Research groups worldwide are actively working on developing technologies to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable raw materials for industrial applications. One of the crucial areas of research is the exploration of electrocatalysts, which can facilitate the conversion process. While most experiments have been conducted using heterogeneous electrocatalysts, there is increasing interest in homogeneous electrocatalysis
Chemistry
Chemical diversification of proteins plays a crucial role in understanding biological processes and the intricate structures of proteins. In a recent breakthrough, researchers from the Max Planck Society have published their groundbreaking findings on amino acid modification in Nature Chemistry. This article will delve into the novel technique developed by the research group and explore
The conductivity of metals has long been understood based on conventional wisdom. However, a recent discovery has defied these conventional notions, as materials scientist Keerti Kappagantula and her colleagues at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have found that graphene, a common carbon compound, can enhance an important property of metals called the temperature coefficient
An extraordinary study recently published in the Chemical Engineering Journal presents an innovative strategy for tackling the problem of emerging pollutants in groundwater. These pollutants, including pharmaceutical compounds like sertraline, have been detected worldwide and pose a significant threat to both human health and the environment. Traditional wastewater treatment methods have proven ineffective in removing
Hydrogen, known as a carbon dioxide free energy source, has the potential to revolutionize clean energy. However, the advancement of hydrogen-related applications is hindered by the lack of understanding of how hydrogen behaves in alloys. Detecting the atomic state of hydrogen has been a challenge due to its unique characteristics. In this article, we will
The building envelope serves a vital role in protecting the occupants of a building from external factors such as sun, rain, wind, snow, and pollution. This passive multilayered element is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency and ensuring the health and comfort of residents. However, the occurrence of air leakage, heat transfer, and moisture diffusion can
New research conducted on Rembrandt’s famous 1642 militia painting, “The Night Watch,” has uncovered groundbreaking information about the artist’s innovative techniques. This discovery challenges the conventional understanding of Rembrandt’s approach to painting and sheds light on his willingness to experiment with new materials. The research, which forms part of the monumental Operation Night Watch project,
The use of anodes for the electrolytic splitting of water is common in generating “green” hydrogen through electrolysis. However, the current state-of-the-art catalyst, iridium, lacks stability in the acidic environment of the electrolysis cell, leading to a decrease in its catalytic effect. To address this issue, a research team at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) and
In a groundbreaking study conducted at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, researchers have made significant strides in understanding the role of solvation in ion binding. Their findings present a new pathway for electrochemically controlling ion selectivity, opening up possibilities for innovative applications in various fields. Led by Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering professor Xiao Su and
The intersection between hard and soft materials has long been a challenge in various industries. From laptop chargers breaking at the cable-to-adapter joint to the failure of man-made materials in the human body, finding an effective interface has proven to be difficult. However, researchers from TU Delft have made significant strides in this field by
The quest for finding sustainable alternatives to replace petroleum-based plastic films has gained momentum in recent years. In a remarkable breakthrough, researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered that materials derived from crustaceans and seaweed can play a crucial role in creating next-generation packaging films. This pioneering research has focused on combining chitosan, a
RIKEN chemists have made a groundbreaking discovery with the development of a highly active catalyst that can synthesize drug molecules within the body. This new catalyst has the potential to revolutionize drug delivery methods by assembling drugs at specific target sites, minimizing side effects and maximizing effectiveness. Conventional drug delivery methods, such as injections or