Research on catalysts that speed chemical reactions. Covers methane conversion, zeolite catalysis, and AI-guided catalyst design.
Scientists from the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a new way to produce ammonia, an essential fertilizer and component of cleaning products, using rare-earth metals as catalysts. The process operates at ambient conditions, reducing energy consumption and promoting food security.
The new materials offer an alternative to metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and have already shown early promise for the capture of iodine. They are yet to be fully explored but hold potential for applications in proton conduction, catalysis, water capture, and hydrogen storage.
Researchers developed a novel photocatalytic strategy for functionalizing ether C(sp3−H bonds in aryl ethers, resulting in high yields of ester products. The method uses chlorine radicals generated from various chloride sources to activate aryl ether C(sp3−H bonds through hydrogen atom transfer.
A metal-free organic framework catalyst has been developed for the electrocatalytic production of ethylene from carbon dioxide. The catalyst, based on a nitrogen-containing covalent organic framework (COF), demonstrated high selectivity and performance for the production of ethylene.
A low-cost, tin-based catalyst selectively converts CO2 to ethanol, acetic acid, and formic acid, producing valuable liquid hydrocarbons. The discovery could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting CO2 into desired chemicals near the site of production.
A team of researchers has gained new understanding of metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) catalysts, crucial for the development of low-cost and efficient hydrogen generation. By analyzing twelve distinct M-N-C configurations, they discovered that potential zero charge and solvation effects play a pivotal role in pH-dependent activities.
A novel multifunctional catalyst has been developed to convert methane into valuable hydrocarbons, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. The catalyst's spatial distribution of Cu and acid sites determines the final products, with uniform distribution leading to stable and efficient methanol production.
A team of chemists discovered that cyclopropanation reactions can take the scenic route, producing intricate molecular structures and unexpected side-reactions. Advanced techniques revealed a complex network of forking chemical pathways, showcasing the need for open-minded research and consideration of all possible side-reactions.
Researchers developed a cost-effective nanoparticle catalyst that converts CO2 into CO, producing syngas for valuable compounds. The β-Mo2C/SiO2 catalyst demonstrated high activity and stability compared to traditional precious metal-based catalysts.
A new sugar-based catalyst has successfully converted carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, a building block for producing fuels that can replace gasoline. The catalyst, made from an inexpensive and abundant metal, offers a potential solution for disposing of captured carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A novel organic synthetic strategy utilizing mutualism enables the simultaneous synthesis of heterodehydrocoupling of hydrostannane and reduction of quinoline, expanding substrate scope and reducing reaction energy. This breakthrough inspires new possibilities for tackling 'impossible reactions' in organic synthesis.
Researchers propose a new strategy to further enhance the performance of gas sensors using single-atom catalysts. The review discusses the application, structure, and principles of semiconductor-based gas sensors, as well as the mechanisms through which single-atom catalysts improve gas sensitivity.
Researchers have developed ultrathin Bi4O5Br2 nanosheets with controlled oxygen vacancies, which exhibit high performance for piezocatalytic H2O2 production. The material's unique structure and oxygen vacancies improve the separation and transfer of piezoinduced charges, as well as promote oxygen adsorption and activation on the surface.
Researchers have developed a novel technique to analyze zeolites using 17O solid-state NMR. They improved the spectral resolution by addressing an often-neglected interaction and gained valuable information on zeolite structures. The technique revealed atomic-scale local environments of catalytically important moieties.
Researchers have discovered a greener way to produce ammonia, essential for fertilizers, by developing a new catalyst that works stably at relatively low temperatures. This breakthrough reduces the amount of energy needed to synthesize ammonia, making it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels.
A new research project, PHOTOZYME, aims to develop photobiocatalytic tools to convert basic chemicals into chiral molecules. The project combines biocatalysis, photochemistry, and directed evolution to create sustainable molecular synthesis.
Researchers at The University of Manchester have developed a new ruthenium catalyst, proven to be long-term stable in air while maintaining high reactivity. This breakthrough enables the user to run simultaneous reactions, streamlining optimisation procedures and reducing waste accumulation.
A new statistical-modeling workflow can quickly identify molecular structures of products formed by chemical reactions, accelerating drug discovery and synthetic chemistry. The workflow also enables the analysis of unpurified reaction mixtures, reducing time spent on purification and characterization.
A Scripps Research team has uncovered a simple and inexpensive way to produce quaternary carbon molecules using an iron catalyst. This breakthrough could benefit drug developers by making molecules cheaper and easier to produce at small and large scales.
Researchers developed a novel hydrogen injection method using palladium to address contact issues of buried oxide thin film transistors. This method reduces contact resistance by two orders of magnitude and increases charge carrier mobility, enabling the application of amorphous oxide semiconductors in next-generation storage devices.
