Chemical Processes

Better batteries begin with optimized slurry processing

WashU expert: Scaling up the circular economy

Prof Liu Bin named fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

Announcing the 2026 Laureates of the Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in Israel

Three young scientists in Israel have been awarded the prestigious Blavatnik Awards for their innovative research in chemistry, cancer biology, and astrophysics. Sergey Semenov, Uri Ben-David, and Paz Beniamini will each receive US$100,000 to advance their projects on complex materials, cancer treatments, and extreme cosmic events.

Scientists uncover new ‘in-between’ materials for solar fuels and batteries

Researchers identify previously unknown 'in-between' materials that can be used to design better solar fuels, batteries, and catalysis materials. The study reveals a series of hidden intermediate stages during heating, opening up new opportunities for material discovery and development.

Toward tougher, longer-lasting, more sustainable tires

Harvard engineers develop new method to preserve long molecular chains in natural rubber, resulting in composite materials that are both stiff and tough. The innovation has the potential to cut waste, reduce tire dust pollution, and open new avenues for high-performance elastomers.

Novel antimicrobial has potential in medicine and agriculture

A multidisciplinary research team has discovered a novel antimicrobial material with impressive potency against various fungal and bacterial pathogens. The sulfur-rich polymer material overcomes previous limitations and shows promise as a low-cost, effective medicine and agrichemical solution.

A simple way of making hydrogen from alcohol by using iron and UV light

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.

Researchers use large language models to discover recipes for novel materials

The researchers developed an AI-based method that allows users to input natural language prompts about the materials they want to create and suggests optimal procedures for experiments to produce them. The method has been successfully applied to identify catalysts for turning carbon dioxide and hydrogen into carbon monoxide and water u...

U-M study reveals nitrile and latex gloves may cause overestimation of microplastics

A University of Michigan study suggests that scientists wearing nitrile and latex gloves while measuring microplastics may overestimate the amount of tiny pollutants in air, water, and samples. The researchers recommend using cleanroom gloves instead to minimize contamination with stearates.

Major discovery sparks chain reactions in medicine, recyclable plastics - and more

Researchers have discovered a new chemical reaction that can be used to modify anti-tumor compounds, produce recyclable plastics, and develop new materials. The 'trisulfide metathesis reaction' is a clean, efficient method that can be completed within seconds.

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.

Non-destructive battery testing — New method developed with GSI participation

A new method has been developed to enable nondestructive diagnosis of the electrolyte in rechargeable batteries through the battery casing using special nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The technique, known as ZULF NMR, allows for the direct detection and quantification of electrolyte components without damaging the battery.

Green hydrogen without forever chemicals and iridium

Researchers in the EU project SUPREME are working on a PFAS-free electrolysis technology that can produce green hydrogen more sustainably and efficiently. The team is developing alternative materials to replace iridium, aiming to reduce its use by up to 75% and recycle 90% of it.

Researchers develop a high-efficiency photocatalyst using iron instead of rare metals

Nagoya University researchers have developed an iron-based alternative to expensive chiral ligands in metal-based photocatalysts, achieving a precise radical cation cyclization and the first total asymmetric synthesis of (+)-heitziamide A using blue LED light and abundant iron.

The Spanish Biophysical Society highlights a study by the EHU’s spectroscopy group

Researchers from EHU's spectroscopy group investigated prolinol's interactions with one, two, and three water molecules, finding that water acts as a conformational switch. The study connects the isolated molecule to behavior in solution, shedding light on how water affects biological systems.

Watching atoms roam before they decay

A team of researchers investigated electron-transfer-mediated decay (ETMD), a key process in radiation chemistry and biological damage. They found that atoms undergo pronounced roaming-like motion, reshaping molecular geometry and influencing decay timing.

Engineering a low-cost alternative catalyst for producing sustainable petrochemicals

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new way to harness the properties of tungsten carbide as a catalyst for producing valuable chemicals and fuels. The method, which involves carefully manipulating tungsten carbide particles at the nanoscale level, has shown promising results in reducing costs and increasing eff...

Scientists solve 66 million-year-old mystery of how Earth’s greenhouse age ended

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.

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.

Turning garden and crop waste into plastics

A new Junior Research Group at the University of Oldenburg aims to create fully biodegradable plastics from organic waste. The team will investigate various processes, including fermentation and downstreaming, to produce polybutylene succinate (PBS) based on polybutylene succinate.

Toxin-to-treasure: Chonnam National University scientists use engineered enzyme to turn formaldehyde pollutant into high-value chemical

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.

CatDRX: a novel AI model for discovery of chemical catalysts

Researchers developed CatDRX, a novel AI framework that integrates reaction data with catalyst performance to design new catalysts. The model accurately predicts catalytic activity and generates candidate structures worth testing in laboratory experiments.

