Polyurethane (PUR) foam is a widely used material in various products like mattresses, insulation, shoes, cars, airplanes, and more. However, the disposal of PUR foam poses a significant environmental challenge as most of it ends up in landfills or being incinerated. This is troubling because the main components of PUR foam are derived from fossil
Chemistry
Electron transfer plays a crucial role in various processes, ranging from chemical reactions to electronic devices and even living organisms. One area where understanding electron transfer is vital is in solid/solid interfaces, particularly in the context of organic optoelectronic devices. These devices, such as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photovoltaics, are widely used
Nitrogenases play a crucial role in providing bioavailable nitrogen to all forms of life on Earth, converting gaseous N2 into ammonia (NH3). However, recent research by a team of scientists in Marburg, Germany, led by Max Planck scientist Johannes Rebelein, has shed light on the additional capabilities of nitrogenases. These enzymes have the potential to
Sulfur-rich polymers (SRPs) have gained significant attention in recent years for their unique properties and potential applications in various fields. One landmark development in this area was the synthesis of a sulfur-rich polymer containing elemental sulfur content of more than 50 wt% by Prof. Pyun’s group in 2013. This innovative approach opened up new possibilities
In a recent study published in Nature Communications, researchers from the Interface Science Department at the Fritz Haber Institute have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against climate change. Their work, titled “Reversible metal cluster formation on Nitrogen-doped carbon controlling electrocatalyst particle size with subnanometer accuracy,” introduces a new method for understanding the mechanisms
Ammonia production is a crucial process for creating the fertilizers necessary for agriculture. Traditionally, this process has been energy-intensive and has led to the emission of significant amounts of greenhouse gases. However, new research has shown promising developments in using sunlight to drive the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia, offering a sustainable alternative to the
Pancreatic cancer is known to be one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of cancer, primarily due to late-stage diagnoses. Current diagnostic markers lack the sensitivity and specificity needed for early detection screenings, contributing to the high mortality rate associated with this disease. However, a recent study published in the journal Angewandte Chemie presents
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are a major concern when it comes to climate change and global warming. Researchers at the University of Liverpool have made significant progress in addressing this issue through the development of a pioneering plasma-catalytic process for the conversion of CO2 into valuable fuels and chemicals. This breakthrough offers a sustainable solution
In a recent study published in the journal Chem, researchers at Dartmouth and Southern Methodist University introduced a groundbreaking technique that allows for the creation of three-dimensional projections of medical scans. This innovative technology involves using a specialized light projector to imprint images inside polymers that contain a photosensitive chemical additive, which can be erased
The quest for achieving precision in creating complex medicines and materials with extreme accuracy has been a long-standing goal for scientists and pharmaceutical companies. The ability to do so could lead to the development of more effective drug treatments. Recently, scientists at the University of Rochester, led by Assistant Professor Shauna Paradine, have made significant
Organofluorine compounds, also known as “forever chemicals,” are creating a growing concern as they are being discovered in various sources such as drinking water, oceans, and even human blood. These compounds pose a significant threat to both the environment and human health due to their persistence and potential toxicity. It is crucial to identify and
The field of organ transplantation medicine has long sought the ability to grow functional human organs outside the body. This elusive goal has been referred to as the “holy grail” of medical science. However, recent research from Harvard’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS)
With the constant threat of explosives and other dangerous materials, the need for accurate and efficient detection methods has never been greater. Scientists have recently developed a groundbreaking technology that allows for the detection of trace amounts of hard-to-detect explosives from distances of up to eight feet away. This innovative method, published in the journal
In a world driven by modern electronics, rare earth elements (REEs) hold a critical position due to their niche uses. Chemistry professor Justin Wilson at UC Santa Barbara sheds light on the importance of these metals, such as dysprosium and neodymium, in advancing technology. While the demand for REEs is escalating, the challenge lies in
A breakthrough study conducted by physicists at Cavendish Laboratory has unveiled exciting new avenues for enhancing organic semiconductors. This research pioneers innovative approaches to optimizing the performance of these materials by delving into the realm of non-equilibrium states and manipulating electron behavior in ways previously unexplored. Dr. Dionisius Tjhe, a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Cavendish