Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Nanomagnets for future data storage

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to create nanoparticles with dysprosium atoms that can be magnetised and maintain their magnetic information. The scientists are now looking to stabilise the magnetisation at higher temperatures and longer periods of time.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 30, 2017

Researchers watch catalysts at work

Physicists watched a silver catalyst at work using an atomic force microscope, calculating energy turnover and optimizing catalysis. The Ullmann reaction was observed at atomic resolution, revealing unusual spatial arrangements of intermediate products.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalSmall·DateAug 17, 2016

Lonely atoms, happily reunited

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology observe how carbon monoxide enables single platinum atoms to move and form clusters, breaking the grip of the magnetite surface. This process has significant implications for chemical catalysis, as it opens up a strategy to turn clusters into single atoms.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2016

New transitory form of silica observed

A team of scientists has discovered five new forms of silica under extreme pressures at room temperature, revealing a four-to-six configuration shift in the deep Earth. The findings provide valuable insights into the transition between different chemical phases under high-pressure conditions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2015

Better catalysts, made-to-order

University of Utah scientists develop computational model to predict catalyst performance, allowing for the design of more efficient and selective catalysts. The model uses big data analysis to identify structural features that correlate with reaction selectivity.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2015

Shedding light on why blue LEDS are so tricky to make

Scientists at UCL have discovered the root of the problem in making blue LEDs by examining gallium nitride's unusual behavior using sophisticated computer simulations. The study reveals that doping with magnesium is necessary to achieve the desired properties, but the complexity of the process was previously unknown.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 7, 2015

Pitt chemical biologist finds new halogenation enzyme

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new halogenation enzyme that can selectively replace inert C-H bonds with C-X bonds, enabling the creation of tailored molecules with improved pharmacological profiles. This breakthrough is expected to revolutionize the fields of pharmaceutical and agricultural industries.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 15, 2014

Researchers discover boron 'buckyball'

Brown University researchers have discovered a boron molecule that forms a hollow cage structure similar to carbon buckyballs. The discovery was made using a combination of experimental and computational methods, and has significant implications for future research on boron clusters and potential applications such as hydrogen storage

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 13, 2014

Unique chemistry in hydrogen catalysts

Researchers at UC Davis and Stanford University have identified a key step in assembling hydrogen-generating catalysts, which are based on precisely organized clusters of iron and sulfur atoms. This study reveals how bacteria naturally build these catalysts and could pave the way for more efficient production of clean energy.

Binding together repelling atoms

Theoretical predictions show that controlled noise from an environment can bind repelling atoms together, creating a bound state with exotic properties. This novel mechanism could lead to improved cooling of atomic quantum gases.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2013

Flat boron by the numbers

Researchers at Rice University have made progress toward creating 2-D boron through theoretical work that suggests the most practical ways to make the material. The team's results indicate that 2-D boron may conduct electricity better than graphene, a key finding in the field of two-dimensional materials.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 31, 2013

'Molecular levers' may make materials better

Scientists have discovered a new type of molecular lever that can accelerate chemical reactions 1000 times faster than other molecules. This breakthrough has the potential to engineer more efficient materials with improved mechanical and thermal properties.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 23, 2012

Assembly not required

Researchers at NYU, Harvard, and Dow Chemical develop a method to enhance colloidal dispersions, creating particles that spontaneously assemble into structures resembling molecules. This enables the design of complex 3-dimensional structures vital for advanced optical materials.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2012

The finest gold dust in the world

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology found a special iron-oxide surface that locks single gold atoms in place, allowing them to study the chemical reactivity of individual atoms. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient catalysts, requiring less precious material.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 30, 2012