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Study reveals platinum's role in clean fuel conversion

Researchers uncovered dynamic details of a platinum-based catalyst's active site, resolving earlier conflicting reports. They found that only certain platinum atoms play an important role in the chemical conversion, which may lead to designing more efficient and cost-effective catalysts.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2021

Chemical scissors snip 2D transition metal dichalcogenides into nanoribbon

Researchers have discovered a way to produce nanoribbons of TMDs, which are more abundant and cheaper than platinum, boosting their catalytic efficiency. The new catalyst could make hydrogen production more economical and play a key role in the transition away from fossil fuels.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2020

Noble metal clusters can enhance performance of catalysts and save resources

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have discovered that noble metal clusters are more reactive than individual atoms, allowing for improved removal of exhaust gases. The clusters exhibit optimal structure for high activity, enabling the development of catalysts with enhanced stability and long-term performance.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Catalysis·DateOct 1, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

High-performance single-atom catalysts for high-temperature fuel cells

Researchers have developed a novel single-atom Pt catalyst that can operate stably at high temperatures, increasing electrode reaction rates by up to 10 times. This breakthrough could accelerate the commercialization of solid oxide fuel cells, next-generation eco-friendly power generation systems.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateSep 25, 2020

Single atom-thin platinum makes a great chemical sensor

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new material that can detect toxic gases with high sensitivity. The single-atom thin platinum layer interacts significantly with its chemical environment, making it suitable for ultra-sensitive detection.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateSep 14, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

New process boosts lignin bio-oil as a next-generation fuel

Researchers developed a new process to upgrade lignin bio-oil to hydrocarbons using dual catalysts, improving its usability as a fuel and source of chemical feedstocks. The process can be done at low temperature and ambient pressure, making it more practical and efficient.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Energy·DateSep 8, 2020

Scientists get atomistic picture of platinum catalyst degradation

Researchers have deciphered the movements of platinum atoms leading to surface degradation, enabling the development of more stable catalysts. This breakthrough paves the way for longer-lasting electrochemical energy conversion devices like fuel cells in the transportation sector.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature Catalysis·DateAug 24, 2020

Hydrogen vehicles might soon become the global norm

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new catalyst that can produce cheaper and more sustainable hydrogen-powered vehicles, reducing reliance on precious materials like platinum. The breakthrough could make hydrogen vehicles more durable and scalable, leading to a potential shift towards sustainable transportation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 24, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

An innovative catalyst with Pt, Re and SnO2 nanoparticles as anode material in ethanol fuel cells

Scientists designed a functional ternary Pt/Re/SnO2/C catalyst, which exhibits more than ten times higher activity in the ethanol oxidation reaction compared to commercial platinum catalysts. The new catalyst features improved stability and is suitable for use as an anode material in direct ethanol fuel cells.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalNano Research·DateJun 24, 2020

Upgrading biomass with selective surface-modified catalysts

Researchers created a platinum-titania catalyst that selectively breaks carbon-oxygen bonds in plant derivatives, producing biofuels. The strategy could be applied to design stable and active catalysts for industrial chemical production from biomass-derived molecules.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Catalysis·DateMar 26, 2020

An 'exceptionally stable' single-atom catalyst

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology design and test a catalyst composed of single platinum atoms trapped in C12A7 crystals, demonstrating high stability and activity for selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes. The approach could be adapted to various transition metals and withstand harsher conditions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2020

Research provides new design principle for water-splitting catalysts

A new study by Brown University researchers reveals that the hydrogen atoms bound to platinum at high activity regions are actually inert bystanders, not participating in the reaction. Instead, they sit atop platinum atoms and meet up with each other to form H2 gas, making platinum reactive.

