Inorganic Chemistry
Articles tagged with Inorganic Chemistry
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.
Manchester scientists stabilize rare three‑atom metal ring, revealing new form of aromaticity
Manchester scientists discovered a new type of aromatic molecule made entirely of metal atoms, with a tiny ring of three bismuth atoms supporting circulating currents like benzene. The finding bridges the gap between organic and all-metal aromaticity, offering insights into chemical bonding.
New study reveals how maze-like magnetic patterns form and evolve in materials
Researchers developed a computational model that helps identify the origin of complex magnetization reversal in soft magnets, revealing key features such as PC1 and four critical energy barriers. The study offers a general strategy for examining complex energy landscapes in magnetic systems.
Simple synthetic strategy converts blue-emissive molecules into multicolor luminescent materials
Researchers create molecular crystal with reversible color changes spanning from green to orange-red upon mechanical stress or pressure. The material exhibits adaptive intermolecular interactions and structural flexibility, enabling stimulus-responsive luminescence.
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.
HKU Centre of Functional Materials for Energy and Sustainability joins third InnoHK research cluster
The Centre will address bottleneck challenges in advanced battery materials and electric-enabled technology for energy storage and green conversion. Collaborations with renowned institutions will drive innovation and accelerate translation of research outcomes into real-world impact.
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.
Iron, carbon, and the art of toxic cleanup
Researchers at Tongji University identified ferrihydrite as the mineral that effectively traps chromium while storing organic carbon. The study's findings provide a new blueprint for environmental remediation using nature-based solutions to clean up contaminated mine soils and fight climate change.
After decades of global searching: Saarbrücken chemists create an iconic aromatic molecule with silicon
Researchers at Saarland University synthesize pentasilacyclopentadienide, a five-atom molecule exhibiting complex properties. This breakthrough paves the way for entirely new materials and processes with potential industrial relevance.
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.
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.
Evaluation of antiviral activity of organic–polyoxometalate hybrids based on berberine against encephalomyocarditis virus in vitro
The study synthesized organic–POM hybrids based on berberine, which exhibited distinct antiviral effects against EMCV. BR-EuSiW was found to have dose-dependent antiviral ability, possibly acting at the virus biosynthesis stage to inhibit proliferation.
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.
Tracing the quick synthesis of an industrially important catalyst
A team from Tokyo Metropolitan University has uncovered the sequence of events in the formation of hexaniobate clusters, revealing a precursor's vital role in rapid catalyst formation. This insight promises finer control over an industrially important technology for speeding up chemical synthesis.
Large language models unleash AI’s potential for autonomous and explainable materials discovery
Researchers developed MatAgent, an AI framework that leverages a large language model to design new inorganic materials. The system uses natural language reasoning and explains its decisions in plain language, making the design process more efficient and transparent.
Operando X-ray tomography reveals silicon–electrolyte interface dynamics in all-solid-state batteries
Researchers visualize how silicon anodes form shell-like voids around their surfaces during charging, but find that parts of the solid electrolyte remain attached to the Si, maintaining partial ionic contact. This allows the battery to continue operating efficiently despite significant structural changes.
Wiley expands spectral libraries with major updates to IR, Raman, and LC-MS collections
Wiley has expanded its spectral libraries with major updates to IR, Raman, and LC-MS collections, delivering researchers enhanced capabilities for faster and more confident compound identification. The expansion brings over 9.5 million high-quality spectra, including 1 million IR spectra and 161,000 Raman spectra.
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.
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.
Boron replaces metal: Element forms complexes with olefins
Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered that boron can form π complexes with olefins, similar to transition metals, opening up new possibilities for industrial catalytic processes. The finding aims to replace toxic and costly heavy metals with main group elements.
Liverpool's materials scientist Professor Matt Rosseinsky awarded Royal Medal for pioneering research
Professor Matt Rosseinsky, a leading researcher at the University of Liverpool, has been awarded the Royal Medal for his groundbreaking work in materials chemistry. His innovative approach uses artificial intelligence to design and discover new materials with unique properties.
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.
