Articles tagged with Chemical Elements
Researchers discovered that tiny wrinkles in graphene can change its electrical properties, revealing flexoelectricity. The team found that the sharpness of the wrinkles was more important than their size, allowing for stronger electrical charge separation and potential applications in sensing and electronic devices.
A two-year field study found that moderate biochar application improves soil quality, strengthens microbial activity, and helps vegetable crops make better use of nitrogen fertilizer. Biochar application rates above 20 t ha⁻¹ did not produce additional yield benefits and could disturb nutrient balance or microbial conditions.
Researchers used photons and electrons to create hollow gold nanoboxes, differing in material properties, and demonstrated that beam observation affects chemical reactions.
Researchers at HKU have developed a new light-driven method for constructing three-dimensional molecular building blocks. This approach broadens the range of starting materials and suppresses unwanted polymerisation, overcoming key limitations of existing synthetic methods. The findings have the potential to improve characteristics of ...
Researchers developed a new molecular editing strategy that relocates the nitrogen atom within the pyridine ring, creating positional isomers. This approach preserves substituents while altering properties such as solubility and interactions with biological targets.
Researchers discovered that natural leaf coatings on hydrochar can act as a protective surface layer, improving its ability to retain carbon in soil. The coating strengthens hydrochar stability, promoting its capacity for soil carbon sequestration.
Researchers have gained new insight into supernovae and X-ray bursts, shedding light on the nuclear reactions that power these cosmic events. The studies improved our understanding of titanium-44 production and the nickel-copper cycle's role in X-ray bursts.
Researchers determined the shape of the fermium-255 nucleus with high precision, revealing it to be strongly prolate like a rugby ball. This breakthrough supports modern theoretical models and opens new possibilities for understanding heavy atomic nuclei.
Nitrogenases containing molybdenum are more efficient due to their ability to help nearby iron atoms bind to nitrogen. This is a critical step in breaking the nitrogen-nitrogen triple bond and converting nitrogen gas to ammonia. The findings could guide the design of synthetic catalysts that convert nitrogen gas to ammonia.
Researchers have developed a biochar adsorbent that combines physical and chemical interactions to capture tetracycline molecules. The material showed high tetracycline adsorption capacity and good resistance to coexisting ions, suggesting potential for repeated operation.
Scientists have discovered a new method to enable oxidative addition of aryl halides at group 13 elements using visible light. This breakthrough could lead to sustainable catalytic processes reducing the need for rare and expensive transition metals.
Salk Institute researchers discovered chronoferroptosis, a chronic stress pathway in cells that causes neurons to become less resilient over time and more susceptible to neurodegeneration. Iron accumulation was found to lower the cells' defenses, making them more vulnerable to stressors.
A deep learning model combines knowledge from different catalyst families to identify a top-performing green hydrogen catalyst. The AI correctly predicted the activity ranking of 12 tested catalysts within a previously unexplored material family.
A new study uses machine learning to predict how pristine biochar affects soil phosphorus availability under different conditions. The model identifies key factors such as pyrolysis temperature and application rate that influence phosphorus regulation, suggesting a more precise approach to biochar use.
Researchers found that atoms on certain gold surfaces naturally rearrange themselves into protective patterns that suppress reactions with oxygen. This discovery helps explain why gold jewelry and objects can remain untarnished for centuries.
Researchers used machine-learning-enhanced molecular simulations to show pristine graphene is intrinsically hydrophobic. Water molecules adopt configurations characteristic of hydrophobic surfaces near graphene, and thicker layers are even more strongly hydrophobic.
The partnership aims to establish a next-generation C1 biofoundry at DTU to convert CO2, CO, and methane into valuable products. This technology has the potential to reduce industrial emissions and enable circular, climate-positive solutions.
Researchers develop solar-powered technology to convert plastic waste into valuable fuels, including hydrogen and syngas, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and addressing pollution challenges.
Researchers developed a new method to recover critical minerals using simple magnets, which streamlines the process while reducing energy consumption. The technique exploits small differences in magnetic susceptibility to drive selective transport and separation.
Scientists at Kyushu University have developed a simple method to produce hydrogen gas by mixing methanol with iron ions and irradiating it with UV light. The reaction produces a considerable amount of hydrogen gas comparable to that of previously reported systems, opening up new possibilities for sustainable hydrogen technologies.
A new NMR method has enabled the direct observation of heterochalcogen bonds in redox systems, revealing strong redox activity. This innovative approach allows for the generation and characterization of trichalcogenide molecules containing sulfur, selenium, or tellurium.
