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Extending cryo-electron microscopy beyond water

Scientists at Tohoku University have developed a new sample-preparation technique called gradient blotting, allowing for the observation of materials in their native liquid environments. This breakthrough extends cryo-electron microscopy beyond water-based systems, enabling the study of materials under realistic processing conditions.

Organic solvents enable handedness control in inorganic crystals

Researchers have developed a simple crystallization method that achieves chiral resolution under mild conditions, enabling the production of homochiral inorganic crystals. The study uses organic solvents and an achiral crystalline phase to control the growth environment, resulting in single-handed forms of cesium copper chloride.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCrystal Growth & Design·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2026

Chatbot opens computational chemistry to nonexperts

A new web platform, AutoSolvateWeb, developed at Emory University enables chemists of all levels to configure and execute complex quantum mechanical simulations through chatting. The free platform uses cloud infrastructure and automates software processes on the backend.

SourceEmory University·JournalChemical Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 7, 2025

Fighting microplastics for a cleaner future

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method to break down condensation polymers in plastics using solvents and liquid organic hydrogen carriers, producing aromatic compounds that can be used as fuels. This breakthrough has potential implications for the sustainability of the chemical industry and reducing global warming.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 11, 2024

Researchers achieve electrosynthesis via superwetting organic-solid-water interfaces

Chinese scientists developed a new three-phase OSW electrocatalytic system for efficient production of high-purity benzaldehyde, achieving 97% Faradaic efficiency and 91.7% purity without post-purification processes. The system uses clean energy and water resources, simplifying product separation and purification.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2024

Fast folding for synthetic peptides and microproteins

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new method that enables the efficient production of cysteine-rich peptides and microproteins in their naturally folded 3D structure. The approach uses organic solvents to mimic nature's oxidative folding process, resulting in speeds of over 100,000 times faster than aqueous...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Solving an age-old mystery about crystal formation

University of Houston researcher Peter Vekilov discovers two-step incorporation into crystals, mediated by an intermediate state, solving a 40-year-old riddle. The new paradigm guides the search for solvents and additives to stabilize the intermediate state and slow down unwanted polymorphs.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2024

Separating molecules requires lots of energy. This new, heat-resistant membrane could change that

A University at Buffalo-led research team has created a new, sturdier membrane that can withstand harsh environments associated with industrial separation processes. The membrane, made from an inorganic material called carbon-doped metal oxide, is a potential alternative to energy-intensive processes like distillation and crystallization.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2023

Polystyrene upcycling

A new method called Degradation Upcycling (Deg-Up) recovers aromatic chemicals from polystyrene waste in a two-step process. This approach produces valuable chemicals for the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, offering a circular plastics economy solution.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Simultaneous synthesis and fixing of covalent organic frameworks

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel synthesis method for imine-based COFs, eliminating the need for long reaction times, high temperatures, and Lewis acid catalysts. The method uses an electrogenerated acid as a catalyst, enabling direct fixation of COF films onto electrodes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

New recipes for better solar fuel production

A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

New UCF-developed battery could prevent post-hurricane electric vehicle fires

The UCF-developed battery uses saltwater as an electrolyte, eliminating volatile solvents and overcoming limitations of previous aqueous batteries. The novel design allows for fast charging in just three minutes and increased stability, making it a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023

Key to chemical industries’ sustainable future? The world’s first industrial model of a flow photo-on-demand synthesis system

A new flow photo-on-demand synthesis system using chloroform as a precursor has been successfully developed by researchers at Kobe University. The system achieves high conversion rates and can synthesize various chemical products continuously in large quantities, offering a safe, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly alternative to...

SourceKobe University·JournalOrganic Process Research & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022

Safe, sustainable photo-on-demand synthesis of polypeptide precursors: Promising ‘building blocks’ for new functional materials

A research group at Kobe University has successfully synthesized α-amino acid N-Carboxyanhydrides (NCAs), a crucial precursor for artificial polypeptides, using the photo-on-demand phosgenation method. This new synthesis method eliminates the use of toxic phosgene and is considered safe, inexpensive, and simple.

