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Dinuclear ruthenium complex as a photocatalyst for selective CO2 reduction to CO

Researchers have developed a dinuclear ruthenium complex that efficiently reduces CO2 to carbon monoxide with over 99% selectivity. The catalyst's self-photosensitizing properties enhance its stability under reaction conditions, allowing it to drive the CO2 reduction process even at low CO2 concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 24, 2023
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Titanium oxide material can remove toxic dyes from wastewater

Researchers at Drexel University developed a titanium oxide material that can break down two common dye pollutants in water under visible light. The material reduced rhodamine 6G and crystal violet concentrations by 90% and 64%, respectively, in just 30 minutes.

SourceDrexel University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2023

Low-cost molybdenum complex paves the way for sustainable photochemistry

Researchers develop a simple, low-cost molybdenum complex for photocatalysis and photon upconversion, overcoming the limitations of expensive precious metal complexes. The complex shows excellent photostability and outperforms traditional compounds in some cases.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 4, 2023

Semiconductor photocatalyst helps to realize borylation reaction

Researchers developed a heterogeneous photocatalytic system using cadmium sulfide nanosheets to realize borylation reactions involving N-heterocyclic carbene boranes (NHC-BH3). The process enables the synthesis of high-value transformations under room temperature and light conditions.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 30, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New type of visible-light responsive photocatalyst is efficient, stable and very economical

Researchers developed a new type of photocatalyst harnessing the visible portion of sunlight spectrum. The photocatalyst achieved high photo-to-chemical conversation efficiency and was found to be extremely stable under various conditions, including high temperatures and different pH levels.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalJournal of Science Advanced Materials and Devices·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2023

New photocatalytic system converts carbon dioxide to valuable fuel more efficiently than natural photosynthesis

A joint research team from City University of Hong Kong and collaborators developed a stable artificial photocatalytic system that mimics natural chloroplasts to convert carbon dioxide into methane, a valuable fuel, very efficiently using light. The new system achieved a highly efficient solar-to-fuel efficiency rate of 15%, surpassing...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

New catalysts for solar hydrogen production

Researchers have developed novel photocatalysts using layered metal-organic frameworks that exhibit improved charge separation properties. These materials are able to efficiently extract charges without structural defects, enabling record values in photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJul 19, 2023
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Primordial photoredox catalyst

Researchers found a solid deposited from ammonia and methane plasma can catalyze reactions to produce early biomolecules, such as imines, using sunlight. Nitrogen-doped graphite was used as the catalyst in these reactions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

A review of the latest metal sulfide-based heterojunction photocatalysts

Recent research reviews highlight the benefits of metal sulfides in photocatalysis, including enhanced stability through heterojunction formation. Various synthesis methods are discussed, along with applications in simultaneous redox reactions and environmental remediation.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateJul 6, 2023

Chemists develop new process for the production of ring-shaped molecules

An international team of chemists has successfully used structural editing to insert a four-membered molecular ring into an aromatic ring, creating a complex bicyclic ring system. The new process utilizes visible-light photocatalysis, providing environmentally friendly and atom-economical conditions.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

A better way to create space

Researchers at KAUST have developed a simple technique to create highly porous organic polymers, known as poly(aryl thioether), for applications in photocatalysis and optoelectronics. The material exhibits high surface area and tunable porosity, making it suitable for removing organic micropollutants and toxic mercury ions from water.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 3, 2023

Chemists develop new method for water splitting

A team of researchers at Münster University has developed a photocatalytic process to split water into hydrogen and oxygen under mild reaction conditions. The process uses triaryl phosphines to activate water, enabling the easy transfer of hydrogen atoms to various compounds.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

Energy transition with hydrogen generated on rooftops

Researchers at KIT have developed highly efficient photoreactor panels that can be inserted into inexpensive modules for mass production of hydrogen or fuels. The technology could make the use of fossil energy carriers superfluous and provide a climate-neutral alternative, with costs estimated to be around $22 per square meter.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalJoule·DateJun 21, 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

A novel green photoreactor for the synthesis of desirable chiral enantiomers

A team of Japanese researchers has successfully developed a recycling photoreactor that enables the synthesis of optically pure compounds with high yields, achieving an optical purity of 98-99%. The system uses a two-step rapid photoracemization process and can produce enantiomerically pure chiral sulfoxides in yields higher than 80%.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Organic Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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Ligand-nanocrystal interactions under visible light irradiation

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University demonstrate quasi-reversible displacement of organic ligands on nanocrystal surfaces under visible light irradiation. This finding opens up new avenues for enhancing the tunability and functionality of inorganic materials with aromatic molecules.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Novel tin-based metal–organic frameworks for reducing carbon dioxide to formate

Researchers have developed a novel tin-based MOF that can selectively reduce CO2 to formate in the presence of visible light, achieving high selectivity and quantum yield. The material, called KGF-10, was found to be efficient, precious-metal-free, and single-component.

