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Engineering a low-cost alternative catalyst for producing sustainable petrochemicals

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new way to harness the properties of tungsten carbide as a catalyst for producing valuable chemicals and fuels. The method, which involves carefully manipulating tungsten carbide particles at the nanoscale level, has shown promising results in reducing costs and increasing eff...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJan 22, 2026

Rare-Earth Europium substitution allows for more control over CO₂-to-fuel conversion

Researchers at AIMR discovered that Europium substitution in Cu2O catalysts allows for selective control of electrochemical CO2 reduction products. By leveraging the Eu3+/Eu2+ redox couple, they demonstrated how subtle changes in electronic structure can favor either C-C coupling or deep hydrogenation.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 12, 2025

DGIST transforms carbon dioxide, a major contributor to global warming, into a useful catalyst material!

Researchers developed a technology that efficiently converts carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide by precisely controlling the interaction between rhodium and a zinc-based carrier. This breakthrough enables selective conversion at lower temperatures than previously possible, increasing production rates of useful industrial materials.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 21, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

100% CO2 to Ch4 conversion achieved with non-precious Co@ZnO catalyst in hot water

Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University developed a novel hydrothermal CO2 methanation process using a non-precious Co@ZnO catalyst, achieving 100% conversion of CO2 to methane under optimized conditions. This innovation offers a sustainable and efficient solution for CO2 utilization in sustainable energy production.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2025

Metal catalysts can be valuable, even when they aren’t precious

A team from The University of Osaka has developed an efficient non-precious metal catalyst for converting biomass-derived furfural to tetrahydrofurfuryl compounds, achieving high yields under mild conditions.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2025

Synergistic Pd3Pt1 bimetallene for energy-efficient biomass conversion

A team of researchers has developed a new electrochemical catalyst that enables efficient biomass conversion to produce fuels and chemicals. The Pd3Pt1 bimetallene catalyst reduces energy consumption by up to 1V, resulting in a significant decrease in energy consumption.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateApr 8, 2025

Researchers improve chemical reaction that underpins products from foods to fuels

A team of researchers from Oregon State University and China has improved the chemical reaction that underpins a range of commercial and industrial goods. They created single-atom catalysts that demonstrate excellent catalytic activities, leading to record high activities and excellent stabilities in hydrogenation reactions.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2025

Creating nanoislands for better platinum catalysts

Researchers at UC Davis created nanoislands with trapped platinum clusters, demonstrating improved hydrogenation catalytic activity and stability. The confinement of metal clusters on a tiny island of cerium oxide supports the production of stable catalysts for the chemical industry.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black

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Researchers tune active sites of bimetallic catalysts with atomic precision

Scientists developed a method to densely populate and precisely position isolated Pt atoms on α-Fe nanoparticles, enhancing the intrinsic activity of hydrogenation reactions. This achievement resolves the activity-selectivity trade-off in hydrogenation reactions by fine-tuning the coordination environment of the active site.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChem·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 8, 2025

The mechanisms behind cobalt x-ide electrocatalysts

Researchers discovered Co3O4 as the most effective cobalt oxide electrocatalyst for quinoline hydrogenation, achieving high conversion rates under ambient conditions. This study advances understanding of catalytic mechanisms in the process, which has significant implications for pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 11, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Green hydrogen could reach economic viability by co-production of valuable chemicals

Researchers have discovered a way to make solar hydrogen production economically viable by co-producing high-value chemicals like methylsuccinic acid. By coupling the photoelectrochemical (PEC) process with hydrogenation, the cost of hydrogen drops significantly, making it competitive with fossil gas.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023
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.

Opening a new frontier: PdMo intermetallic catalyst for promoting CO2 utilization

Researchers developed a stable and active catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation at room temperature, achieving high conversion efficiency comparable to state-of-the-art heterogeneous catalysts. The PdMo intermetallic catalyst was synthesized via a simple ammonolysis process and demonstrated robustness and durability in various conditions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2023

Primeval reaction pathways

A team of researchers has discovered that a reaction sequence from the reverse Krebs cycle can take place without enzymes under metal or meteorite catalysis. The study suggests that simple organic molecules existed on early Earth, even before life as we know it developed.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2022

One-stop hydrogen shop: Reducing the cost of a future energy carrier

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a novel method for hydrogen purification using liquid organic hydrogen carriers, achieving high efficiency and purity. This breakthrough could increase the mid- and long-term prospects of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 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.

