Articles tagged with Catalysis
A paper published in Nature Energy reveals a promising breakthrough in green energy: an electrolyzer device capable of converting carbon dioxide into propane. The device, developed by Illinois Tech assistant professor Mohammad Asadi, is scalable and economically viable.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method that collects and purifies water from fog simultaneously, rendering it safe for use in densely populated urban centers. The technology uses a close-mesh lattice coated with polymers and titanium dioxide to break down organic pollutants.
Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology have developed a novel mesoporous tantalum oxide-supported iridium nanostructure catalyst for efficient proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. The catalyst exhibits improved oxygen evolution reaction activity, stability, and cost-effectiveness.
Researchers have developed a novel catalysis scheme that enables previously impossible chemical reactions without the use of rare and precious metals. The method uses light to activate the catalyst, allowing for the optimization of the process.
A breakthrough solution has been discovered to recycle blended fabrics like polyester/cotton using a simple technique involving heat, non-toxic solvent, and household ingredient. This environmentally friendly approach can recover cotton on a scale of hundreds of grams while preserving the plastic component.
Scientists propose an alternative model to explain the fast onset of chemical reactions required for life. The new paradigm suggests that catalytic clusters can form rapidly and in large numbers, enabling the self-organization of molecules into living structures.
A joint research team from City University of Hong Kong and collaborators developed a stable artificial photocatalytic system that mimics natural chloroplasts to convert carbon dioxide into methane, a valuable fuel, very efficiently using light. The new system achieved a highly efficient solar-to-fuel efficiency rate of 15%, surpassing...
Researchers at CABBI develop photoenzymatic system to efficiently synthesize chiral amines, crucial chemical building blocks with wide applications. The team's new method addresses a longstanding challenge in synthetic chemistry and offers a promising platform for biomanufacturing.
A collaborative research team created an experimental platform to control the atomic-level structure of high-entropy alloy surfaces and test their catalytic properties. Their study found that the surfaces performed better in oxygen reduction reactions compared to other materials, indicating a 'pseudo-core-shell-like structure' contribu...
A new method called Degradation Upcycling (Deg-Up) recovers aromatic chemicals from polystyrene waste in a two-step process. This approach produces valuable chemicals for the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, offering a circular plastics economy solution.
Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology have successfully synthesized high-purity SrVO2.4H0.6 and Sr3V2O62H0.8 perovskite oxyhydrides using a novel high-pressure flux method, opening up new possibilities for catalysts and lithium-ion battery electrodes.
Researchers have developed a new catalyst that can remove up to 90% of unburned methane from natural-gas engine exhaust at low temperatures, addressing a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. The breakthrough could lead to lower exhaust emissions and mitigate global warming.
Researchers developed a general para-selective aza-Friedel-Crafts type reaction of phenols with imines, opening up new possibilities for the rapid and safe synthesis of medicines and advanced materials. The bulky PyBidine-Ni(OAc)2 catalyst facilitated highly para-selective reactions with up to 99:1 selectivity.
Researchers have developed a single-atom catalyst that efficiently removes methane from engine exhaust at low temperatures, even when the engine is starting. The catalyst uses every atom of precious metals and maintains reaction stability at higher temperatures.
Researchers used X-ray photocrystallography to study the transition metal-nitrenoid intermediate in catalytic amination reactions. The team successfully captured the structure and properties of the rhodium-acylnitrenoid intermediate, providing crucial insights into its reactivity.
Carbon-based materials have been found to be more reactive with alcohol-functionalized oxygens, challenging traditional catalysis chemistry. The researchers' study showed a correlation between the amount and type of oxygen present and performance, including the long-range effects of aromatic rings.
Acetalization is a feasible and sustainable strategy for biomass valorization, serving as both a synthesis tool and protection mechanism for renewable acetal fuel additives. The latest research advances in catalytic systems for the acetalization of biobased furanic compounds and glycerol derivatives are summarized.
Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel synthesis method for imine-based COFs, eliminating the need for long reaction times, high temperatures, and Lewis acid catalysts. The method uses an electrogenerated acid as a catalyst, enabling direct fixation of COF films onto electrodes.
Researchers have developed novel photocatalysts using layered metal-organic frameworks that exhibit improved charge separation properties. These materials are able to efficiently extract charges without structural defects, enabling record values in photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light.
Researchers have developed a Cu/CeO2 catalyst that efficiently converts NO to NH3 under visible light. The catalyst works by promoting the decomposition of an intermediate molecule, which leads to enhanced NH3 production.
