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Reliable material databases bridge AI- and experimental-led material discovery

Researchers from Tohoku University examined the role of materials databases in supporting modern artificial intelligence tools used in materials science. They found that database architecture can directly affect AI model performance and reliability. The study aims to improve database quality, connectivity, and develop new AI systems th...

Researchers find that temperature matters for RhRu₃Ox during acidic water oxidation

The study reveals a temperature-dependent mechanism evolution effect on RhRu3Ox catalysts, leading to more stable oxygen evolution reactions. The researchers demonstrate that the catalyst remains stable for over 1000 hours at room temperature, paving the way for efficient and durable electrochemical devices.

How do planets get wet? Experiments show water creation during planet formation process

Experimental tests demonstrate that interactions between magma oceans and primitive atmospheres during early years can produce significant amounts of water. This process has major implications for the physical and chemical properties of planets' interiors, with potential effects on core development and atmospheric composition.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2025

UV light activation of peracetic acid: new insights into radical generation based on excited states

Researchers developed an in-situ EPR setup to accurately identify radicals generated by PAA activation under different UV wavelengths, revealing distinct radical generation pathways. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of radical formation and transformation using density functional theory calculations.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2025

Nano-patterned copper oxide sensor for ultra-low hydrogen detection

Researchers developed a nano-patterned copper oxide sensor to detect hydrogen at low concentrations, outperforming previous CuO-based sensors. The sensor detects hydrogen concentrations as low as 5 parts per billion and responds quickly, making it suitable for leak detection and ensuring safe adoption of hydrogen technologies.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2024

“Find pearls in the soil” unveiling the magic of hydrogen production from municipal sewage

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology created a novel catalyst that enhances the efficiency of reactions using contaminated municipal sewage to produce hydrogen. The catalyst, called nickel-iron-oxalate (O-NFF), successfully lowers the voltage required for hydrogen generation and promotes the urea oxidation reaction.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 13, 2024

Efficiently moving urea out of polluted water is coming to reality

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a material to selectively oxidize urea in water, producing hydrogen gas. The material, made of nickel and cobalt atoms with tailored electronic structures, enables the efficient conversion of urea into hydrogen through an electrochemical reaction.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Two conductors of a chemical reaction

Researchers have successfully observed the operating principle of promoters in a catalytic reaction in real-time. Using high-tech microscopy methods, they visualized individual La atoms' role in hydrogen oxidation. The study revealed that two surface areas of the catalyst act as pacemakers, controlled by promoter lanthanum.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2023

Researchers reveal key restriction of BiVO4 photoanodes prepared by pyrolysis method

A study led by Prof. ZHANG Fuxiang found that vanadium leaching kinetics and tetragonal phase impurities are key restrictions in BiVO4 photoanodes prepared by one-step pyrolysis method. Optimized methods achieved comparable performance to two-step methods, paving the way for scalable PEC water splitting.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 30, 2023

Researchers develop interfacial charge modification strategy to enhance photocatalytic water oxidation

A new strategy has been developed to enhance photocatalytic water oxidation by introducing a charge-transfer mediator. The mediator, partially oxidized graphene, reduces charge recombination and prolongs the lifetime of photogenerated charges.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 8, 2023

XFELs show the final milliseconds of oxygen formation

Researchers have visualized the crucial final step of oxygen formation in Photosystem II, a protein complex that powers photosynthesis. The study provides new insights into the interaction between the protein environment and the Mn/Ca cluster, shedding light on the mechanism behind water-splitting and oxygen production.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2023

Artificial enzyme splits water

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed an artificial enzyme that can split water into oxygen and hydrogen with high efficiency. The enzyme-like catalyst was designed to mimic the natural process of photosynthesis, and its development is a significant step towards sustainable hydrogen production.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022

Wide-visible-light-responsive photocatalyst boosts solar water splitting

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics developed a highly efficient Z-scheme OWS system, achieving benchmarked apparent quantum efficiency and solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency over particulate inorganic semiconductor photocatalysts driven by visible light. The system utilizes Ir as reduction cocatalyst and ...

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 28, 2022

Study probes Earth’s turbulent past to explain where oceans came from

A recent study suggests that a chemical compound called magnesium hydrosilicate, stable at high pressures and temperatures, could have stored water deep within the Earth's mantle during its violent early days. This finding has significant implications for understanding the origin of water on Earth and potentially habitable exoplanets.

Catching light: How cobalt can help utilize visible light to power hydrogen production from water

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have created a visible-light photoelectrochemical system using cobalt-enhanced TiO2. The process enables efficient water oxidation, producing hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel. Cobalt domains on the surface enhance light absorption and catalytic sites facilitate water oxidation.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 18, 2020

Dirty to drinkable

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created a new approach to purify water using graphene oxide and bacteria-produced cellulose. The bi-layered biofoam is light, strong, and flexible, allowing for efficient evaporation of contaminated water.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 26, 2016

Speeding up key oxygen-oxygen bond-formation step in water oxidation

Scientists have developed two new molecular catalysts that can drive the key oxygen-oxygen bond-formation step in water oxidation, a crucial process for artificial photosynthesis. These ruthenium complexes enable faster and more efficient water oxidation, potentially leading to the creation of clean fuels from solar energy.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 16, 2016

Clean energy from water

A team of researchers led by Catherine Housecroft and Edwin Constable developed a water oxidation model that simulates fuel cells powered by light radiation. The model uses compounds of ruthenium as a catalyst, enabling the self-assembly of individual components in a hierarchical structure.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 8, 2016

New details of atomic structure of water under extreme conditions found

Researchers have uncovered the microscopic atomic structure of water at high temperatures and pressures, revealing a homogeneous molecular arrangement throughout. The findings provide insights into the unique properties of supercritical water, which may play a key role in geological processes such as ore deposits and volcanic activity.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2013