SourceBrown University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateDec 18, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

NUS researchers create new metallic material for flexible soft robots

The NUS researchers developed a novel metal-based material using platinum and burnt paper, which is half as light as paper and can withstand temperatures up to 800°C. This material enables the creation of flexible and lightweight prosthetic limbs with real-time strain sensing capabilities.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalScience Robotics·DateNov 24, 2019

Storing energy in hydrogen 20 times more effective using platinum-nickel catalyst

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed a new platinum-nickel catalyst that accelerates chemical reactions 20 times more effectively than traditional platinum-based catalysts. This breakthrough has significant implications for the storage and conversion of hydrogen, a promising source of sustainable energy.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 2019

Tiny swimming donuts deliver the goods

Researchers created microscopic, 3D-printed tori (donuts) coated with nickel and platinum to mimic biological behavior. These 'micro swimmers' can swim in water, respond to signals, and transport particles, potentially delivering targeted drugs or aiding in micromixing.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Did an extraterrestrial impact trigger the extinction of ice-age animals?

A study published in Scientific Reports suggests an asteroid or comet hit Earth 12,800 years ago, causing a period of extreme cooling and contributing to the extinctions of over 35 species of megafauna. The impact hypothesis is supported by platinum spikes found at research sites worldwide, including South Carolina, Europe, and Chile.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 25, 2019

EPFL is developing next-generation soft hearing implants

Researchers at EPFL's Laboratory for Soft BioElectronic Interface have developed a next-generation soft hearing implant that can send targeted electrical signals to the auditory brainstem. The new implant overcomes the limitations of current ABIs, which can only provide sound perception and are stiff and inflexible.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 16, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Shocking heat waves stabilize single atoms

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory successfully stabilized single atoms using record-high temperatures of up to 2000 K. The method enables the creation of stable single atom catalysts, which can remain in their place for unprecedented periods of time, maximizing atom-use efficiency and improving catalytic performance.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 26, 2019

Iridium 'loses its identity' when interfaced with nickel

Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered a new kind of magnetic state in ultra-thin iridium-nickel interfaces, challenging theories on quantum materials. The findings could lead to greater manipulation of quantum materials and deeper understanding of the quantum state for novel electronics.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Activity of fuel cell catalysts doubled

Researchers at TUM have developed platinum nanoparticles that double the performance of current fuel cells. The particles are about one nanometer big and contain approximately 40 platinum atoms, resulting in high mass activity. This breakthrough could lead to widespread adoption of fuel cells in electric cars.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 3, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Copper oxide photocathodes: laser experiment reveals location of efficiency loss

Researchers have identified the main mechanism of photovoltage losses in copper oxide photocathodes as binding to defect states within the band gap, not at interfaces with a catalyst layer. This discovery is crucial for optimizing solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 9, 2019

Catalyst advance removes pollutants at low temperatures

Researchers developed a catalyst that can remove pollutants at low temperatures, outperforming current technology and reducing platinum required. The breakthrough could have significant impact on exhaust emission control, directly addressing the 150-degree challenge.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 25, 2019

Scientists produce colorless reservoir of platinum metal-like single atoms in liquid

Researchers produce a colorless liquid reservoir of metal-like discrete platinum atoms with high catalytic activity and stability, offering potential for reducing Pt consumption in the silicone industry. The scalable preparation method shields individual Pt atoms with hydrochlorides and docks them in the liquid through oxygen atoms.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Novel electrocatalyst outperforms platinum in alkaline hydrogen production

A novel ruthenium-based catalyst has shown markedly better performance than commercial platinum catalysts in alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production. The electrochemical splitting of water to produce hydrogen is a crucial step in the development of hydrogen as a clean, environmentally friendly fuel.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2019

Platinum forms nano-bubbles

Researchers at DESY NanoLab discovered that platinum oxidizes more readily than expected when exposed to high pressures of oxygen, forming nano-bubbles. This phenomenon has significant implications for applications such as catalytic converters in cars and electrochemical sensors.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalSolid State Ionics·DateJan 25, 2019

Illuminating nanoparticle growth with X-rays

Researchers developed a new catalyst composed of platinum and nickel, which is more efficient than pure platinum. The study used ultrabright x-rays to reveal the growth pathway and chemical characterization of the nanoparticles in real time.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 26, 2018

Researchers use jiggly Jell-O to make powerful new hydrogen fuel catalyst

Researchers developed a cheap and effective new catalyst that can split water just as efficiently as costly platinum. The catalyst is made from nanometer-thin sheets of metal carbide and is manufactured using a self-assembly process that relies on gelatin, similar to Jell-O.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Single atoms break carbon's strongest bond

