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BESSY II: New sample environment allows glimpse into thermocatalytic processes

A novel measurement cell enables in-situ/operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements under high pressures and temperatures, providing new insights into thermocatalytic processes such as the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The setup is suitable for investigating catalytic gas-solid reactions under realistic operating conditions.

New process turns mixed plastic waste directly into hydrogen fuel without sorting

A team of researchers has developed a new chemical approach that converts a mixture of the three most common plastics directly into high-purity hydrogen fuel at temperatures far below conventional gasification. The process locks carbon dioxide away as a solid mineral without releasing the greenhouse gas into the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2026

A Csp–π–d conjugated system enables a breakthrough in electrocatalytic oxygen reduction performance

Researchers develop Csp–π–d conjugated system to enhance oxygen reduction performance, outperforming platinum-based catalysts in stability and cost-effectiveness. The new catalyst facilitates electron transfer and weakens OH adsorption, promoting intermediate desorption and accelerating reaction kinetics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2026

New field study finds practical way to cut nitrogen pollution from tea plantations

A two-year field experiment in subtropical China shows that combining nitrogen transformation inhibitors with biochar can reduce harmful nitrogen gas emissions while supporting tea productivity. The treatment combining biochar and dual inhibitors also increased tea yield by 6.7% and plant nitrogen uptake by 14.4%.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

One photon, two reactions - new catalyst converts CO₂ and biowaste simultaneously

Researchers have developed a catalyst material that harnesses the energy of a single photon to reduce carbon dioxide and oxidize organic waste simultaneously. The process achieves high efficiencies of approximately 93% for CO2-to-formate conversion and around 95% for biomass oxidation, showcasing efficient utilization of photon energy.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026

Better batteries begin with optimized slurry processing

A new method using rheo-impedance spectroscopy links slurry shear conditions to battery performance, enabling data-driven optimization and improved manufacturing efficiency. The study found an optimal 'sweet spot' in processing conditions that balances breaking up particle clusters with maintaining electrical pathways.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Power Sources·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

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.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

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.

SourceKyushu University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2026

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.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

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.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025

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.

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.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalJournal of Thermal Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2025

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 20, 2025

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.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Reviews Chemistry·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 31, 2025

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.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2025