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Fundamentals and challenges for indirect and direct photocatalytic conversion of plastic wastes into valuable fuels

Researchers explore strategies for converting plastics into valuable chemicals through photocatalysis, highlighting indirect conversions of PET, PLA, and PE, as well as direct conversions of PE, PLA, and PVC. The review also discusses challenges and future outlooks for this clean energy source.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 6, 2025

Towards targeted catalyst optimization: Identifying rate-limiting steps in photocatalysis

Researchers introduce Onset Intensity for Temperature Dependence (OITD) to identify rate-limiting steps in photocatalytic reactions. The study reveals distinct rate-limiting behaviors for different materials, highlighting the importance of surface accessibility in optimizing photocatalytic material design.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMay 12, 2025

Sustainable method produces high-purity material for use in green hydrogen production

Researchers developed a simple, economical and environmentally friendly purification method for mullite-type bismuth ferrite, improving its efficiency in producing green hydrogen. The process uses light and glycerol to eliminate unwanted compounds, resulting in high-purity material suitable for photoelectrochemical reactions.

Harnessing photocatalysis: Hydrogen generation and organic synthesis explored through a new database

A new database has been created to summarize progress in selective dehydrogenation of organic compounds through photocatalysis, enabling the accurate ranking of photocatalytic systems. The database contains 236 entries and provides insights into future directions for the field, including identifying promising photocatalysts and reactions.

Researchers track photogenerated charge transfer in electrolyte

A recent study from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics measures surface charges in liquid environments, revealing an additional driving force that pulls photogenerated electrons to the surface. The researchers also found that local surface potential varies with pH and identified an optimal pH range for efficient charge transfer.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 9, 2025

Rare earth element-enhanced TiO2 achieves high-efficiency photocatalytic overall water splitting

Researchers have developed a novel semiconductor material that significantly improves the efficiency of photocatalytic water splitting by eliminating charge recombination and facilitating efficient charge separation. The Sc-doped TiO2 semiconductor achieves a record-breaking quantum yield of 30.3% and a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of ...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Professor Kazunari Domen: Groundbreaking contributions to photocatalytic water splitting

Professor Kazunari Domen's research develops novel materials and techniques for efficient solar energy harvesting and scalable hydrogen production. His work enables the successful development of large-scale solar-driven hydrogen production units, paving the way for a clean energy future.

Heterogeneous photocatalyst achieves record-breaking performance for CO2 conversion

A new microwave-assisted synthesis route has improved the performance of a coordination polymer photocatalyst, achieving a record-breaking value for CO2-to-formate conversion with a nearly ten-fold increase in apparent quantum yield. The improvements are attributed to well-crystallized material and surface area increases.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

New bacteria-based therapy shows promise for fighting cancer

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a novel method to culture antitumor bacteria using porous scaffolds, enhancing their anticancer properties and improving safety in animal testing. The approach resulted in improved survival rates in mice with breast cancer, including drug-resistant cases.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateOct 15, 2024

Enhanced pollutant photodegradation activity of graphitic carbon nitride on via bismuth oxyhalide graphene hybridization and the mechanism study

Researchers have developed a novel photocatalyst by combining g-C3N4 with Bi4O5Br2 and graphene, resulting in efficient degradation of pollutants. The CN/BOB-16 heterostructure exhibited superior performance, surpassing existing benchmarks, and confirmed the key role of Z-type heterojunctions in generating active species.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2024

KAIST changes the paradigm of drug discovery with world's first atomic editing​

Researchers at KAIST successfully developed single-atom editing technology that maximizes drug efficacy by converting oxygen atoms into nitrogen atoms in furan compounds. This breakthrough technology enables selective editing of complex natural products or pharmaceuticals, opening new doors for building libraries of drug candidates.

