzymes that rival those found in nature.
Dr. Denzil Moodley, a leading expert in Fischer-Tropsch technology, joins HZB to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation fuels. The appointment strengthens the partnership between HZB and Sasol, combining cutting-edge research with practical industrial insights.
Researchers have developed a novel solid catalyst to efficiently reclaim materials from epoxy products, including carbon fibers and glass fibers. The process uses lower temperatures than traditional methods, reducing energy requirements and making the recovery of materials more environmentally friendly.
Researchers developed AshPhos, a ligand that facilitates the formation of carbon-nitrogen bonds using inexpensive materials. The tool has potential applications in pharmaceuticals, nanomaterials, and degrading PFAS pollutants.
Researchers have designed an innovative iron-based catalyst that can produce ammonia at a rate three times higher than the current industry standard. The new catalyst, made from earth-abundant materials, enables efficient industrial production of ammonia, a crucial chemical for fertilizers and sustainable agriculture.
A cross-sectional study found that detained immigrants experience high rates of poor health, mental illness, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Longer detention periods are associated with higher health harms, emphasizing the need for improved immigration detention conditions.
Researchers have developed a Zn-decorated GaN nanowire catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 and H2O into methane and hydrogen peroxide under light irradiation. The catalyst achieves high conversion rates with 93.6% selectivity and maintains activity for over 80 hours, providing a practical solution for sustainable fuel production.
Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics summarize the catalytic performance of various metal-based catalysts in CO2-assisted oxidative dehydrogenation of light alkanes. The review identifies catalyst systems with great potential for further development and elucidates the mechanisms of CO2 activation and transformation.
Researchers have discovered a new strategy to efficiently create structural motifs with two carbonyl groups along a carbon chain. The use of hydrazones as key functional groups enables the targeted reversal of polarity, solving a major challenge in chemistry.
Researchers developed a nano-heterostructure catalyst featuring MoS2-confined Rh-Zn atomic pairs, achieving high selectivity and productivity in photo-driven methane carbonylation. The catalyst enables efficient conversion of methane to acetic acid under mild conditions.
Researchers developed a method to extract CO2 from flue gases with as little as 5% concentration using a superactive nickel-copper catalyst. The process involves adjusting electrical potentials and electrolyte, allowing access to previously unusable CO2 sources.
Researchers developed a robust, thermally stable, and impurity-tolerant aluminum-based catalyst system for polylactide production. The new system exhibits high activity at low catalyst concentrations and can produce colorless semicrystalline poly(lactic acid) under industrially relevant conditions.
The SNU-Hyundai joint research developed an innovative analysis technique, e-LCTEM, to rapidly evaluate fuel cell catalyst durability and identify degradation mechanisms. This technology accelerates durability testing, reducing evaluation costs and paving the way for more efficient catalyst verification.
Researchers developed an automated analytical method to analyze single atom catalysts, which could lead to more efficient fuel production and sustainable energy. The new tool, called MS-QuantEXAFS, automates the analysis process, reducing time from days to months.
A novel chemoenzymatic cascade strategy enables the sustainable production of high-value chiral aspartic acids from furfural and waste. The process combines photoelectrocatalytic oxidation with biocatalysis, yielding a significant yield of maleic acid and fumaric acid.
Researchers explore interface engineering strategies to optimize alkaline electrolysis HER process, including bifunctional catalysts, built-in electric fields, and hydrogen spillover effects. The review highlights the need for precise methods to tailor hetero-interfaces and characterize water molecules at the catalyst/solution interface.
Scientists developed a method to densely populate and precisely position isolated Pt atoms on α-Fe nanoparticles, enhancing the intrinsic activity of hydrogenation reactions. This achievement resolves the activity-selectivity trade-off in hydrogenation reactions by fine-tuning the coordination environment of the active site.
A new study has developed a platinum-based catalyst that can efficiently convert CO2 into valuable chemicals, with improved stability in acidic media. The catalyst, PtNPs@Th, was created by encapsulating thionine molecules within platinum nanocrystals, resulting in enhanced catalytic activity and corrosion resistance.
Researchers develop coprecipitation method to create free-standing porous carbon fibers with Zn single atom sites and molybdenum carbide clusters, enhancing iodine adsorption and electrocatalytic activity. The resulting zinc-iodine batteries demonstrate high specific capacity and good capacity retention.
Researchers developed a heterogeneous catalytic system to depolymerize polyurethane waste into diamines, diols, and lactones. The resulting intermediates were then converted into functional polymers, including energy-storage-capable polyimide and chemically recyclable polylactone.
Researchers used time-delayed laser pulses to capture electric and magnetic field vectors of surface plasmon polaritons, revealing a meron pair's spin texture. The study demonstrates stable spin structures despite fast field rotations.
Researchers at University at Buffalo have developed a plasma-electrochemical reactor that produces ammonia from nitrogen in the air and water, with no carbon footprint. The process uses renewable electricity and can be scaled up to meet industrial demands.