Printing uniform, high-strength SiC ceramics at 1100 °C in one step
Researchers developed a new 3D printing method that creates strong, high-quality silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic parts at lower temperatures. The method uses vat-polymerization and adds silica to improve material quality, resulting in comparable strength to ceramics sintered at higher temperatures.
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.
UMBC researchers pioneer method to discover new 2D materials for advanced electronics
Researchers at UMBC developed a new way to predict 2D materials that could transform the electronics industry. Using a mix of data mining, computer modeling, and structural analysis, they predicted 83 possible new materials with desirable properties.
Breaking the crystalline barrier: Amorphous nanomaterials in advanced photocatalysis
Amorphous nanomaterials show high density of catalytic sites, tunable electronic structures, and enhanced light absorption. These properties enable unprecedented efficiency in applications like hydrogen evolution, carbon dioxide reduction, and pollutant degradation.
Pigment researchers create vivid yellows, oranges, reds that are durable, non-toxic
Researchers at Oregon State University have created intense yellow, orange, and reddish pigments using a thortveitite-like crystal lattice with nickel, zinc, and vanadium. The new pigments are stable under high temperatures and in acidic environments, making them suitable for large-scale production.
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.
Agricultural liming in the US is a large CO2 sink, say researchers
New research claims adding lime to agricultural soils can remove CO2 from the atmosphere, rather than cause emissions. The study, based on over 100 years of data, shows that the addition of acidity is the main driver for CO2 emissions from soils.
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
Crystal clear design for high-performance flexible thermoelectric semiconductor
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology have developed a new material that can convert body heat into electricity with improved mechanical properties and flexibility. The material, AgCu(Te, Se, S), was enhanced using vacancy engineering techniques.
The UMA will coordinate an international consortium that will hasten the use of cement as a carbon sink
The University of Malaga will coordinate an international consortium, 'X-SeeO2', aiming to hasten the use of cements as carbon dioxide sinks. The €4 million project aims to reduce CO2 emissions and promote the circular economy by upcycling waste.
Proton-coupled electron transfer: Deciphered with high pressure
Chemists reveal method for differentiating PCET mechanisms with high pressure, offering new insights into fundamental chemical processes and potential for advancing technologies in redox catalysis and solar fuels. The study demonstrates a shift from stepwise to concerted pathways under high-pressure conditions.
Revolutionary van der Waals open frameworks: a new era in porous materials
Researchers create WaaFs with high thermal stability and reversible assembly, opening avenues for gas storage, separation, and catalysis. The frameworks utilize van der Waals interactions to form robust structures, making them suitable for industrial applications.
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.
A phase-transformable membrane for efficient gas separation could revolutionize industrial applications
A new phase-transformable membrane can precisely select CO₂ and H₂, enabling efficient gas separation. The membrane's liquid-glass-crystal states optimize its selectivity and permeability for specific gases.
Cobalt-copper tandem converts carbon dioxide to ethanol
A team of scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has developed an electrocatalytic conversion technique that converts carbon dioxide into ethanol. The cobalt-copper tandem system achieves selective conversion with an 80% yield, opening up a sustainable method for chemical applications and food conservation.
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...
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.
Pioneering gas-adsorbing materials reveal hidden softness
Early porous coordination polymers (PCPs) exhibit a flexible 'soft' nature, allowing them to adjust their shape and hold more gas. This finding offers new insights into the evolution of PCPs and paves the way for future research and applications.
Novel chemical tool aims to streamline drug-making process
A team of chemists has developed a novel tool to streamline the drug-making process, enabling researchers to create new molecules quickly and efficiently. The discovery of stable nickel complexes can help reduce the time to market for life-saving medicines while increasing drug efficacy and reducing side effects.
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.
Aromatic compounds: A ring made up solely of metal atoms
Aromatic compounds, a substance class in organic chemistry, now includes a new category of metal rings made of elemental bismuth. The discovery was made possible by supramolecular stabilization, allowing researchers to isolate and characterize the ring.
Cheap yet ultrapure titanium metal might enable widespread use in industry
Researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, have developed a cost-effective method to produce nearly oxygen-free titanium. This process could facilitate mass production of titanium alloys in industries such as electronics and aerospace.
