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KAIST develops a strategy to balance radical generation and catalyst regeneration, enabling challenging chemical reactions

A KAIST research team developed a strategy to balance radical generation and catalyst regeneration, broadening the possibility of synthesizing complex molecules. The team used a ligand to regulate the copper catalyst's redox behavior, enabling efficient radical generation and catalyst regeneration.

An enzyme neutralizes pathogens by cleaving a bacterial toxin

Scientists at Leibniz-HKI discovered an enzyme called BurK that cleaves the toxic molecule malleicyprol in human pathogenic bacteria. This mechanism regulates toxin levels and renders it harmless to humans, offering a potential therapeutic approach for antibiotic-resistant infections.

Researchers uncover potential biosignatures on Mars

A new study has revealed chemical signatures of ancient Martian microbial life in the Bright Angel formation, a region of Jezero Crater known for its fine-grained mudstones rich in oxidized iron and organic carbon. The findings suggest that early microorganisms may have played a role in shaping these rocks through redox reactions.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature·DateSep 10, 2025

Scientists reveal how microbes collaborate to consume potent greenhouse gas

Researchers discovered a unique partnership between two microbes that work together as a living electrical network to consume methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The finding sheds light on how microorganisms naturally reduce methane emissions and could lead to innovative strategies to control methane release in various environments.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2025

New play in the chemical-reaction playbook uncovered

A team of Penn State researchers has discovered a fundamental reaction in transition metal chemistry that can proceed through a different order of events, achieving the same outcome. This finding raises questions about whether this new pathway has been occurring all along and potentially opens up new avenues for chemical design.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2025

An iron oxide ‘oxygen sponge’ for efficient thermochemical hydrogen production

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a novel iron-based catalyst that more than doubles the conversion efficiency of thermochemical green hydrogen production. The new catalyst, iron-poor nickel ferrite (Fe-poor NiFe2O4), enables significantly greater oxygen capacity even at lower temperatures.

New sensor could help prevent lithium-ion battery fires and explosions

Researchers have developed a new sensor to detect hazardous gas leaks in lithium-ion batteries, which could prevent catastrophic failures and enhance the reliability of battery-powered technologies. The sensor detects trace amounts of ethylene carbonate vapour, targeting potential battery failures before they escalate into disasters.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2025

Progress toward a new generation of rechargeable batteries

A Chinese team proposes adding a soluble catalyst to electrolytes in lithium-air batteries, enhancing charge transport and counteracting electrode passivation. The addition improves the batteries' performance and lifespan by reducing overpotential and increasing discharge capacity.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025

Development of a high-performance AI device utilizing ion-controlled spin wave interference in magnetic materials

Researchers at NIMS developed a next-generation AI device leveraging ion-controlled spin wave interference in magnetic materials, outperforming conventional devices by up to 10 times. The technology enables energy-efficient computations with minimal degradation when miniaturized, opening doors for various industrial applications.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025

Authoritative review makes connections between electron density topology, future of materials modeling and how we understand mechanisms of phenomena in familiar devices at the atomistic level

The comprehensive review highlights the impact of electron density topology on materials science and chemistry. It reveals connections between methods, including NG QTAIM, and their potential for simulating complex reactions, enabling more realistic computing and understanding of matter.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalChemical Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 18, 2024

New study shows how organic molecules impact gold nanoparticles

A new study by Prof. Daniel Mandler and his team found that organic molecules can significantly influence the electrical properties of gold nanoparticles, up to 71 mV. The research highlights the importance of capping agents in controlling nanoparticle behavior and provides insights for customizing their interactions.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Researchers achieve electrosynthesis via superwetting organic-solid-water interfaces

Chinese scientists developed a new three-phase OSW electrocatalytic system for efficient production of high-purity benzaldehyde, achieving 97% Faradaic efficiency and 91.7% purity without post-purification processes. The system uses clean energy and water resources, simplifying product separation and purification.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2024

