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New study improves accuracy in tracking ammonia pollution sources

Researchers have developed a more reliable method for measuring natural nitrogen isotope signatures of atmospheric ammonia, allowing for stronger tools to trace pollution sources and improve air quality management. The new approach uses sulfuric acid absorption, achieving higher ammonia recovery rates and stable isotope measurements.

Electronic and coordination structures of metal porphyrin complexes in aqueous solutions probed by soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy

The study probed the electronic structures of metal and ligand sides using soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy, revealing differences in energy shifts between cobalt and iron protoporphyrin IX complexes. The results show that CoPPIX maintains its five-coordination geometry in aqueous solution.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2024

Illinois researchers develop near-infrared spectroscopy models to analyze corn kernels, biomass

The study utilizes near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and machine learning to provide quick, accurate, and cost-effective product analysis. The researchers created a global model for corn kernel analysis, which can predict moisture and protein content with high accuracy across different locations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBiomass and Bioenergy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 27, 2024

Transition-metal-free zeolite catalyst for direct conversion of methane to methanol

Researchers have discovered a novel transition-metal-free aluminosilicate ferrierite zeolite catalyst that enables direct conversion of methane to methanol. The new process achieves 305 π mol gˑ minǘ methanol production rate with high selectivity, presenting an environmentally friendly solution for converting greenhouse gases into valu...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 3, 2024

Quantum fiber optics in the brain enhance processing, may protect against degenerative diseases

Researchers have discovered a quantum effect in biological systems that may help the brain protect itself from degenerative diseases. The effect, called superradiance, occurs when many tryptophan molecules are arranged in a symmetrical network and can absorb and re-emit damaging ultraviolet light particles.

SourceHoward University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

BESSY II: How pulsed charging enhances the service time of batteries

A recent study found that pulsed charging improves lithium-ion battery stability and lifespan. The study, led by Philipp Adelhelm, demonstrated that high-frequency pulsed current reduces ageing effects and structural changes in the electrode materials, leading to a doubled cycle life with 80% capacity retention.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2024

Continuous non-invasive glucose sensing on the horizon with the development of a new optical sensor.

Researchers have developed a miniaturized optical sensor that can detect glucose levels in human blood plasma with comparable sensitivity to laboratory-based sensors. The device operates wirelessly using a coin battery and has demonstrated its viability in detecting glucose levels between 50-400mg/dL.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Sensor Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Breakthrough in ultraviolet spectroscopy

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics have successfully developed a new technique for deciphering the properties of light and matter, enabling precise spectroscopy under low-light conditions. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for novel applications in photon-level diagnostics, precision spectroscopy, and biom...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2024

Optical frequency combs make ultraviolet spectroscopy more sensitive and more precise

Researchers at Max Born Institute have successfully implemented high-resolution linear-absorption dual-comb spectroscopy in the ultraviolet spectral range. This breakthrough enables experiments under low-light conditions, paving the way for novel applications in precision spectroscopy and biomedical sensing.

Attoscience unveils a light-matter hybrid phase in graphite reminiscent of superconductivity

ICFO researchers observed a light-induced increase and control of conductivity in graphite by manipulating its many-body state, showing signatures of superconductivity. The study uses attosecond soft-X-ray pulses to probe electronic dynamics, providing new insights into material properties and quantum states.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2023

Absorption of light by molecules has applications in microscopy, medicine and data storage

A Brazilian physicist has developed an alternative method that reduces calculation time for simulating light absorption by molecules from two days to a few hours. This allows for high-resolution microscopy and the creation of precise 3D structures for data storage, with potential applications in medicinal treatments.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 11, 2023

Probe where the protons go to develop better fuel cells

A team led by Professor Yoshihiro Yamazaki from Kyushu University discovered the chemical innerworkings of a perovskite-based electrolyte developed for solid oxide fuel cells. By combining synchrotron radiation analysis, large-scale simulations, machine learning, and thermogravimetric analysis, they found that protons are introduced at...

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Calculating the "fingerprints" of molecules with artificial intelligence

Researchers have developed an AI-powered approach to calculate molecular spectra using Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), significantly reducing computation time and improving accuracy. The SchNet model achieved a 20% increase in accuracy while reducing computational time, enabling the analysis of complex molecules like quantum dots.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 14, 2022

Higher solar yield, less power effort

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new type of organic solar cell that generates electricity efficiently even with a relatively low offset of 0.1 eV. This breakthrough offers a promising solution for the production of more efficient and flexible solar panels, potentially reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

Lung model proves viability of spectroscopy technique

A lung model mimicking complex anatomy has enabled the assessment of respiratory volumes using a gas-in-scattering-media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS) technique. The study demonstrates the feasibility of GASMAS to sense changes in gas volume in a controlled environment, paving the way for potential clinical applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

New scanning technology could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease using light

Researchers developed a non-invasive optical technique using spectroscopy to identify structural changes in the brain and diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The new technology has potential as a simple, completely non-invasive method of early detection and could also assess treatment effectiveness.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Looking at molecules from two sides with table-top femtosecond soft-X-rays

A bright source of femtosecond soft X-ray pulses has been created using extreme high-order harmonic generation process. This enables the simultaneous local probing at both carbon and nitrogen sites within molecules, facilitating multiple-site investigation with potential correlations between these sites upon molecular rearrangements.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateDec 21, 2018

Researchers create first significant examples of optical crystallography for nanomaterials

Researchers at University of Illinois create first significant examples of optical crystallography for nanomaterials, improving precision of nanocrystal engineering and understanding of reactions. The new technique uses absorption spectroscopy to identify crystal type in liquid-dispersed nanomaterials, offering simple, accurate analysis.

Making a good thing better

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding liquid electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries. They found that the actual solvation environment of lithium ions is non-tetrahedral, contrary to previous predictions. This discovery could lead to more efficient and better-performing electrolytes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateDec 19, 2014

Fingerprints of a gold cluster revealed

Scientists have successfully characterised the absorption spectrum of a gold cluster, shedding light on its electronic properties. The research provides valuable insights for future applications in catalysis, sensing, and molecular electronics.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 28, 2011