Researchers used operando spectroscopy to study the oxygen evolution reaction in iridium oxide catalysts. The team found that binding of reaction intermediates to the electrode was controlled by long-range interactions between the intermediates and the solution, which depended on pH.
Researchers from Meijo University developed a new catalyst using high entropy alloy nanoparticles to grow high-density carbon nanotubes. The study shows that the unique surface structure of HEA NPs provides various active sites for catalytic reactions, resulting in higher catalytic activity than individual metals.
Researchers have developed Ni single-atom catalysts supported on anatase for propane dehydrogenation, showing superior intrinsic activity and propylene selectivity. The catalysts exhibited higher rates of propylene production compared to traditional nanoparticle counterparts, likely due to the isolation of active sites.
Tohoku University researchers created a reliable means of predicting the performance of molecular metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) catalysts. Their breakthrough uses pH-field coupled microkinetic modeling to evaluate charge transfer at the Fe-site, identifying suitable surrounding functional groups for oxygen reduction reactions.
A team of chemists at UNC-Chapel Hill has developed a unique approach to harnessing sunlight to produce hydrogen gas. By inducing catalysts to self-assemble into globules, they create a more efficient system for splitting water into its constituent elements - hydrogen and oxygen.
Dr. Chana Sacks is the new Editor-in-Chief of NEJM Evidence, focusing on providing high-quality, practice-changing evidence for medical professionals. The journal aims to change how medical professionals think about generating evidence while making clinical learning engaging and fun.
Researchers at a FAPESP-supported research center have developed an electrochemical nitrogen reduction process using iron oxide and molybdenum disulfide catalysts. This method eliminates the need for high temperatures and pressures, reducing power consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill develop a room-temperature conversion reaction strategy to convert carbon dioxide into methanol. The process employs a recyclable organic reagent and sunlight, producing an easily storable and transportable liquid fuel.
Researchers developed mesoporous metal oxides on flexible materials using synergetic effect of heat and plasma at lower temperatures. The devices can withstand bending thousands of times without losing energy storage performance.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new nanocomposite electrocatalyst that enables lithium-sulphur batteries to achieve full charge/discharge in less than five minutes. This breakthrough has significant implications for high-performance battery systems and energy storage technologies.
A new photocatalytic synthesis method has been developed for the creation of arylacetic acid analogs with diverse functional groups from CO2. The method leverages a visible-light photoredox-catalyzed carboxylation reaction, showcasing mild reaction conditions and good tolerance of functional groups.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a method to synthesize hundreds of new 2D materials, expanding the possibilities for energy storage, catalysis, and water purification. The study uses a three-step process, including large-scale computations and chemical exfoliation, to identify and create suitable materials.
Researchers successfully tailored bubbles with different curvature to induce strain on MoS2, enhancing proton adsorption and HER kinetics. The study shows a substantial boost in HER activity, with values reaching 129.65 mA cm-2 compared to 48.11 mA cm-2 at -0.4 V vs. RHE.
A study by researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics reveals the interface confinement effect on open space in In2O3-TiO2 catalyst, leading to enhanced activity and stability. The formed InOx nanolayers show distinct chemistry and can be confined on various oxide surfaces.
Researchers developed a new catalyst that enhances the conversion of ethanol to butadiene with high selectivity and yield. The catalyst's bifunctional sites improve the synergistic effect between Co and Y species, leading to better performance.
Researchers have developed a copper(II)-alkylperoxo complex that can selectively oxidize unactivated alkanes, showcasing exceptional reactivity and paving the way for sustainable technology. By manipulating the solvent environment, the team uncovered the unique properties of their catalyst.
A team of researchers at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research has made a breakthrough in understanding the relationship between catalyst structures and their reactions. By studying the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) in Tin-Oxide-based catalysts, they uncovered the active surface species responsi...
A team of researchers has determined the detailed mechanism of cyclization catalyzed by the cyclization domain of cyclic β-1,2-glucan synthase from Thermoanaerobacter italicus. The study reveals that the enzyme produces β-glucosidase-resistant compounds and features a transglycosylation reaction.
Chemists at NUS have developed a new iron-catalysed reaction to generate two alkyl-alkyl bonds in crowded environments, enabling the creation of valuable dialkylated compounds. The method harnesses an earth-abundant iron catalyst to combine alkenes with sp3-hybridised organohalides and organozinc reagents.
A team at Zhejiang University has developed a self-driving cloaked unmanned drone with an intelligent aeroamphibious invisibility cloak, capable of manipulating electromagnetic scattering in real-time across dynamic environments. The cloak integrates perception, decision-making, and execution functionalities using spatiotemporal modula...
