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Turning nitrate into ammonia with sunlight and gold

Researchers at TU Wien developed a novel catalyst converting nitrate from wastewater into ammonia using sunlight and electricity. The MXene-Gold material interacts optimally, capturing light and heat while facilitating chemical reactions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2026

Highly sensitive SWCNT-based pyroelectric phototransistors enable broadband room-temperature infrared detection

Researchers have developed a detector that delivers high sensitivity while operating at ordinary room temperature, using carbon nanotubes and a pyroelectric lithium niobate crystal. The device surpasses earlier graphene-based detectors by several orders of magnitude and offers a broad spectral range without cryogenic cooling.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Gram-scale photocatalytic benzyl alcohol oxidation via photon-heteroatom jointly promoted redox cycling over nickel-based Pickering emulsion

A novel nickel-based Pickering emulsion catalyst enables gram-scale synthesis of high-purity benzaldehyde with co-produced hydrogen, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fine chemical synthesis. The synergistic effect of photon-heteroatom jointly promoted redox cycling accelerates the dehydrogenation reaction.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2026

New 2D membrane reactor revolutionizes photocatalytic synthesis

Researchers developed a new 2D membrane reactor that significantly improves the synthesis of imines, critical precursors for pharmaceuticals and advanced materials. The system achieves high conversion rates and selectivity in under 7 seconds at room temperature.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

High-frequency molecular vibrations initiate electron movement

A team of scientists observed the earliest steps of ultrafast charge transfer in a complex dye molecule, with high-frequency vibrations playing a central role. The experiments showed that these vibrations initiate charge transport, while processes in the surrounding solvent begin only at a later stage.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 2025

Controlling bacteria with light: from tackling antibiotic resistance to “bacterial robots”

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano have developed a system that allows bacteria to sense light and convert it into electrical signals without genetic modification. This method has the potential to develop next-generation antimicrobial platforms and biocompatible 'bacterial robots' for targeted drug delivery.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

Illuminating the twist: light-driven inversion of supramolecular chirality

The study successfully manipulated the formation of left-handed or right-handed helical aggregates using precise light control, exhibiting promising insights into novel functional materials. The researchers found that residual aggregates acted as nucleation sites forming oppositely directed helical assemblies under certain conditions.

SourceChiba University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2025
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.

The little things matter: Chemists develop new sensor for microvolume pH detection

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a sensitive and robust pH sensor that can detect pH variation in just a few microliters of samples. The new sensor uses novel materials and methods to overcome the current method's limitations, which are not sensitive enough or fragile for commercial-scale use.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 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

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
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

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