Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Smarter search for fuel-cell catalysts using machine learning

Researchers have developed a new computational workflow combining generative AI with atomistic simulations to identify promising platinum alloy catalyst structures for hydrogen fuel cells. The method produces high-performing candidates from several material combinations, addressing a longstanding challenge in catalyst design.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

Purine-modified platinum electrodes could cut hydrogen costs

Researchers from Chiba University have discovered a way to reduce platinum requirements in water electrolysis by adding purine bases, increasing hydrogen evolution reaction activity by 4.2 times. This development could make hydrogen production far more affordable and lead to cost reductions and improved energy conversion efficiency.

SourceChiba University·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2025

Chinese scientists develop high-performance iron catalyst for fuel cells

A team of Chinese scientists has developed a high-performance iron-based catalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), which could potentially reduce reliance on scarce and expensive platinum. The new design enables record efficiency and long-term durability, achieving an oxygen reduction overpotential as low as 0.34 V.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2025

Unlocking the potential of platinum

A new study has developed a platinum-based catalyst that can efficiently convert CO2 into valuable chemicals, with improved stability in acidic media. The catalyst, PtNPs@Th, was created by encapsulating thionine molecules within platinum nanocrystals, resulting in enhanced catalytic activity and corrosion resistance.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 4, 2025

New platinum-nickel core-shell catalyst shows stability for oxygen reduction reactions

Researchers have developed a new platinum-nickel core-shell catalyst that exhibits significant boosts in activity and durability, making it a promising solution for sustainable energy applications. The catalyst's excellent performance is attributed to its core-shell design and improved surface strain.

New fuel cell catalyst enhances longevity and reduces cost for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

Researchers at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology developed a new fuel cell catalyst made from platinum and magnesium, significantly improving efficiency and longevity. The catalyst surpasses US Department of Energy's 2025 performance targets, demonstrating its high efficiency and long-term stability.

Fuel Cells: Oxidation processes of phosphoric acid revealed by tender X-rays

Researchers have decoded the multiple oxidation processes at the platinum-electrolyte interface in high-temperature PEM fuel cells using tender X-ray studies. The results show that variations in humidity can influence some of these processes to increase the lifetime and efficiency of fuel cells.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Investigating the surface extraction of platinum catalysts in alkaline media

The study elucidates the role of interfacial cations in oxide formation on Pt surfaces, suggesting that selecting optimal cations can control surface oxidation and improve electrode durability. This finding is crucial for developing high-performance and stable Pt electrocatalysts for next-generation electrochemical devices.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2024

Electrochemistry helps clean up electronic waste recycling, precious metal mining

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel electrochemical process to extract precious metals, including gold and platinum group metals, from discarded electronics and low-grade ores. This method uses less energy and fewer chemical materials than current methods, producing high-purity metals with minimal waste.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2024

Elenagen, a novel DNA immunotherapy for the deadliest form of ovarian cancer, delays disease progression

Researchers created Elenagen, a novel DNA immunotherapy for deadly ovarian cancer, which significantly enhances standard chemotherapy and provides clinical benefits. The study shows that Elenagen delays disease progression in patients with stage III and IV platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

SourceCureLab Oncology Inc.·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 22, 2024

Groundbreaking discovery enables cost-effective and eco-friendly green hydrogen production

A new bifunctional water electrolysis catalyst made from ruthenium, silicon, and tungsten enables the efficient production of high-purity green hydrogen. The catalyst demonstrates exceptional durability in acidic environments, making it an attractive alternative to traditional precious metal catalysts.

CityU researchers develop novel photo-oxidation therapy for anticancer treatment

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a new class of near-infrared-activated photo-oxidants that can effectively kill cancer cells without requiring oxygen. The discovery offers a promising direction for developing anti-cancer drugs and could overcome existing limitations of photodynamic therapies.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023

Carbon-neutralizing propylene production catalyzes change in petrochemical engineering

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new catalyst that uses carbon dioxide to produce propylene more efficiently than existing methods. The catalyst also captures and converts carbon dioxide into useful resources. This breakthrough contributes to the carbon neutralization of the petrochemical industry.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

A unique catalyst paves the way for plastic upcycling

A team of researchers has developed a unique catalyst that breaks down plastics into valuable molecules at an increased rate without sacrificing desirable product chains. The catalyst's activity and selectivity can be independently controlled, allowing for faster and more efficient plastic upcycling processes.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Extract from a common kitchen spice could be key to greener, more efficient fuel cells

Researchers at Clemson University and SSSIHL discovered a novel way to combine curcumin and gold nanoparticles to create an electrode that efficiently converts ethanol into electricity. The discovery brings replacing hydrogen as a fuel cell feedstock one step closer, with potential applications in sensors and supercapacitors.

SourceClemson University·JournalNano Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022

The platinum riddle

Researchers have solved a long-standing puzzle in surface physics, explaining how individual atoms of a catalyst capture molecules to transform them. The breakthrough reveals that both the catalyst and its anchor material assume energetically unfavorable states for a short time to facilitate the reaction.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Precious metal commodities can enhance investment portfolio performance, say Pusan National University researchers

A study published in Applied Economics analyzed the relationship between precious metal commodities and equity markets, revealing that gold and aluminum are the most desirable metals for investment. The research also found that copper and zinc have the largest spillovers on global equity indices.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022

New sensor grids record human brain signals in record-breaking resolution

The new sensor grids offer 100 times higher resolution than existing technology, allowing for more precise identification of seizure origins and preservation of healthy brain tissue. Longer term, the technology holds potential for permanent implantation to improve life quality for people with paralysis or neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

‘Double decoration’ enhances industrial catalyst

Researchers at Hokkaido University have designed a highly stable platinum-gallium catalyst that can support propylene production at very high temperatures, making it suitable for a month. The 'doubly decorated' catalyst is alloyed with lead and calcium, which blocks side reactions and improves stability.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021

Active platinum species

Researchers investigated individual platinum atoms and small clusters on special zeolite supports, finding they are significantly more active than larger clusters in splitting oxygen. Platinum clusters also dominate CO oxidation, while individual atoms enable efficient methane combustion.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 10, 2021