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CO2 recycling and efficient drug development—tackling two problems with one reaction

Scientists at Hokkaido University have developed an electrochemical method to recycle waste CO2 while producing molecules useful for drug development. The method utilizes an electron added to either the CO2 molecule or another molecule in the solution, making it easier to react with each other.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Metal mix and match: An unexpected discovery could improve the crystallinity of coordination nanosheets

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have discovered a method to improve the crystallinity of coordination nanosheets by mixing two metal ion solutions. This approach results in higher crystallinity and improved performance in devices such as electronics and batteries. The findings open a new pathway for tuning the functional pro...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Fueling a Hydrogen revolution

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a new technique for detecting hydrogen fuel cell failures using magnetic flux sensors. This breakthrough may lead to more reliable and efficient zero-emission vehicles with reduced carbon footprint.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalFuel Cells·DateFeb 9, 2022

Pusan National University scientists enhance durability of lithium-sulfur batteries with dyes

Researchers developed a novel coating material based on methylene blue dye to mitigate the polysulfide shuttling effect in lithium-sulfur batteries, improving their durability and electrochemical performance. This breakthrough could lead to the widespread adoption of sustainable energy storage systems.

SourcePusan National University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

New study suggests an alternative technique for determining the true activity of catalysts

Researchers from Waseda University have developed an alternative technique, sampled current voltammetry (SCV), to accurately determine the activity of electrocatalysts used in water-splitting reactions. The study shows that SCV can provide reliable measurements of electrocatalytic performance at constant steady-state applied voltages.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Power at sea: towards high-performance seawater batteries

A team of scientists from Korea Maritime and Ocean University has developed a novel synthesis route to produce a high-performance co-doped anode material for rechargeable seawater batteries. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient and sustainable maritime applications, including emergency power supply for coastal nuclear pl...

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Successful development of a material-based reservoir computing device and its application to robotics

A team of researchers has successfully developed a material-based reservoir computing device using single-walled carbon nanotubes and porphyrin-polyoxometalate composites. This innovation enables AI robots to classify grasped objects based on tactile signals, demonstrating the potential for energy-saving AI systems and situational awar...

SourceKyutech·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2022

New kid on the block: Cerium oxide nanozyme joins the pesticide detection taskforce, according to Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis study

Scientists develop a sensitive electrochemical detector using cerium oxide nanozyme to identify organophosphate pesticides in plants. The method provides an unprecedented wider linear range and a detection limit of 0.06 mmol/L, making it suitable for detecting trace amounts of pesticide residues.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

For the first time, DNA and proteins sensed by de novo-designed nanopore

Researchers in Japan have designed the first de novo-designed peptides that can form artificial nanopores to identify and enable single molecule-sorting of genetic material in a lipid membrane. The peptides can detect specific molecules, including DNA, and have the potential to mimic natural proteins' ability to detect specific proteins.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 24, 2021

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

3D printing approaches atomic dimensions

Researchers have developed a new electrochemical technique for printing metal objects at the nanoscale, achieving resolutions of up to 25 nanometres in diameter. This technology has vast potential applications in fields like microelectronics, sensor technology, and battery production.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

An ironclad future

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a new family of iron-based sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells, promising a low-cost supplement to traditional photovoltaic systems. The new materials achieve overall efficiency of 1 percent, but represent a milestone in further research and development.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalDalton Transactions·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021

Oxidation-tolerant solid electrolyte provides high energy capacity for Li2S cathode

Researchers at Osaka Prefecture University create a high-capacity Li2S-based positive electrode using an oxidation-tolerant solid electrolyte, bringing all-solid-state batteries closer to reality. The study found that the electrochemical window of solid electrolytes must exceed 0.2V for high energy capacity.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeNews article·DateOct 28, 2021

Intelligence emerging from random polymer networks

A team of researchers from Osaka University has designed a sulfonated polyaniline network for reservoir computing, achieving 70% accuracy in speech recognition tasks. The device uses an electrochemical approach and has potential applications in the development of artificial intelligence devices.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Electrochemistry amps up in pharma

Researchers use electrochemistry to synthesize difficult-to-make compounds and reduce waste and toxic byproducts compared to traditional chemical reagents. The ElectraSyn 2.0 module has enabled chemists to access the technology without electronics expertise, but scaling up production remains a challenge.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 6, 2019

Back to basics with thermoelectric power

Researchers found that electron diffusivity plays a crucial role in harnessing thermoelectric power from waste heat. The study sheds light on the fundamental physical process behind this phenomenon.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateApr 5, 2016

Electronic zippers control DNA strands

Researchers have invented a new way to zip and unzip DNA strands using electrochemistry, enabling fast control at constant temperatures without dramatic changes in solution conditions. This method uses DNA intercalators that bind differently to DNA depending on their electrical state, allowing for rapid and precise control.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 18, 2013