Direct operando identification of reactive electron species driving photocatalytic hydrogen evolution on metal-loaded oxides

Researchers successfully observe and identify the reactive electron species for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution on metal-loaded oxides, shifting the paradigm on the traditionally believed role of metal cocatalysts. The electrons shallowly trapped in the in-gap states contribute to enhancing the hydrogen evolution rate.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Enhancement of H2O2 generation rate in porphyrin photocatalysts via crystal facets regulation to create strong internal electric field

Researchers discovered that regulating porphyrin crystal facets can enhance the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in photocatalysts. The study found that exposing certain crystal surfaces created a strong internal electric field, which increased H2O2 generation rates.

New technology uses light to engrave erasable 3D images

Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a technique using light to imprint 2D and 3D images inside any polymer containing a photosensitive chemical additive. The technology enables the creation of erasable 3D displays with high resolution, applicable in surgeries, architectural designs, education, and art.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

Visible light-induced photocatalysis–self-Fenton degradation of P-Clphoh over graphitic carbon nitride by a polyethylenimine bifunctional catalyst

A novel bifunctional catalyst, Fe-PEI-CN, was synthesized to degrade p-chlorophenol through photocatalysis and Fenton reaction. The catalyst exhibited high photocatalytic activity due to enhanced light absorption and reduced electron-hole recombination.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalTransactions of Tianjin University·DateMay 29, 2024

New approach in the synthesis of complex natural substances

Researchers at University of Basel have developed a new method to synthesize complex natural substances like terpenes, which can be used as the basis for new medications. The approach allows for controlled molecular structure and targeted changes to improve properties, paving the way for the development of new therapeutic agents.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 2, 2024

Silver-based micromotors that eliminate bacteria moving freely in aqueous media

Researchers have developed microscopic crystals that activate in the presence of light, releasing silver ions with antimicrobial activity. These silver-based micromotors move autonomously through photocatalysis, killing bacteria and providing a promising tool for environmental recovery.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024

Joint research team of DGIST-Sogang Univ. has developed a high-efficiency catalyst for converting carbon dioxide, the main cause of global warming, into ethylene using “vitamin C”

Researchers developed a high-efficiency catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into ethylene using vitamin C. The catalyst promotes the formation of essential intermediate product carbon monoxide at high current density, overcoming existing electrochemical catalyst limitations.

DGIST develops high-efficiency photocatalyst for converting carbon dioxide into environmentally friendly energy using sunlight

A new photocatalyst developed by DGIST's In Su-il research team converts carbon dioxide into useful fuel more efficiently than existing TiO2 catalysts. The technology has the potential to be applied to Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technology, offering a promising solution to reduce global warming.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateMar 28, 2024

A self-cleaning wall paint

Researchers developed a self-cleaning wall paint using waste-valorized titanium oxide nanoparticles, which can bind and break down pollutants, and then degrade them when exposed to sunlight. The paint combines several advantages, including air pollutant removal, longer durability, and reduced production costs.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Aluminum nanoparticles make tunable green catalysts

Rice University researchers have developed a transformative approach to harnessing the catalytic power of aluminum nanoparticles by annealing them in various gas atmospheres at high temperatures. This allows for modifying the structure of the oxide layer, making the nanoparticles versatile tools for different applications.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

HKU chemists pave the way for sustainable organic synthesis with innovative heterogeneous copper photocatalysis, enabling efficient production of diverse bioactive compounds

HKU chemists have developed a novel heterogeneous copper photocatalyst that enables the efficient formation of cyclobutane rings, a crucial structural element in pharmaceuticals and biologically active compounds. The new catalyst exhibits high stability and recyclability, making it more economically and environmentally sustainable.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Chemists develop new approach to inserting single carbon atoms

Researchers have developed a precise and efficient tool using 'single atom skeletal editing' to insert single carbon atoms into cyclic compounds, enabling ring size adjustment from five to six-membered rings. This approach opens up the way for designing and modifying complex molecular structures with potential industrial applications i...

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

Polyethylene waste could be a thing of the past

A team of experts has developed a way to convert polyethylene waste into ethylene and propionic acid through atomically dispersed metal catalysts. This method uses renewable solar energy to produce valuable chemicals with high selectivity, alleviating the need for complex separation processes.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023