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Water cleanup method developed by University of California, Riverside, scientists destroys pervasive, cancer-causing “forever chemicals” or PFAS

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have created a novel method to break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as 'forever chemicals', in contaminated water. The hydrogen-infusion and UV light-based process achieves high molecular destruction rates without generating unwanted byproducts.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022

A new nanomaterial for precision medicine and the green transition

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano developed a new nanomaterial with a superfluorinated gold cluster, exhibiting unique optical and catalytic properties. The findings have potential applications in precision medicine and the green transition, including diagnostic and therapeutic applications and efficient production of green hydrogen.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

Optical cavities could provide new technological possibilities

Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology have discovered a method for describing molecules in optical cavities, which could lead to breakthroughs in chemistry and pharmaceutical industries. The study uses molecular orbital theory to predict how molecules will react inside optical cavities.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2022

Synthesis of two-dimensional holey graphyne

Researchers have successfully synthesized a new type of carbon allotrope called holey graphyne, which has semiconductor properties and can be used in various applications. The material was created using a bottom-up approach and consists of alternately linked benzene rings and C≡C bonds.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

Towards high-performance organic optoelectronics with better crystallinity at semiconductor interface

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a high-quality crystalline interface using quasi-homo-epitaxial growth, which eliminated mobility issues and enabled spontaneous electron transfer. This breakthrough could lead to highly efficient flexible solar cells and wearable electronic devices.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Czech scientists become first to observe an inhomogeneous electron charge distribution on an atom

Scientists confirm existence of sigma-hole, a phenomenon previously predicted but never directly observed. This breakthrough enables understanding of interactions between individual atoms or molecules, facilitating refinement of material and structural properties.

Time to shine: scientists reveal at an atomic scale how chlorine stabilizes next-gen solar cells

Researchers have solved the mystery of chlorine's role in perovskite solar cells by imaging atoms at the surface. The team found that chlorine is incorporated into the material through grain boundaries, increasing stability and efficiency. An optimal concentration of chlorine was discovered to deliver high stability.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

Identifying activity origin of single-atom catalyst through atom-by-atom counting

A new methodology, EMARS, was developed to directly identify the activity origin of Pt/Al2O3 industrial reforming catalyst by analyzing over 18,000 Pt atoms. The study found that density of supported Pt1 single atoms and Pt-Pt distance larger than 0.38 nm are correlated with aromatic production activity.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 10, 2021

Nanocluster discovery will protect precious metals

Researchers from the University of Nottingham have developed a novel catalyst that combines homogeneous and heterogeneous features, defying traditional categorization. The discovery holds promise for increasing the active surface area available for catalysis, leading to more efficient and sustainable production of molecules.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Quantum dots keep atoms spaced to boost catalysis

Rice University engineers developed a strategy to increase the number of transition-metal single atoms that can be loaded onto a carbon carrier using graphene quantum dots. The new technique showed significant improvement in electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide compared to lower metal loading catalysts.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 24, 2021

Now available with a negative charge too

Researchers have introduced a new anionic organoborane compound, borafluorene, which is a system of three carbon rings joined at the edges with a boron atom. The team used carbenes to stabilize the elusive anions and demonstrated their potential as chemical building blocks.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 5, 2021

Strong and flexible cofactors

Scientists have created a cube-shaped iron-sulfur cluster that can support a multiple bond between iron and nitrogen, a structural motif involved in biological nitrogen fixation. The discovery shows the cluster's ability to accommodate an unusual bond without distorting its structure.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 3, 2021

How acidic are atoms?

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new microscopy technique that allows for the measurement of atomic acidity on surfaces. This breakthrough enables analysis of catalysts on an atomic scale, which is crucial for improving chemical reactions.

Optically active defects improve carbon nanotubes

Researchers at Heidelberg University have created a new reaction pathway to enable the controlled creation of specific optically active defects in carbon nanotubes. These defects emit light in the near-infrared and show single-photon emission, paving the way for applications in quantum cryptography and biological imaging.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2021

Chemists synthesize 'flat' silicon compounds

The molecules generated at the University of Bonn have a trapezoidal arrangement of bonding partners around the silicon atom, which is energetically unfavorable. Despite this, they are found to be extremely stable and can be stored for weeks without degradation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 22, 2020

Observing the ultrafast motion of atoms and electrons

Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the ultrafast motion of atoms and electrons, with implications for controlling materials through light. By observing the distortion of molecular structures and electron transfer, researchers can now distinguish between atomic motion and electronic dynamics.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 7, 2020

Boosted signal

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed a new approach to boost NMR signal detection in previously 'invisible' regions. By using dynamic nuclear polarization with transition metal vanadium, they have created hyperfine DNP spectroscopy, which offers a broader frequency range and can analyze local chemistry around transition metals.

Russian scientists created a chemical space mapping method and cracked the mystery of Mendeleev number

Researchers from Skoltech have created a universal approach for predicting material properties based on their chemical composition. By assigning a Mendeleev number (MN) to each element, they have shown that this system is more effective than empirical solutions in identifying promising compounds with unique properties.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateNov 10, 2020