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Study suggests energy-efficient route to capturing and converting CO2

Researchers at MIT developed an electrochemical process that captures and converts CO2 in a single step, reducing energy consumption. The system can be powered by renewable electricity, making it suitable for industrial processes with no obvious renewable alternative.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Catalysis·DateSep 7, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

How mercury emissions from industry can be greatly reduced

Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology have created a new method for removing mercury from concentrated sulphuric acid, reducing levels by more than 90%. This innovation could lead to reduced mercury emissions and the production of high-purity, non-toxic products in industries such as mining and metal refining.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalACS ES&T Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2023

Electrochemical device captures carbon dioxide at the flick of a switch

A new electrochemical device developed by Rice University engineers can capture carbon dioxide directly from sources like flue gas to the atmosphere using electricity. The system has efficiency above 98% and requires minimal electricity input, making it a promising front for climate change mitigation.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New catalyst design for electrocatalytic acetylene semihydrogenation

Researchers at USTC developed an undercoordinated Cu nanodots catalyst for electrocatalytic acetylene semihydrogenation, achieving over 90% Faradaic efficiency and continuous synthesis of polymer-grade ethylene. The catalyst outperforms traditional thermocatalytic methods with lower energy consumption and compact reactor design.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2023

New concept for lithium-air batteries

Researchers are working on a new concept for lithium-air batteries that could lead to significant improvements in energy storage capacity. A collaborative project in Germany aims to test new materials and components to enhance the stability of these battery cells. The goal is to overcome technical challenges such as unstable electrolyt...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·DateMay 5, 2023

Shedding light on mechanisms of electrochemical energy storage

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a new method that combines UV-visible spectroscopy with cyclic voltammetry to track ion movement in batteries and supercapacitors. This breakthrough could lead to the design of higher performing energy storage devices.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Bacterial route to cleaner catalysis

A team of researchers at KAUST has developed a biological method to produce size-controlled palladium nanoclusters anchored on the surface of Geobacter sulfurreducens, outperforming benchmark catalysts in water-splitting reactions. This eco-friendly approach could provide a sustainable solution for high-performance catalysis.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMar 16, 2023

Chemical crossover accelerates degradation of lithium electrode in high energy density rechargeable lithium–oxygen batteries

Researchers at NIMS found that a lithium negative electrode degrades rapidly during charge/discharge cycles, causing overpotential and short cycle life. Using a lightweight protective layer, they extended the battery's cycle life without compromising its high energy density.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023

Illinois Tech assistant professor publishes paper in Science on novel chemistry behind ultra-high power density batteries

Assistant Professor Mohammad Asadi has published a paper in Science describing the chemistry behind his novel lithium-air battery design, which could store one kilowatt-hour per kilogram or higher. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize heavy-duty vehicles such as airplanes, trains, and submarines.

SourceIllinois Institute of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Novel protective layer for catalysts developed by GIST scientists improves life and performance

A team of researchers from GIST created a protection layer for nickel-iron catalysts using tetraphenylporphyrin, increasing their life and performance. This innovation reduces the dissolution of iron atoms during oxygen evolution reactions, resulting in prolonged hydrogen production.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

X-rays reveal elusive chemistry for better EV batteries

Researchers at Brookhaven Lab and PNNL develop a new method to study the solid-electrolyte interphase in lithium metal batteries, revealing its convoluted chemistry. The team's findings provide a foundation for building more effective battery cells with higher energy density.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 5, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

CityU develops two novel hydrogen production catalysts based on mineral gel and "crystalline-amorphous" dual-phase nano-aluminium alloy

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a new ultra-stable hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalyst based on two-dimensional mineral gel nanosheets. The catalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity and long-term durability, with an overpotential of only 38.5 mV at 10 mA cm−2.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

CityU chemists boost eco-friendly battery performance using catalysts with unconventional phase nanostructures

Researchers have discovered an innovative way to enhance the energy efficiency of metal-carbon dioxide batteries by introducing unconventional phase nanomaterials as catalysts. The novel design boosts battery energy efficiency up to 83.8%, contributing to carbon-neutral goals.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022

Membranes help multiply microbial CO2 munching

Researchers at KAUST developed conductive membranes that stimulate microbial growth and separate biochemical products, reducing the CO2 conversion time from over 30 days to just one month. The membranes use nickel nanoparticles to catalyze hydrogen production, enhancing efficiency and stability in microbial electrosynthesis systems.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateSep 20, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

“Volcano-shaped” trend enables rational design of polysulfide catalysts in lithium–sulfur batteries

Researchers discovered a 'volcano-shaped' relationship between polysulfide adsorption and catalytic activity in lithium-sulfur batteries. This finding modifies the long-standing principle that strong adsorption leads to good catalytic activity, suggesting catalysts should be designed separately to improve performance.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJun 16, 2022

Electrochemical synthesis now possible without electric power source

A team of researchers has developed a proof-of-concept for electrochemical polymerization without an external power supply, opening up new avenues for environmentally-friendly synthesis reactions. The innovation uses streaming potential-driven electrochemistry to achieve organic synthesis.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Solar hydrogen: Better photoelectrodes through flash heating

Scientists have created new photoelectrode materials with improved performance by rapidly heating metal-oxide thin films to high temperatures without damaging the underlying glass substrate. This breakthrough increases the efficiency of solar water splitting and has potential applications for producing 'green' hydrogen and quantum dots.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New flow battery stores power in simple organic compound

Scientists at the University of Groningen have designed a new type of flow battery that stores power in a simple organic compound. This breakthrough addresses the limitations of traditional flow batteries, which contain rare metals and are expensive.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

