Chemistry

Platinum (Pt) electrodes play a crucial role in clean power technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis. These technologies are essential for the pursuit of carbon neutrality and the development of clean energy sources. However, surface oxidation on Pt electrodes can degrade catalyst performance and stability, making it vital to understand the mechanisms of

Ammonia production has long been known for its detrimental impact on the environment due to the high carbon emissions associated with it. However, a team of engineers at the University of Illinois Chicago, led by Meenesh Singh, has developed a new process called lithium-mediated ammonia synthesis that aims to revolutionize the way we think about

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition, researchers at Imperial College London have developed a novel platform for the synthesis, analysis, and testing of new compounds with the potential to treat cancer. Led by Professor Ramon Vilar and Dr. Tim Kench from the Department of Chemistry, this innovative workflow focuses

Thermoelectric technology has long been hailed as a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way to convert waste heat into electricity. Its applications are diverse, ranging from traditional industries to cutting-edge new technologies. However, despite its potential, the efficiency and flexibility of thermoelectric materials have remained a persistent challenge. A groundbreaking research team at the Nano Convergence Research

Hydrogels have long been known for their stretchiness, but a team of molecular engineers at Tsinghua University in China has taken this to a whole new level. They have developed a groundbreaking hydrogel that can stretch up to 15 times its original size and then quickly snap back to its initial form, showcasing a level

The field of materials science is rapidly evolving, with computer-based methods playing a crucial role in the discovery of new materials for key technologies such as photovoltaics, batteries, and data transmission. Recent advancements by Prof. Dr. Caterina Cocchi and Holger-Dietrich Saßnick from the University of Oldenburg in Germany have paved the way for a high-throughput

Implantable medical devices have long relied on traditional batteries to function, leading to the need for frequent invasive surgeries for replacement. However, researchers in China have introduced a groundbreaking concept – an implantable battery that runs on oxygen within the body. This innovative approach could potentially transform the field of medical technology, eliminating the limitations

In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, researchers from the Universities of Tartu and Copenhagen have proposed a groundbreaking approach to address the challenges of oxygen electrocatalysis. This innovative method aims to revolutionize the field by introducing a new concept of geometry-adaptive electrocatalysis. Traditional catalysts often struggle to lower the high activation energies required for

As researchers continue to push the boundaries of metalworking with innovative techniques such as Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) and friction stir welding, the need to understand the performance and properties of resulting metals becomes paramount. Corrosion, a process that causes metals to degrade over time, presents a significant challenge in this field. Historically,

Polymer systems have the ability to induce emulsion or microdroplets through mechanical mixing, which serve as an intermediate state of macroscopic phase separation. However, the nonuniformity in size and random spatial arrangement of these droplets present a challenge in various applications. Researchers have attempted to stabilize the microdroplets by lowering the temperature rapidly, but this

Rabih O. Al-Kaysi and his team have developed molecular motors that possess the ability to perform coordinated movements when exposed to light. These tiny machines have the potential to revolutionize various fields, from medicine to engineering. The team’s innovative approach to creating these crystal-based devices opens up a world of possibilities for the future. The

Mucus has long been viewed as a mere waste material or a simple barrier in the human body. However, recent research has shed light on the multifaceted roles of mucus, particularly its major component, the sugar-coated proteins known as mucins. Studies have shown that mucus and mucins are not only barriers but also play crucial

Lignin, a complex organic polymer found in wood, is a crucial component that provides strength and rigidity to trees. When wood is processed into paper, lignin needs to be removed, resulting in it becoming waste material. However, Marcus Foston, an associate professor at Washington University in St. Louis, is researching ways to utilize lignin by

In a groundbreaking development, Prof Dr. Johannes Margraf and his team of scientists have revolutionized the field of electrocatalysts by utilizing simulations and artificial intelligence. Their innovative approach has led to the creation of a computer program capable of optimizing multiple properties of catalysts simultaneously. This cutting-edge research has recently been published in the prestigious

When we think of the strongest material known to man, diamond often comes to mind. However, there is a form of carbon that has been predicted to be even tougher – the eight-atom body-centered cubic (BC8) crystal. This unique carbon phase is not diamond, but it boasts remarkable similarities. It is believed that BC8 is