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Improved water splitting method: A green energy innovation by Pusan National University

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel electrocatalyst that can effectively produce hydrogen and oxygen from water at low cost. The catalyst, composed of transition metal phosphates, achieves high surface area and fast charge transfer, making it suitable for commercial on-site production of hydrogen.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Heavily enriched: An energy-efficient way of enriching hydrogen isotopes in silicon

Researchers at Nagoya City University find a fourfold increase in surface deuterium atoms on nanocrystalline silicon, paving the way for sustainable deuterium enrichment protocols. The efficient exchange reaction could lead to more durable semiconductor technology and potentially purify tritium contaminated water.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalPhysical Review Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

Harnessing sunlight to fuel the future through covalent organic frameworks

Researchers highlight the potential of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in solar-to-fuel production, converting sunlight into hydrogen and other fuels. COF-based photocatalysts have shown promising properties, including improved catalysis and electron delocalization, making them a viable solution for future energy needs.

SourceShoolini University·JournalCoordination Chemistry Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 12, 2021

The birth of a subnanometer-sized soccer ball

Researchers successfully captured a video image of the bottom-up synthesis of fullerene C60, an allotrope resembling a soccer ball. The process was observed using single-molecule atomic resolution real-time electron microscopy (SMART-EM), revealing a kinetically and thermodynamically controlled cyclodehydrogenation reaction.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 24, 2021

Mapping the quantum frontier, one layer at a time

Researchers at Harvard University used ultracold chemistry to test current quantum theories on chemical reactions, mapping the quantum frontier. They collected data on 57 possible reaction channels, confirming accuracy of statistical theory for most but revealing significant deviations in others.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2021

Ultrafast electron dynamics in space and time

Scientists have made a breakthrough in tracing electron transfer processes at metal-molecule interfaces, allowing for the observation of electron excitation pathways in real-time. This achievement has fundamental implications for optimizing interfaces and nanostructures, potentially leading to new technologies.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience·DateFeb 18, 2021

Chemists identified necessary conditions for successful synthesis of small molecules

A team of chemists from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University and Saint Petersburg State University identified the necessary conditions for successful synthesis of small molecules. They found that differences in electronic properties of substituent groups determine the reaction speed, with electron-accepting substitutes reacting fast...

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalTetrahedron Letters·DateFeb 9, 2021

Photocatalytic reaction in the shadow

Researchers developed an illumination-reaction decoupled n-Si MIS photocathode that surmounts challenges impeding p-Si MIS photocathode development. The new design utilizes majority carriers to drive the surface reduction reaction, avoiding light-shielding problems and enabling higher efficiency.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 25, 2021

A molecule like a nanobattery

Researchers at University of Oldenburg develop complex molecular compound with high electron capacity, revealing new understanding of charge storage in metal centres. The model molecule functions as a 'mini segment of an energy storage material', paving the way for future design elements in molecular catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalChemPhysChem·DateDec 8, 2020

Curtin collision models impact the future of energy

A new database of electron-molecule reactions has been created by Curtin University researchers, allowing for accurate modeling of plasmas containing molecular hydrogen. This development is crucial for the global push to develop fusion technology for electricity production on Earth.

SourceCurtin University·JournalAtomic Data and Nuclear Data Tables·DateDec 1, 2020

Rotation of a molecule as an "internal clock"

Researchers at the Heidelberg Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics have investigated ultrafast fragmentation of hydrogen molecules in intense laser fields using a new method. They used the rotation of the molecule as an internal clock to measure the timing of the reaction triggered by a second laser pulse.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 1, 2020

One electrode fits all functional groups

Researchers discovered a new approach to control chemical reaction reactivity using a single gold electrode, which can behave like multiple functional groups by switching applied voltage. This 'electro-inductive effect' enables in-situ tuning of electronic property and reactivity in the middle of a reaction.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2020

Plasma electrons can be used to produce metallic films

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a method to create thin metallic films using free electrons in a plasma, eliminating the need for powerful molecular reducing agents. This innovation enables the production of processors and similar components without the constraints of traditional chemical vapor deposition methods.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology A Vacuum Surfaces and Films·DateMay 7, 2020

Primary care patients assess econsult model for provider-to-specialist consultations

Patients across five academic medical centers reacted favorably to an electronic consultation (eConsult) service for primary care provider-to-specialist consultations. Key benefits included quicker access to specialty care and convenience, with approval rates high among patients with a trusted primary care provider.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2020

Argonne and Washington University scientists unravel mystery of photosynthesis

Researchers at Argonne and Washington University have discovered an engineered version of a protein complex that enables the switch between two possible electron transfer pathways, opening up new opportunities for designing more efficient light-driven biochemical reactions. This breakthrough has significant implications for improving h...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2020

Switching tracks: Reversing electrons' course through nature's solar cells

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and Argonne National Laboratory have successfully reversed the flow of electrons in a purple photosynthetic bacteria, achieving a 90% yield on the B-branch side. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on the earliest light-driven events of photosynthesis and could aid in designing bi...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 1, 2020

Microbe from New Jersey wetlands chomps PFAS

A newly discovered bacterium, A6, can break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by transferring electrons from ammonium or hydrogen gas, rendering them harmless. The degradation process could potentially biodegrade PFAS in contaminated soil and groundwater under appropriate environmental conditions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 18, 2019

Blink and you'll miss it

Scientists have successfully observed and controlled fast-paced chemical reactions using light, which could lead to new optical nanotechnology. The method uses ultrafast techniques to visualize the reaction, offering insights into molecular interactions and potential applications in materials design.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2019

Chemistry in motion

For the first time, researchers have visualized chemical processes in unprecedented detail using molecular electron microscopy. This breakthrough allows for the observation of discrete stages in chemical reactions, which could aid in the development of methods to synthesize chemicals with greater control and precision.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2019

Electrons take alternative route to prevent plant stress

A recent study published in Plants revealed that electrons flowing through the reaction center chlorophyll (P700) in photosystem I undergo a charge recombination, producing chemical energy used in photosynthesis. This finding suggests an alternative pathway to suppress reactive oxygen species production and mitigate plant stress.

SourceKobe University·JournalPlants·DateJun 19, 2019

Observing a molecule stretch and bend in real-time

Scientists have observed the structural bending and stretching of carbon disulphide molecules in real-time, revealing a linear-to-bent transition driven by electronic structure changes. This breakthrough uses advanced laser-induced electron diffraction techniques to capture snapshots of molecular dynamics with sub-atomic resolution.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2019