Researchers analyzed the teeth of four European straight-tusked elephants, discovering they migrated up to 300km before reaching their final habitat. The study suggests organized hunting and cooperation between Neanderthals and the elephants.
Researchers developed a new catalyst strategy that uses BaSi2 as a support for nickel and cobalt to decompose ammonia at lower temperatures. This enables high hydrogen-production activity at reduced temperatures, matching the performance of ruthenium while relying on Earth-abundant metals.
Researchers have developed a new chemistry-based strategy to localize therapeutic drugs to tumors, reducing harm to healthy tissues. The 'lock-and-key' system uses biorthogonal supramolecular chemistry to release drugs in specific locations, offering a potential path to safer and more precise cancer treatment.
Researchers at Penn State develop novel technology to isolate and recover dysprosium, a critical rare earth element used in semiconductors and other applications. The new approach uses cellulose-based nanocellulose to selectively separate dysprosium from other elements, promoting a more environmentally friendly and efficient method.
A University of Waterloo scientist and international collaborators found that airborne mineral dust promotes algae growth on the Greenland ice sheet, exacerbating melting. The study reveals that phosphorus in the dust fuels the growth of pigmented glacier algae.
Researchers discovered that a significant drop in calcium levels in the ocean led to a massive decrease in carbon dioxide, driving global cooling and ending the planet's greenhouse era. The study suggests that changes in seawater chemistry played a key role in shaping climate history.
The University of Birmingham has launched a new facility for separating and recycling rare earth magnets, reducing the UK's reliance on imports. The facility uses an innovative hydrogen-based process that can recover over 400kg of rare earth alloy per batch.
Chonnam National University scientists use an engineered enzyme to convert formaldehyde into L-glyceraldehyde, a valuable chiral C3 compound. The novel approach demonstrates how enzyme engineering can turn pollution into useful building blocks for medicine and industry.
Researchers developed MatAgent, an AI framework that leverages a large language model to design new inorganic materials. The system uses natural language reasoning and explains its decisions in plain language, making the design process more efficient and transparent.
Scientists create a corralled supercooled liquid by controlling the number of stationary atoms within a liquid, leading to an unusual phase of matter. The discovery could revolutionize our understanding of catalysts and lead to the design of self-cleaning materials.
Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a new reaction using main-group element gallium to synthesize important building-block molecules. The discovery uses earth-abundant elements, potentially easing reliance on rare-earth metals and reducing environmental costs.
A new method for detecting illicit drugs on surfaces uses common household items to identify both the type and quantity of substances, achieving high levels of sensitivity and selectivity. The process reduces toxic chemicals and is faster, simpler, and more environmentally sustainable than existing methods.
Researchers at Chiba University developed a novel isotope-based method to detect and identify selenium-containing compounds, revealing new biological roles of selenium. The technique uses multiple isotopic signatures simultaneously, reducing errors and improving detection reliability.
Researchers developed a biochar-based material that dramatically improves nitrate removal from agricultural soils and water, maximizing both nitrate adsorption and ammonium retention. The optimized composite achieved nitrate reduction rates as high as 71 percent and increased ammonium retention by 53 percent compared to biochar alone.
Prof. Weihong Yang explores innovative strategies to replace fossil-based materials with sustainable, bio-based graphite in lithium-ion batteries and other electrochemical systems. The webinar provides key insights into converting bioprecursors into fossil-free graphite.
Researchers at UNH have created a searchable database of 67,573 magnetic materials using AI, including 25 previously unrecognized compounds. The Northeast Materials Database aims to reduce reliance on rare earth elements and lower the cost of electric vehicles.
A new study reveals the rules of protein tolerance to dehydration and rehydration, identifying key traits such as surface chemistry and function. The research enables novel protein design and potential applications in biotechnology, including extended shelf life for therapeutics and food.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers reveals that some elements' semicore electrons can participate in bonding under just a few gigapascals of pressure, far lower than previously thought. This finding challenges traditional notions of core electron behavior and may have implications for our understanding of planetary evolution.
A new study has revealed chemical signatures of ancient Martian microbial life in the Bright Angel formation, a region of Jezero Crater known for its fine-grained mudstones rich in oxidized iron and organic carbon. The findings suggest that early microorganisms may have played a role in shaping these rocks through redox reactions.
Researchers in Chinese cities have found a distinct chemical regime governing the formation of secondary organic aerosols, driven by high VOC concentrations and gaseous nitrous acid. This shift is attributed to complex interactions between atmospheric environmental factors, which accelerate SOA formation and intensify regional pollution.
