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Catalytically altering the redox pathway of sulfur in carbonate electrolyte

Researchers have developed a catalytic approach to enhance the compatibility between carbonate electrolytes and sulfur cathodes in lithium-sulfur batteries. The use of dual-nitrogen and oxygen-containing groups on a porous carbon host stabilizes polysulfides, preventing side reactions with the electrolytes.

A holy grail found for catalytic alkane activation

Hokkaido University researchers have developed a novel method to activate alkanes, making it easier to convert these building blocks into valuable compounds. The new technique utilizes confined chiral Brønsted acids, improving efficiency and selectivity in producing desired products.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

New insights into ammonia decomposition

Researchers from Ruhr University Bochum have gained new insights into the operation of an iron catalyst that can split ammonia into nitrogen and hydrogen. The team's findings enable more efficient catalysts for ammonia decomposition, paving the way for a promising energy carrier transport solution.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalACS Catalysis·DateOct 8, 2024

Watch water form out of thin air

For the first time, researchers have witnessed nanosized water bubbles forming in real time using a novel method that enables atomic precision. The breakthrough discovery has significant implications for practical applications, such as rapid water generation in deep space environments without extreme conditions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2024

Self-supported film catalyst with CNTs and Ni-Ni(OH)2 heterostructure for activated HER

A self-supported film catalyst with CNTs and Ni-Ni(OH)2 heterostructure has been designed for activated hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), exhibiting excellent performance in alkaline solution. The catalyst showed outstanding catalytic properties, including a low onset overpotential of 0 mV and steady overpotentials.

Low-carbon ammonia offers green alternative for agriculture and hydrogen transport

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a low-carbon approach to producing ammonia, which is used in fertilizers and as a carrier for hydrogen. The new method uses liquid metal catalysts, reducing energy consumption by 20% and carbon emissions by 98%. This could significantly reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and sup...

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

Progress in tracking electrochemical CO2 reduction intermediates over single-atom catalysts by operando ATR-SEIRAS

A review article discusses the application of operando ATR-SEIRAS in studying electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction mechanisms and surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy. The technique helps understand reaction intermediates, catalyst performance, and local pH at the electrode.

Coordination dynamics of iron enables the selective C-N coupling but bypasses unwanted C-H hydroxylation in Fe(II)/-ketoglutarate-dependent non-heme enzymes

The study reveals that conformational change of Fe(IV)=O species and substrate coordination are key to the selective C-N coupling. The aziridination reaction involves rotation of the side-chain, causing steric hindrance that inhibits it. In contrast, hydroxylation has minor steric effects.

EMBARGOED NEJM Catalyst TOC, August 21, 2024

The African American Transplant Access Program aims to mitigate disparities in solid organ transplantation, while a physician-created platform speeds clinical decision-making. NEJM Catalyst also explores quality and safety improvement through longitudinal care management for diabetes and hypertension.

SourceNEJM Group·JournalNEJM Catalyst·DateAug 21, 2024

Engineers develop general, high-speed technology to model, understand catalytic reactions

A research team at Iowa State University has developed artificial intelligence technology that can model and understand complex chemical reactions, including those involved in ammonia production. The technology uses reinforcement learning to identify the optimal reaction pathway, promising to reduce production costs and emissions.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2024

Organic nanozymes have broad applications from food and agriculture to biomedicine

Research from the University of Illinois highlights the potential of organic nanozymes for broader applications beyond traditional uses of inorganic nanozymes. The development of sustainable, environmentally friendly materials offers a promising solution for various industries.

New additive process can make better — and greener — high-value chemicals

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed an eco-friendly method to precisely mix fluorine into olefins using natural enzymes and light, offering a more efficient strategy for creating high-value chemicals with potential applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable fuels and more.

Researchers discover faster, more energy-efficient way to manufacture an industrially important chemical

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a faster and more energy-efficient way to manufacture propylene, a key chemical in producing polypropylene. The new process uses zirconium combined with silicon nitride, yielding higher catalytic activity and lower operating temperatures.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 24, 2024

Montana State researcher studies nano-scale materials that mimic enzymes to convert CO2 into chemical building blocks

A Montana State University researcher has developed nano-scale materials that can convert carbon dioxide into chemical building blocks, marking a potential step forward in reducing atmospheric CO2. The materials mimic enzymes and have the ability to selectively capture CO2 from the air.

SourceMontana State University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

New study shows how organic molecules impact gold nanoparticles

A new study by Prof. Daniel Mandler and his team found that organic molecules can significantly influence the electrical properties of gold nanoparticles, up to 71 mV. The research highlights the importance of capping agents in controlling nanoparticle behavior and provides insights for customizing their interactions.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Novel spectroscopy technique sheds light on NOx reduction

Lehigh University researchers developed a novel spectroscopy technique called modulation excitation spectroscopy (MES) to study selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxides. The results, published in Nature Communications, reveal the correct reaction pathway and have significant implications for optimizing catalytic converters.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2024

Synthetic fuels and chemicals from CO₂: Ten experiments in parallel

Empa researchers have developed a system to investigate up to ten different reaction conditions for producing synthetic fuels from CO2. The system accelerates the discovery process by generating a large number of high-quality datasets, enabling scientists to make accelerated discoveries.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

Self-healing mechanisms toward stable photoelectrochemical water splitting

Researchers have introduced new self-healing mechanisms to address the stability challenges in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. These mechanisms, such as intrinsic and extrinsic self-healing, aim to improve the long-term stability of semiconductor light absorbers, protection layers, and co-catalysts.

A ‘liquid battery’ advance

Researchers at Stanford University have made significant advancements in the development of a 'liquid battery' technology that uses LOHCs to store and release energy. The team discovered a novel, selective catalytic system that allows for the efficient storage of electrical energy in liquid fuels without generating gaseous hydrogen.

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 12, 2024