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Magnetic fields put a new spin on surface chemistry

A groundbreaking study reveals that electron spin influences chemical reactions at surfaces, and controlling spin orientation with magnetic fields can dramatically change reaction rates. The study demonstrates the potential for spin-based control of surface chemistry, opening up new possibilities for selective catalysis and reactivity.

Study: New class of catalysts could dramatically change playing field in nickel catalysis

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a new method for synthesizing thermally stable Ni(I) compounds that opens new avenues for building complex molecules. The new catalysts exhibit rapid ligand substitution, exceptional performance in key reactions, and chemo-selectivity.

Hidden catalysis: Abrasion transforms common chemistry equipment into reagents

A study from OIST shows that abrasion from common additives can lead to efficient reactions under mechanochemical conditions. Abrasive materials like tungsten carbide or diamond powder activate catalysts and drive coupling reactions. This finding changes the way researchers think about mechanochemical catalysts.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2025

Recent progress in nickelate superconductors

Researchers achieved first superconductivity in nickel-based superconductors in 2019, with critical temperatures reaching up to 80 K in bilayer La₃Ni₂O₇ under high pressure. Recent breakthroughs enable superconductivity at ambient pressure via strain engineering.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 29, 2025

Using AI to optimize hydrogen fuel production and reduce environmental impact: Worcester Polytechnic Institute research published in Nature Chemical Engineering

A team of researchers from Worcester Polytechnic Institute has developed a new approach to producing hydrogen using plasma technology and metal alloys. The method reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions compared to traditional methods, making it more environmentally friendly and potentially affordable.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 2025

Beneath 300 kilometers: Natural evidence for nickel-rich alloys in the mantle

Researchers confirm nickel-rich metallic alloys in diamonds from South Africa's Voorspoed mine, revealing a 'redox-freezing' reaction between oxidized melts and reduced mantle rock. The study provides new insights into mantle dynamics and the formation of kimberlites, ocean island basalts, and volcanic magmas.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2025

Using AI to improve nickel catalysts for converting carbon dioxide into methane

Researchers applied explainable machine learning to design nickel-based catalysts for efficient CO2 methanation. The study identified optimal reaction conditions, including temperature, gas hourly space velocity, BET surface area, and nickel content, to improve conversion rates and selectivity.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateSep 3, 2025

Green nickel for sustainable electrification

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials have developed a carbon-free method to extract nickel from low-grade ores in a single step, reducing CO2 emissions by 84% and increasing energy efficiency. The approach enables the use of low-grade nickel ores, which account for 60% of total nickel reserves.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2025

Nickel(0) and boron, together at last in square-planar complexes

Scientists from Osaka University have reported a new class of transition metal complexes featuring direct nickel-boron bonds without additional support. The resulting square-planar geometry allows for efficient catalysis in the synthesis of high-value materials like polymers and pharmaceuticals.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Engineers discover key barrier to longer-lasting batteries

University of Texas at Dallas researchers have discovered why LiNiO2 batteries break down during charging and are testing a solution to remove the key barrier to widespread use. They developed a theoretical solution that reinforces the material by adding a positively charged ion, creating pillars to strengthen the cathode.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2025

New study unveils scalable and efficient photoelectrode modules for green hydrogen production

Researchers at UNIST have developed a scalable and efficient photoelectrode module for green hydrogen production, overcoming challenges of efficiency, stability, and scalability. The team's innovative approach achieved unprecedented efficiency, durability, and scalability in producing green hydrogen using solar energy.

Study shows that Rio Grande Rise was once a giant mineral-rich tropical island near Brazil

Researchers at the University of São Paulo found evidence of a tropical island with rich mineral deposits, including cobalt and nickel, in the South Atlantic Ocean. The team's analysis of seafloor sediment samples suggests the area was once home to vegetation and had volcanic activity between 30-40 million years ago.

Efficiently moving urea out of polluted water is coming to reality

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a material to selectively oxidize urea in water, producing hydrogen gas. The material, made of nickel and cobalt atoms with tailored electronic structures, enables the efficient conversion of urea into hydrogen through an electrochemical reaction.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Light it up: reimagining the optical diode effect

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a magnetoelectric antiferromagnet LiNiPO4 that exhibits large nonreciprocal absorption of light. The material's unique property allows for the switchable optical diode effect, potentially enabling more compact and efficient optical isolators.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Study on battery recycling shows China is in 1st place

A study by researchers from the University of Münster found that China will be able to meet its demand for primary lithium for electric vehicles through recycling as early as 2059, while Europe and the US will not achieve this until after 2070. Recycling is also expected to ensure China's need for cobalt by 2045 and nickel by 2046.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 8, 2023

Increasing high-temperature strength of materials through collaborative efforts of AI and materials researchers

A team of researchers used AI to optimize thermal aging schedules for nickel-aluminum alloys, resulting in stronger materials at high temperatures. By analyzing unconventional heat treatment patterns, the team discovered a two-step schedule that outperformed conventional methods.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

A potentially cheaper and 'cooler' way of hydrogen transport

Kyushu University researchers have developed a new material that can store hydrogen energy for up to three months at room temperature, using an inexpensive element like nickel. This innovation could potentially reduce the cost of future compounds and contribute to the transition to alternative energy sources.

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2023

Pivotal breakthrough in adapting perovskite solar cells for renewable energy at City University of Hong Kong; published in Science

The CityU innovation has dramatically enhanced the thermal robustness of perovskite solar cells, retaining over 90% of efficiency even under high temperatures. This breakthrough could significantly broaden the utilisation of these cells and contribute substantially to combating the global climate crisis.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2023