A new, inexpensive catalyst speeds the production of oxygen from water

Researchers at MIT have developed a new, inexpensive catalyst material that can produce oxygen from water, potentially replacing rare metals and reducing the cost of producing carbon-neutral fuels. The material, made of abundant components, allows for precise tuning and matches or exceeds the performance of conventional catalysts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 25, 2022

Towards self-sensing soft robots with electrochemically driven pumps

A team of researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology has developed a transducer powered by electrochemical reactions to drive fluid pumps without cumbersome parts in soft robots. The ECDT enables self-sensing technology, enhancing the multifunctionality of soft robots and allowing for miniaturization.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Chemists find path to cheap deployment of hydrogen fuel cells

Cornell University chemists have developed a class of nonprecious metal derivatives that can efficiently power cars and generate electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. The breakthrough could enable wider deployment of hydrogen fuel cells, replacing combustion engines and reducing waste.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 3, 2022

Developing high-performance MXene electrodes for next-generation powerful battery

Scientists from City University of Hong Kong successfully developed battery-like electrochemical Nb2CTx MXene electrodes with stable voltage output and high energy density. The findings break the performance bottleneck of MXene devices, exhibiting superior rate capability, durable cyclic performance, and high energy density.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Researchers reveal multi-path mechanism in electrochemical CO2 reduction

A research group synthesized a Pb-alloyed Cu catalyst, showing high activity for electrochemical CO2 reduction with selectivity to formate. The study reveals a multi-path mechanism for CO2 reduction through COOH* and HCOO* intermediates.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 16, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Scientists show a single catalyst can perform the first step of turning CO2 into fuel in two very different ways

Researchers at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have created a new catalyst that accelerates the first step in turning carbon dioxide into fuel in two different ways: with heat and electricity. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and sustainable production of chemicals and fuels by reducing greenh...

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Controlling bubble formation on electrodes

Researchers at MIT have discovered three ways bubbles form and release from porous electrodes, which can be controlled by adjusting surface treatment. The team found that the wettability of the surface is crucial in determining bubble formation, allowing for precise control over system performance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateMar 26, 2021

Monitoring the lifecycle of tiny catalyst nanoparticles

Scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum created a new approach to observe nanoparticles before, during and after electrochemical reactions. The method allowed them to monitor the structure and composition changes of individual particles throughout their entire lifecycle.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 3, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Current generation via quantum proton transfer

Researchers from NIMS and Hokkaido University discovered that proton transfer in electrochemical reactions is governed by the quantum tunneling effect, revealing a novel physical process. This breakthrough may accelerate basic research leading to highly efficient electrochemical energy conversion systems based on quantum mechanics.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 1, 2019

2D materials may enable electric vehicles to get 500 miles on a single charge

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed 15 new types of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides that can act as catalysts in lithium-air batteries. These materials enable batteries to store up to 10 times more energy and charge faster, potentially increasing electric vehicle range to 400-500 miles on a single charge.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 10, 2019

Metallic nanocatalysts imitate the structure of enzymes

A team of researchers has successfully replicated the internal channel structures of natural enzymes in metallic nanoparticles, resulting in three times greater catalytic activity. The study focused on the oxygen reduction reaction and found that active centers within the channels enhanced reaction efficiency.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 8, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

New catalyst upgrades carbon dioxide to fuels found by USTC

Researchers have developed a catalyst that converts CO2 into liquid alcohols like ethanol and propanol, offering a potential solution for renewable transportation fuels. The new catalyst design enhances CO2 reduction by incorporating sulfur atoms and copper vacancies, inspiring more efficient catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJun 25, 2018

Wrap an electrode material for Li-ion battery into the inner spacing of carbon nanotube

A new electrode material for lithium-ion batteries with high capacity has been proposed using phosphorus-encapsulated carbon nanotubes. The electrodes showed an improvement in electrochemical reactivity and reversible charge-discharge reactions, resulting in capacities two times higher than that of graphite used in commercial LIBs.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateMay 7, 2018

Nano-spike catalysts convert carbon dioxide directly into ethanol

Researchers at ORNL developed a nanoscale catalyst that converts carbon dioxide directly into ethanol with high selectivity. The process uses low-cost materials and operates at room temperature in water, making it suitable for industrially relevant applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalChemistrySelect·DateOct 12, 2016

Stanford-led team reveals nanoscale secrets of rechargeable batteries

A Stanford-led team has devised a way to visualize the fundamental building blocks of lithium-ion batteries, revealing a complex process that was previously understood in average terms. The study could lead to better battery designs and longer lifetimes by improving uniformity and reducing mechanical stress.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 4, 2016

Researchers prove surprising chemistry inside a potential breakthrough battery

A new prototype lithium-air battery has been shown to produce only lithium superoxide, not peroxide, as it discharges, offering high efficiency and good cycle life. This discovery was made using a state-of-the-art mass spectroscopy apparatus that measures electrochemical reaction products in situ during charging or discharge.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Chemistry with sunlight

A new method combining electrochemistry and photovoltaics is being explored to clean up oxidation reactions. By harnessing solar energy, the need for toxic chemicals can be eliminated, reducing environmental harm. The research aims to make chemical synthesis more efficient and environmentally friendly.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJun 9, 2011

Technique monitors thousands of molecules simultaneously

A chemist at Washington University in St. Louis has developed a technique that allows for the simultaneous monitoring of up to 12,000 molecules on an electrochemically addressable computer chip. The method uses a polymer substrate and confining agents to selectively initiate chemical reactions on individual electrodes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 2, 2007

New stamping process creates metallic interconnects, nanostructures

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a simple electrochemical process for direct patterning of metallic interconnects and nanostructures. The S4 process uses a patterned superionic material as a stamp, etching a metallic film in a single step.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 21, 2007
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.