Add BrightSurf on Google Email

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.

Green technology breakthrough: Hematite photocatalyst using sunlight energy simultaneously produces hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide

A breakthrough in green technology has successfully produced both hydrogen gas and hydrogen peroxide simultaneously from sunlight and water using a hematite photocatalyst. This innovation could lead to a solar water-splitting utilization system with greater added value, enabling the widespread adoption of carbon-neutral energy sources.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Multifunctional graphene-based composites oriented by roles of graphene in photocatalysis

The review discusses optimization strategies for multifunctional graphene-based composite photocatalysts, including decreasing defect density, chemical doping, and depositing cocatalysts. Graphene plays a crucial role in enhancing light absorption, electron transfer dynamics, and surface reactions.

Scientists develop indoor-active photocatalyst for antiviral coating against various variant types of novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

Researchers developed a solid-state photocatalyst using TiO2 and CuO nanoclusters to inactivate various variants of SARS-CoV-2. The material is effective under both darkness and indoor light, making it suitable for reducing COVID-19 infection risk in indoor environments.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2022

Upcycling biomass waste into Fe single atom catalysts for pollutant control

Researchers have developed a sustainable methodology to utilize biomass waste for efficient remediation of antibiotic pollution. Fe-contaminated biomass waste ferns are used to synthesize highly active single atom catalysts, demonstrating an appealing strategy for pollutant control and other applications.

A comprehensive review on heterogeneous photocatalysis for environmental remediation

Recent research has extensively reviewed heterogeneous photocatalysis, a technology that utilizes solar energy to efficiently remove various pollutants. The application of semiconductor modification strategies is crucial for overcoming challenges such as high cost and low solar energy utilization rate.

Wide-visible-light-responsive photocatalyst boosts solar water splitting

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics developed a highly efficient Z-scheme OWS system, achieving benchmarked apparent quantum efficiency and solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency over particulate inorganic semiconductor photocatalysts driven by visible light. The system utilizes Ir as reduction cocatalyst and ...

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 28, 2022

Proton transfer between titania surface and dye observed for photocatalysis evaluation

A team of researchers at Shinshu University has successfully observed proton transfer between the titania surface and a dye molecule during UV light irradiation. The study used time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy to measure the formation of basic hydroxyl groups on the titania surface, which accepts protons from the dye.

SourceShinshu University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2021

Amide-linked covalent organic frameworks as efficient heterogeneous photocatalysts in water

Researchers develop amide-linked covalent organic frameworks as efficient heterogeneous photocatalysts, improving adsorption capacity and recyclability for dyes in water. The frameworks exhibit high crystallinity and stability, ensuring satisfactory recyclability and outstanding photocatalytic activity under visible light.

Enhanced ambient ammonia photosynthesis by Mo-doped Bi5O7Br nanosheets with light-switchable oxygen vacancies

Researchers have developed Mo-doped Bi5O7Br nanosheets that significantly improve nitrogen reduction to ammonia under ambient conditions. The material's oxygen vacancies and Mo dopant facilitate N2 capture, activation, and fixation, leading to enhanced photoactivity.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateSep 3, 2021

Nano ‘camera’ made using molecular glue allows real-time monitoring of chemical reactions

A team from the University of Cambridge developed a nano 'camera' that harnesses light within semiconductor nanocrystals to induce electron transfer processes, allowing for the real-time monitoring of chemical reactions. The platform can be used to study various molecules and their potential applications in renewable energy.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Best of both worlds: Updating the chemical process to remove organic pollutants from water

Researchers from India and Saudi Arabia have combined oxidation and photocatalysis to create a heterogeneous photo-Fenton system that degrades phenols at higher rates than individual approaches. The system is highly photostable and reusable, making it promising for practical applications in wastewater purification.

SourceShoolini University·JournalJournal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021

Harnessing sunlight to fuel the future through covalent organic frameworks

Researchers highlight the potential of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in solar-to-fuel production, converting sunlight into hydrogen and other fuels. COF-based photocatalysts have shown promising properties, including improved catalysis and electron delocalization, making them a viable solution for future energy needs.

SourceShoolini University·JournalCoordination Chemistry Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 12, 2021

Striking gold: A pathway to stable, high-activity catalysts from gold nanoclusters

A team of researchers at Tokyo University of Science has developed a stable and highly active photocatalyst from gold nanoclusters. By removing the protective molecules around the nanoclusters, they were able to increase their catalytic activity and stability, opening up new possibilities for hydrogen generation and other applications.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

Activation of carbon-fluorine bonds via cooperation of a photocatalyst and tin

Researchers from Osaka University have successfully developed an organic reaction that selectively converts a specific carbon-fluorine bond in perfluorinated compounds to other functional groups. This breakthrough enables the synthesis of high-value fluorine-containing drugs, addressing a significant challenge in pharmaceutical applica...

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 2, 2021

Solar energy-driven sustainable process for synthesis of ethylene glycol from methanol

Researchers developed a novel solar energy-driven method to produce ethylene glycol (EG) from methanol, offering a sustainable and clean alternative. The catalyst, nitrogen-doped tantalum oxide, demonstrated high activity and stability for EG production, making it an environmentally friendly candidate for industrial applications.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateJun 1, 2021

Water splitting for solar energy conversion

Researchers have developed a highly-efficient water decomposition reaction using BaTaO2N photocatalyst, achieving nearly 100 times the efficiency of conventional methods. The new method involves sequential cocatalyst decoration on the surface of BaTaO2N particles, resulting in high dispersion and improved hydrogen production.

SourceShinshu University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2021

Establishment testing standards for particulate photocatalysts in solar fuel production proposed

A research team has proposed new testing standards for particulate photocatalysts in solar fuel production, aiming to improve the efficiency and reliability of this technology. The standards will provide a reliable guide for large-scale implementation and further promote research advances in the field.

Skoltech imaging resources used in international experiment with new photocatalysts

Researchers from Skoltech and international partners study crystal structure and optical properties of new two-dimensional compounds for energy conversion. The study used advanced imaging equipment to analyze the material's structure, leading to potential improvements in photocatalytic activity.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 1, 2021

Ultraheavy precision polymers

Researchers have developed a simple, environmentally friendly process to produce well-defined linear and star-shaped polymers with ultrahigh molecular weights from nonconjugated monomers. The photoenzymatic RAFT polymerization method offers outstanding control over composition, molecular weight, and architecture.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 27, 2020

Integrating nanomaterial with light-absorbing molecule powers hydrogen production from water and sun

Researchers have developed a new photocatalyst that can generate hydrogen from water with high efficiency, using nanoscale metal oxide sheets and a ruthenium dye molecule. The material works under visible light, the main component of sunlight, and has a record-breaking turnover frequency and external quantum yield.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 8, 2020