Articles tagged with Sulfur
University of Utah researchers have discovered a steam-enabled self-cleaning mechanism that dramatically improves sulfur tolerance in solid oxide fuel cell anodes. The addition of rhodium leads to the formation of bimetallic nanoparticles that actively resist sulfur poisoning and autonomously regenerate under steam exposure.
Researchers develop biodegradable Cu2MnS3-x-PEG/glucose oxidase nanosheets for photothermoelectric and cascade-catalytic-driven cuproptosis-ferroptosis-apoptosis therapy. This work offers a blueprint for next-generation nanotherapies, integrating energy conversion, metabolic interference, and immune activation.
A deep sea worm accumulates arsenic particles in its skin cells, which react with sulfide from hydrothermal vent fluids to form orpiment, a yellow mineral that reduces toxicity. This 'fighting poison with poison' strategy enables the worm to thrive in highly toxic environments.
Astronomers have long been puzzled by the lack of molecular sulfur in space, but a new study suggests that it may be hiding in interstellar ice. The research identifies possible stable configurations of sulfur molecules that can form on icy dust grains, giving scientists a potential road map to solving the puzzle.
Researchers from Northwestern University developed a novel approach to integrate metal-sulfur active sites into metal-organic frameworks, which significantly outperformed their non-sulfur counterparts in hydrogenation catalysis. The study provides a powerful new strategy to design and study metal-sulfur catalysts for various applications.
A new study suggests that adding particles to the atmosphere at a lower altitude near the polar regions can effectively cool the planet. Commercial jets like Boeing 777F could reach this altitude.
Researchers developed a novel single-step laser printing technique to manufacture integrated sulfur cathodes, resulting in high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries. The process reduces time and complexity compared to traditional methods, enabling faster and more efficient production.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a protective barrier made of corn protein to improve the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. The addition of corn protein significantly improved the battery's lifespan, allowing it to hold its charge over 500 cycles.
Researchers developed a CuO catalyst that enhances lithium–sulfur battery performance by regulating Li-bond chemistries and reducing sulfur conversion kinetics. The study demonstrates exceptional catalytic performance under harsh operating conditions, showcasing the potential of CuO as an earth-abundant alternative to precious metals.
A novel sulfur plasma-assisted sputtering method was developed to precisely control the sulfur content in tin sulfide thin films. The research team found that slightly changing the composition of tin and sulfur significantly affected the morphology, leading to drastic changes in carrier density and structure.
Researchers found systemic monitoring disparities for six major pollutants across US Census groups, with Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders facing the largest gaps. The study highlights the need to consider biases in datasets beyond algorithmic bias.
Researchers used X-ray light to analyze the structure of 2-thiouracil, a substance with medically relevant properties. The study found that UV radiation causes the molecule to bend, resulting in the protrusion of the sulfur atom and making it reactive.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing a new way to detect sulfur mustard, a highly toxic chemical warfare agent, using nucleic acid molecular recognition and dendrimers.
A new study finds that reducing sulphur in the air can lead to increased natural emissions of methane from wetlands, pushing emissions higher. The study suggests that current targets to reduce human-caused methane emissions need to be more stringent.
Scientists from Chiba University successfully analyzed human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells using a new sample introduction system, achieving accurate elemental composition measurements without damaging the cells. The study expands the potential of ICP-MS technology for mammalian cultured cell analysis.
A new study estimates that only 67 billion tons of sulfur were released after the Chicxulub asteroid impact, approximately five times less than previously estimated. This suggests a milder 'impact winter' and faster climate recovery, potentially contributing to the survival of at least 25% of species on Earth.
New research from Macquarie University identifies the probable locations and mechanisms of accumulations of critical metals at the margins of old cores of continents. These areas have been found to contain more sulfur and copper than elsewhere on the continents, making them potential targets for future exploration activities.
Lithium-sulphur batteries have high specific energy densities but are susceptible to degradation due to polysulphide and sulphur phase formation. Researchers investigated lithium-sulphur pouch cells using operando analysis, revealing new insights into cell component design and performance.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers suggests that sulfur-producing bacteria may be behind lingering Crohn's disease symptoms, even in the absence of inflammation. The study found that these bacteria can lead to increased visceral hypersensitivity and altered intestinal permeability, contributing to persistent symptoms.
A UNIGE team has demonstrated that sulphur in its bisulphide (HS- ) form plays a critical role in transporting gold in magmatic fluids. The study uses innovative methodology to replicate extreme pressure and temperature conditions, providing new insights into the formation of precious metal ore deposits.