An enzyme neutralizes pathogens by cleaving a bacterial toxin

Scientists at Leibniz-HKI discovered an enzyme called BurK that cleaves the toxic molecule malleicyprol in human pathogenic bacteria. This mechanism regulates toxin levels and renders it harmless to humans, offering a potential therapeutic approach for antibiotic-resistant infections.

Towards sustainable organic synthesis – Mechanochemistry replaces lithium with sodium in organic reactions

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed an environmentally friendly method to synthesize organosodium reagents using ball-milling mechanochemistry. This approach replaces traditional methods using highly reactive and toxic materials, offering a sustainable alternative in organic synthesis.

A new kind of copper from the research reactor

Scientists at TU Wien have created an alternative production method for Cu-64, a crucial copper isotope used in medicine. By harnessing recoil chemistry and utilizing a specially designed metal–organic complex, they can efficiently separate the desired isotope from ordinary copper.

Scientists use textile ash to create extremely strong cement

Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology have developed a new way to turn textile waste into energy and high-performance cement materials. The production of alternative fuel from textile waste can reduce CO2 emissions during cement production, while also providing an innovative approach to textile waste management.

When substrates dictate the route: Reaction conditions shape mechanistic pathways

A study by ICIQ and Ben-Gurion University reveals that deuterium source choice can steer hydrogen isotope exchange reactions along different mechanistic routes. The research combines detailed experiments with data science to uncover the importance of evaluating multiple deuterium sources.

New membrane sets record for separating hydrogen from CO2

A study at the University of Buffalo discovered a new membrane that separates hydrogen from CO2 with a record-breaking selectivity of 1,800, outperforming previous rates by 18 times. The crosslinked polyamines-based membrane also exhibits self-healing properties and stability under extreme conditions.

From light to logic

McMaster and Pittsburgh researchers have developed a soft material that can perform a NAND logic operation using only three beams of visible light. The breakthrough paves the way for autonomous systems with computation capabilities without traditional electronics.

Gas-switch reduction enables alloying in supported catalysts

Researchers discovered a simple method to synthesize diverse and performant supported catalysts by alloying metals via gas-switch-triggered reduction. The new approach demonstrated 18 times higher catalytic performance than monometallic catalysts, making it suitable for industrial processes.

Electrocatalysis with dual functionality – an overview

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have published an overview of hybrid electrocatalysis, a method that produces both green hydrogen and valuable organic compounds. Advanced methods such as X-ray absorption and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry enable real-time analysis of complex catalytic reactions.

Underwater thermal vents may have given rise to the first molecular precursors of life

Researchers recreated chemical reactions from 4 billion years ago, producing formic acid and acetic acid without enzymes. These findings support the hypothesis that underwater hydrothermal vents played a key role in the emergence of life.

Scientists discover clean and green way to recycle Teflon®

Researchers from Newcastle University and the University of Birmingham developed a low-energy, waste-free method to recycle Teflon by breaking down its strong carbon-fluorine bonds into harmless sodium fluoride. This process has significant implications for reducing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable fluorine chemistry.

Solar-powered method lights the way to a ‘de-fossilized’ chemical industry

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a hybrid device that combines light-harvesting organic polymers with bacterial enzymes to convert sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into formate, a fuel that can drive further chemical transformations. The new 'semi-artificial leaf' mimics photosynthesis and avoids toxic semico...

NTU Singapore and SMART scientists develop safer and more sustainable antimicrobials to prevent infection of cow udders

Researchers create novel compounds that kill bacteria in a new way, reducing the risk of side effects and environmental harm. The compounds have been shown to be effective in preventing bovine mastitis without affecting milk quality.

Using alcohol dehydrogenases for the clean synthesis of amides and thioesters

Researchers have developed an efficient way to synthesize valuable compounds using alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes. The enzymes catalyze the formation of amides and thioesters from alcohols and amines or thiols, offering a clean alternative to traditional methods.

Robots map chemical reaction “hyperspaces” to unlock complex networks

Researchers at CARS create detailed maps of chemical reactivity, discovering regions of unexpected outcomes and reconstructing intricate reaction networks. This new understanding enables control over the formation of different major products from a set of starting materials.

A new way to produce ammonia more efficiently

A new way to produce ammonia more efficiently has been discovered by boosting its production using low-temperature plasma. This method could create ammonia in smaller facilities closer to where it is needed, making it safer and easier to transport, and potentially leading to a transformative change in energy storage and transportation.

New UMaine research could help lower prescription drug costs

Researchers at the University of Maine Forest Bioproducts Research Institute have discovered a sustainable method to produce (S)-3-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone, a crucial building block in pharmaceuticals. This approach could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and production costs by up to 60%.