Researchers demonstrate critical roles of metal cocatalysts in modulating surface oxidation kinetics and selectivity in methane oxidation. Metal cocatalysts play a key role in promoting CO2 production over C2H6 formation.
A new flow battery design has achieved a record-breaking 60% increase in peak power using a dissolved simple sugar called β-cyclodextrin, which boosts battery capacity and longevity. The battery maintained its energy storage and release capabilities for over a year without significant loss of activity.
An international team of chemists has successfully used structural editing to insert a four-membered molecular ring into an aromatic ring, creating a complex bicyclic ring system. The new process utilizes visible-light photocatalysis, providing environmentally friendly and atom-economical conditions.
Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology have developed a faster way to synthesize CoSn(OH)6, a powerful catalyst required for high-energy lithium–air batteries. The new method uses solution plasma-based synthesis and achieves highly crystalline CSO crystals with improved catalytic properties.
Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology explore co-polymerization of glycol nucleic acid monomers with dicarboxylic acids to produce branched and linear xeno nucleic acid polymers. These findings suggest that diverse prebiotic organic molecules could have led to population-level differences in abundance of genetic polymers.
Researchers employ DFT and NEST analysis to investigate pyrrolidinyl gold(I) complexes, revealing enhanced understanding of electronic and steric effects. The findings facilitate the design of novel chiral ligands for enantioselective reactions.
Researchers at USTC developed a novel catalyst synthesis strategy to optimize hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity and stability. The strategy involves adjusting the electronic structure of CoSe2 nanobelts, resulting in high-efficiency HER performance similar to commercial Pt/C catalysts.
Kolomeisky aims to develop analytical models that quantify the role of heterogeneity in chemical and biological processes. He plans to explore its impact on catalytic reactions, antimicrobial peptides and early cancer development.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a baking soda solution for storing hydrogen, addressing the challenge of long-duration energy storage. The study aims to advance the DOE's H2@Scale initiative and reduce the cost of hydrogen production.
Researchers found that boron species plays a key role in enhancing catalytic activity and selectivity in the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde over cobalt boride catalysts. The study uncovers a synergistic effect between boron species and water, leading to improved stability and selectivity of the catalysts.
Scientists at TU Wien use microscopy techniques to observe chemical reactions on catalysts, revealing a wealth of detail that challenges previous understanding. The study shows that even simple catalytic systems are more complex than expected, with different scenarios prevailing on the micrometer scale.
A team of Japanese researchers has successfully developed a recycling photoreactor that enables the synthesis of optically pure compounds with high yields, achieving an optical purity of 98-99%. The system uses a two-step rapid photoracemization process and can produce enantiomerically pure chiral sulfoxides in yields higher than 80%.
Researchers developed a novel strategy to activate metal sites in high entropy oxides, improving their catalytic performance. The optimized catalyst exhibits higher CO2 conversion and discharge/charge capacities with excellent cycle stability.
The review covers several homogeneously catalyzed processes that produce valuable chemicals from 1,3-butadiene. Palladium-catalyzed telomerization and di-functionalizations offer versatile platform chemicals and polymer precursors. Efficient catalytic systems are crucial for enabling selective and sustainable processes.
A USTC research team designed a novel Ag pyrazole molecular catalyst that enables the one-step electrooxidation of propylene into 1,2-propylene glycol. The catalyst's dynamically reversible interconversion structure breaks the scaling relation and enhances the reaction rate.
Researchers have developed a novel tin-based MOF that can selectively reduce CO2 to formate in the presence of visible light, achieving high selectivity and quantum yield. The material, called KGF-10, was found to be efficient, precious-metal-free, and single-component.
Scientists have discovered a new method for producing pure hydrogen from renewable energy, a significant step towards a greener future. The breakthrough uses specialized techniques to understand how a catalyst works, enabling the creation of clean fuels like hydrogen.
Researchers have directly observed the signatures of electron orbitals in two different transition-metal atoms, iron and cobalt, using atomic force microscopy. The study validated that the observed experimental differences primarily stem from the different electronic configurations in 3d electrons near the Fermi level.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab used pulse radiolysis to study a key class of water-splitting catalysts, revealing the direct involvement of ligands in the reaction mechanism. The team discovered that a hydride group jumped onto the Cp* ligand, proving its active role in the process.
A recent study led by Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and University of Leipzig reveals the molecular level details of PET degradation by polyester hydrolases. The research shows that only two PET subunits are needed for the enzyme to cut the polymer, and it can 'walk' along the chain to move from one cut to the other.
