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Scaling up the power of nanotechnology

The team created a proof-of-concept nanocapsule capable of delivering specific payloads to targeted locations, with potential applications in drug delivery, nutrient transport, and other fields. By using calcium metal ions as building blocks, they can generate identical reservoirs for different substances.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalChemical Science·DateSep 21, 2023

New study highlights feasibility and optimization of ammonia-based power generation for carbon neutrality

A recent study evaluates the feasibility of ammonia-based power generation through techno-economic and carbon footprint analyses. The research reveals an impressive energy efficiency rate of 46.7% within the designed power generation process, with costs and greenhouse gas emissions considered.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateSep 8, 2023

MSU research shows table salt could be the secret ingredient for better chemical recycling

Table salt has been found to outperform expensive catalysts in the pyrolysis process, which breaks down plastics into simpler compounds. The researchers' findings have significant implications for reducing costs and increasing efficiency in plastic recycling, with potential applications in industries such as packaging and energy.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·DateSep 8, 2023

Can an artificial nose detect food spoilage?

A new artificial olfactory system, integrated on a single chip, detects food spoilage by identifying low levels of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia gases. The system tracks freshness scores in real-time during the spoilage process.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Science·DateSep 5, 2023

NTU Singapore scientists develop a sustainable method to produce lactic acid, indispensable in industrial food production, using waste jackfruit seeds

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University have developed a sustainable method to produce lactic acid using discarded jackfruit seeds. The new process is cheaper and more efficient, reducing waste and environmental impact while addressing rising production costs.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

NTU Singapore scientists develop a sustainable way to convert kale waste into products for health and personal care

A new technique converts kale waste into phytochemicals for use in health and personal care products, preserving potency and using non-toxic solvents. The method reduces energy consumption and emissions, making it attractive for industry adoption and supporting a circular economy.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSeparation and Purification Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop highly efficient organometal halide perovskite photoelectrodes for water splitting

Researchers have developed a highly efficient organometal halide perovskite photoanode that suppresses internal and external losses associated with photoelectrochemical water splitting, enhancing reaction kinetics. The new design achieves an unprecedented applied bias photon-to-current conversion efficiency of 12.79%.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2023

Novel Raman technique breaks through 50 years of frustration

A novel Raman technique called thermostable-Raman-interaction-profiling (TRIP) allows for label-free and highly reproducible Raman spectroscopy measurements, breaking a 50-year-old challenge. The TRIP method enables the detection of protein-ligand interactions in real-time, potentially shortening drug and vaccine testing timelines.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2023

A whole new dimension for 3D printing

The new method creates complex 3D shapes in seconds by applying heat to pre-folded flat sheets with origami patterns. This innovation has the potential to mitigate issues with traditional 3D printing, such as material wastage and long print times, and can be used in various fields like fashion, disaster recovery, and more.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2023

Redox-based transistor as a reservoir system for neuromorphic computing

Researchers develop an ionic device utilizing redox reactions to achieve a high number of reservoir states, enabling efficient complex nonlinear operations. The device demonstrated remarkable performance in solving second-order nonlinear dynamic equations and predicting future values with low mean square prediction error.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2023

New recipes for better solar fuel production

A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers improve the solubility of redox molecules for enhanced energy storage systems

Researchers from GIST have developed a hydrotropic-supporting electrolyte to enhance the solubility of organic redox molecules in aqueous systems. This improvement enables the creation of high-energy-density electrochemical capacitors with potential applications in redox flow batteries.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

New priming method improves battery life, efficiency

Researchers at Rice University developed a new priming method to optimize prelithiation in silicon anodes, improving battery life cycles by up to 44% and energy density. The method uses stabilized lithium metal particles with surfactants, enabling more stable SEI layer formation and reduced lithium depletion.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

NTU Singapore scientists discover why wavy wounds heal faster than straight wounds

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University found that cells near wavy shaped wounds moved in a swirling manner, while those near straight wounds moved in straight lines. This discovery reveals that the swirling motion is crucial for gap-bridging and accelerates wound healing in wavy wounds.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2023

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 warn: When restoring historical paintings, be careful with polar solvents

Researchers warn conservators about the risks of polar solvents containing water in historical oil paintings. Traces of water accelerate the formation of metal soap crystals, reducing mechanical stability and causing paint to crack and flake. The study provides a new spectroscopic method to estimate zinc soap crystallization risk.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2023

Why icicles are rippled

Researchers found that salt concentration is crucial for icicle ripple formation. With increasing salt levels, ripples become stronger and more visible. This discovery explains the rippled patterns on gutters and car bumpers during winter.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateFeb 7, 2023

Researchers use lead recycled from car batteries to make photodetectors

A team of researchers developed an efficient strategy to recycle lead from discarded car batteries, creating a new market for recycled lead in high-tech equipment. The resulting photodetectors show excellent stability and fast response speeds, with potential applications in optical communication, chemical analysis, and imaging.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateFeb 2, 2023

New enzyme could mean better drugs

Rice University scientists identified a new Diels-Alderase enzyme, CtdP, which catalyzes the Diels-Alder reaction with precise stereochemistry control. This discovery could lead to improved pharmaceutical synthesis and development of more effective drugs.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

Nanoantennas directing a bright future

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed nanoantennas that significantly increase the efficiency and photoluminescence of white LEDs by replacing aluminum with titanium dioxide. This breakthrough enables the creation of intensely bright yet energy-saving solid-state lighting solutions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022