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Groundbreaking discovery enables cost-effective and eco-friendly green hydrogen production

A new bifunctional water electrolysis catalyst made from ruthenium, silicon, and tungsten enables the efficient production of high-purity green hydrogen. The catalyst demonstrates exceptional durability in acidic environments, making it an attractive alternative to traditional precious metal catalysts.

Chung-Ang University researchers develop a low-cost catalyst for green hydrogen production

Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a low-cost catalyst for green hydrogen production through proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. The new catalyst, SA Zn-RuO2, has improved stability and reactivity compared to commercial RuO2, with reduced energy consumption and increased durability.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

One-step synthesis of the most common, yet highly intricate, antibiotic molecular scaffold

Researchers from Osaka University have developed an operationally simple way to synthesize the intricate beta-lactam scaffold characteristic of beta-lactam antibiotics. The new catalytic system generates Fischer-carbene complexes in small quantities, eliminating toxic chromium waste and requiring only a small amount of catalyst.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2024

Core-shell ‘chemical looping’ boosts efficiency of greener approach to ethylene production

Researchers have developed a new catalyst that exceeds 30% yield for the production of ethylene through oxidative coupling of methane, a more sustainable and economically viable method. The core-shell Li2CO3-coated mixed rare earth oxides catalyst enables sequential oxygen switching, replenishing its ability to provide oxygen for the r...

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 12, 2024

Revolutionizing stable and efficient catalysts with Turing structures for hydrogen production

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a novel strategy to engineer stable and efficient ultrathin nanosheet catalysts using Turing structures. This approach effectively resolves the instability problem associated with low-dimensional materials in catalytic systems, enabling efficient and long-lasting hydrogen production.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024

Novel catalyst system for CO2 conversion

A team of scientists from Ruhr-University Bochum and the Fraunhofer Institute has developed a novel catalyst system for converting carbon dioxide into raw materials. The system, which uses homogeneous electrocatalysts, can efficiently convert CO2 under industrial conditions and maintains stability over 100 hours without decay.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateDec 21, 2023

Recent advances in the built-in electric-field-assisted photocatalytic dry reforming of methane

Recent advances in built-in electric-field-assisted photocatalytic dry reforming of methane focus on enhancing charge transfer dynamics and reducing greenhouse gases. The review article introduces fundamental reaction mechanisms, advantages, and potential photocatalytic materials for dry reforming application.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Two conductors of a chemical reaction

Researchers have successfully observed the operating principle of promoters in a catalytic reaction in real-time. Using high-tech microscopy methods, they visualized individual La atoms' role in hydrogen oxidation. The study revealed that two surface areas of the catalyst act as pacemakers, controlled by promoter lanthanum.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2023

GIST researchers improve water splitting reaction for green hydrogen gas production

Researchers from GIST have developed a new electrode using Schottky junctions to overcome the conductance limit of active catalysts, achieving high-performance water splitting and hydrogen evolution reactions. The electrode demonstrated remarkable current density and durability during continuous operation for 10 days.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

A potentially cheaper and 'cooler' way of hydrogen transport

Kyushu University researchers have developed a new material that can store hydrogen energy for up to three months at room temperature, using an inexpensive element like nickel. This innovation could potentially reduce the cost of future compounds and contribute to the transition to alternative energy sources.

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2023

BSC scientists create artificial protein capable of degrading microplastics in bottles

Researchers from BSC and CSIC have developed an artificial protein capable of degrading PET micro- and nanoplastics with efficiency between 5 and 10 times higher than current PETases. The protein can be used as filters to purify or recycle plastics, offering a potential solution to environmental pollution.

SourceBarcelona Supercomputing Center·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 23, 2023

A newly hierarchically porous pyrolysis-free bifunctional catalyst to boost ultralong lifespan zinc-air batteries

Researchers have created a hierarchically porous bifunctional catalyst that enhances the transport of reactants and products in zinc-air batteries. The pyrolysis-free strategy allows for improved durability and efficiency, making it an important step towards commercializing this technology.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2023

New catalyst could provide liquid hydrogen fuel of the future

Researchers at Lund University have demonstrated a method for converting isopropanol into hydrogen using a solid catalyst, paving the way for a liquid fuel that can be delivered at a pump. The process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and could be used in larger vehicles such as buses and aircraft.

SourceLund University·JournalCatalysis Science & Technology·DateOct 12, 2023

Researchers constructed highly-active micro-mesoporous CNTs extended MOF skeleton structure having M-Nx sites more accessible for ORR application

A team of scientists constructed micro-mesoporous metal-organic framework and carbon nanotube-based composite catalysts showing excellent oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalytic activity. The presence of MNx sites was found responsible for the enhanced electrocatalytic activity.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2023

Green hydrogen could reach economic viability by co-production of valuable chemicals

Researchers have discovered a way to make solar hydrogen production economically viable by co-producing high-value chemicals like methylsuccinic acid. By coupling the photoelectrochemical (PEC) process with hydrogenation, the cost of hydrogen drops significantly, making it competitive with fossil gas.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

How does zeolite-encapsulated metal catalysts act on hydrogen-related catalytic reactions?

Zeolite-encapsulated metal catalysts show improved hydrogen-related catalytic reactions due to confinement effect, reducing sintering and leaching. Advanced characterization techniques are used to study fine structure of metal sites, enabling better understanding of catalytic performance.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 20, 2023

Novel ligands for transition-metal catalysis of photoreactions

Scientists at Chiba University developed novel ligands for transition metal complex photocatalysis, successfully catalyzing specific photoreactions like transfer hydrogenation. The newly designed ligands allow platinum complex to catalyze reactions in the presence of visible light, streamlining industrial processes.

SourceChiba University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2023

UH Research Team Awarded $4M to Convert Plastic Waste into Useful MaterialsUH research team awarded $4M to convert plastic waste into useful materials

A UH research team is developing innovative chemical processes to transform plastic waste into useful materials, aiming to create new ways to reuse and recycle polyolefins. The project seeks to produce durable thermoset materials that can be recycled multiple times, reducing environmental impact and promoting a circular plastics economy.

CityU achieves major breakthrough in highly efficient electrocatalyst for clean energy

A research team at City University of Hong Kong has developed a highly efficient electrocatalyst that enhances hydrogen generation through electrochemical water splitting. The catalyst, composed of transition-metal dichalcogenide nanosheets with unconventional crystal phases, exhibits superior activity and stability in acidic media.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

Structure formation during freeze casting filmed in 3D and real time

Researchers used X-ray tomoscopy to study freeze casting processes, observing the formation of complex, hierarchically structured materials with large surface areas. The technique provided high spatial and temporal resolution, revealing the dynamics of directional ice crystal growth and the formation of organic-looking structures.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2023