Turning carbon dioxide into useful chemicals
A German junior research group at the University of Oldenburg is developing precious-metal-free catalysts to convert carbon dioxide into methanol, formaldehyde, and ethylene. The team aims to create inexpensive and durable materials for large-scale industrial applications.
Even inactive smokers are densely colonized by microbial communities
A recent study found that microbial communities thrive on inactive hydrothermal vent smokers, producing organic carbon and fixing CO2. These ecosystems are crucial for understanding the deep-sea carbon cycle and its interactions with the environment.
Not just a lodger: Novel host-guest assembly provides enhanced reactivity
Researchers at Tsinghua University Press have developed a novel cluster within a polyoxometalate (POM) nanoreactor, exhibiting enhanced peroxidase-like activity. This breakthrough enables the acceleration of critical H2O2 decomposition reactions in biological processes and advanced biotechnological applications.
Scientists design bifunctional catalyst to solve environmental pollution problems
Researchers developed a bifunctional catalyst that can selectively oxidize toxic CEES to safer sulfoxide and degrade phenolic compounds under visible light. The catalyst shows excellent performances, stability, and recyclability, providing important guidance for water decontamination.
Team successfully synthesizes atomically precise metal nanoclusters
Researchers successfully synthesized a gold silver and gold copper metal nanocluster with exceptional physical and chemical properties. The team's work provides experimental evidence for understanding and designing nanoclusters at the atomic level, showcasing their potential as ideal model catalysts.
New type of metallacrown ether, polyoxometalatocrown ether, opens research opportunities
Researchers at Tsinghua University have created a new type of metallacrown ether by combining crown ether molecules with polyoxometalates, expanding its uses in magnetic refrigeration, imaging agents, and single-molecular magnetism. The discovery opens up broad fields for studies on supermolecular compounds and hybrid materials.
Deep learning reveals molecular secrets of explosive perchlorate salts
Researchers developed a novel deep learning method to study crystal structure and molecular interactions of perchlorate salts. The analysis revealed that the explosives' nature is linked to chemical bonding and intermolecular interactions.
Let it glow: Scientists develop new approach to detect ‘forever chemicals’ in water
Researchers have created a prototype model that detects 'forever chemicals' in water using a luminescent metal complex attached to a sensor surface. The approach can detect 220 micrograms of PFAS per liter of water, but needs to be more sensitive to detect nanogram levels for drinking water.
Researchers develop technique to synthesize water-soluble alloy nanoclusters
A new synthesis strategy for water-soluble alloy nanoclusters has been developed, enabling the creation of novel nanomaterials with specific properties. The technique uses glutathione to stabilize the nanoclusters, which can be further modified by adding different metals.
Scientists create chiral POM-based frameworks with enhanced stability and catalytic activity
Researchers at Tsinghua University Press have developed a novel method to construct chiral POM-based frameworks using inorganic polyoxometalates and organic cyclodextrin molecules. The resulting framework exhibits enhanced stability and catalytic activity, making it a promising material for energy-related applications.
Three novel inorganic clusters accelerate ‘one of the most important’ chemical reactions
Researchers at Tsinghua University developed three novel inorganic clusters that accelerated the aldol reaction with high yields, up to 86% of theoretical potential. The clusters, comprising aluminum and rare earth elements, showed emergent synergistic properties and unique structural arrangements.
Team reviews phosphine ligand-induced structural transformation of metal nanoclusters
Researchers reviewed a method to reform metal nanocluster structures using phosphine ligands, enabling precise structure modification and property modulation. The study highlights the potential of phosphine ligand engineering in modulating metal nanoclusters' optical and catalytic activities.
Stanford researchers unveil new material infused with gold in an exotic chemical state
Researchers at Stanford University have synthesized a stable form of gold that has lost two negatively charged electrons, known as Au²⁺. This exotic chemical state is made possible by the use of halide perovskites, which hold promise for various applications including solar cells and electronics components.
CityU researchers develop novel photo-oxidation therapy for anticancer treatment
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a new class of near-infrared-activated photo-oxidants that can effectively kill cancer cells without requiring oxygen. The discovery offers a promising direction for developing anti-cancer drugs and could overcome existing limitations of photodynamic therapies.