A recent study reveals that oceans produce a previously unknown sulfur gas called methanethiol, which cools the climate by increasing aerosol formation and reflecting solar radiation. This new compound is found to have a greater cooling capacity than dimethyl sulphide and its impact on climate models.
Researchers confirm oil presence in Mauritius mangrove forest close to Ramsar conservation sites, three years after MV Wakashio spill. The oil has undergone weathering and biodegradation, but its ongoing presence poses an unknown risk to the sensitive ecosystem.
A new study finds that reduced sulfur emissions from shipping industry likely contributed to nearly 20% of record-breaking 2023 warmth, while regulations also accelerated warming. Further research is needed to understand the magnitude of climate response.
The study reveals sulfur trioxide can form acid sulfuric anhydride products with organic and inorganic acids, contributing to atmospheric new particle formation. These findings improve aerosol formation prediction models, aiding in managing air pollution and mitigating climate change impacts.
A UTA chemist has developed a new method to separate and recycle mixed plastics using supercritical fluid chromatography. The technique can differentiate oils created from various plastics, holding promise for improving recycling rates and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
A team of Georgia Tech biologists discovered that chemoautotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria play a crucial role in providing nitrogen to plants while detoxifying the root zone, enhancing plant health and resilience. This finding highlights the importance of microbes in coastal ecosystems.
A University of Arizona-led study explores sulfur's significance in the emergence of life on Earth, shedding light on its possible role as an RNA precursor. The research suggests that sulfur's reactivity could have hindered its availability for origin-of-life chemistry.
Researchers developed a new cathode material composed of sulfur and iodine, increasing electrical conductivity by 11 orders of magnitude and possessing a low melting point. The new material can be easily re-melted to repair damaged interfaces, addressing cumulative damage during repeated charging and discharging.
Chemical reactions were long thought to occur along minimum energy paths. However, researchers have now observed 'roaming' reactions that stray from this path even in highly excited energy states. This discovery has significant implications for understanding atmospheric chemistry and the production of molecular oxygen.
Researchers found that injecting aerosols into the stratosphere can reduce ice sheet loss by up to 37.6 mm sea-level rise, slowing global warming's effects. However, geoengineering addresses only symptoms, not root causes, and may delay necessary changes.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new material that exhibits both quantum correlations and geometric frustration, resulting in a unique flat band structure. This finding provides empirical evidence of the effect in a 3D material and has implications for understanding exotic features in materials science.
Researchers propose a conceptual framework for understanding the diversity and composition of sulfur-cycling microbes in river-wetland-ocean continuum. They recommend developing new cultivation methods and studying life strategies, communities, and adaptations to improve ecosystem functioning through microbiome engineering.
Researchers separate out microbial and environmental controls on marine sedimentary pyrite sulfur isotope ratios, revealing local processes that dominate the record. This breakthrough refutes previous hypotheses and offers a new framework for interpreting ancient signals.
Researchers have created a reliable and efficient method to add fluorine to molecules, increasing pharmaceutical drug efficiency. The iron and sulfur-based reaction enables the release of fluorine from carboxylic acids and its incorporation into alkenes, common building blocks for drugs.
A new study by the University of Washington challenges previous findings of declining phytoplankton in the North Atlantic. The researchers analyzed an ice core from central Greenland and found that human-generated pollutants changed the atmosphere's chemistry, offsetting a decrease in marine productivity.
Researchers analyzed DNA sequenced datasets of microbes collected from salt marsh sites to study the relationship between cordgrasses and sulfur-cycling microbes. They found diverse microbial communities with varying combinations of genes for sulfate reduction and sulfur oxidation, allowing them to thrive in salt marsh sediments.
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.
A research team from Tokyo University of Science has developed a novel synthesis route to produce a wide variety of sulfinate esters using readily available compounds. The new method uses thioesters, which are odorless and stable, eliminating the challenges associated with handling thiols.
Researchers at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering developed two closely related polymers with different thermal behaviors, one soluble in water at low temperatures and the other insoluble. The polymers' unique properties open potential new applications in medicine and protein synthesis.
Scientists discovered oxygen production from vacuum ultraviolet photodissociation of sulfur dioxide, a possible trigger for the Earth's Great Oxidation Event. The study found that this process contributed to transient oxygen accumulation in the primitive atmosphere.