Scientists from the University of Rochester have developed a novel approach to clean up pollution from PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals', found in various products. The new electrocatalytic method uses laser-made nanomaterials made from nonprecious metals, nearly 100 times cheaper than existing methods.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a small-scale system that forms three-dimensional patterns, which serve as chemical fingerprints that allow chemicals in solutions to be identified. The system utilizes fluid flows and flexible posts coated with enzymes to generate distinct visual patterns.
A new strategy for direct electrolysis of dilute CO2 has been proposed, using a molecular enhancement method to improve performance. The approach involves modifying CoPc electrodes with poly(4-vinylpyridine) to create a reaction microenvironment that effectively captures and converts CO2 from flue gas.
Researchers developed imaging technique with 800nm spatial resolution to measure three-dimensional temperature distribution inside industrial zeolite-catalyst particles. The technique revealed utilization of active sites and evolutions of reaction intermediates during MTO reactions.
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University developed a method to coat gold nanoparticles on silica with a single nanosheet of mixed metal oxide, boosting their catalytic activity. The new catalyst showed significant improvements in converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, outperforming existing methods.
Researchers developed a supramolecule combination of fullerene and metalloporphyrin that improves the performance and stability of zinc-air batteries. The optimized battery exhibits exceptional long-term stability and high power density.
Researchers have developed a chemical etching method to widen the pores of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which could improve their applications in fuel cells and as catalysts. The new MOF structure enables faster transfer of chemicals, enhancing activity and stability.
Researchers developed an AI-driven lab called Fast-Cat that uses artificial intelligence to provide in-depth analyses of catalytic reactions. The tool conducts high-temperature gas-liquid reactions and analyzes results to determine how different variables affect the outcome of each experiment.
Hybrid water electrolysis enhances hydrogen production efficiency by substituting oxygen evolution reaction with thermodynamically favorable oxidation processes. This technology also enables purification of industrial wastewater and creation of high-value-added chemicals.
Researchers have identified two essential ferredoxins that play a key role in determining the performance of iron nitrogenase. The discovery opens up new possibilities for elucidating and maximizing nitrogenase's potential, which could lead to sustainable enzymatic production of ammonia and carbon compounds.
The study revealed a pH-dependent evolution in the catalytic activity of M-N-C materials, with some exhibiting remarkable stability and performance across acidic and alkaline environments. The researchers validated their theoretical predictions, affirming the accuracy of their models in predicting key catalytic parameters.
The Swiss Cat+ project uses a combination of artificial intelligence and automated laboratory infrastructure to find new and better metal catalysts for producing methanol from CO2. The team successfully developed around 150 catalyst compositions in under six weeks, saving time and improving conversion rates.
The team developed a 'catch-and-release' mechanism to oxidize hydrophobic compounds, selectively and efficiently producing hydrophilic products under mild conditions. This breakthrough enables the selective two-electron oxidation of anthracene and aromatic compounds from mixtures, solving a long-standing challenge.
Researchers have developed a novel catalyst platform that enhances the selectivity of catalytic reactions by trapping nanoparticles to prevent agglomeration. The distance between particles plays a crucial role in determining the product yield, with increased separation leading to more efficient production of intermediate chemicals.
Researchers from Osaka University developed an innovative biomanufacturing technology using chemically synthesized non-natural sugars, enabling fermentation production of lactate and solving the problem of competing with food. This achievement will expand biomanufacturing and provide a sustainable raw sugar supply.
A new method enhances electrochemical surface area in calcium-doped perovskite, La0.6Ca0.4MnO3, overcoming common bottlenecks in hydrogen fuel cell applications. The activated material demonstrates superior oxygen reduction reaction performance.
Scientists have developed a method to convert waste carbon dioxide into formic acid, a colorless and pungent liquid with potential as a transportation fuel and petrochemical industry enhancer. The new method efficiently converted CO2 for over 5,000 hours, suggesting cost-effective scalability.
A team of researchers at McMaster University uncovered the elusive bottleneck hindering the conversion of carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals. The study provides new insights into the degradation process of catalysts, enabling the development of strategies to improve their operational lifetimes.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo discovered a way to improve gold catalysts' durability by creating a protective layer of metal oxide clusters. The enhanced gold catalysts can withstand a greater range of physical environments, increasing their range of possible applications and reducing energy consumption.
A new process for degrading fluoroarenes was developed, combining photolysis defluorination with •OH-initiated oxidation processes. The results showed efficient degradation of FAs under mild conditions, achieving high defluorination and TOC removal rates over 99.9%.