Scientists at Tohoku University found that boric acid catalyzes polypeptide synthesis under neutral and acidic conditions, producing up to 39 monomer-long glycine polypeptides. This discovery challenges previous studies suggesting neutral conditions hinder peptide synthesis.
University of Rochester researchers create a groundbreaking system mimicking photosynthesis using bacteria and nanomaterials to produce clean-burning hydrogen fuel. The innovative approach replaces fossil fuels in the process, offering an environmentally friendly alternative.
Researchers used ALD to create eco-friendly exhaust gas catalysts, lithium-ion battery coatings, and hydrogen fuel cells. The technology improves catalytic and energy material performance through precise control of film thickness and composition.
Researchers have visualized the crucial final step of oxygen formation in Photosystem II, a protein complex that powers photosynthesis. The study provides new insights into the interaction between the protein environment and the Mn/Ca cluster, shedding light on the mechanism behind water-splitting and oxygen production.
Researchers observed strong crystal phase-dependent activity of MnGaOx in direct syngas conversion. The HCP oxide remained unchanged after reduction, while the FCC solid solution oxide transformed into a spinel structure with improved catalytic performance.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a chemical process to disassemble epoxy composite materials from wind turbine blades, extracting intact glass fibres and high-quality epoxy resin building blocks. The process has potential applications for circular economies in the aerospace, automotive, and space industries.
Researchers have developed an electrolyte to improve the efficiency of CO2 conversion into useful hydrocarbons. The study found that controlling the concentration of the electrolyte is crucial in regulating product formation, with too much potassium leading to clogage and reduced selectivity.
A team of researchers at Binghamton University partnered with Brookhaven National Laboratory to investigate copper oxide peroxides and their effects on oxidation reactions. They used two spectroscopy methods to observe changes in the surface of copper oxide and found that peroxides enhance H2 oxidation but inhibit CO oxidation.
Research has shown that MOFs can enhance electrocatalytic performance by regulating the energy of reaction intermediates and adsorption strength. Strategies to design stable and conductive MOFs are crucial for commercialization.
Recent development in identification of oligomeric products from lignin depolymerization reveals understanding of formation causes and potential valorization routes. Common targeted products include monomeric phenols, aromatics, and cycloalkanes.
Researchers boosted multi-hole water oxidation catalysis on hematite photoanodes using UV excitation, increasing surface holes and improving PEC activity by one order of magnitude.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a simple sol-gel method to synthesize highly pure bifunctional solid acid-base catalysts with desirable properties. The new method produces SrTiO3 nanoparticles with high surface area, showing 10 times higher catalytic activity than commercially available titanates.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a sustainable method for producing butadiene, a key component of synthetic rubber, using the Lebedev process and modernized catalysts. The new approach eliminates the need for fossil reserves and reduces environmental impact.
Chemists at Colorado State University have created a synthetic PHA platform that addresses the limitations of existing biodegradable plastics. The new design enhances thermal stability, mechanical toughness, and enables closed-loop chemical recycling.
Recent advances in catalytic methane oxidation via thermocatalysis and photocatalysis demonstrate promising results for environmental remediation. The development of efficient catalysts, improved reactor designs, and fundamental studies on surface chemistry are key findings.
Vienna University of Technology researchers have developed MOCHAs, organometallic chalcogenolate compounds that facilitate the conversion of CO2 into synthesis gas. This process can be carried out at room temperature and requires less energy than previous methods, making it a promising solution for climate protection.
Researchers at Binghamton University and Brookhaven Lab used advanced spectroscopy techniques to study the effects of peroxides on copper oxide surfaces. They found that peroxides significantly enhanced CuO reducibility in favor of H2 oxidation, while acting as an inhibitor to suppress CO oxidation.
A novel Cu-based catalyst with improved catalytic performance for CO2 reduction has been developed by leveraging strong metal-support interactions and defect sites cooperativity. The DFNS/TiO2-Cu catalyst showed excellent activity and stability, outperforming other copper-based thermal catalysts.
Researchers found that single-atomic state of Pd enhances CO2 reduction and boosts CH4 production in a novel Pd/CN-SA catalyst. Comprehensive analysis reveals superior activation of CO2, negative conduction band potentials, and excellent hydrogen utilization efficiency.
Researchers from Japan have synthesized two di-superatomic molecules composed of Ag and evaluated the factors involved in their formation. The study found that a twist between the two icosahedral structures stabilizes the nanocluster by shortening the distance between them. Additionally, the presence of Pd and Pt central atoms was foun...