Researchers at TROPOS have found a direct formation pathway of sulfuric acid from organic sulfur compounds, particularly important over pristine oceans and cloud edges. This new production pathway can contribute up to half of gaseous sulfuric acid formation over the oceans.
Researchers discovered a methanogen that converts sulfate into a cellular building block, reassembling a metabolic pathway piece by piece. The microbe assembled the first sulfate assimilation pathway from a methanogen, using genetic tricks to overcome energetic costs and toxic intermediates.
Reduced emissions during the pandemic led to decreased concentrations of short-lived cooling particles, but not greenhouse gases. This resulted in stronger climate warming due to the 'masking effect' being lifted. The study suggests a complete transition to renewable energy could lead to rapid 'unmasking' of aerosols.
Researchers used NASA InSight data to directly measure Mars' core properties, finding a completely liquid iron-alloy core with high percentages of sulfur and oxygen. This discovery provides new insights into Martian formation and geological differences between Earth and Mars, potentially impacting planetary habitability.
A study led by University of Houston researchers found that the Texas Gulf Coast is polluted with high concentrations of sulfate, a major component of particulate matter. The pollution originates from anthropogenic shipping emissions and chemical processing, making it particularly hazardous to human health.
A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters reveals that even dormant volcanoes release a surprisingly high amount of sulfur into the Arctic atmosphere. This finding has significant implications for understanding Earth's atmosphere and its relationship with climate and air quality.
Researchers utilized the James Webb Space Telescope to observe dense interstellar clouds, revealing a treasure trove of pristine ices from the early universe. The study provides new insights into chemical processes in one of the coldest places in the universe, offering clues on molecular origins and sulfur storage.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology reveal how a specific enzyme, Fsr, converts sulfite into sulfide, allowing methanogens to grow safely on toxic substances. This discovery opens opportunities for biotechnological applications and provides insights into the evolution of these microorganisms.
A team led by the University of Colorado Boulder discovered a unique microbial community on the newly formed Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai island, which metabolizes sulfur and atmospheric gases. The microbes were found to be similar to those in hydrothermal vents, hot springs, and other volcanic systems.
A new study found a clear increase in sulfur fertilizer use in the Midwest as atmospheric sulfur deposition declined. The study, which analyzed decades of data, suggests that farmers replaced lost airborne nutrient with fertilizer.
Researchers fabricated Li-S batteries with ultra-long cycle life over 2000 cycles via multifunctional separator design. The novel hollow and hierarchically porous Fe3O4 nanospheres effectively regulate LiPSs behavior, achieving high sulfur utilization and excellent electrochemical performances.
Researchers develop low-cost and eco-friendly method for high efficiency CIGSSe solar cells, achieving power conversion efficiency larger than 17%, by using aqueous spray deposition in air environment.
Scientists at the University of Tsukuba have identified a system to transport excess reactive sulfur species out of cells, maintaining redox homeostasis and preventing oxidative stress. This discovery opens new avenues for research into sulfur stress and related diseases.
Researchers developed a conductive and electrocatalytic mediator for Li-S batteries by modulating the MoSe2 functional plane through doping-defect engineering. This approach improves lithium polysulfide adsorption, reducing the shuttle effect and enhancing overall battery performance.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new kind of battery using abundant and inexpensive materials, offering a potential solution for large-scale backup power systems. The battery's molten salt electrolyte has been shown to prevent dendrite shorting, a common reliability issue in lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to create a thin film coating on lithium anodes using powder brushing, which improves battery life and capacity. The coated anodes retained 70% more capacity after 340 charge-discharge cycles than off-the-shelf batteries.
A projected shortage of sulfuric acid could stifle green technology advancement and threaten global food security. Researchers estimate a shortfall in annual supply between 100-320 million tonnes by 2040, depending on decarbonisation pace. Developing low-cost methods to extract elemental sulfur is crucial to mitigate the crisis.
A team of researchers, including atmospheric chemists from the University of Pennsylvania, identified a novel pathway for sulfur particle formation in Venus' atmosphere. This new understanding sheds light on the source of ultraviolet-absorbing emissions and offers cautionary notes for geoengineering efforts.
A new study used satellite data to determine the effect of fuel regulations on sulfur pollution from cargo ships. The research team found significant changes in pollution after regulations went into effect, and their data can contribute to understanding how pollutants interact with clouds and affect global temperatures.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed temperature-resilient lithium-ion batteries with high energy density, compatible with high-temperature operation. These batteries could enable electric vehicles to travel farther on a single charge in cold climates and reduce overheating in hot climates.