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Nano cut-and-sew: New method for chemically tailoring layered nanomaterials could open pathways to designing 2D materials on demand

Researchers developed a chemical scissor to split and stitch nanoscopic layers of two-dimensional materials, opening pathways to sustainable energy technologies. This new process allows for structurally splitting, editing, and reconstituting layered materials with exceptional properties.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2023

Scientists twist chemical bonds beyond their limits

Researchers from Durham University and University of York successfully twisted molecules to their breaking point, exploring how far the chemical bonding in an aromatic ring can be twisted before its aromatic bonding breaks. The study reveals a balance point where the ring jumps between aromatic structure and two smaller rings.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 6, 2023

Metalloradical catalysis guides new cobalt-based system that exploits unique features of homolytic radical reaction

Researchers at Boston College have developed a new catalytic approach that enables concurrent control of multiple convergences and selectivities in intermolecular amination of allylic carbon-hydrogen bonds in alkenes. The cobalt-based system exploits unique features of homolytic radical reaction to form desired amine products in a high...

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Lab lights way to simple chemical synthesis

Researchers at Rice University have developed a photochemical process that simplifies the manufacture of essential precursors for drugs and agricultural chemicals. By illuminating reagents with visible light, they can form diazides in conditions far gentler than current industrial processes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023

Water cleanup method developed by University of California, Riverside, scientists destroys pervasive, cancer-causing “forever chemicals” or PFAS

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have created a novel method to break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as 'forever chemicals', in contaminated water. The hydrogen-infusion and UV light-based process achieves high molecular destruction rates without generating unwanted byproducts.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022

Automated chemical reaction prediction: Now in stereo

Researchers demonstrate the expanded use of a computational method called AFIR, predicting pericyclic reactions with accurate stereoselectivity based on target product molecule information. The technique successfully handles molecules up to 52 atoms and predicts stereochemistry for reactions that break Woodward-Hoffman rules.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

Atomically dispersed bimetallic iron–cobalt electrocatalysts developed for green production of ammonia

Scientists developed a method to control the synthesis of single-atom catalysts, enabling the creation of bimetallic Fe-Co electrocatalysts with desired properties. These catalysts showed superior ammonia yield rates and faradaic efficiency under electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction conditions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2022

Using carbon-carbon clumping to detect the signature of biotic hydrocarbons

Researchers have developed a novel approach to distinguish the sources of hydrocarbons by analyzing the relative abundance of carbon isotopes. The new method uses carbon-carbon clumping to identify biotic origins and has shown promising results in detecting hydrocarbons from microorganisms, thermogenic processes, and abiotic sources.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Plastics of the future will live many past lives, thanks to chemical recycling

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a method to break down durable plastics into their most basic building blocks and reform them into the same material. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new technologies, new materials, and enable the circular production of more plastic materials in daily life.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2022

Novel multi-proton carrier complex as efficient proton conductor at high temperatures

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science has developed a novel multi-proton carrier complex that shows efficient proton conductivity even at high temperatures. The resulting starburst-type metal complex acts as a proton transmitter, making it 6 times more potent than individual imidazole molecules.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Found: The ‘holy grail of catalysis’ — turning methane into methanol under ambient conditions using light

Researchers have developed a novel process converting methane into liquid methanol at ambient temperature and pressure using visible light. The method uses a continuous flow of methane/oxygen-saturated water over a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) catalyst, achieving 100% selectivity with no by-products.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022

Microbes can degrade the toughest PFAS

Researchers at UC Riverside have found that common microbial communities can degrade a stubborn class of PFAS called fluorinated carboxylic acids (FCAs) by breaking the carbon-fluorine bond under anaerobic conditions. This breakthrough could lead to new methods for environmental remediation and reduce the harm caused by PFAS.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

An ultrafast X-ray glance into photoacid electronic structure

Researchers have provided direct insight into the electronic structure of a proton donating group in an amine aromatic photoacid using ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy. The study reveals major electronic structure changes occur on the base side of the Förster cycle, resolving the long-standing open question.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

