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Nanoparticles -- small but unique

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new experimental approach called plasmonic nanospectroscopy to study individual nanoparticles. This method reveals significant differences in properties between seemingly identical particles, which could lead to improved hydrogen sensors for fuel cell cars.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 7, 2015

NIST calculates high cost of hydrogen pipelines, shows how to reduce it

NIST researchers found that hydrogen-specific steel pipelines can cost 68% more than natural gas pipelines due to damage caused by hydrogen over time. However, they also propose modifying industry codes to allow the use of higher-strength steel alloys without thicker pipe walls, resulting in a net cost reduction.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateJul 20, 2015

Inhospitable climate fosters gold ore formation

The gold deposits in the Witwatersrand Basin are thought to have formed through a process involving volcanic rain, anoxic rivers, and ancient life forms. This theory reconciles previous debates between placer gold and hydrothermal hypothesis theories.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 4, 2015

Emissions-free cars get closer

Researchers have discovered that hydrogen binding energy is the most important factor predicting the rate of the fuel-cell reaction, enabling the design of new catalyst materials. Alkaline polymers are being explored as a potential solution to create less expensive electrocatalysts that work well in an alkaline environment.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2015

New window on the early universe

Researchers at the University of Bonn and Cardiff develop a new observational strategy for imaging extremely distant galaxies, using ALMA radio telescope data. This method improves upon previous efforts by accurately estimating molecular hydrogen presence in these galaxies, providing insights into galaxy formation and star creation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 22, 2014

What lit up the universe?

Researchers from UCL and collaborators aim to determine whether numerous small galaxies or rare quasars produce more ultraviolet light. A forthcoming survey will analyze detailed measurements of a million distant quasars to map the neutral hydrogen gas in the universe, revealing its history.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 27, 2014

Flexible tapes from the nanoworld

Researchers at Technical University of Munich successfully assembled chains of up to 90 porphine units using a silver surface, opening doors for the development of ordered long molecular structures. These 'tapes' have potential applications in electronic devices and data storage.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 13, 2014

RUB chemists develop novel catalyst with 2 functions

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new type of catalyst that can facilitate two opposite reactions: electrolysis of water and combustion of hydrogen with oxygen. This catalyst has the potential to make regenerative fuel cells and rechargeable metal-air batteries more cost-efficient.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 9, 2014

A tale of survival

Shortfin molly fish populations have evolved genetic changes that enable them to thrive in hydrogen sulphide-rich springs. The adaptations involve changes in the cox1 and cox3 genes, allowing the fish to maintain COX activity under high H2S concentrations.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2014

Sunlight generates hydrogen in new porous silicon

Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to manufacture porous silicon using solar energy, which can generate hydrogen from water when exposed to sunlight. The material's high surface area and nanoscale size enable it to act as an effective catalyst, aiding in the production of hydrogen gas.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2014

Researchers discover how soils control atmospheric hydrogen

Soil bacteria, such as Mycobacterium smegmatis, use enzymes to efficiently scavenge hydrogen from the atmosphere, ramping up activity when carbon-based energy sources are scarce. This discovery has implications for understanding global climate processes and developing new catalysts for hydrogen fuel cells.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2014

Laying down a discerning membrane

Researchers at the University of South Carolina have developed a graphene oxide membrane less than 2 nanometers thick with high permeation selectivity between hydrogen and carbon dioxide gas molecules. The team's method allows for uniform coverage without inter-flake leaks, enabling thinner membranes that can efficiently separate gases.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2013

How does hydrogen metallize?

New calculations predict hydrogen takes on a series of structures under high pressure, forming transparent metal layers that make detection difficult. The findings suggest the line between metal and non-metal in hydrogen is blurrier than previously thought, requiring advanced experimental techniques to detect.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013

Concerted proton hopping in water

Researchers analyze proton diffusion mechanism using theoretical calculations, finding that protons hop quickly between water molecules, followed by rest periods. The discovery may be relevant to enzymes and macromolecules, improving understanding of proton transfer in aqueous systems.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2013

Fusion helped by collision science

Researchers applied Deutsch–Märk and Binary-Encounter-Bethe methods to beryllium and its derivatives. The calculations provide improved understanding of electron impact ionization cross sections (EICS) for the ITER fusion chamber.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJan 11, 2013