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

Internal electrical field modulation in photocatalytic water splitting

Researchers developed a novel method for photocatalytic water splitting by regulating the built-in electric field of nitrogen-deficient polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) on polyhedral SrTiO3. This synergistic approach improves charge transfer and light absorption, leading to enhanced overall water splitting efficiency.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateMay 12, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Researchers develop interfacial charge modification strategy to enhance photocatalytic water oxidation

A new strategy has been developed to enhance photocatalytic water oxidation by introducing a charge-transfer mediator. The mediator, partially oxidized graphene, reduces charge recombination and prolongs the lifetime of photogenerated charges.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 8, 2023

Newly developed hydrogel nanocomposite for the mass production of hydrogen

A new type of floatable photocatalytic platform composed of hydrogel nanocomposites efficiently proceeds hydrogen evolution reaction. The platform exhibits clear advantages over conventional systems, including efficient solar energy conversion and easy gas diffusion.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

On-demand preparation of organosilicon reagents

Scientists at the National University of Singapore have developed a new method for synthesizing organosilanes using eosin Y, a low-cost and readily available dye molecule. This enables stepwise customised functionalisation of multihydrosilanes to access fully substituted silicon compounds.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2023

Controlling thermal conductivity in liquid crystals

By doping liquid crystals with azobenzene molecules, researchers can induce reversible changes in thermal conductivity under ultraviolet light. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for designing materials with tunable thermal conductivity to address challenges in microelectronics.

SourceCenter for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateApr 17, 2023

Catalytic methane removal to mitigate its environmental effect

Recent advances in catalytic methane oxidation via thermocatalysis and photocatalysis demonstrate promising results for environmental remediation. The development of efficient catalysts, improved reactor designs, and fundamental studies on surface chemistry are key findings.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateApr 11, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

An improved, visible light-harvesting catalyst to speed up reactions

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel visible light-driven single transition metal catalyst that combines high light harvesting abilities and broad applicability. The SFI-Rh(I) complexes overcome previous limitations, enabling versatile photocatalytic reactions with increased stability.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Team uses natural catalysts to develop low-cost way of producing green hydrogen

Researchers have developed a practical method to generate green hydrogen using natural enzymes, which contain only earth-abundant elements. The new approach enables the efficient production of green hydrogen from sunlight, making it a promising solution for decarbonizing transportation and industries.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

New simulation reveals secrets of exotic form of electrons called polarons

Researchers have developed a new simulation method to study polarons in 2D materials, which could lead to breakthroughs in OLED TVs and hydrogen fuel production. The study uses quantum mechanical theory and computation to determine the fundamental properties of polarons in 2D materials.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 22, 2023
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Oregon State develops catalyst that purifies herbicide-tainted water and produces hydrogen

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a dual-purpose catalyst that can both purify herbicide-tainted water and produce hydrogen. The catalyst, derived from metal-organic frameworks, shows promise in tackling global water pollution and provides a sustainable alternative to conventional hydrogen production methods.

SourceOregon State University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

CityU unravels interfacial interactions of the lead-free perovskite for efficient hydrogen production

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a lead-free perovskite photocatalyst for highly efficient solar energy-to-hydrogen conversion. The study uncovers the interfacial dynamics between halide perovskite molecules and electrolytes, enabling better photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2023

Lab lights way to simple chemical synthesis

Researchers at Rice University have developed a photochemical process that simplifies the manufacture of essential precursors for drugs and agricultural chemicals. By illuminating reagents with visible light, they can form diazides in conditions far gentler than current industrial processes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Catalyzing ‘net-zero’ green hydrogen from the sun: HKU chemists discover a fundamental catalyst protonation process to promote solar-driven water-splitting for hydrogen production without CO2 emissions

Researchers at HKU-CAS Joint Laboratory have developed a protonation process to enhance the efficiency of photocatalysts in generating hydrogen using visible solar light. The discovery could lead to more efficient and stable solar energy utilization, paving the way for 'net-zero' green hydrogen production.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalEnergy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

A sustainable path for energy-demanding photochemistry

Researchers have developed a metal-free photon upconversion system that transforms readily available visible light into UVB photons, enabling sustainable photochemical processes. The breakthrough enables efficient generation of high-energy UV photons without relying on mercury lamps or other inefficient alternatives.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 1, 2022

Nanodiamonds can be activated as photocatalysts with sunlight

Researchers have discovered that nanodiamonds can emit solvated electrons in water when exposed to visible light, a crucial step towards using them as photocatalysts. This discovery could lead to the development of inexpensive and metal-free processes for converting CO2 into valuable hydrocarbons or converting N2 into ammonia.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNanoscale·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Rice lab’s catalyst could be key for hydrogen economy