Scientists have engineered a 'super-powered' bacterium, E. coli, with a polymer coating to increase its industrial productivity and sustainability. The new strain enhances catalysis capabilities, reducing energy use and making production more environmentally friendly.
Researchers have developed a new X-ray technique called XL-DOT that visualizes crystal grains, grain boundaries, and defects in materials, enabling previously inaccessible insights into functional materials. The technique uses polarized X-rays to probe the orientation of structural domains in three dimensions.
Researchers at HZB developed a new P2X catalyst requiring less iridium than commercial materials, showing remarkable stability and different mechanisms for oxygen evolution. The study provides valuable information about catalyst performance and stability.
A new catalyst converts methane into polymers at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, making it easier to deploy at sites of methane production. The catalyst also enables the creation of sealants to heal cracks in natural gas pipes, potentially reducing methane leakage.
Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo successfully developed a multi-element perovskite catalyst that selectively oxidizes light alkanes to alcohols with high yield and selectivity. The breakthrough catalyst operates under mild conditions and exhibits excellent stability and reusability.
Julian West, assistant professor of chemistry at Rice, recognized for harnessing free radical intermediates through inner sphere photocatalysis. His work holds significant implications for organic synthesis and developing next-generation therapeutics and materials.
Researchers found that COFs' catalytic activity comes from oxidic nanoparticles formed when cobalt ions detach, not the framework itself. The nanoparticles provide a suitable reaction environment and hold the catalysts in place, enabling efficient catalysis even under harsh conditions.
The São Paulo Advanced School on Disordered Systems will bring together students and researchers in complexity, bio-inspired applications, information science, and quantum materials. The school, supported by FAPESP, aims to establish a common forum for learning and discussing theories of general interest.
Researchers developed Virtual Ligand-Assisted Optimization to enhance ligand design and effectiveness in chemical reactions. The approach analyzes ligands through computer simulations, allowing for quick testing of different designs.
Scientists have discovered that adding carbon to metal nanoparticles makes them 200 times more active, which could lead to significant cost savings and improved efficiency in industrial processes. The discovery was made possible by precise measurements and simulations of the interaction between metal nanoparticles and a carbon substrate.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method to break down condensation polymers in plastics using solvents and liquid organic hydrogen carriers, producing aromatic compounds that can be used as fuels. This breakthrough has potential implications for the sustainability of the chemical industry and reducing global warming.
Chemists at Emory University and Caltech have developed a revolutionary strategy for functionalizing carbon-hydrogen bonds, transforming low-cost materials into complex building blocks of organic chemistry. The breakthrough enables the synthesis of complex natural molecules with antimicrobial properties.
A team of scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has developed an electrocatalytic conversion technique that converts carbon dioxide into ethanol. The cobalt-copper tandem system achieves selective conversion with an 80% yield, opening up a sustainable method for chemical applications and food conservation.
A new study published in npj Complexity found that the 2020 U.S. election drew online hate communities closer together, inciting new hate content around immigration, ethnicity, and antisemitism. The research team developed an 'online telescope' to map the online hate universe at unprecedented scale and resolution.
Researchers have developed a highly efficient alkaline membrane electrolyser that approaches the performance of established PEM electrolysers. The use of inexpensive nickel compounds replaces costly and rare iridium, leading to significant advancements in understanding fundamental catalysis mechanisms.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a synthesis method to control the surface structure of small metal particles, improving their catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution. The new approach, combining gold and platinum, achieves higher catalytic activity than conventional catalysts.
Researchers at the University of Münster have developed a new method for synthesizing heteroatom-substituted 3D molecules, which are more stable than related flat rings. The innovative structures show promise as substitutes in drug molecules, offering new possibilities for drug development.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a novel catalyst to control the atomic arrangement of carbon nanotubes, achieving ultra-high purity and precise chirality. The breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in semiconductor device manufacturing.
Chemists at Brookhaven Lab develop new theoretical framework to accurately predict catalyst behavior, revealing how conditions like temperature and pressure can change a catalyst's structure, efficiency, and products. The study highlights the significant impact of reaction environment on catalytic performance.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed an innovative method to synthesize amorphous nanosheets from challenging metal oxides and oxyhydroxides. The process uses surfactants to create ultrathin layers with numerous defects, making them excellent active sites for catalytic reactions.
A new Fe-N-C catalyst using dual nitrogen sources enhances the distribution density of active catalytic sites, increasing its overall activity and stability in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The catalyst demonstrates superior performance compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts, with improved durability and resistance to methanol.
Combining visible light with electrochemistry improves CO2 conversion rates and selectivity, enabling the production of valuable products such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The study's findings have significant implications for catalysis research and industrial applications.
Researchers deciphered the role of manganese in cobalt-manganese catalysts, which have a high activity and stability over time. The catalysts' surface transforms during the reaction, with manganese dissolving and redepositing, leading to improved performance.