Pusan National University study “cracks” mystery of water-promoted fracture growth on glass

Researchers at Pusan National University discovered that tempered glass is more resistant to water-promoted fracture growth than annealed glass. The study found that water droplets penetrate microcracks in glass surfaces, dissolving silicon-oxygen bonds and degrading mechanical strength.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of the European Ceramic Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Why the world needs a better LED light bulb

Researchers have developed a new light-emitting material that doubles the intensity of existing LEDs while also being more energy-efficient. The material, cerium-doped zinc oxide, has the potential to be used in commercial LED lighting applications and could make lighting more affordable for households and businesses worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalJournal of Luminescence·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2021

Accelerating development of STT-MRAM

Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully observed the microscopic chemical bonding state of ultrathin MgO using AR-HAXPES. This breakthrough could lead to improved MgO quality and accelerated development of STT-MRAM, a non-volatile memory with high-performance and low power consumption.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 5, 2019

Polymers to give early warning signs

Researchers developed polymers that change color or fluorescence when subjected to mechanical load, addressing limitations of previous force-transducing molecules. The new concept allows for reversible detection of stress and is versatile, enabling applications in built-in monitors and stress mapping.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Central Science·DateApr 24, 2019

Pitt chemical biologist finds new halogenation enzyme

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new halogenation enzyme that can selectively replace inert C-H bonds with C-X bonds, enabling the creation of tailored molecules with improved pharmacological profiles. This breakthrough is expected to revolutionize the fields of pharmaceutical and agricultural industries.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 15, 2014

Good vibes for catalytic chemistry

Chemists at the University of Utah discovered a method to predict chemical reactions using bond vibrations, which can lead to more efficient catalysts for medicines, industrial products, and new materials. The researchers used infrared spectroscopy to analyze bond vibrations and built a mathematical model to predict reaction outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2014

Watching catalysts at work -- at the atomic scale

Scientists from Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin used RIXS spectroscopy and ab initio theory to study the iron carbonyl complex. They discovered a strong orbital mixing between metal and ligands, weakening the chemical bond during excitation. This fundamental insight can help control catalytic properties and produce novel materials.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 25, 2013

Forcing the molecular bond issue

Researchers developed a comprehensive model to describe molecular bonding, enabling predictions of binding free energy and resolving past inconsistencies. The new model provides a clear means for measuring this key parameter, critical for understanding material interactions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2012

Liverpool scientists construct molecular 'knots'

Researchers at the University of Liverpool construct molecular 'knots' with dimensions of around two nanometers, using a process called self-assembly to mechanically bond interpenetrating loops. The discovery has potential applications in building molecular machines to trap harmful gases and pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 20, 2010

Electrons travel through proteins like urban commuters

Researchers describe a unified description of electron movements through certain proteins, uncovering key pathways that optimize energy harvesting in photosynthesis and animal cells. The study reveals complex routing options that allow electrons to take shortcuts, increasing the challenge for theoreticians.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 2007

Laser wave steers electrons in chemical bonds

A Dutch-German research team has successfully controlled a chemical reaction by steering the motion of electrons with ultrashort laser pulses. The team used phase-controlled laser pulses to manipulate the timing of electron motion, leading to a preferential emission of deuterium ions and atoms in specific directions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2006

'Yanking' chemical bonds with molecular wires speeds reactions

Researchers used atomic force microscopes to 'yank' chemical bonds, accelerating reaction speeds while maintaining the order of bond formation and breaking. This discovery may aid in developing self-healing polymers and lead to a better understanding of fundamental energy exchange in chemical reactions.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 14, 2006

Molecular chains line up to form protopolymer

Scientists at Penn State have observed extended chains of phenylene molecules that align and interact without forming chemical bonds, paving the way for controlling growth and assembly of molecules. This discovery could lead to manipulating nanostructured materials with unprecedented precision.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 7, 2004