The new catalyst uses energy from light to convert ammonia into clean-burning hydrogen fuel, breaking the need for heat and potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The discovery paves the way for sustainable, low-cost hydrogen production locally rather than in massive centralized plants.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

Photocatalysis: Processes in charge separation recorded experimentally

Scientists have recorded photocatalysis charge separation processes experimentally on Cu2O particles, revealing rapid electron transfer and slower hole trapping, enabling better understanding of photocatalytic water splitting limitations. The technique allows for spatiotemporal imaging of charge transfer in photocatalyst particles.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New catalyst can turn smelly hydrogen sulfide into a cash cow

Rice University engineers have developed a method to convert hydrogen sulfide into high-demand hydrogen gas and sulfur in a single step using gold nanoparticles. The process gets all its energy from light, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional remediation methods.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Holistic evolution of charge transfer to photocatalyst surface sites mapped for first time

Scientists have revealed the complex mechanisms behind charge transfer in photocatalyst particles, providing insights into designing more efficient photocatalysts. The research used multiple techniques to map the spatiotemporal evolution of charge transfers, showing that built-in electric fields and defects can aid in charge separation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateOct 12, 2022

Economical PEF production

A new titanium-based photocatalyst overcomes production inefficiencies in polyethylene furandicarboxylate (PEF), a biobased plastic replacement for PET. The catalyst increases efficiency by shifting light absorption to the visible range, reducing unwanted byproducts and requiring less UV light.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2022
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Boosting performance with a dash of rock salt

Scientists have found a novel structure in bismuth oxychloride, featuring a sextuple Bi-O layer composed of rock-salt and fluorite units, which enhances photocatalytic activity. This discovery could lead to improved hydrogen production material designs.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2022

New photocatalyst boosts water splitting efficiency for clean hydrogen production

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a surface-modified dye-sensitized nanosheet catalyst that can suppress undesirable back electron transfer and improve water splitting activity. This results in an efficient Z-scheme overall water splitting system with improved hydrogen production.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Light as a tool for the synthesis of complex molecules

Chemists at the University of Münster developed a novel method for synthesizing complex organic molecules using visible light. The method produces biologically valuable β-amino acids, including a bifunctional oxime oxalate ester with both amine and ester functionalities.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 2, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

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Brazilian scientists reveal method of converting methane gas into liquid methanol

Researchers have developed a method to convert methane into methanol under ambient conditions, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and paving the way for alternative fuels. The process uses photocatalysts and has potential to mitigate climate change by utilizing methane reserves.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalChemical Communications·DateAug 2, 2022

Rice improves catalyst that destroys ‘forever chemicals’ with sunlight

Researchers created a composite of boron nitride and titanium dioxide that harnesses UV-A energy to break apart PFOA molecules in water, degrading 99% of the pollutant in less than three hours. The catalyst is more efficient than existing methods, offering new hope for removing PFOA from drinking water.

SourceRice University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022

New photocatalytic membrane that can be cleaned using light energy

A new nanosheet-laminated photocatalytic membrane has been successfully developed by Kobe University researchers, demonstrating excellent water permeance and photocatalytic activity. The membrane's photocatalytic properties make it easier to clean, reducing fouling and increasing its potential for tackling global environmental issues.

SourceKobe University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2022

Organic water splitters get a boost

A KAUST-led team developed organic semiconductor-based photocatalysts to store solar energy as clean hydrogen fuel. These catalysts can absorb visible light and generate long-lived charges, improving efficiency for hydrogen evolution.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 9, 2022

Yolk-shell nanocrystals with movable gold yolk: Next generation of photocatalysts

Researchers developed yolk-shell nanocrystals containing metallic gold yolk with semiconductor shells, exhibiting high photocatalytic activity. The structures were synthesized using a sequential ion-exchange process and evaluated using XPS and PL spectroscopy, revealing electronic interactions favorable for photocatalysis.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2022
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Chemists use light energy to produce small molecular rings

A team of chemists led by Frank Glorius has successfully synthesized new and medically significant small molecular rings using visible light. The innovative approach enables efficient and mild synthesis under mild reaction conditions, offering opportunities for producing active agents.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022
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New tech aims to drive down costs of hydrogen fuel

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique for extracting hydrogen gas from liquid carriers, making it faster, less expensive and more energy efficient. The new method uses sunlight and a reusable photocatalyst to release hydrogen molecules, reducing the need for rhodium and lowering production costs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChemSusChem·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Researchers develop powerful strategy for creating new-to-nature enzymes

A team of researchers developed a simple yet powerful strategy for creating new enzymes with novel reactivity that can produce valuable chemical compounds. They used photobiocatalysis to repurpose naturally occurring enzymes and achieved an enantioselective biocatalytic reaction.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022