Articles tagged with Physical Chemistry
Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have created a test system to characterize and compare passive cooling materials, overcoming challenges in determining their performance. The system mimics key factors influencing passive cooling performance, allowing for reproducible tests under identical conditions.
A laboratory study published in PNAS found that SARS-CoV-2 virus can lose 90% of its infectivity when in aerosol particles within 20 minutes. The loss is strongly dependent on low relative humidity and pH, with a decrease in airborne infectivity observed at levels below 50%.
Researchers from the University of Arizona suggest that dying stars can forge carbon nanotubes in the envelopes of dust and gas surrounding them. This process involves the spontaneous formation of carbon nanotubes, which are highly structured rod-like molecules consisting of multiple layers of carbon sheets.
A new double-layered catalyst, combining platinum with NiFe hydroxide, was developed to enhance hydrogen generation efficiency. The catalyst's activity is 11.2 times higher than conventional materials, making it a promising solution for increasing green hydrogen production.
Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology have discovered a method for describing molecules in optical cavities, which could lead to breakthroughs in chemistry and pharmaceutical industries. The study uses molecular orbital theory to predict how molecules will react inside optical cavities.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have discovered a deep connection between two previously distinct fields of physics, stochastic thermodynamics and transition-path theory, allowing for a framework to quantify reaction information. This framework enables researchers to separate signal from noise in massive datasets, facilitating b...
A team of researchers has provided evidence to settle the debate on the relative stabilities of boron nitride's structures using a state-of-the-art quantum simulation method. The study found that hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is the most stable structure, followed by rhombohedral (rBN), zinc-blende (cBN), and wurtzite (wBN).
Researchers at the University of Cologne and the University of Wuppertal have developed a tandem solar cell that achieves an unprecedented 24% efficiency, outperforming previous records. The innovative design combines organic and perovskite-based absorbers with an indium oxide interconnect to minimize losses.
A team of researchers has developed a tunable graphene-based platform to study exceptional points, which exhibit unique properties when light and matter interact. The breakthrough could lead to advancements in optoelectronic technologies and potentially contribute to the development of 'beyond-5G' wireless technology.
Research proves O2-bridged bicyclic compounds are key reaction intermediates in oxidation of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene. These compounds contribute to the formation of high-mass, low-volatility secondary organic aerosol products.
A SUTD-led study develops brighter, more sensitive fluorophores by suppressing twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) and enhancing photon-induced electron transfer (PET). The research provides design guidelines for dye chemists to rationally tune TICT, PET, and other mechanisms for a wide range of applications.
Scientists investigate how positively and negatively charged ions behave at solid-liquid interfaces. They found that the hydration shell of positively charged sodium ions is stripped away at small voltages, while negatively charged chloride ions require higher voltages.
Osaka University researchers have successfully synthesized a stable, crystalline nanographene with predicted magnetic properties, opening the door to revolutionary advances in electronics and magnets. The breakthrough uses a simplified model system called triangulene, which has long been elusive due to polymerization issues.
Researchers at University of Göttingen investigate tight junctions' importance in cell movement and their consequences when missing. The findings suggest a 'tug of war' scenario between cells with unequal contraction and stretching, affecting tissue mobility and biological functions.
The Danish NMR Center is part of the PANACEA consortium, enabling European researchers to access state-of-the-art solid-state NMR equipment. The project will provide trans-national access to over 30 unique NMR spectrometers and develop new web-based software tools for simplified analysis.
A new fluorescent probe, NeutropG, selectively stains healthy neutrophils in blood samples, allowing for accurate quantification. The Metabolism-Oriented Live-cell Distinction (MOLD) method enables the selective identification of active neutrophils without affecting their native functions.
A team of scientists led by prof. Juan Carlos Colmenares developed an efficient reactive adsorbent that can purify air from various toxic compounds cheaply and effectively. The material, made from titanium dioxide and graphite oxide, uses photocatalysis to break down toxins into less harmful elements.
Researchers discovered a two-layer water network surrounding hydrophobic molecules, with the inner layer being longer stable and more densely packed. This new understanding is crucial for biomolecular recognition and protein folding processes.
A European research team developed a photographic film at the atomic level to track the motion of a molecular building block. The result shows a light-controlled 'pedalo-type motion', moving forward and backward, which could help control material properties with molecular switches.
