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Platinum is wrong stuff for fuel cells

A Case Western Reserve University researcher suggests that using platinum in fuel cells is inefficient due to energy loss, prompting the search for alternative catalysts. The ideal bonding strength between platinum and intermediate molecules can improve efficiency.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bringing down the cost of fuel cells

Engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have developed a catalyst that provides similar efficiency to platinum in microbial fuel cells but at 5% of the cost. The material, nitrogen-enriched iron-carbon nanorods, has potential for replacing platinum catalysts in hydrogen-producing microbial electrolysis cells.

Low-cost nanosheet catalyst discovered to split hydrogen from water

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new electrocatalyst that efficiently generates hydrogen gas from water without using platinum. The novel nickel-molybdenum-nitride nanosheet catalyst outperforms traditional non-noble metal compounds and has the potential to unlock sustainable energy alternatives.

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.

Touch of gold improves nanoparticle fuel-cell reactions

Researchers at Brown University created a triple-headed metallic nanoparticle that generates higher current per unit of mass than any other nanoparticle catalyst tested, with good durability as well as good activity. The FePtAu nanoparticle removes carbon monoxide from the reaction, improving performance and stability.

Hydrogen from acidic water

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a technique to create molecular analogs of the active part of molybdenite, a widely used industrial catalyst. This method holds promise for creating catalytic materials that can generate hydrogen gas from acidic water at lower costs and with greater efficiency.

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.

Astronomers reach for the stars to discover new cancer therapy

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a potential new radiation treatment that uses heavy metals and low-energy electrons to target cancer tumors. The method, called Resonant Nano-Plasma Theranostics (RNPT), has the potential to reduce radiation exposure to healthy tissue.

NTU wins Platinum Award from BCA for sustainable design

The NTU School of Art, Design & Media building has received the Green Mark Platinum Award for its significant energy and water savings. The building features various eco-friendly features such as high-efficient lights, retrofitted air-conditioning systems, and rainwater collection with sensors.

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.

Cheap catalyst made easy

Catalysts made of carbon nanotubes dipped in a polymer solution have been shown to equal the energy output and outperform platinum catalysts in fuel cells. The new process is simpler and cheaper, reducing the cost of fuel cells by up to 75%.

A paperweight for platinum

Researchers created a new catalytic material that is harder, more chemically active, and provides stability for fuel cells. The material combines graphene with metal oxide nanoparticles, resulting in improved performance and durability.

Platinum and blue light combine to combat cancer

Scientists at the University of Warwick have discovered a new platinum-based compound that can be activated by normal visible blue or green light, leading to a highly potent cancer treatment. The compound is up to 80 times more effective than existing platinum-based anti-cancer drugs.

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.

Novel fuel cell catalyst lowers need for precious metal

Researchers have developed a novel fuel cell catalyst that uses large spheres of gold instead of platinum, reducing the need for precious metals. The catalyst retains its converting power and produces electricity at top capacity for longer periods than traditional small-particle models.

New highly stable fuel-cell catalyst gets strength from its nano core

Scientists have developed a new fuel-cell catalyst with a palladium core that protects precious platinum and enhances its reactivity. The new catalyst maintains high levels of activity even after 100,000 cycles of testing, compared to conventional catalysts that lose nearly 70% of their reactivity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Graphene under strain creates gigantic pseudo-magnetic fields

Researchers have created giant pseudo-magnetic fields in graphene by applying the right amount of strain, revealing a new window into fundamental scientific discoveries and potential applications. The findings, published in Science journal, exceed the strongest magnetic fields ever sustained in a laboratory setting.

For platinum catalysts, smaller may be better

Researchers at Berkeley Lab found that high-pressure conditions can create nanoclusters of platinum, which may be more stable than single crystals. This discovery has implications for the future use of platinum in fuel cells and could potentially reduce costs.

Brown chemists report promising advance in fuel-cell technology

Researchers have developed a unique core and shell nanoparticle that uses far less platinum yet performs more efficiently and lasts longer than commercially available pure-platinum catalysts. The new catalyst generates 12 times more current than existing models, offering a promising advance in fuel-cell technology.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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Brookhaven Lab chemists receive patents for fuel-cell catalysts

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed three patents for fuel-cell catalysts that reduce costly platinum use and increase its effectiveness. The newly patented catalysts can greatly reduce the cost and increase the use of fuel cells in electric vehicles, making them a major source of clean energy.

Fuel cells get up to speed with a new kind of platinum

Researchers have developed a new form of platinum that could make cheaper and more efficient fuel cells. The process, which uses a copper-platinum alloy, reduces the amount of platinum required in fuel cells from 100 grams to just 20 grams, potentially enabling widespread adoption.

Superatoms mimic elements: Research gives new perspective on periodic table

A team of researchers at Penn State has discovered that certain combinations of elemental atoms can mimic the electronic signatures of other elements. By examining photoelectron spectroscopy data, they found similarities between titanium monoxide and nickel, zirconium monoxide and palladium, and tungsten carbide and platinum.

First metallic nanoparticles resistant to extreme heat

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh developed metallic nanoparticles that can withstand temperatures of over 850 degrees Celsius. By sacrificing weaker components as temperatures rise, these particles maintain their structure and continue to catalyze reactions efficiently.

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.

Energy-saving powder

Researchers at Max Planck Institute create a novel catalyst that efficiently converts methane to methanol, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. The breakthrough could help address global natural gas shortages and support the chemical industry.

