Rare earth elements (REEs) have been deemed as “critical minerals” by the U.S. Department of Energy due to their niche uses in modern electronics. Chemistry professor Justin Wilson from UC Santa Barbara sheds light on the significance of dysprosium, a lesser-known element categorized under the REEs. While elements like platinum or gold are rarer, REEs
Chemistry
Researchers at Cavendish have made groundbreaking discoveries in the realm of organic semiconductors, introducing two innovative methods to enhance their performance. Dr. Dionisius Tjhe, alongside his colleagues, has delved into the realm of heavily doped polymer semiconductors, unraveling new insights that could potentially revolutionize the field of electronic devices. Delving into the realm of energy
Gas separation is a crucial process in various industries, including manufacturing and research. However, current methods are not only energy-intensive but also result in significant carbon emissions. In fact, it is estimated that chemical separation accounts for 15% of U.S. energy consumption, making it an inefficient and environmentally damaging process. Fortunately, a team of researchers
A groundbreaking new method has been developed by engineers to eliminate health-threatening “forever chemicals” from water using 3D printing. This innovative approach involves the creation of ceramic-infused lattices, known as monoliths, which have been proven to remove a minimum of 75% of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) – a highly prevalent perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) –
In a groundbreaking study led by Profs. Daniel Strasser and Roi Baer from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a team of international scientists has uncovered unforeseen symmetry-breaking dynamics in ionized carbon dioxide dimers. The research sheds light on the structural transformations that take place when these molecular clusters are exposed to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation.
Solar energy has been gaining momentum as a sustainable and renewable source of power. One of the key components of solar panels is the solar cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. A recent study published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition presents a promising new approach to enhance the efficiency of solar panels while
Clathrate hydrates are intricate water structures that encompass foreign molecules within a shell of water molecules. These structures play a significant role in material science research due to their unique properties and potential applications. Water molecules, consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, have the ability to form weak bonds with each other
Metallic materials have long been subject to a tradeoff between “strength” and “elongation,” where increasing one property often comes at the expense of the other. However, a collaborative effort between POSTECH and Northwestern University has introduced a groundbreaking technology that challenges this conventional wisdom. By designing an alloy that combines both high strength and high
The research programs conducted by the Center for Integrated Technology and Organic Synthesis at the University of Liège in Belgium have shed light on the vast opportunities offered by micro/mesofluidic technologies in the exploration of new reaction spaces. Through the compression of spatiotemporal frameworks using these unique technologies, the possibilities for increased productivity and the
In a groundbreaking study conducted by the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, researchers have unveiled a significant breakthrough in the creation of eco-friendly agricultural chemicals and everyday products. This innovative method involves the precise mixing of fluorine, an important additive, into chemicals called olefins using natural
Ice is a complex substance with over 20 different varieties, each forming under unique combinations of pressure and temperature. While ice I is the most commonly known form used to chill drinks, researchers have recently discovered a new type of ice known as ice 0. In a study published in Nature Communications by researchers at
In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Oregon State University have unveiled a material with the extraordinary ability to convert sunlight and water into clean energy. Spearheaded by Kyriakos Stylianou of the OSU College of Science, this collaborative effort has led to the creation of a photocatalyst that facilitates the rapid and efficient production of hydrogen.
The recent discovery by chemists at the Rijksmuseum and the University of Amsterdam has shed light on Rembrandt’s innovative use of special arsenic sulfide pigments in his artwork. Through the careful analysis of his famous painting “The Night Watch,” researchers were able to determine how Rembrandt created a unique “golden” paint by combining pararealgar and
Peptides are gaining recognition as effective middle-sized therapeutic agents in the medical field. Unlike small-molecule drugs, peptides have the ability to target complex biological processes with greater precision. Additionally, peptides are generally less complex and more cost-effective than larger biological drugs such as antibodies. The development of peptides as therapeutic agents has led to over
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” have become a significant environmental and health concern. These chemicals, including perfluorinated polymers or PFs, have been extensively used since the introduction of Teflon in 1938 due to their exceptional stability and resistance to water and heat. While these properties make PFAS ideal for various applications like cookware