Researchers propose new way to test structural stability of predicted 2D materials, correcting earlier mistakes. The new approach considers finite-size portions of materials for added stability criteria.
Researchers at the IPC PAS and WUT have developed a new, solvent-free drug encapsulation method that uses a pre-assembled metal complex incorporating the drug molecule. This approach could dramatically improve the efficiency of drug encapsulation in MOF materials and open the way to formulating vast arrays of 'drug@MOF' composites.
Scientists from the IPC PAS found that cell viscosity remains constant throughout its life cycle, defying intuitive expectations. This discovery has implications for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, particularly in cancer treatment and neurodegenerative diseases.
Lin X. Chen, a senior chemist at Argonne National Laboratory and Northwestern University professor, has received the 2020 Award in Experimental Physical Chemistry for her fundamental contributions to elucidating excited state structures, dynamics, and energetics of light harvesting systems.
Researchers discovered that the tiny apex structure in plant leaves controls water drainage, allowing for fast absorption of excess water. This adaptation enables understory plants to survive high precipitation and humidity conditions in rainforests.
Researchers at the University of Malaga have discovered that sulfur atoms can exhibit both donative and repulsive behavior, leading to the creation of more stable and functional organic diradicals. These findings have significant implications for various scientific fields, including chemistry and environmental science.
A new dye has been developed to detect signs of neurodegenerative diseases earlier and with greater precision. The dye can bind to specific amyloid structures in medical samples, allowing for the early detection of brain disease.
Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg develop a method to produce stable perovskite layers, which could lead to high-performance solar cells. The approach uses an industry-wide process to control layer growth, resulting in homogenous and controlled crystals that can withstand elevated temperatures.
Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Poland have developed new substrates for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) that guarantee signal enhancement and repeatability. These substrates enable the routine detection of small amounts of chemical compounds, including organic molecules and specific bacteria.
Researchers investigated how additives impact carbon dioxide interaction with beverages, affecting taste and creaminess. They found that additives like sugar reduce diffusion rate, extending fizzy period. Hydrogen bonds also decrease, impacting taste.
Researchers discovered that small droplets evaporate more slowly than predicted by current models, affecting climate modeling and internal combustion engine design. The equation developed can be used to create more accurate climate models and design more efficient cooling units.
Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Poland create a working memory based on chemical phenomena using Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction. The system stores two logic states in triplets of adjoining droplets, allowing for permanent data storage.
The ACS Kavli Lectures will discuss recent advances in understanding polymer networks and their innovations, as well as the inspiration of CRISPR systems for powerful genome engineering tools. These lectures aim to address open challenges in materials science and provide new insights into the design and application of materials.
Scientists at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Poland have developed a new method to monitor oxygen consumption by bacteria in microdroplets, enabling efficient testing of new drugs. The system uses polymer nanoparticles with phosphorescent dyes to measure oxygen levels without interfering with bacterial growth.
A team of researchers has successfully developed liquid-crystalline nanostructures that protect antimicrobial peptides, allowing them to target and destroy bacteria without being degraded. This innovative approach could provide a new weapon in the fight against antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
A new polymer designed to detect acute kidney injury can identify the condition in its initial stages, allowing for simple treatment and good prognosis. The polymer selectively captures lipocalin-2, a protein biomarker for acute kidney injury.
Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences have developed a novel method to create stable monolayers of nanoparticles. The new technique, known as 'tailored' chemistry, uses linker molecules to link adjacent nanoparticles together, creating a stable and durable structure.
Researchers from University of Konstanz and China successfully replicate nacre's structural configuration using calcium carbonate, chitin, and silk fibroin gel. The synthetic process creates identical characteristics to naturally occurring biomineral with improved production speed, potentially leading to high-performance materials.
Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and Technische Universität Dortmund used infrared spectroscopy and computer simulations to analyze the behavior of TMAO at high pressure. They found that some bands shifted to higher frequencies, while individual peaks changed their form, indicating a change in molecular structure.
A new description of electron scattering in surface layers enables faster materials analysis and better understanding of sample properties. The theoretical tools used in spectroscopies can exhibit great 'malice', but a new analytical method simplifies calculations of the Chandrasekhar function, reducing errors.