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.

Platinum nanocatalyst could aid drugmakers

Rice University chemists have developed a polymer-coated platinum-gold nanorod catalyst that can be used in organic solvents favored by the chemical and drug industries. The coated particles exhibit nearly 100% catalytic selectivity, making them attractive to industry.

Growth spurts

Researchers have observed single colloidal platinum nanocrystals growing in solution using liquid cell in situ transmission electron microscopy. The study reveals complex growth trajectories, including steady and spurt-like growth driven by coalescence events.

Extraterrestrial platinum was 'stirred' into the Earth

Researchers found platinum content in komatiites gradually increased from 3.5 billion years ago to 2.9 billion years ago, indicating the deep source of komatiite was gaining platinum over time. This discovery has significant implications for understanding mantle processes and plate tectonics.

New fuel cell catalyst uses 2 metals

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis developed a bimetallic fuel cell catalyst that is two to five times more effective than commercial catalysts. The novel technique enables a cost-effective fuel cell technology with potential for cleaner use of fuels worldwide.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Increasing levels of rare element found worldwide

Dartmouth researchers found a significant increase in rare element osmium worldwide, tracing it to platinum refinement and catalytic converters. The team measured osmium in precipitation, surface water, and deep water globally, with most of the findings linked to industrial processes.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

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Nanowires may lead to better fuel cells

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed long, thin platinum nanowires that could improve the performance of fuel cells. The wires are designed to provide a larger surface area for catalysis, reducing the loss of platinum particles during fuel cell operation.

Go for the gold (or silver): Status tiers promote loyalty

Researchers found that adding a subordinate elite tier to a top-tier program enhances perceptions of status, while diluting the perception of status occurs when too many elites are added. The study shows that customers value exclusive programs even if they don't qualify for the highest tiers.

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.

Monash fuels the next generation of hybrid cars

The team's breakthrough design features a Goretex-coated air-electrode that is more economical, easily sourced, and outlasts traditional platinum cells. Testing has shown no degradation or performance loss over 1500 hours of continuous use.

Perfecting a solar cell by adding imperfections

Carbon nanotubes have been engineered to improve the properties of solar cells by introducing defects, resulting in increased catalytic activity and reduced costs. The new material has the potential to replace traditional layers used in solar cells, leading to improved performance and more affordable energy technologies.

Diamonds reveal deep source of platinum deposits

Researchers from Carnegie Institution and University of Cape Town used diamonds to trace origin of platinum deposits, suggesting ancient parts of mantle beneath African continent as source. The study's findings may lead to better exploration models and strategies for similar ore deposits.

Go Speed Racer! Revving up the world's fastest nanomotors

Scientists have created a new generation of nanomotors that are up to 10 times more powerful than existing motors, with top speeds reaching 94-200 micrometers per second. The innovation uses carbon nanotubes to boost the speed and efficiency of the motors.

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.

How does the antitumor drug get to the cell nucleus?

Italian researchers propose that copper transport protein Ctr1 binds platinum ion from cisplatin, stabilizing the trimeric channel structure and enabling endocytosis. This process allows cisplatin to accumulate in organelles, including the nucleus, where it exerts its antitumor effects.

Fuel cells gearing up to power auto industry

A University of Houston research team has discovered a method to make fuel cells more efficient and less expensive. This breakthrough could lead to the widespread adoption of fuel cell-powered vehicles, which are already two to three times more efficient than internal combustion engines.

Platinum-rich shell, platinum-poor core

A team of researchers developed a new class of electrocatalyst that outperforms pure platinum in reducing oxygen. The catalyst features nanoparticles with a platinum-rich shell and a copper-cobalt core.

New catalysts may create more, cheaper hydrogen

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed new single-site catalysts that can increase hydrogen production at lower temperatures, potentially reducing costs. These catalysts offer improved thermal stability and protection from sulfur species, which are common byproducts in fuel reforming.

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.

Today's waste, tomorrow's fuel

Researchers at Cardiff University are developing cost-effective methods to recycle platinum and other precious metals from road dust and vehicle exhausts. This innovative approach aims to produce clean fuel cells, minimizing waste and creating reliable, greener energy.

ASM scores a hat-trick at the 2007 Hermes Creative Awards

The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) received three honors at the 2007 Hermes Creative Awards, including a Platinum Award for its MicrobeWorld Radio audio and video podcasts. Its blog, Small Things Considered, won a Gold Award, while its website earned an Honorable Mention.

Giving platinum catalysts a golden boost for fuel cells

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered a way to use gold to prevent the destruction of platinum in fuel cell reactions, enhancing the metal's value. The new method, which involves adding gold clusters to platinum electrocatalysts, keeps the precious metal stable during accelerated stability tests.

A boost for hydrogen fuel cell research

Researchers have identified a new variation of a platinum-nickel alloy that significantly increases oxygen-reduction catalysis on the cathode in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. This breakthrough could eliminate existing limitations and make PEM fuel cell technology more viable for transportation applications.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Platinum cages

A team of researchers has successfully produced large, porous, hollow platinum spheres by using liposomes as blueprints. The spheres are made of continuous, branched platinum sheets and have potential applications in biomedical, catalytic, and optical fields.

Are tougher electronic components on the way?

Researchers have created iridium and platinum nitrides, which exhibit strong bonds that contribute to hardness and durability. These compounds may be used in durable coatings, substrates, conductors, and optoelectronic devices.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.