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Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology makes breakthrough on new electronic material

Researchers at GIST have made a breakthrough in creating a perovskite material with easily tunable electrical properties. The study used ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and low energy electron diffraction to investigate the effects of fabrication conditions on the material's surface.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021

New strategy achieves efficient and stable carbon dioxide electrolysis in solid oxide electrolysis cell

Researchers developed a new strategy to achieve efficient and stable CO2 electrolysis in solid oxide electrolysis cells. They found that redox cycle manipulations promoted the exsolution of high-density metal/perovskite interfaces, improving performance and stability.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 12, 2021

When vibrations increase on cooling: Anti-freezing observed

Researchers have observed a unique phenomenon where vibrations in a nickel oxide material increase with cooling, leading to the formation of faster fluctuations and ordered regions. This behavior is unusual and differs from the expected trend, which is that less thermal energy leads to more fluctuations freezing and order growing.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 4, 2021

Chemical plants combat nitrous oxide emissions

The article highlights the significant impact of nitrous oxide on the ozone layer and climate change. Chemical companies are now developing efficient technologies to reduce N2O emissions, including catalyst-based processes that can decrease emissions by up to 90%. The industry is also exploring alternative uses for captured N2O emissions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 14, 2021

Electrokinetic proton transport in triple conducting oxides as key descriptor for highly efficient protonic ceramic fuel cells

Researchers developed a new method to quantify proton kinetic properties of triple conducting oxides (TCOs), revealing two orders of magnitude higher proton tracer diffusion coefficient. This led to improved electrochemical performance for protonic ceramic fuel cells, with recorded values exceeding previous benchmarks.

Low doses of "laughing gas" could be fast, effective treatment for severe depression

A new study found that a one-hour inhalation session with 25% nitrous oxide gas improved depression symptoms for over two weeks, with fewer adverse side effects compared to higher concentrations. The effects were nearly as effective as 50% nitrous oxide at rapidly relieving symptoms of treatment-resistant depression.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 9, 2021

Lower and safer doses of laughing gas relieve treatment-resistant depression in phase 2 trial

A phase 2 trial found that a single one-hour treatment with nitrous oxide can relieve symptoms of treatment-resistant depression for several weeks. The study showed significant improvements in depression symptoms, with a four-fold lower risk of adverse effects at lower concentrations.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 9, 2021

High-capacity electrodes by valence engineering developed for desalination

Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science created three manganese oxides with different Mn valences for high-capacity capacitive desalination. The results showed that these electrodes displayed high salt adsorption capacity and corresponding high salt adsorption rates surpassing other carbon materials.

Ozone pollution in Germany falls thanks to lower nitrogen oxide emissions

A recent study found that ozone pollution in Germany has decreased primarily due to reduced nitrogen oxide emissions. Ozone formation is often linked to NOx emissions from traffic and industrial processes. Lower NOx levels are positively correlated with lower ozone concentrations, especially in regions like southwestern Germany.

New study reveals charge transfer at interface of spinel oxide and ceria during CO oxidation

A recent study has unveiled a new principle that active charge transfer at the interface between non-noble metals can enhance the catalytic performance of complex oxide catalysts. The researchers found that CeO2-deposited spinel oxide nanocubes exhibited a 12-times higher CO oxidation rate than pristine Co3O4 NCs.

Air pollution fell sharply during lockdown

The study found that air pollutants decreased more than carbon dioxide during the lockdown, confirming earlier assumptions. The researchers also revealed that domestic and commercial energy consumption contribute less to nitrogen oxide emissions than previously thought, with traffic responsible for over 90% of emissions.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateMar 4, 2021