New paper links atmosphere and ocean in weathering, carbon dioxide removal

A new study found that land and ocean weathering processes are linked, influencing the amount of carbon stored or released into the atmosphere. The research proposes a continuum approach to studying weathering reactions on both land and in the ocean.

Researchers uncover potential biosignatures on Mars

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.

Liverpool's materials scientist Professor Matt Rosseinsky awarded Royal Medal for pioneering research

Professor Matt Rosseinsky, a leading researcher at the University of Liverpool, has been awarded the Royal Medal for his groundbreaking work in materials chemistry. His innovative approach uses artificial intelligence to design and discover new materials with unique properties.

Hydrogen from solar heat: who wins the race?

A team of researchers has discovered a novel oxide material that can produce high-efficiency clean hydrogen using only heat. The discovery was made possible by a new computational screening method and has the potential to transform industries such as methane reforming and battery recycling.

Scientists reveal how microbes collaborate to consume potent greenhouse gas

Researchers discovered a unique partnership between two microbes that work together as a living electrical network to consume methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The finding sheds light on how microorganisms naturally reduce methane emissions and could lead to innovative strategies to control methane release in various environments.

High-frequency molecular vibrations initiate electron movement

A team of scientists observed the earliest steps of ultrafast charge transfer in a complex dye molecule, with high-frequency vibrations playing a central role. The experiments showed that these vibrations initiate charge transport, while processes in the surrounding solvent begin only at a later stage.

Chiralization of metal-containing dyes upon mere encapsulation

Researchers developed molecular capsules that can impart strong chiral properties to inherently non-chiral metal-containing dyes. The capsules create flexible, adaptable chiral cavities that induce chirality without requiring chemical modifications.

Mizzou researchers shine UV light on the future of computer chips

Researchers at the University of Missouri have created a more efficient method for manufacturing computer chips using ultraviolet-enabled atomic layer deposition (UV-ALD). This approach reduces the number of manufacturing steps, saving time and materials, while also minimizing the use of harmful chemicals.

Catalyst cuts energy use in CO₂-to-ethylene conversion

A new copper-based catalyst with added cobalt dopants significantly reduces energy consumption in converting CO₂ to ethylene. The process delivers high ethylene output with over 25% energy efficiency and remains stable over long periods.

SwRI experiments may explain mysterious distribution of hydrogen peroxide on Europa

Scientists at SwRI conducted lab experiments to explain the mysterious distribution of hydrogen peroxide on Jupiter's icy moon Europa. The research found that trace amounts of CO2 in water ice can enhance hydrogen peroxide production, shedding light on the moon's habitability and chemical cycles.

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.

‘Super alcohol’ created by UH scientists in space-like lab reveals cosmic secrets

Researchers at University of Hawaii have successfully created methanetetrol, a molecule once thought too unstable to exist, using extreme conditions. This discovery sheds light on complex reactions happening in deep space and reveals a pathway for the formation of organic molecules across the galaxy.

USC technology may reduce shipping emissions by half

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.

New method to study catalysts could lead to better batteries

Scientists developed an algorithm that can accurately simulate atomic interactions on material surfaces, reducing the need for massive computing power. This breakthrough enables the analysis of complex chemical processes in just two percent of unique configurations, paving the way for improved battery performance.

Sea ice plays important role in variability of carbon uptake by Southern Ocean

Longer winter sea ice duration is associated with a 20% increase in atmospheric CO2 absorption by the Southern Ocean. Sea ice protects the ocean from strong winds, allowing it to absorb more CO2 during winter.

Textile materials designed for circularity

The teXirc project aims to create novel, scalable textile materials that are easily recyclable and biodegradable. The researchers will incorporate low-density functional groups into polyethylene-like crystallinity to enable efficient breakdown during recycling processes.

Controlling bacteria with light: from tackling antibiotic resistance to “bacterial robots”

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano have developed a system that allows bacteria to sense light and convert it into electrical signals without genetic modification. This method has the potential to develop next-generation antimicrobial platforms and biocompatible 'bacterial robots' for targeted drug delivery.

Rubber that resists cracking

Materials researchers at Harvard have created a way to produce natural rubber that retains its stretchiness and durability while improving its ability to resist cracking. The new material is four times better at resisting slow crack growth during repeated stretching and 10 times tougher overall.

New glow-in-the-dark molecule for imaging and security applications

Researchers designed a new chiral aminoborane molecule with persistent room-temperature phosphorescence and circularly polarised luminescence, ideal for anti-counterfeiting inks, bioimaging agents, and security tags. The molecule's rigid structure suppresses non-radiative decay, enabling long-lived emission.

Chemical synthesis driven by high pressure

Researchers have successfully synthesized high-performance materials using high pressure, including superhard and superconducting materials. The article highlights the potential of high-pressure chemistry for discovering new materials and phases, despite challenges remaining in terms of experimental costs and equipment operation.