Researchers at Yale University and Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a new catalyst to break carbon-fluorine bonds, one of the strongest chemical bonds known. Single atoms of platinum were found to be strikingly effective in catalyzing bond cleavage and contaminant breakdown.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalACS Catalysis·DateOct 2, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Combination therapy doubles survival in metastatic lung cancer

Combination therapy of pembrolizumab and chemotherapy significantly improves overall survival and reduces progression risk in patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. The study found a 51% reduced risk of death compared to chemotherapy alone.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 16, 2018

Creating a 2-D platinum magnet

Researchers have induced magnetism in platinum with an electric field created by a paramagnetic ionic liquid, creating a switchable 2D ferromagnet. This breakthrough could lead to the development of devices that can simultaneously control charge and spin.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 6, 2018

New catalyst for making fuels from shale gas

Researchers at UCL and Tufts University developed a platinum-copper alloy catalyst that breaks carbon-hydrogen bonds in methane with reduced energy consumption. The new catalyst is resistant to coking, rendering it more effective than traditional materials.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 8, 2018

New catalyst meets challenge of cleaning exhaust from modern engines

Researchers at the University of New Mexico and Washington State University have created a catalyst capable of reducing pollutants at lower temperatures expected in advanced engines. The new catalyst uses smaller amounts of platinum, the most expensive component of emission-control catalysts, while maintaining high temperature stability.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Superior hydrogen catalyst just grows that way

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and University of California Merced developed a new catalyst that uses molybdenum disulfide to increase surface area and handle higher temperatures than platinum. The innovative design allows for more efficient hydrogen production, reducing the cost of fuel cells.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 5, 2017

Manganese dioxide shows potential in micromotors

Manganese dioxide-based micromotors exhibit remarkable propulsion efficiency and can remove organic dyes from water with high efficiency. The study demonstrates the potential of manganese dioxide in catalytic micromotors, including protection against sulphur toxicity and efficient drug delivery.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateNov 14, 2017

Dynamic catalytic converters for clean air in the city

Researchers developed a dynamic catalytic converter concept that optimizes exhaust gas treatment by adjusting platinum particle size and oxidation state in response to engine operation. This improves catalytic performance and reduces noble metal consumption, increasing economic efficiency.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 26, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Test strips for cancer detection get upgraded with nanoparticle bling

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed test strips for cancer detection that can identify minute concentrations of biomarkers using nanoparticles. The new technology adds a thin skin of platinum to gold nanoparticles, making it easier to observe changes on the test strip and increasing accuracy.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 13, 2017

Electricity production: When enzymes rival platinum

Researchers have developed biocells that use enzymes to convert hydrogen into electrical energy, rivaling the performance of platinum-based fuel cells. The new technology uses heat-stable enzymes that can withstand high temperatures and resist inhibitors, overcoming major hurdles in industrial development.

SourceCNRS·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateSep 1, 2017

Electrocatalyst nanostructures key to improved fuel cells, electrolyzers

Purdue University scientists have identified a new type of electrocatalyst that is both active and stable, which could solve a significant problem in fuel cells and electrolyzers. The nanoscale nickel islands on platinum substrate exhibit unexpected properties that make it an ideal candidate for promoting chemical reactions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 5, 2017

Low cost, scalable water-splitting fuels the future hydrogen economy

Researchers from Penn State and Florida State University have developed a new, industrially scalable catalyst that splits water into hydrogen with minimal external energy. The molybdenum disulfide alloy improves the efficiency of the process, enabling cheaper production of clean hydrogen fuel.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 1, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Nanoalloys 10 times as effective as pure platinum in fuel cells

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new type of nanocatalyst that can significantly reduce the need for platinum in fuel cells. The nanoalloy allows for mass production, making it suitable for large-scale commercial breakthroughs and potentially replacing fossil fuels.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateMay 24, 2017

Race, gender and socioeconomic factors impact PCI outcomes

A new study found that women and minorities undergoing PCI are at higher risk of recurrent cardiac events due to their race, gender, and socioeconomic status. The PLATINUM Diversity trial enrolled a large sample of diverse patients and showed significant differences in adjusted outcomes between groups.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·DateMay 12, 2017
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.