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Nickel phosphide nanoparticle catalyst is the full package

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a stable and reusable nickel phosphide nanoparticle catalyst that exhibits high activity and selectivity in the hydrogenation of glucose to sorbitol. The catalyst produces D-sorbitol with yields over 99%, making it suitable for sustainable, low-cost production in various industries.

SourceOsaka University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateFeb 4, 2021

Energetic costs of human-induced risk in pumas

Pumas in California experienced significant energetic costs when navigating physically difficult terrain or high-risk human disturbance areas, resulting in reduced space use. This study found that male pumas were particularly affected, with a 68% decrease in daily distance traveled and total area traversed over two months.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2021

Giving the hydrogen economy an acid test

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a method to produce acid-resistant catalysts using graphene, improving hydrogen gas production efficiency. The study shows that few layers of graphene allow protons to penetrate during hydrogen evolution reactions, crucial for maximizing efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2021

Trapping of acetylene

Researchers developed a Ni-MOF that can capture acetylene with extraordinary efficiency and selectively from ethylene streams. The material has a synergistic combination of tailor-made pore sizes and chemical docking sites, making it especially efficient.

SourceWiley·DateAug 27, 2020

Carbon content of Earth's core

Researchers estimate Earth's core is composed of approximately 80-90% of the planet's bulk carbon, with a tiny fraction present in the core itself. The study measured the preference of carbon for mixing with iron and nickel at high pressures and temperatures, revealing a significantly lower affinity than previously reported.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

Going super small to get super strong metals

Scientists have discovered that ultra-strong metals can be created by reducing grain size to below 10 nanometers, contrary to previous assumptions. The study found that high pressure overcomes grain sliding effects, leading to extreme strengthening in finely grained samples.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2020

Tiny swimming donuts deliver the goods

Researchers created microscopic, 3D-printed tori (donuts) coated with nickel and platinum to mimic biological behavior. These 'micro swimmers' can swim in water, respond to signals, and transport particles, potentially delivering targeted drugs or aiding in micromixing.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2019

Iridium 'loses its identity' when interfaced with nickel

Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered a new kind of magnetic state in ultra-thin iridium-nickel interfaces, challenging theories on quantum materials. The findings could lead to greater manipulation of quantum materials and deeper understanding of the quantum state for novel electronics.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2019

Cause of cathode degradation identified for nickel-rich materials

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified the causes of capacity fading in nickel-rich layered materials, which could lead to improved battery performance for electric vehicles. The team used multiple research techniques, including synchrotron light sources and machine learning, to pinpoint the problem and provide p...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 15, 2019

UH researchers report new class of polyethylene catalyst

Researchers at UH have reported a new class of polyethylene catalyst with exceptional turnover frequency and potential for high-strength plastics in medical and other applications. The nickel-based catalyst has the potential to produce ultra-high-weight polyethylene, but further work is needed to improve its commercial viability.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2019

Coining less expensive currency: bringing down the cost of making nickels

Researchers at NIST have developed a new material for making nickels that is 40% less expensive to produce, reducing the cost of materials from seven cents to five cents per coin. The new design uses an integrated computational materials engineering framework and advanced alloys to achieve this cost reduction.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIntegrating Materials and Manufacturing Innovation·DateJun 21, 2018

Future robots need no motors

A novel actuating material system, nickel hydroxide-oxyhydroxide, has been developed at HKU Engineering that can be triggered by visible light and electricity. This material can exert a force equivalent to 3000 times its own weight, making it suitable for various applications in micro-robotics, human assist devices, and medical devices.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 4, 2018

Nova-like explosion of spinning live bacteria explained

Researchers discovered that when live bacteria are spun at high speeds, they aggregate and form a dense disk, but when the spinning stops, the disk collapses due to imperfections on its surface. The resulting rapid movement of bacteria away from their origin of rotation creates an explosion-like effect.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2018

Modified, 3-D printable alloy shows promise for flexible electronics, soft robots

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a 3D printable alloy that enables the rapid manufacture of flexible computer screens, bendable displays, and soft robots. The new alloy, created by adding nickel nanoparticles to galinstan, can be layered into tall structures with good conductivity and self-healing properties.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateMar 5, 2018

Converting CO2 into usable energy

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified a new electrocatalyst that efficiently converts carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, a highly energetic molecule. Single nickel atoms were found to catalyze the reaction with up to 97% efficiency, paving the way for recycling CO2 for usable energy and chemicals.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 1, 2018

Do you know where your xenon is?

Researchers discovered xenon compounds with nickel and iron at extreme pressures and temperatures, which could explain the missing noble gas in Earth's atmosphere. The study provides evidence for previously theorized compounds of iron and xenon under core conditions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 1, 2018

Corrosion in real time

Researchers used the Surface Forces Apparatus to investigate crevice and pitting corrosion in confined spaces. They observed intense local corrosion resulting in sudden pit formation, highlighting the complexity of the process and its dependence on electric potential difference.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2017

Triple-layer catalyst does double duty

The researchers created a three-layer structure of nickel, graphene, and a compound of iron, manganese, and phosphorus that can produce both hydrogen and oxygen simultaneously. The material is scalable, stable in acidic and basic solutions, and requires less energy than traditional catalysts.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Energy·DateJul 26, 2017