Researchers developed a new test to measure calcium digestibility in poultry feed, reflecting results of an older method, and found that both tests offer reliable results. The study's findings could help poultry producers optimize feed efficiency and reduce losses by millions of dollars.
The study reveals a connection between the size of pores in graphite and its swelling and degradation under radiation. Researchers found that irradiated samples showed a fractal self-similarity in their pore structures, which could lead to more accurate predictions of graphite's lifespan in nuclear reactors.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a smart plastic that can self-heal and adapt to extreme conditions, making it ideal for aerospace and automotive applications. The material's unique properties allow it to restore its shape after deformation, improve vehicle safety, and reduce environmental waste.
Researchers developed nanosized, porous oxyhalide photocatalysts that achieve record performance in producing hydrogen from water and converting carbon dioxide to formic acid using sunlight. The breakthrough offers a scalable, eco-friendly approach to solar fuel production by carefully controlling particle size and structure.
A novel copper nanocluster has been developed, demonstrating high stability and exceptional selectivity in electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reactions. The incorporation of a single Cu(0) atom into the cluster significantly alters its electronic landscape, leading to improved product selectivity.
Researchers at University of California, Riverside, found that symmetrical silicon molecules can be fine-tuned for quantum electron behavior, turning conductivity on or off like a molecular-scale switch. This discovery could lead to ultra-small switches and thermoelectric devices, revolutionizing electronics.
A USC-developed shipboard system using limestone and seawater can remove up to half of carbon dioxide emitted from shipping vessels, cutting maritime CO2 emissions by 50%. The process mimics a natural chemical reaction in the ocean, where CO2 is absorbed into water pumped onboard and then neutralized through a bed of limestone.
A new seaborgium isotope, seaborgium-257, has been discovered at the GSI/FAIR accelerator facilities. The research team detected 22 decays of the nucleus and measured its half-life as 12.6 milliseconds.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing a new method to recover rare earth elements from old electronics, such as tablets and phones, using solid-phase extraction technology. This method aims to reduce energy use, cut down on solvents, and streamline the process, making it more environmentally friendly and commercially viable.
Rasika Dias, a renowned chemist at UTA, has been named a 2025 fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for his groundbreaking contributions to chemical sciences. He is the second chemistry faculty member to receive this honor.
Researchers engineered a human gut bacterium to detoxify methylmercury, reducing its levels in the intestine, brain, and liver of mice fed a diet rich in fish. The study suggests that a probiotic could one day increase the benefits of eating fish, making it safer for people to consume seafood.
A new recycling process for silicones has been developed, reducing environmental impacts by bringing materials back to an earlier state. The chemical recycling method gives direct access to high-quality silicone materials without loss of properties, making it a game-changer for the sector.
Research teams at Alcal'Hylab joint laboratory are working on designing next-generation materials for boosting green hydrogen production, combining the benefits of alkaline water electrolysis and polymer membrane technology. The goal is to produce ultra-pure gas with high yield while minimizing carbon footprint and pollutants.
The study identifies a new area where a correction for the self-interaction error breaks down, allowing researchers to pinpoint flaws and develop solutions. By refining DFT, scientists can design better catalysts, leading to improvements in fields such as food production and technology.
Researchers have developed cost-effective and efficient water-splitting catalysts using cobalt and tungsten, which surprisingly increase in performance over time. The unique self-optimization process involves changes in the chemical nature of the catalyzing oxide, leading to improved activity and reduced overpotentials.
A new photocatalytic chemical mechanical polishing (PCMP) slurry has been developed for Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) polishing, resulting in exceptionally smooth surfaces with minimal damage. The Material Removal Rate (MRR) peaks at 1168 nm·h−1, emphasizing the efficiency and effectiveness of this advanced polishing technique.
Researchers developed AshPhos, a ligand that facilitates the formation of carbon-nitrogen bonds using inexpensive materials. The tool has potential applications in pharmaceuticals, nanomaterials, and degrading PFAS pollutants.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a new method to break down PFAS, a group of human-made 'forever' chemicals. The system uses an LED light-based photocatalytic approach that can be used at room temperature, offering a more sustainable and efficient solution than traditional chemical manufacturing processes.
Using laser spectroscopy techniques, researchers traced the evolution of fermium nuclei's nuclear charge radius as neutrons were added. The results indicate a reduced influence of localized nuclear shell effects on the nucleus's size.