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Self-driving chemistry lab discovers catalysts that can switch products on demand

A self-driving chemistry lab called Flex-Cat has been developed to autonomously search for faster and more selective ways to make important industrial chemicals. The platform combines robotics, high-pressure reactors, and artificial intelligence to identify high-performing catalysts and those that can be programmed to produce different...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2026

Smarter search for fuel-cell catalysts using machine learning

Researchers have developed a new computational workflow combining generative AI with atomistic simulations to identify promising platinum alloy catalyst structures for hydrogen fuel cells. The method produces high-performing candidates from several material combinations, addressing a longstanding challenge in catalyst design.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

Atomically-tailored single atom platforms hold promise for next-generation catalysis

Researchers have developed a new approach to overcome limitations in single-atom catalysts by creating one-dimensional organic polymers capable of selectively binding metal atoms. The platform marks a major advance in single atom catalysis, enabling stronger gas binding compared to other structures.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

Using AI to optimize hydrogen fuel production and reduce environmental impact: Worcester Polytechnic Institute research published in Nature Chemical Engineering

A team of researchers from Worcester Polytechnic Institute has developed a new approach to producing hydrogen using plasma technology and metal alloys. The method reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions compared to traditional methods, making it more environmentally friendly and potentially affordable.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 2025

Producing sustainable aviation fuel precursors with the furfural reduction reaction

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a method to produce environmentally friendly fuels using the furfural reduction reaction. By combining a zinc single-atom catalyst with an electrochemical reaction, they achieved high efficiency and selectivity in producing hydrofuroin, a precursor to aviation fuels.

An intelligent catalyst for sustainable chemistry

A research team at Politecnico di Milano has created a single-atom catalyst capable of selectively adapting its chemical activity. The catalyst, composed of palladium encapsulated in an organic structure, can 'switch' between two key reactions in organic chemistry by varying reaction conditions.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2025

Machine learning potential-driven insights into pH-dependent CO₂ reduction

A team of researchers at Tohoku University's AIMR used machine learning potential to characterize Sn catalyst activity, identifying the most effective catalysts for CO2 reduction. The study provides novel insights into the behavior of Sn-based catalysts and could lead to more efficient fuel production.

Atomically dispersed catalysts are tough puzzles to solve, but worth the effort

Researchers are developing atomically dispersed catalysts to make industrial processes cleaner and more efficient. However, the field is plagued by common pitfalls, including inadequate testing and characterization. Experts like Jason Bates and E. Charles Sykes emphasize the need for repeatable, rigorous science.

Advancing catalysis: Novel porous thin-film approach developed at TIFR Hyderabad enhances reaction efficiency

Researchers at TIFR Hyderabad developed a novel porous thin-film approach to enhance catalysis efficiency in industrial reactions. The new methodology increases the density of catalytic sites and improves reactant diffusion rates, resulting in higher turnover frequencies and reaction efficiency.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Advancing catalysis: Novel porous thin-film approach developed at TIFR Hyderabad enhances reaction efficiency

Researchers at TIFR Hyderabad have developed a novel porous thin-film approach to enhance reaction efficiency in catalytic reactions. The new methodology integrates a porous heterogeneous thin film in a cross-flow microfluidic setup, allowing for faster reaction rates and increased catalyst reusability.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2025

Flexible COF-based porous liquid with “breathing effect”for enhancing CO2 adsorption and catalysis

Researchers have developed a COF-based porous liquid that can dynamically adjust its pore size in response to pressure change, significantly enhancing CO2 capture and catalytic conversion. This innovative material boasts a 24-fold higher efficiency for the reaction of CO₂ with propylene oxide compared to conventional methods.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2025

Improved catalyst turns harmful greenhouse gases into cleaner fuels, chemical feedstocks

Researchers at ORNL have developed a catalyst that can convert two polluting greenhouse gases into valuable building blocks for cleaner fuels and feedstocks. The catalyst, made of zeolite material, is resistant to degradation at high temperatures and has been shown to provide outstanding performance with extremely slow deactivation.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

New platinum-nickel core-shell catalyst shows stability for oxygen reduction reactions

Researchers have developed a new platinum-nickel core-shell catalyst that exhibits significant boosts in activity and durability, making it a promising solution for sustainable energy applications. The catalyst's excellent performance is attributed to its core-shell design and improved surface strain.

New catalyst developed for sustainable propylene production from biomass

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new catalyst that efficiently converts a derivative of glycerol into bio-based propylene, contributing to sustainable chemical production. The catalyst enables the selective reduction of allyl alcohol to propylene with high efficiency using renewable energy sources.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2024

Golden ball mills as green catalysts

The study introduces a new method for selectively oxidizing alcohols into aldehydes without secondary reactions, using gold-coated ball mills. This approach reduces the formation of unwanted byproducts and minimizes environmental impact, making it more sustainable and cost-effective.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2024

New technique by NUS scientists to transform waste carbon dioxide into high-value chemicals achieves cost reduction of about 30%

Researchers from NUS have developed a novel technique that converts waste carbon dioxide into value-added chemicals and fuels. The method uses a nickel catalyst and acidic electrolytes, achieving an efficiency rate of over 99%. This innovation has the potential to reduce costs by up to 30% and is adaptable for different industrial needs.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Fuel Cells: Oxidation processes of phosphoric acid revealed by tender X-rays

Researchers have decoded the multiple oxidation processes at the platinum-electrolyte interface in high-temperature PEM fuel cells using tender X-ray studies. The results show that variations in humidity can influence some of these processes to increase the lifetime and efficiency of fuel cells.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Integration of theory prediction and experimental electrooxidation of glycerol on NiCo2O4 nanosheets

The study reveals the crucial role of active species OH* in electrooxidation of glycerol on NiCo2O4 nanosheets, facilitating efficient conversion and selectivity. The catalyst demonstrates long-term cycle stability, providing valuable guidance for designing efficient glycerol oxidation systems.