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Scientists discover why silver clusters emit light

Researchers discovered that only small clusters of four silver atoms in a tetrahedral shape surrounded by water molecules emit light. This is due to the movement of two free electrons, which decay from higher to lower energy levels and produce a specific shade of green light.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018

Biofuel from waste

Researchers at TUM have created a new process to convert organic waste into fuel, utilizing zeolite catalysts that reduce temperatures and energy requirements. The process takes place in confined spaces inside zeolite crystals, increasing reaction rates by up to 100 times.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2017

Using methane rather than flaring it

Researchers have developed a new approach to convert methane into methanol using copper-containing silicon aluminum compounds as catalysts at constant temperatures and high pressures. This process can potentially reduce the energy waste associated with current industrial methods.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 14, 2016

Chemistry for the methanol economy

A Franco-Swiss research team has proposed a new explanation for the starting mechanism of the MTO process. They found that alumina, present in zeolites, can transform methanol into ethylene and other hydrocarbons, which can then be converted into carbenium ions. This discovery sheds light on how the MTO process begins.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalACS Central Science·DateSep 22, 2015

Better catalysts for the petrochemical industry

Researchers from ETH Zurich have identified a new class of zeolite catalysts that can withstand the formation of hydrocarbon deposits, which clog pores and block active sites. The key to their improved performance lies in the internal structure of the catalysts, with well-connected nano-sized channels and numerous openings.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2014

Taking a cue from nature

Researchers are developing a new class of molecules called peptoids that can alter zeolite growth, changing the shape of these crystals from cylinders to flat platelets. This improvement will significantly extend the lifetime of catalysts, enabling companies to carry out processes more efficiently and at lower costs.

'Ship in a bottle' detects dangerous vapors

Researchers at Rice University have created an 'artificial nose' that can detect dangerous fumes from solvents by trapping metallic compounds inside zeolite cages. The technology uses a 'ship in a bottle' type of chemical assembly, with each gas having a unique photoluminescent fingerprint.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 10, 2013

How does your garden grow?

Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed a biofertiliser that enables crops to be grown on coal waste, achieving nearly twice the weight and yield of those grown in garden soil. The additive boosts plant nutrition, regulates water, and maintains an ideal environment for growth.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Resource·DateAug 21, 2013

Working backward: Computer-aided design of zeolite templates

Researchers at Rice University have developed a computational method to tailor the properties of zeolites, a crucial step in producing industrial minerals. The method uses organic structure directing agents (OSDAs) to guide the growth of zeolite crystals and can potentially produce new types of zeolites.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateJun 17, 2013

New materials could slash energy costs for CO2 capture

Researchers have identified dozens of zeolite minerals that can improve the energy efficiency of carbon capture technology, reducing 'parasitic energy' costs by up to 30%. The new materials could significantly enhance the feasibility of capturing CO2 from power plant emissions and storing it underground.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 30, 2012

Rice's Deem wins Texas academy's O'Donnell Award

Michael Deem, a computational theorist, is being honored with the engineering award for fundamental theoretical work on vaccine design, mathematical biology, and nanoporous materials structure. His research has led to breakthroughs in understanding immunology, evolution, and materials science.

Exploring the possibilities for zeolites

Researchers at Rice University have developed a database of 2.6 million possible zeolite structures, which could improve catalytic applications and enable the discovery of new materials with unique properties. The database was created using computational methods and has been made publicly available.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateApr 5, 2011

Worm's eye view

Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a molecular worm algorithm to automatically analyze structures, speeding up material screening. The algorithm provides a realistic depiction of molecule geometry, allowing for more accurate predictions of catalysis and chemical reactions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2010

Rice U. lab leads hunt for new zeolites

A Rice University lab has discovered over 2.7 million possible structures for molecular sieves, also known as zeolites, which have potential applications in industries such as gasoline production and laundry detergents.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateNov 2, 2009

Growing catalysts

Scientists at ESRF have made significant progress in understanding zeolite synthesis by monitoring the process in real-time. They found that molecular organization occurs before crystallization, leading to more efficient catalysts.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 8, 2006

Crystal sieves, born anew

Researchers have discovered how certain zeolites form, enabling targeted methods to create crystals with precise sizes and shapes. The study reveals a step-by-step process, including silicon-oxygen nanoparticles forming first, which can be used to develop tailored designs for specific applications.

No sweat!

The Office of Naval Research has developed a chest-mounted air-conditioning system that can cool an aviator's body by up to 10 degrees Centigrade. The system uses zeolite to absorb heat and is designed to be lightweight, compact, and independent of aircraft power.

Hydrogen-powered cars, other futuristic products all in a day's work for NASA space product manager

Jeneene Sams, a NASA space product manager, works with companies to conduct experiments in space that improve their products and ultimately people's lives. She sponsors two commercial experiments: one on growing zeolite crystals that can store hydrogen, a pollution-free fuel, and another testing a fire-fighting system in microgravity.