Nonthermal plasma-promoted CO2 hydrogenation in presence of alloy catalysts

Researchers from Tokyo Tech investigated nonthermal plasma-promoted CO2 hydrogenation on Pd2Ga/SiO2 catalysts, revealing a more than two-fold increase in CO2 conversion compared to thermal methods. The study provides mechanistic insights into the NTP-activated species and metallic catalyst interaction.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2022

Caught in the act: Key chemical intermediates in pollutant-to-fuel reaction identified

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba have experimentally measured hydrogenation of copper-adsorbed formate, a crucial step in converting carbon dioxide into methanol fuel. The study found that at temperatures above 200K, atomic hydrogen can catalyze the reaction, producing a product that decomposes back into gaseous formaldehyde.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 6, 2022

Fuel from waste wood

Researchers at TUM have developed a new process for producing ethanol from waste wood and hydrogen, resulting in a lower cost compared to traditional methods. The process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% and can be used as a low-carbon fuel alternative.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·DateMar 29, 2022

Researchers propose new method for electrocatalytic hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene under room temperature

Researchers develop highly efficient electrocatalytic hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene under room temperature, using water as a hydrogen source and reducing energy consumption. The process achieves high Faradaic efficiency and selective ethylene production via electron-coupled proton transfer pathways.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 8, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Lattice softness: Key to the identification of metals with high

Researchers have discovered that lattice softness is the dominant factor affecting a metal's ability to hydrogenate, enabling the expedited development of hydrogen storage materials. This parameter can also be used to evaluate the hydrogenation ability of intermetallic compounds.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 30, 2021

The sweet taste of success for a supported nickel phosphide nanoalloy catalyst

Osaka University researchers report a stable and reusable nickel phosphide nanoalloy catalyst that achieves high activity and selectivity in the selective hydrogenation of maltose to maltitol. The catalyst's cooperation with its support enhances performance, allowing for efficient production of this sugar alcohol.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 21, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

High-loading atomically dispersed Ir/MoC catalyst for hydrogenation reaction

Researchers develop a thermally stable atomically dispersed Ir/MoC catalyst with an unusually high metal loading of 4 wt%, exhibiting remarkable reactivity, selectivity, and stability. The catalyst achieves high metal-normalized activity and mass-specific activity through the presence of isolated Ir atoms.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 26, 2021

Catalyzing a zero-carbon world by harvesting energy from living cells

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a way to harness energy from living cells by modifying highly functionalized PCAs into biorenewable molecules. The new catalyst enables the selective hydrogenation and dehydration of Krebs cycle metabolites, producing compounds with valuable applications in plastics and polymers.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 12, 2020

Efficient indium oxide catalysts designed for CO2hydrogenation to methanol

Researchers have designed efficient indium oxide catalysts for converting CO2 into methanol with high activity and selectivity. Theoretical modeling identified a specific facet of the catalyst as most favorable for methanol synthesis, which was confirmed by experimental results.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 17, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

All of the performance, none of the fuss: Nitrile hydrogenation done right

Researchers at Osaka University have synthesized an easy-to-handle nano-cobalt phosphide catalyst that achieves efficient hydrogenation of nitriles to primary amines. The catalyst combines efficiency, cost-effectiveness, ease of handling, and reusability, offering numerous advantages in terms of cost and safety.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 16, 2020

CCNY chemists develop safer hydrogenation processes

Researchers at City College of New York developed a hydrogenation process that bypasses external hydrogen gas sources, reducing safety risks and costs. The new method has potential applications in undergraduate chemistry labs and medicinal fields.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalAdvanced Synthesis & Catalysis·DateFeb 10, 2020

Water could modulate the activity and selectivity of CO2 reduction

A recent study found that the autocatalysis of water enhances the formation of COOH intermediate through proton transfer, accelerating CO generation while hindering methanol synthesis. The research also revealed that high initial partial pressure of water inhibits CO2 conversion due to excessive OH* coverage.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateNov 14, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Catalyzing carbon dioxide-to-fuel conversion

A cobalt-manganese-based nanocatalyst efficiently catalyzes the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide into liquid hydrocarbon fuels. The catalyst enables fuel production at lower temperatures than traditional methods without forming harmful byproducts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

Chemists develop new synthesis method for producing fluorinated piperidines

Chemists at the University of Münster have developed a new synthesis method for producing fluorinated piperidines, a breakthrough that could lead to more efficient pharmaceutical production. The new method involves two consecutive steps in one vessel and uses easily accessible starting molecules.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 22, 2019
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.

