Chemistry

Tungsten pentaboride, WB5-x, has recently been identified as a promising alternative to traditional catalysts due to its unique properties. A group of researchers led by Professor Alexander Kvashnin from Skoltech’s Energy Transition Center has published a new paper shedding light on the potential applications of this substance in various fields. In the study, researchers found

Esters, the compounds responsible for the sweet smell of fruits like strawberries, are widely used in various industries. However, the process of breaking down esters to produce alcohols and other chemicals can be costly and harmful to the environment. Traditional methods of ester reduction involve the use of highly reactive and difficult to handle metal

In a groundbreaking development, chemists at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have pioneered the creation of hexavalent photocatalytic covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that mimic natural photosynthesis for the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Unlike the traditional method of H2O2 production which relies on costly noble metal catalysts and hazardous solvents, this innovative approach utilizes

Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in brain metabolism, and low levels of this vitamin have been linked to various mental illnesses, memory loss, and dementia in older individuals. While the importance of vitamin B6 in brain function has been recognized for decades, its exact role in mental disorders remains largely unclear. A research team

As California shifts towards renewable energy sources, the need for effective energy storage technologies becomes increasingly apparent. Solar power generation decreases at night and during winter, while wind power is intermittent. This variability in renewable energy sources necessitates the use of natural gas to stabilize the electric grid. However, this dependency on natural gas is

Stainless steel has long been a favorite material for chefs and cooks due to its durability, resistance to rust, and even cooking characteristics. One of the secrets behind the popularity of stainless steel lies in the presence of chromium, which reacts with oxygen to create a protective coating. This thin layer shields the steel beneath

Hydrogen (H2) has long been considered a promising fuel for reducing greenhouse gases, especially when produced by splitting water molecules (H2O) using renewable energy sources. However, the process of breaking water into hydrogen and oxygen is not as simple as it may seem. Two simultaneous electrochemical reactions take place, each requiring specific catalysts to facilitate

In a groundbreaking study conducted by a team at Trinity College Dublin, the phenomenon of split ends in hair is being dissected like never before. Led by Professor David Taylor, the team has developed a machine specifically designed to recreate the process of combing tangled hair to better understand the science behind split ends. This

A groundbreaking technology has emerged to tackle the limitations of current catalyst electrodes, revolutionizing the production of green hydrogen on a large scale and at a significantly lower cost. The pioneering development, detailed in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, is the result of a collaborative effort led by Professor Han Gi Chae from

Halogen bonds have recently been identified as key contributors to directing sequential dynamics in multifunctional crystals, providing valuable insights for the advancement of ultrafast-response times in multilevel optical storage. These intermolecular interactions are characterized by the attraction between a halogen atom and another atom with lone pairs, typically a molecular entity with high electron density.

The waste-to-wealth movement has sparked a wave of innovation in the field of technology aimed at converting greenhouse gases into valuable materials. One technology that has garnered significant attention is the catalytic conversion of methane into methanol, a versatile industrial solvent and raw material for chemical synthesis. The traditional industrial process for this conversion is

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science have revolutionized the way we look at carbon capture and its potential implications for the environment. By developing a method to fabricate a miracle material known as MOF-525 on a large scale, the team has opened up new possibilities

Auxetic materials, with their ability to defy common sense by expanding when stretched and narrowing when compressed, hold tremendous promise for a wide range of applications. From bomb-resilient buildings to comfortable clothing, the possibilities seem endless. However, despite their unique properties, auxetic products have faced challenges in reaching the market. Researchers at the National Institute

Prof. Bozhi Tian’s lab has embarked on a groundbreaking journey to merge the realms of electronics and biology. Their latest innovation, dubbed “living bioelectronics,” combines living cells, gel, and electronics to seamlessly integrate with living tissue. In a study published in Science, the researchers unveiled patches consisting of sensors, bacterial cells, and a gel made

The field of biocatalysis has long been focused on optimizing natural enzyme functions for synthetic chemistry purposes. However, a recent study by UC Santa Barbara researchers, led by chemistry professor Yang Yang, has taken a groundbreaking approach by exploring entirely new enzymatic reactions through the use of photobiocatalysis. This innovative method leverages the power of