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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
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

The secret lives of catalysts: How microscopic networks power reactions

Researchers visualized activity across a platinum catalyst with unprecedented detail, revealing coordinated, interconnected systems. Individual crystal grains specialize in different chemical steps, and cooperative electron flows enhance overall reaction efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

Photocatalytic material class: High expectations reinforced

Researchers from CASUS at HZDR developed a reliable computational framework to study polyheptazine imides' electronic and optical properties. This work confirms the potential of these materials for photocatalytic reactions, including water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalJACS·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 4, 2026

Sustainable electrosynthesis of ethylamine at an industrial scale

A new catalyst enables efficient and stable electrosynthesis of ethylamine at industrial scale, overcoming long-standing challenges in selectivity loss and instability. The developed method supports continuous energy-efficient production of EA using electricity and water.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 4, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Solar hydrogen can now be produced efficiently without the scarce metal platinum

A team of researchers at Chalmers University of Technology has developed a new way to produce hydrogen gas without the use of platinum, a scarce and expensive metal. The process uses sunlight and tiny particles of electrically conductive plastic to efficiently produce hydrogen.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 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
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

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

Metallic nanocatalysts: What really happens during catalysis

Researchers studied Pt-Rh nanoparticles at BESSY II, gaining insights into changes in catalyst's surface during operation. Rhodium can partially diffuse into platinum cores during catalysis, with reaction rates varying depending on surface orientation and environment.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 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.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalEES Catalysis·DateAug 5, 2025
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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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

New chemical tool may improve development of key drug components

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a novel method to generate metal carbenes, highly useful for drug synthesis and materials development. The new approach is 100 times better than previous methods, making it easier and safer to produce these short-lived carbon atoms.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2025

Uranium-based catalyst turns air nitrogen into ammonia

Scientists have developed a molecular uranium catalyst that can bind nitrogen gas in a 'side-on' way and convert it into ammonia. This breakthrough reveals a new catalytic pathway, bridging biological efficiency and industrial feasibility.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 16, 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.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 3, 2025
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Single-atom catalysts change spin state when boosted by a magnetic field

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a novel strategy to modulate spin states of single-atom catalysts using external magnetic fields. This approach improves electrocatalytic performance by reducing activation energy and increasing reaction rates.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 30, 2025

GNN-guided discovery of Cu-HEA CO2 reduction catalysts

Researchers developed a computational framework to navigate surface complexities in HEAs, integrating Monte Carlo/Molecular Dynamics simulations and graph neural networks. The approach revealed promising bulk compositions for enhanced catalytic performance in CO2 reduction.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateMay 19, 2025

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.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 25, 2025

Affordable hydrogen fuel production using surface reconstruction strategy

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a surface reconstruction pathway to produce durable non-noble metal-based cathodes for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance, paving the way for affordable commercial production.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateApr 25, 2025
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Green hydrogen: A cage structured material transforms into a performant catalyst

A new class of materials, clathrates, has been discovered as electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction in green hydrogen production. The Ba₈Ni₆Ge₄₀ material transformed into ultrathin Nickel-sheets under an electric field, increasing catalytic activity and stability.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

Chinese researchers boost efficiency of direct methanol fuel cell catalysts

Researchers developed a new ultrafine platinum-based high-entropy alloy octahedra catalyst that enhances methanol oxidation reaction activity and durability. The senary alloy outperformed ternary alloys and commercial platinum-on-carbon catalysts in terms of performance, offering a promising advance for direct methanol fuel cells.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMatter·DateApr 8, 2025

New approach makes one type of clean fuel production 66% more efficient

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a more efficient way to produce methanol from carbon dioxide, a cleaner alternative fuel. The new process uses a dual catalyst system, resulting in a 66% increase in efficiency and paving the way for sustainable technologies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

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

Rational design of precatalysts for efficient hydrogen production

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a highly stable catalyst for efficient hydrogen production, achieving a Faradaic efficiency of 99.9% and stability for over one month. The study highlights the importance of controlled evolution of catalyst-electrolyte interface in rational catalyst design.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 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
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

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

Creating nanoislands for better platinum catalysts

Researchers at UC Davis created nanoislands with trapped platinum clusters, demonstrating improved hydrogenation catalytic activity and stability. The confinement of metal clusters on a tiny island of cerium oxide supports the production of stable catalysts for the chemical industry.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New water splitting catalysts make green hydrogen without expensive metals

Researchers from ANEMEL have developed highly stable anion exchange membrane electrolysers that can produce hydrogen without using platinum-group catalysts. The new technology surpasses state-of-the-art solutions in performance and long-term stability, holding promise for industrial applications.

SourceAgata Comunicación Científica SL·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2025

Trimetallic synergy and defects: a catalyst for climate action

Researchers introduce a trimetallic catalyst supported on defective ceria, achieving extraordinary efficiency in CO2 reduction. The unique metal-support interaction fine-tunes the electronic structure, enabling optimal performance and setting new benchmarks in catalysis.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025

Orbital stabilisation effect in Sb-based single-atom catalyst

Researchers successfully tuned the first coordination shell environment of Sb centres to exhibit strong affinity for oxygen reduction, improving catalytic performance. The orbital stabilisation effect mitigates *OH steric hindrance, accelerating formation of *OOH and demonstrating excellent long-term durability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJan 22, 2025
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Researchers harness copper versatility to enable control of CO₂ reduction products

Researchers have developed copper nanoclusters that can precisely shape the reaction pathways in electrochemical CO₂ reduction, producing specific high-energy-density products. The team's discovery could drive the development of new functional materials and create a more sustainable future.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalSmall Science·DateDec 11, 2024

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

Novel magnetic field integration enhances green hydrogen peroxide production

Researchers developed a novel catalyst with integrated magnetic field, achieving 90% H2O2 production efficiency and significantly enhancing the reaction's performance. The new approach requires minimal amounts of magnetic materials, making it safer and more practical for large-scale applications.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 15, 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.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2024

Reaction conditions tune catalytic selectivity

Chemists at Brookhaven Lab develop new theoretical framework to accurately predict catalyst behavior, revealing how conditions like temperature and pressure can change a catalyst's structure, efficiency, and products. The study highlights the significant impact of reaction environment on catalytic performance.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalChem Catalysis·DateOct 22, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

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

Breakthrough design strategy revolutionizes discovery of metal-organic frameworks

Researchers developed a novel strategy for designing MOFs, merging bottom-up and top-down approaches to explore structures based on metal clusters. The Up-Down Approach enables the creation of novel materials with tailored properties, including high chemical stability and diverse chemical properties.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Synthesis·DateSep 5, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Turning glycerol into gold: a new process makes biodiesel more profitable

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a highly selective and efficient glycerol electrooxidation process that converts waste into high-value three-carbon compounds. Higher borate concentrations improved selectivity for these products, reducing the need for additional processing.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Could lead overcome reverse current and advance a green hydrogen economy?

A new catalyst with a lead coating enhances the performance of a nickel-based hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst, increasing efficiency and resisting reverse current. This breakthrough could improve the durability of alkaline water electrolysis systems and support a green hydrogen economy.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 10, 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
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

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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.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateMar 24, 2024

Revolutionizing hydrogen production: Economical and efficient solutions unveiled

Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology developed an economical and efficient water electrolysis catalyst using oblique angle deposition method and nickel. The catalyst resulted in a remarkable 55-fold improvement in hydrogen production efficiency compared to traditional thin film structures.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 21, 2024