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Cage with caps

A Japanese team has introduced a molecular cage with 'caps' that can confine certain rare-earth-metal ions, including lanthanum and europium, for isolation or recycling. The critical feature of the cage is its two 'caps' that cover the openings and bind to the ions through hydrogen bridges and electrostatic interactions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Potential energy surfaces of water mapped for the first time

Researchers have successfully mapped the potential energy surfaces of individual water molecules in liquid water at room temperature and normal pressure. This breakthrough uses X-ray analysis and statistical modeling to reveal the complex behavior of water molecules, shedding light on their role as a solvent.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2022

How crops can better survive floods

Researchers have found a signaling molecule that helps plants survive flooding by triggering a molecular emergency power system. Pretreating plants with ethylene improves their chances of survival. The study could lead to the development of resistant plant varieties to combat waterlogging and flooding in agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJun 10, 2022

The future of desalination?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a fast and efficient method for purifying saltwater using fluorine-based nanostructures. The new technology outperforms existing desalination methods, requiring less pressure, energy, and time to produce clean water.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Mysteries of gas giants known as ‘hot Jupiters’ unravelled

Researchers have uncovered significant trends in hot Jupiters' atmospheres, including dramatic temperature swings and the presence of metallic elements. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the evolution of our solar system and offer a better understanding of exoplanet populations.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2022

National Cheng Kung University researchers present new solution for wastewater remediation

Researchers have developed an eco-friendly and reusable solution for removing toxic synthetic dyes from wastewater using nanocomposite-based hydrogels. The new material, made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and graphene oxide, demonstrates high adsorption capacities and retains its effectiveness even after multiple cycles of use.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateApr 14, 2022

The material that could save industries heat

Scientists at Tohoku University have discovered a compound that can reversibly store and release large amounts of low-grade heat. The birnessite-type layered manganese dioxide with crystal water compound has shown better performance compared to other compounds for heat storage purposes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 4, 2022

Self-healing ice

Researchers from the University of Amsterdam have found that ice can heal itself by forming a new layer of ice to cover scratches and cuts. This discovery could potentially extend breaks between skating races, but careful control of moisture in the air is still necessary.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateFeb 7, 2022

Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered a mechanism that helps plants cope with water shortages

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a central mechanism in plants that helps them deal with drought conditions and water shortages. They found that the ABA signal molecule is stored in inactive state in leaves and released under desired conditions, allowing plants to rapidly respond to changing environmental conditions.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 2, 2021

A sub-nanometer supramolecular rectifier

Researchers designed a sub-nanometer molecular rectifier utilizing destructive quantum interference and asymmetric supramolecular interaction, overcoming electronic functionality challenges. The device achieves rectification behavior at the sub-nanometer scale, enabling potential miniaturization of electronic devices.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateOct 27, 2021

Are there DBPs in that cup of tea?

A recent study measured 60 DBPs in three types of tea and found that brewed tea contained significantly lower levels of DBPs than tap water. However, the researchers also identified 15 previously uncharacterized compounds that likely form from chlorine reactions with natural precursors in tea leaves.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 15, 2021

How confined protons migrate

Protons seem to migrate faster than other ions in free aqueous solutions, but individual protons do not really move. In confined spaces, protons get stuck in an oscillatory state due to confinement effects and acid concentration.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 8, 2021

Light-harvesting nanoparticle catalysts show promise in quest for renewable carbon-based fuels

A study by University of Illinois researchers has shown that small quantities of hydrocarbons can be produced when CO2 and water react in the presence of light and a silver nanoparticle catalyst. The findings demonstrate a viable technology for renewable energy generation and chemical manufacturing.

It takes some heat to form ice!

Researchers track water molecule movement using Helium Spin-Echo technique, revealing repulsion between water molecules on graphene surface is crucial for ice formation. This discovery challenges previous understanding of ice nucleation and provides new insights into controlling ice formation.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2021

The role of hydrophobic molecules in catalytic reactions

A team of researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum and Sorbonne Université has discovered the significant contribution of small hydrophobic molecules to the energy costs of electrochemical reactions. The study found that these molecules interact with water at interfaces, leading to a crucial role in the chemical reactions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2021

Computing clean water

Computational models predict solute-surface affinity, allowing for more effective membrane design and improved energy efficiency. Researchers discovered that surface water molecular structures play a crucial role in determining affinity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2021

Sensor and detoxifier in one

A team of Chinese researchers developed a material that can both quickly detect and efficiently remove ozone. The porous material, called an imine COF, works reliably at high humidity and over a wide temperature range.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 5, 2021