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Enabling longer space missions

Researchers used computer modeling and laboratory tests to investigate how changing gas flow rates and magnetic field sizes affect Hall thruster performance. They found that maintaining optimal ionization and acceleration regions can prolong the life of these systems, making them suitable for even longer space missions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateAug 20, 2019

The right polymers for the job

The University of Delaware team created poly(aryl piperidinium) polymers for hydroxide exchange membranes, achieving record power density and stability. This breakthrough enables the development of more efficient and cost-effective fuel cells for eco-friendly vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 11, 2019

Finally available in a bottle

Researchers from University of Freiburg successfully prepared the elusive chromium hexacarbonyl cation, a key compound for basic research and applications. The team used standard laboratory equipment and common solvents to fill the stable compound into bottles as a solution and crystals.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2019

How ions gather water molecules around them

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum used terahertz spectroscopy to gain new insights into the hydration shell of charged particles. They found that hydration shells with a size between two and 21 water molecules were determined for more than 37 salts, depending on the ion's size and valency.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 9, 2018

Improving the sensitivity for ionic solutes analysis

Researchers from Kumamoto University developed a new electrodialytic ion transfer enrichment method to improve the sensitivity of analytical systems for various ionic solutes. This method enables fast and efficient detection in low-cost equipment, making it suitable for community health analysis in resource-limited areas.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalTalanta·DateJan 31, 2018

Ionic 'solar cell' could provide on-demand water desalination

Researchers have developed an 'ionic analog to the electronic pn-junction solar cell' that harnesses light to generate ionic electricity, with potential applications in desalination and brain-machine interfaces. The technology shows promise for producing electricity to turn brackish water drinkable upon exposure to sunlight.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateNov 15, 2017

Water makes the proton shake

Researchers have elucidated the ultrafast motions and structural characteristics of protons in water under ambient conditions, identifying the Zundel cation as a predominant species. The proton explores all locations between two water molecules within less than 100 fs, losing memory quickly due to strong electric field fluctuations.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2017

New electrode for ion concentration analysis

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new dry electrode for measuring ion concentrations, overcoming size and cost constraints. The system uses solid electrode material with storage capacity for positively charged ions, providing stable results over a lengthy period.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 15, 2016

New benchmarks for molecular spectroscopy

The study provides a high-resolution readout of the energy levels for cations from their vibrational ground state to excited states, furthering our understanding of the coupled vibrations in the Renner-Teller effect. The results also shed light on the electronic structure of organic molecules.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 4, 2015

In water as in love, likes can attract

A team led by chemist Richard Saykally and theorist David Prendergast has observed contact pairing between guanidinium cations in aqueous solution, governed by water-binding energy. This phenomenon challenges the long-held assumption that like charges repel, suggesting a new understanding of ion interactions in water.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 18, 2013

When ions get closer

Researchers discovered a previously unknown phenomenon in quantum plasmas, enabling positively charged particles to form atom-like structures. This discovery accelerates current conduction, potentially revolutionizing nanotechnology and applications such as micro-chips and semiconductors.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 26, 2012

Novel device removes heavy metals from water

The cyclic electrowinning/precipitation (CEP) system removes heavy metals from water by increasing their concentration, making it possible for a proven metal-removal technique to take over. The automated CEP system can remove up to 99% of copper, cadmium, and nickel, returning the contaminated water to federally accepted standards.

SourceBrown University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateDec 16, 2011