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From cleaner “cracking” to black gold

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a more sustainable and economically competitive process to produce battery-quality graphite, with hydrogen generated as a valuable co-product. The new method uses molten metal catalysis to dehydrogenate ethane, producing high-quality graphite that is currently dominated by China.

From cleaner “cracking” to black gold

Graphonos Materials, a startup from the University of Pittsburgh, has developed a novel technology to produce battery-quality graphite and hydrogen using molten metal catalysis. This process is more energy-efficient and sustainable than current methods, which require high temperatures and generate significant carbon emissions.

Water: the unlikely hero in creating next-generation green hydrophobic materials for environmental cleanup

A new mechanochemical approach uses water as a catalyst to transform renewable resources into high-performance porous materials capable of capturing CO2 while removing pollutants. The method produces carbon-negative materials with exceptional hydrophobic characteristics and scalable production.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

A smarter membrane for cleaner water

Researchers at Rice University developed a mechanistic model to simulate how oxidants and pollutants move through and react inside catalytic membranes. The framework identifies the ideal range for catalyst loading and introduces new performance metrics to improve membrane design.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Water·DateAug 7, 2025

Simultaneous analysis of 21 chemical reactions... AI to transform new drug development​

Researchers developed a technology that precisely analyzes 21 types of reactants simultaneously using high-resolution fluorine nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This breakthrough contributes to new drug development and catalyst optimization in AI-driven autonomous synthesis.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeObservational study·DateJun 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.

Evolving hydrogen-storage technology: guidelines developed for the design of anti-evaporation catalysts

A research team identified manganese oxide and cobalt oxide as effective catalysts for accelerating ortho-to-para conversion of molecular hydrogen. The study provides guidelines for designing anti-evaporation catalysts, which are crucial for long-distance hydrogen transportation.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalExploration·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

New recipes for better solar fuel production

A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

The "cellular" network

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh create microcapsules that exhibit life-like autonomy through self-generated motion and chemical signals. The system mimics protocell behavior, showcasing the potential for simple mechanisms to produce complex biological functions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMatter·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 5, 2022

Thomas Senftle wins NSF CAREER Award

Engineer Thomas Senftle at Rice University has won a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to improve catalysts through machine learning. He will develop open-source models to speed up the development of catalysts with optimized particle/support combinations, aiming to reduce unwanted molecules in water.

Rice expert: Using carbon is key to decarbonizing economy

Pasquali proposes splitting hydrocarbons to produce clean hydrogen energy and solid carbon materials, which could replace materials with large carbon footprints. This transition would generate robust growth in manufacturing jobs and improve production efficiency.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 5, 2021

Platinum forms nano-bubbles

Researchers at DESY NanoLab discovered that platinum oxidizes more readily than expected when exposed to high pressures of oxygen, forming nano-bubbles. This phenomenon has significant implications for applications such as catalytic converters in cars and electrochemical sensors.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalSolid State Ionics·DateJan 25, 2019

Catalytic converters like it hot

Researchers have discovered that the critical temperature for catalytic ignition depends on the material used and crystallographic orientation of metal granules. The findings suggest that a more efficient catalytic converter can be built by optimizing these factors, potentially reducing emissions and costs.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 8, 2012