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Chonnam University researchers discover how a century-old solvent can solve efficient amide synthesis

Researchers at Chonnam National University discovered a century-old solvent, dichloromethane, can efficiently synthesize amide bonds. The breakthrough method enables scalable and cost-effective amide synthesis, reducing waste and using benign byproducts.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2026

Wasted pumpkin peel can keep your food fresh

Researchers at Kyushu University developed a new food preservation solution using pumpkin peel, creating a nanomaterial that slows deterioration of fruit and reduce transport damage. The material showed good biocompatibility and was effective in suppressing microbial growth and preserving freshness.

SourceKyushu University·JournalFood Research International·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2026

EU rules could make fossil-free aviation fuels unnecessarily expensive and energy-intensive

The EU's plans for domestic production of fossil-free aviation fuels risk steering development towards more expensive and energy-intensive pathways. A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the current regulatory framework favours combustion-based alternatives over gasification, leading to increased costs and energy use.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalFuel·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2026

Researchers warn of risks posed by ‘contaminants of emerging concern’ found in crops, agricultural soil

A new study reveals that even low concentrations of pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and other chemicals can subtly alter plant physiology and disrupt soil health, posing wider environmental and human health risks. The review emphasizes the need for stronger regulation and redesign of chemicals to make them safer.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPlants People Planet·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 1, 2026

Synergistic ultramicropore-confined and electronic-state modulation strategies in sustainable lignin-derived hard carbon for robust sodium-ion batteries

Researchers develop synergistic ultramicropore-confined and electronic-state modulation strategies in sustainable lignin-derived hard carbon to achieve robust sodium-ion batteries. The material exhibits high reversible capacity and initial Coulombic efficiency, making it a promising anode candidate.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateMar 1, 2026

Hanbat National University researchers present new technique to boost solid oxide fuel cell performance

Hanbat National University researchers have developed a new method for enhancing the performance of solid oxide fuel cells by inducing cobalt exsolution in high-temperature oxidizing atmospheres. This process results in improved electrochemical properties and higher oxygen reduction reaction activity, making it a promising direction fo...

SourceHanbat National University Industry–University Cooperation Foundation·JournalJournal of Power Sources·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2025

A novel technology to control crystallinity of pore walls

A team of researchers from Waseda University has developed a novel technology to control the crystallinity of pore walls in single-crystalline nanoporous metal oxides. The method, known as chemical-vapor-based confined crystal growth (C3), allows for simultaneous control of the material's composition, porous structure, and crystal size.

SourceWaseda University·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2025

Revolutionizing hydrogen fluoride synthesis: Scalable and safer generation

Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology have developed a scalable and safer method to generate hydrogen fluoride, eliminating the need for pressurized HF gas and corrosive liquid reagents. The new fluorinating complexes can be used for pharmaceuticals, functional materials, and molecular probes.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2025

Green chemistry milestone: fluorine complexes from common fluoride salt

A team of researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan, has developed a novel fluorinating quaternary ammonium complex with extremely low hygroscopicity, making it an excellent reagent for electrochemical fluorination. The new agent was synthesized by combining KF with tetrabutylammonium bromide and showed promise in pharma...

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2025

Understanding carbon traps

Researchers have discovered a zinc-based metal-organic framework (MOF) that efficiently captures CO2 while resisting interference from water. The study reveals the unique adaptability of CALF-20 under varying conditions, making it a promising solution for industrial carbon capture

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2025

A smarter way to make sulfones: Using molecular oxygen and a functional catalyst

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo developed a novel catalyst that efficiently produces sulfones at low temperatures, achieving high selectivity and reducing precious metal consumption. The new SrMn₁₋xRu_xO₃ catalyst offers significant advantages over conventional systems, making it suitable for various industries.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2025

Synthesis of a cost-effective, high-durability non-noble metal alloy anode as an alternative to iridium oxide anodes

Researchers developed a high-entropy alloy anode composed of nine non-precious metal elements, demonstrating remarkable durability and low production cost. The new anode outperforms conventional iridium oxide anodes in organic hydride electrolytic synthesis, potentially advancing large-scale hydrogen supply chain development.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalChemSusChem·DateNov 5, 2024

People’s exposure to toxic chemicals declined in the U.S. following listing under California law

A study found that levels of toxic chemicals in people's bodies decreased both in California and nationwide following the listing of over 850 chemicals under Proposition 65. This decline suggests that the law has led to widespread reformulation of products, reducing exposure to harmful substances.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 29, 2024

Synthetic fuels and chemicals from CO₂: Ten experiments in parallel

Empa researchers have developed a system to investigate up to ten different reaction conditions for producing synthetic fuels from CO2. The system accelerates the discovery process by generating a large number of high-quality datasets, enabling scientists to make accelerated discoveries.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024