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Discovering new materials: AI can simulate billions of atoms simultaneously

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering developed AI model Allegro-FM to simulate behavior of billions of atoms simultaneously, enabling simulations 1,000 times larger than previous models. This breakthrough accelerates development of carbon-neutral concrete with unprecedented scalability.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2025

Bridging the gap: From frequent molecular changes to observable phenomena

A Japanese research team has developed a framework that accurately describes how first-order reactions appear depending on the time interval used to measure the reaction. The work uses a 'shutter speed' analogy to simplify complex molecular changes, allowing for precise predictions of reaction outcomes.

SourceInstitute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (ICReDD)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2024

Quantum chemistry: Molecules caught tunneling

Scientists at the University of Innsbruck have successfully measured tunneling reactions in molecular chemistry, confirming a precise theoretical model. The experiment used hydrogen and deuterium isotopes to demonstrate the quantum mechanical tunnel effect in a slow ion-molecule reaction.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Finding simplicity within complexity

A University of Houston researcher has developed a method to describe complex systems using the least number of variables possible, reducing complexity from millions to just one. This advancement speeds up science with efficiency and ability to understand and predict natural system behavior.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateDec 8, 2022

Rice lab improves recipe for valuable chemical

The Rice University lab has improved the recipe for synthesizing molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a highly sought-after material for its semiconducting properties. By using iodized salt, the team was able to speed up the synthesis process while reducing growth temperatures.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 18, 2022

The platinum riddle

Researchers have solved a long-standing puzzle in surface physics, explaining how individual atoms of a catalyst capture molecules to transform them. The breakthrough reveals that both the catalyst and its anchor material assume energetically unfavorable states for a short time to facilitate the reaction.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Rusting iron can be its own worst enemy

Researchers at Rice University found that iron itself plays a role in its own corrosion when exposed to supercritical CO2 and trace amounts of water. Thin layers of 2D materials like graphene can serve as a barrier to prevent corrosion.

SourceRice University·JournalMatter·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2022

Using green tea as reducing reagent for the preparation of nanomaterials to synthesize ammonia

Researchers developed a green synthesis method for ammonia production using green tea as a reducing agent. The study found that the optimized sample showed 2.93-fold enhanced photocatalytic activity and increased NH3 selectivity, outperforming bulk g-C3N4 under simulated sunlight irradiation.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021

Chemical reactions break free from energy barriers using flyby trajectories

Researchers at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign discover that applying mechanical force can deliberately alter chemical reactions, allowing for increased chemical selectivity. By manipulating atomic motions, chemists can overcome energy barriers and achieve desired outcomes, opening up new possibilities for chemical production.

Mapping the quantum frontier, one layer at a time

Researchers at Harvard University used ultracold chemistry to test current quantum theories on chemical reactions, mapping the quantum frontier. They collected data on 57 possible reaction channels, confirming accuracy of statistical theory for most but revealing significant deviations in others.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2021

Chemistry goes under cover

Scientists have discovered that covering metal catalyst surfaces with thin two-dimensional oxide materials can significantly enhance chemical reactions. The new method uses partially covered palladium surfaces with silica films to boost carbon dioxide production by 20%. This approach allows for more efficient and effective catalytic co...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 2, 2021

New findings on the largest natural sulfur source in the atmosphere

A team of researchers from TROPOS and Universities in Germany, Austria, and Finland have discovered a new reaction pathway for dimethyl sulfide, challenging current knowledge on its degradation. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the Earth's sulfur cycle and climate modeling.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 18, 2019

Chemical hydrogen storage system

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a chemical storage system based on simple and abundant organic compounds. The system uses ethylenediamine and methanol to store and release hydrogen with high theoretical capacity and efficiency.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 7, 2019

See invisible into HER catalysis

Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China have developed an advanced characterization technique to study the realistic structure of catalysts in water electrolysis. The team used operando synchrotron radiation XAFS technology to identify the atomic-level structure and dynamic evolution of active sites in cobalt...

Chinese scientists get first look at geometric phase effect in a chemical reaction

Researchers from China and Germany discover the geometric phase effect in a benchmark chemical reaction, providing new insights into molecular systems with conical intersections. The study uses high-resolution velocity map ion imaging technique to observe rapid oscillations of H2 products, which can only be reproduced by theoretical ca...

Supercomputing the 'how' of chemical reactions

The Atesins used supercomputers at the Texas Advanced Computing Center to study organometallic compounds and understand the structure of a palladium catalyst. Their research revealed that the most stable form of the molecule is chair-shaped, and repulsion between this conformation and the substrate dictates the final product.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalComputational and Theoretical Chemistry·DateJul 30, 2018

Researchers find a surprise just beneath the surface in carbon dioxide experiment

A team of researchers used X-ray experiments and theoretical models to study the conversion of carbon dioxide into liquid fuels using copper catalysts. The findings revealed that oxygen atoms embedded near the surface of copper had a significant impact on the reaction, leading to more efficient reactions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2017

Breaking up: a convoluted drama at nuclear scale, too

Scientists from Aarhus University used a state-of-the-art detector to measure the precise disintegration of carbon into three helium nuclei. Their findings reveal a sequence of fragmentations, relevant to developing aneutronic fusion reactions and improving our understanding of astrophysics phenomena.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal A·DateOct 18, 2016

How solvent molecules cooperate in reactions

Researchers discovered that solvent molecules can significantly impact the formation of an ether molecule, even when they don't directly participate in the reaction. A second methanol molecule is essential for the reaction to occur, indicating that solvent molecules are not just bystanders but rather assistants.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2016

Uniformity: The secret of better fusion ignition

Theoretical physicists use numerical simulations to analyze the uniformity of irradiation at thermonuclear fusion reaction, with potential applications to the Orion facility's high-power laser beams. The approach demonstrates a reduction in non-uniformity by 50% and 35% for elliptical and circular intensity profiles respectively.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 11, 2013

Mysterious catalyst explained

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered how tiny gold particles selectively transform methanol into formaldehyde, a crucial step in producing everyday plastics. The catalyst produces only water as a byproduct, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 30, 2013