Chemist Phil Baran of TSRI has won a Blavatnik National Award for his transformative research in natural product synthesis and development of new synthetic methodology. This award recognizes the potential of his work to create life-saving medicines, including the approved treatment of skin cancer.
Researchers from the University of Leeds have discovered a way to prevent ice crystals from forming in water as it is cooled to -35°C using glycerol. This breakthrough has important implications for improving cryoprotectants used in fertility treatments and food storage.
Theoretical chemists from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences have found how to synthesize krypton oxide, a compound that can form an extensive and stable crystal lattice. This exotic substance can be produced at pressures exceeding 3 million atmospheres, similar to those on Krypton.
Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University studied histamine molecules using gas electron diffraction and quantum-chemical calculations. They were able to determine the molecule's geometric structure and predict its mechanism of tautomerization, a spontaneous transition between structural states.
A team of researchers monitored the folding of an RNA hairpin in a living cell and compared the results with those of test tube analyses. They found that the RNA molecule in the living cell exhibited strong fluctuations in stability, similar to the dynamic changes in the cellular environment.
Nine leading American scientists, including those supported by NSF, receive National Medal of Science for outstanding contributions to science. The awards also recognize innovators who have made lasting impacts on America's competitiveness and quality of life.
Researchers have developed two new catalysts effective in removing trichloroethylene, a carcinogenic compound found in tap water, through hydrodechlorination. The catalysts, cheaper and more efficient than existing ones, enable a wider use of the reaction to purify water.
Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Poland discover that oxygen plays a crucial role in accelerating photodestruction of molecules. By slowing down oxygen permeation through polymer layers, they can extend the lifetimes of these molecules by several hundred times.
A pioneering ultrasonic device called StarStream has been developed to improve the cleaning of medical instruments using cold water, eliminating biological contamination and bacterial biofilms. The device has shown significant effectiveness in removing complex contaminants such as brain tissue from surgical steel.
International researchers found protein machines collectively induce fluctuating hydrodynamic flows, enhancing particle diffusive motions. The proteins supply power to the system by extracting energy from nonequilibrium effects.
Scientists have created unexpected shapes of mesoscale atoms using a new method for precise control over placement of tiny segments of liquid. The discovery enhances the ability to form new structures, opening possibilities for innovative microfluidic systems.
Scientists have developed a powerful tool to investigate ion channel selectivity using infrared spectroscopy and molecular dynamic-based simulations. This approach allows for the detection of subtle conformational changes in large membrane proteins, such as potassium channels, at atomic resolution.
Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Poland use click chemistry to bond nanoparticles to a glassy carbon substrate, creating covalent bonds and forming stable structures. The method has advantages such as low temperatures, high yield and versatility.
Scientists have created buckybombs, nanoscale explosives that could target and eliminate cancer cells at the cellular level without affecting surrounding tissue. The new explosives were built by attaching nitrous oxide molecules to a Bucky-Ball and then heating it, triggering a controlled explosion.
Researchers discovered corannulene's potential as a material for future electronic devices due to its easily accessible energy levels. The molecule can form a tunneling effect when connected in a row, making it suitable for constructing molecular circuits.
Researchers investigate formation and stability of calcium alginate spheres in molecular gastronomy, finding key role for calcium ions and spontaneous wrapping of alginate chains around liquid droplets. The study's findings could help chefs design innovative cooking techniques, leading to even more fanciful dishes.
Researchers developed two europium complex-based compounds with record-high luminescence efficiency in red light, suitable for OLED applications. The materials' stability and ability to be produced from solutions make them promising for various fields, including displays, lighting components, and anticancer therapies.
Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences have developed a microfluidic system that can merge, transport and split microdroplets, allowing for the simultaneous cultivation of hundreds of different bacteria cultures. This breakthrough could speed up research on antibiotic resistance by reduci...
Researchers from Polish Academy of Sciences discovered a new mechanism driving droplet evaporation, which plays crucial role in process at nanoscale. Temperature of evaporating liquid is prime factor responsible for evaporation.
Industrial palladium-copper catalysts change structure before use, affecting reaction catalysis. The discovery reveals potential environmental and economic benefits of alternative activation methods.
A new, fast and accurate algorithm developed by Polish researchers can calculate the Chandrasekhar function with accuracy up to over a dozen decimal digits. This method is crucial for understanding physical and chemical properties of materials' surfaces studied under laboratory conditions.