SourceKobe University·JournalACS Omega·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Dissolving the problem: Organic vapor induces dissolution of molecular salts

Researchers from Japan have found that organic vapors can trigger the dissolution of molecular salts in a way similar to water vapor. This phenomenon, known as organic deliquescence, has potential applications for cleaning up indoor pollutants and can be used to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor environments.

Hope for inflammatory bowel disease with novel “green” synthesis of drug candidate

Researchers at Okayama University have developed a novel 'green' synthesis technique for the production of NEt-3IB, a promising small-molecule oral drug candidate for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The new method produces large quantities of NEt-3IB with high purity and a total yield of over 30%, using only recoverable organic solve...

SourceOkayama University·JournalChemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 11, 2022

A novel baker’s yeast-mediated microwave-induced reduction of racemic 3-Keto-2-Azetidinones: Facile entry to optically active hydroxy β-lactam derivatives

A team of researchers developed a novel method for producing optically active hydroxy β-lactam derivatives using baker's yeast and microwave irradiation. The process yielded 3:1 ratio of two hydroxyl compounds in 65% yield, with the resulting compounds showing high optical purity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Organocatalysis·DateMar 8, 2022

Solvent effect on liquid-phase synthesis of lithium solid electrolytes

The study investigates the effect of solvent on liquid-phase synthesis of lithium solid electrolytes. The research team found that solvents with high dielectric constants enhance reactivity and lead to crystalline Li7P3S11 with high conductivity. Acetonitrile emerges as the best solvent for mass production of sulfide solid electrolytes.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

Atropisomeric N-aryl quinazoline-4-thiones with isotopic differences at the ortho position

Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology synthesized atropisomeric N-aryl quinazoline-4-thiones, showing unprecedented isotopic atropisomerism due to rotational restriction around an N-Ar bond. The findings support the formation of diastereomers and have potential applications in pharmaceuticals.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalOrganic Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Tiny particles power chemical reactions

Researchers at MIT have discovered a new way of generating electricity using tiny carbon particles that can create a current simply by interacting with liquid surrounding them. This technology allows for electrochemistry without wires, enabling applications such as powering micro- or nanoscale robots and driving chemical reactions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021

New material for catholytes and anolytes in organic redox flow batteries

Researchers at Skoltech have designed and synthesized new compounds that can serve as catholytes and anolytes for organic redox flow batteries, offering high cell voltage, solubility, and electrochemical properties. The materials have been tested for scalability and performance in large-scale energy storage applications.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateApr 6, 2021

Mysterious organic scum boosts chemical reaction efficiency, may reduce chemical waste

Researchers found that a previously overlooked phenomenon in chemical reactions can boost efficiency and reduce waste. The discovery, led by University of Illinois researcher David Flaherty, involves the formation of an organic residue that acts as a surface redox mediator, increasing reaction rates and hydrogen peroxide production.

Structural colors from cellulose-based polymers

Scientists have discovered a way to control the pitch of biopolymers, leading to the creation of structural colors in liquid marbles. The colors change in response to environmental factors such as heat, pressure, or chemicals, making this technology promising for bio-based sensors and soft photonic elements.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 28, 2020

Printing complex cellulose-based objects

Scientists successfully printed complex structures containing up to 27% cellulose particles, exhibiting mechanical properties similar to those of natural materials like wood. The developed process enables the creation of customized packaging, cartilage replacements, and potentially even sports car bodies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 25, 2020

Green chemistry of fullerene: Scientists invented an environmentally friendly way to realize organic

Researchers developed a novel approach for preparing thin fullerene films from aqueous solutions, reducing environmental risks and making organic electronics more accessible. The method enabled fabrication of organic field-effect transistors with high charge carrier mobility and gas sensors.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateFeb 19, 2020

Boosting solid state chemical reactions

Hokkaido University researchers developed a new strategy for solid-state palladium-catalysed cross-coupling reactions using mechanochemistry, enabling efficient solvent-free synthesis of organic materials. Adding olefin facilitates a more efficient reaction, increasing conversion rates from less than 30% to 99%.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2019