'Frozen' copper behaves as noble metal in catalysis: study

Researchers have found that copper's electron structure can be altered, enabling it to act as a noble metal in catalyzing the preliminary hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate into methyl glycolate with high selectivity. The 'frozen' state of copper at zero valence is crucial for this process.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 21, 2018

Volatility surprises arise in removing excess hydrogen

The study reveals that the carbon-hydrogen bonds in the molecule play a key role in its volatile behavior. The optimal conditions for removal of excess hydrogen are below 175 degrees Fahrenheit, done in a good vacuum. This discovery can help chemists identify ideal operating temperatures and environments.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 15, 2017
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Recruiting manganese to upgrade carbon dioxide

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology researchers created efficient catalysts based on inexpensive and abundant manganese to convert carbon dioxide into formic acid and formamide, widely used in industry. The new catalyst can perform over 6,000 turnovers and is stable in air, opening possibilities for other CO2 conversions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 7, 2017

Argonne scientists make vanadium into a useful catalyst for hydrogenation

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a vanadium catalyst that enhances the hydrogenation process, previously dominated by expensive precious metals. The breakthrough involves synthesizing vanadium in a unique configuration, demonstrating its catalytic activity.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalChemical Communications·DateMay 25, 2017

Plasma-zapping process could yield trans fat-free soybean oil product

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a hydrogenation process that uses high-voltage atmospheric cold plasma (HVACP) to solidify soybean oil for food processing without creating trans fats. The new process is more efficient and environmentally friendly, with the potential to produce safe plant oils on a large scale.

SourcePurdue University·JournalInnovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies·DateDec 1, 2016

Adding hydrogen to graphene

Researchers at IBS discovered that hydrogenation of single-layer graphene proceeds rapidly over the entire surface, while few-layer graphene reacts slowly from the edges. Hydrogenation changes graphene's optical and electric properties. The study also found that defects or edges are necessary for the reaction to occur.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 3, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

LiH mediates low-temperature ammonia synthesis

Researchers discovered a new class of catalysts that enables ammonia synthesis under mild conditions, with LiH playing a crucial role. The discovery breaks the linear scaling relations between activation energy and binding strength, allowing for unprecedented high NH3 synthesis activities at low temperatures.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 23, 2016

Small is different

Researchers at TUM and Georgia Institute of Technology found that the size of platinum catalyst particles significantly affects reactivity, with clusters having fewer atoms showing lower activity. The discovery could lead to more efficient production of margarine and other chemicals, as well as new materials.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2016

Making hydrogenation greener

Researchers from McGill University have developed a method to use iron nanoparticles as catalysts in water-ethanol mixtures, overcoming the limitation of rusting in the presence of oxygen or water. This innovation enables the possibility of replacing platinum-series metals for hydrogenation under industrial conditions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJun 27, 2013

Benefits of single atoms acting as catalysts in hydrogen-related reactions

Researchers at Tufts University discovered that single atoms of palladium can catalyze industrially important chemical reactions, including the hydrogenation of acetylene. The findings offer significant economic and environmental benefits by reducing costs and waste associated with traditional catalysts.

SourceTufts University·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2012

How natural oils can be hydrogenated without making unhealthy trans fats

Researchers at UC Riverside have designed a catalyst that allows for the production of partially hydrogenated oils while minimizing the formation of trans fats. By controlling the shape of platinum particles, they achieved higher selectivity and reduced the creation of harmful trans fats.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 23, 2009
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.

Synthetic molecules emulate enzyme behavior for the first time

Chemists at Ohio State University have successfully created synthetic molecules that can change shape to suit a particular chemical reaction, similar to natural enzymes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new catalysts for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 2, 2008

Going where no unhydrogenated soybean oil has gone before

Researchers at Iowa State University successfully developed a new soybean oil with elevated oleic acid content, eliminating the need for hydrogenation and reducing trans fats. The oil has been adopted by the food industry for various products, including cereal, energy bars, and non-dairy creamers.

SourceIowa State University·DateJun 23, 2006

Chemical industry helped by small invisible tube

Researchers from Utrecht have discovered that carbon nanofibres can effectively replace active carbon as a carrier for catalysts, enhancing the efficiency of hydrogenation reactions. The new material allows for the reuse of catalysts and has shown promise in the industrial-scale production of compounds like cinnamon alcohol.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJan 24, 2002