The first domino falls for redox reactions

Researchers have successfully transmitted a domino effect in redox reactions for the first time. The new mechanism involves a two-part molecule that undergoes structural changes upon oxidation, triggering further oxidation in neighboring groups. This discovery has potential applications in nanoscale computing and energy systems.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

Researchers obtain promising results against capacity loss in vanadium batteries

A computational study conducted by Brazilian researchers found that current density and active species concentration are the main variables affecting capacity loss. The approach successfully mitigated cross-contamination, providing an optimal flow between electrolyte tanks under different operating conditions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateNov 22, 2023

Revolutionizing energy storage: Metal nanoclusters for stable lithium–sulfur batteries

Researchers have developed a metal nanocluster-based separator for lithium-sulfur batteries, accelerating electrochemical kinetics and improving capacity and cycling stability. The technology has the potential to increase the adoption of sustainable energy storage systems, including electric vehicles and renewable energy.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

A first for ferrocene: Organometallic capsule with unusual charge-transfer interactions

A ferrocene-based capsule with unusual charge-transfer interactions has been synthesized, allowing for reversible encapsulation and release of guest molecules. The capsule can bind to a variety of organic and inorganic dyes and electron-accepting molecules, demonstrating its potential applications in medicine, biotechnology, and chemic...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2023

Researchers “film” novel catalyst at work

Researchers have developed a novel catalysis scheme that enables previously impossible chemical reactions without the use of rare and precious metals. The method uses light to activate the catalyst, allowing for the optimization of the process.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

Chloride ions from seawater eyed as possible lithium replacement in batteries of the future

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute discovered a new redox chemistry empowered by chloride ions for the development of seawater green batteries. This technology leverages abundant elements such as iron oxides and hydroxides, potentially repurposing iron rust waste materials for modern energy storage.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 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

Redox-based transistor as a reservoir system for neuromorphic computing

Researchers develop an ionic device utilizing redox reactions to achieve a high number of reservoir states, enabling efficient complex nonlinear operations. The device demonstrated remarkable performance in solving second-order nonlinear dynamic equations and predicting future values with low mean square prediction error.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2023

Dual-use rechargeable battery

Researchers have developed a hybrid battery system that stores electricity and produces valuable chemicals, such as furfuryl alcohol and furoic acid. The new battery increases the cost efficiency of the battery system, making it a step towards improving the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of rechargeable batteries.

SourceWiley·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Don’t wait, desalinate: a new approach to water purification

Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a new purification system that uses an electrified version of dialysis to separate salt and other unnecessary particles from wastewater. The method saves money and saps 90% less energy than its counterparts, making it a promising solution for global water scarcity.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Towards efficient lithium–air batteries with solution plasma-based synthesis of perovskite hydroxide catalysts

Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology have developed a faster way to synthesize CoSn(OH)6, a powerful catalyst required for high-energy lithium–air batteries. The new method uses solution plasma-based synthesis and achieves highly crystalline CSO crystals with improved catalytic properties.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalSustainable Energy & Fuels·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

A novel, completely solid, rechargeable air battery

Researchers at Waseda University have developed a novel, completely solid, rechargeable air battery that uses a benzoquinone-based negative electrode and solid Nafion polymer electrolyte. The battery exhibits high performance and close to maximum capacity, overcoming metal-based battery limitations and liquid electrolyte safety concerns.

SourceWaseda University·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers improve the solubility of redox molecules for enhanced energy storage systems

Researchers from GIST have developed a hydrotropic-supporting electrolyte to enhance the solubility of organic redox molecules in aqueous systems. This improvement enables the creation of high-energy-density electrochemical capacitors with potential applications in redox flow batteries.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Greener batteries

Researchers have developed a new type of organic battery that uses redox-organic electrode materials (OEMs) synthesized from natural materials. The battery features high capacity, scalability, and recyclability, making it a promising sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2023