Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Semiconductor, nuclear industries poised for green boost thanks to chemistry breakthrough

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed an eco-friendly process for separating zirconium and hafnium, two critical metals for semiconductor and nuclear industries. The process uses a water-based solution and produces a high separation factor, outperforming the current industry standard.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2026

Researchers create new color-changing material—could be used in anti-counterfeit markings on banknotes and passports

Researchers have developed a new material called davyne that changes color in the near-infrared region, invisible to the human eye, which could be used as an anti-counterfeit tag in banknotes and passports. The material's color-changing mechanism is similar to hackmanite, and its near-infrared activity can be switched on and off.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 4, 2026

How 'asymmetric alloying' is creating the next generation of luminescent materials

A novel asymmetric alloying method enables the creation of carbon-centered gold(I)-silver(I) chiral bicapped square antiprism polyhedral clusters, exhibiting phosphorescence and distinct chirality-dependent properties. The approach offers a new paradigm for precise alloying and stereocontrol of metal clusters.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2026

Capturing an elusive step in molecular sandwich making

Researchers from OIST have reported the first full structural characterization of a doubly ring-slipped reaction intermediate in metallocene formation. This discovery provides new evidence on how metallocenes form and react, presenting opportunities for designing tunable structures for applications such as drug delivery systems, cataly...

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

A biochar-based material offers a promising route for uranium recovery from seawater

Researchers developed a new composite material that can capture uranium from water while converting part of it into a less toxic chemical form. The study found that the material achieved high uranium removal capacity and showed dual adsorption and reduction mechanism, making it a promising strategy for recovering uranium from seawater.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2026

Toward tougher, longer-lasting, more sustainable tires

Harvard engineers develop new method to preserve long molecular chains in natural rubber, resulting in composite materials that are both stiff and tough. The innovation has the potential to cut waste, reduce tire dust pollution, and open new avenues for high-performance elastomers.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

Porous nanofibrils spun from supramolecules with intrinsic cavities

Researchers created a new type of microporous aerogel that overcomes limitations of conventional materials, enabling flexible and highly processable shapes. The material's flexibility arises from reversible van der Waals interactions between metal–organic polyhedra molecules.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2026

Engineered biochar with minerals could unlock new solutions for soil health and water cleanup

Researchers combine biochar with naturally occurring minerals to create more durable and effective materials for improving soil fertility, capturing contaminants, and delivering nutrients. Engineered composites show promising potential for agricultural and pollution control applications.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 25, 2026

From biocidal coatings to medicines: A nanocomposite sting for microorganisms

The B-STING silica nanocomposite acts as a nanofactory of reactive oxygen species, activating itself in response to changes in the chemical environment. This material can be used to create biocidal coatings that are safe, durable, and resistant to dirt, with potential applications in medicine and other industries.

Plant-based hydrogel tames zinc dendrites, pushes aqueous batteries past 1 000 stable cycles

A new plant-based hydrogel has been developed to tackle the problem of metallic zinc growing needle-like dendrites that short-circuit cells within a few hundred cycles. The cellulose-nanofiber dual network boosts ion flow and mechanical strength, delivering a cheap and biodegradable electrolyte.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2026

Metal–metal bonded molecule opens new path toward quantum computing materials

Researchers have discovered a unique cobalt-based molecule that can function as a spin quantum bit, providing a new design strategy for molecular materials used in quantum information technologies. The molecule exhibits slow magnetic relaxation and delocalized electron spins, allowing it to stabilize the quantum state.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2026

Overview of organophosphonate covalently modified polyoxometalates: From synthesis, structural diversity to applications

Research on organophosphonate covalently modified polyoxometalates reveals the synthesis strategies, structural design, and performance characteristics of organic-inorganic hybrid materials. These materials exhibit broad applications due to their redox activity, structural tunability, low toxicity, and high stability.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalPolyoxometalates·DateDec 30, 2025

Breakthrough MRI contrast agent design continues path to safer, more effective diagnostics

Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a new class of MRI contrast agents that are significantly more efficient and stable than current clinical agents. The novel metallo-coiled coil approach demonstrates a 30% increase in MRI relativity and unprecedented enhancement in chemical and biological stability.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 7, 2025

Microwaves for energy-efficient chemical reactions

Researchers from the University of Tokyo developed a method to use microwaves to heat specific areas in industrial processes, reducing energy costs and improving selectivity in chemical reactions. This technique has the potential to optimize catalyst design, improve durability, and scalability for eco-friendly industrial processes.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 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

Flash-freezing silicon mimics Big Bang

A team of scientists from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf analyzed the behavior of flash-frozen silicon surfaces, revealing a strong impact of cooling rates on crystal growth. The results show that slow cooling produces large, ordered domains with a uniform honeycomb structure.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 22, 2025

Thiacalix[4]arene functionalized molecular clusters involving Keggin-type PM4Mo8 (M= Co, Ni) motif: Electrochemical and photothermal conversion properties

Researchers have created molecular clusters featuring a Keggin-type PM4Mo8 (Co, Ni) motif, which display enhanced electrochemical performance due to the incorporation of V atoms. These clusters also show promising photothermal conversion capabilities under visible light irradiation.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalPolyoxometalates·DateJul 15, 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

Better digital memories with the help of noble gases

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new technology that adds xenon to digital memories, allowing for even material coating in small cavities. This breakthrough enables more information storage in the same physical size, with 4 terabytes possible in a memory card once holding only 64 megabytes.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2025

Breakthrough insights into carbon dioxide absorption using cement-based materials

Researchers discovered that structural changes and mass transfer play a crucial role in the carbonation process of cement-based materials. The study found that lower humidity conditions and high Ca/Si ratios result in smaller pores, suppressing ion leaching and improving carbonation efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to developin...

SourceChiba University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

New filter removes chemical contaminants from water even at very low concentrations

A team of researchers has developed a new membrane material that can detect and remove pharmaceutical chemicals from water at trace levels. The new approach uses a polymer membrane with an interconnected network of pores, which are designed to capture larger molecules, allowing for more effective filtration.

New mechanism of action kills cancer cells

Researchers have discovered a cobalt complex that triggers ferroptosis in tumor cells, slowing down microtumor growth. The substance has shown promise as an alternative to conventional chemotherapeutic agents but requires further development and targeting of healthy cells.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 14, 2024