The conversion of light into electricity is a phenomenon that holds immense potential for renewable energy. Solar cells, which utilize the photovoltaic effect to generate electricity, have become a prominent technology in this field. However, there is still much room for improvement in terms of their efficiency. A team of researchers from RIKEN has conducted
Chemistry
A team of chemical engineers and materials scientists at Zhejiang University in China have made a groundbreaking discovery in the world of textiles. They have developed a new type of aerogel fiber that surpasses the warmth of down when woven into a sweater. This innovative research showcases the team’s efforts in overcoming previous challenges faced
Technology advancements often rely on efficient and selective catalysts for various industrial applications. In recent years, researchers have been exploring the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into raw materials using electrocatalysis. While most experiments have involved heterogeneous catalysts, which are in a different phase than the reactants, homogeneous catalysts have been considered to be more
Chemical diversification of proteins plays a crucial role in understanding biological processes and the intricate structures of proteins. Recent exciting findings by researchers from the Max Planck Society, published in Nature Chemistry, shed light on a new technique for the modification of specific amino acids in proteins. This innovative approach utilizes vinyl thianthrenium salts to
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Materials & Design, researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have made a remarkable breakthrough in the field of electrical conductivity. By adding a small amount of graphene to copper, the team discovered that they could enhance the metal’s ability to conduct electricity, while simultaneously reducing its
Safeguarding the quality of groundwater is of utmost importance, with emerging pollutants posing a significant threat. One such emerging pollutant is sertraline, an antidepressant that is frequently detected in groundwater worldwide. Conventional wastewater treatment methods struggle to remove substances like sertraline due to their unique physicochemical properties. In a recent study, Brazilian scientists from the
The potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source has long been recognized, but widespread adoption faces significant technical challenges. To overcome these hurdles, it is crucial to develop advanced materials that can produce, store, transport, and preserve hydrogen. One key aspect in achieving this is gaining a fundamental understanding of how hydrogen behaves in
The building envelope is a critical part of any building structure, as it provides protection against external environmental factors such as sun, rain, snow, wind, and pollution. This multilayer passive element plays a crucial role in maintaining the health, comfort, and energy efficiency of the building and its occupants. However, issues such as air leakage,
New research has brought to light another fascinating aspect of Rembrandt’s artistic genius. According to a recently published study in Science Advances, it has been discovered that the Dutch master utilized a lead-based substance to impregnate the canvas of his renowned 1642 militia painting, “The Night Watch.” This groundbreaking revelation challenges the conventional understanding of
Anodes used for the electrolytic splitting of water have long relied on iridium-based materials. Although iridium has proven to be an effective catalyst for this reaction, its stability is a concern as iridium gradually dissolves in the electrolysis cell’s acidic environment, diminishing the catalytic effect. In an effort to enhance the stability of iridium catalysts,
In a groundbreaking study conducted at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, researchers have made significant strides in uncovering the role of solvation in ion binding and have introduced a novel pathway for electrochemically controlling ion selectivity. Published in JACS Au, this research builds upon previous work by Professor Xiao Su and Ph.D. student Raylin Chen,
When it comes to effectively combining hard and soft materials, nature has already perfected the art. Take, for example, the bone-tendon connections in the human body. Despite the stark difference in hardness between bones and tendons, these intersections never fail. Drawing inspiration from this remarkable natural design, a team of researchers from TU Delft’s faculty
In the search for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, researchers from North Carolina State University have made significant strides in developing biopolymer composite films using materials derived from crustaceans and seaweed. This innovative approach combines chitosan, derived from crab shells, and agarose, extracted from seaweed, to create films with enhanced properties. Not only are these
The Chirik Group at the Princeton Department of Chemistry has made significant breakthroughs in the field of metal-catalyzed C–H functionalization. Their innovative method utilizes a cobalt catalyst that allows for differentiation between bonds in fluoroarenes based on their intrinsic electronic properties. This groundbreaking research, published in Science, demonstrates the group’s ability to achieve meta-selective cobalt-catalyzed
In the field of surgery, traditional medical adhesives often fall short due to their limited bio-absorbability, high toxicity, and lack of customizability. These drawbacks result in suboptimal surgical outcomes. However, recent developments in synthetic biology present a promising alternative – tailored biocompatible and biodegradable adhesives designed specifically for internal biomedical applications such as tissue repair