Platinum (Pt) electrodes are essential components of hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis, playing a critical role in the efficiency and stability of clean power technologies. The oxidation of Pt surfaces during these processes has been identified as a major issue, leading to the degradation of catalyst performance over time. In a recent study published in
Chemistry
Ammonia, a commonly used nitrogen-based chemical in various industries, has long been known for its negative impact on the environment. The traditional methods of producing ammonia involve high temperatures, high pressure, and significant energy consumption, making it one of the major contributors to carbon emissions globally. However, a recent breakthrough by engineers at the University
The world of cancer treatment is constantly evolving, with researchers at Imperial College London leading the way in developing innovative solutions. A recent breakthrough has been made in the synthesis, analysis, and testing of new compounds that could potentially revolutionize the way we treat cancer. Metal-based compounds, specifically iridium complexes, have been identified for their
Thermoelectric technology has long been recognized as an eco-friendly means of converting waste heat into electricity. However, the efficiency and flexibility of thermoelectric materials have posed significant challenges in its widespread adoption. Researchers at the Nano Convergence Research Department have made significant strides in developing a new inorganic-organic thermoelectric composite that addresses these challenges. The
A remarkable breakthrough in the field of material science has been achieved by a team of molecular engineers at Tsinghua University in China. These scientists have created a new type of hydrogel with unprecedented elasticity and versatility, as reported in the prestigious journal Science. This innovative hydrogel can stretch up to 15 times its original
In today’s technological age, the search for new materials with groundbreaking properties has become increasingly important. From photovoltaics to data transmission, the need for innovative materials is greater than ever before. Recognizing this need, Prof. Dr. Caterina Cocchi and Holger-Dietrich Saßnick from the University of Oldenburg in Germany have developed a high-throughput automated method to
Implantable medical devices have long relied on batteries to function properly, from pacemakers that keep the heart beating to neurostimulators that help manage pain. However, the issue of battery life and the need for invasive surgeries to replace them has been a significant challenge in the field. Addressing these concerns, researchers in China have developed
In the quest for sustainable energy solutions to meet the world’s growing energy needs, a team of researchers from the Universities of Tartu and Copenhagen have put forward a groundbreaking approach to address longstanding challenges in oxygen electrocatalysis. This innovative method could potentially revolutionize the field and significantly enhance the efficiency of energy conversion and
The field of metalworking is constantly evolving, with researchers pushing the boundaries of what is possible through innovative techniques such as Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) and friction stir welding. However, as these new methods produce metal components that are lighter, stronger, and more precise than ever before, it becomes critical to understand the
Polymer systems consisting of multiple components have the unique ability to induce emulsion or microdroplets through mechanical mixing, representing an intermediate stage of macroscopic phase separation. However, a significant drawback is the nonuniform size and random spatial arrangement of the generated droplets. Furthermore, these droplets have a tendency to coarsen and grow larger over time,
Rabih O. Al-Kaysi and his team have made groundbreaking advancements in the field of molecular motors, creating devices that mimic the movements of living organisms when exposed to light. These tiny machines have the potential to revolutionize various industries, particularly in the field of medicine. By harnessing the power of light, these molecular motors could
The quest for stronger and tougher materials has led scientists to the discovery of the BC8 carbon phase, predicted to be even more resilient than diamond. This eight-atom body-centered cubic (BC8) crystal is not only structurally similar to diamond but also exhibits a 30% greater resistance to compression. Despite the theoretical predictions of its existence,
Lignin, a complex organic polymer found in wood, plays a crucial role in providing structural support and rigidity to trees. However, when wood is transformed into paper, lignin is often seen as waste that needs to be removed. Marcus Foston, an associate professor at Washington University in St. Louis, is delving into the potential of
Mucus has long been viewed as a mere waste material or a simple physical barrier in the body. However, recent research has shed light on the numerous roles that mucus, particularly mucins, play in human health. Mucins are sugar-coated proteins that are essential components of mucus. They serve as a barrier, regulating the transport of
High entropy alloys (HEAs) have emerged as a promising type of material for electrocatalysis, with the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency of electrocatalysts. Unlike traditional metal catalysts, HEAs are composed of a mix of multiple elements, resulting in a complex structure that offers enhanced catalytic properties in various applications such as batteries and fuel