Solar panels have become increasingly popular as a renewable energy source, but there is still room for improvement in terms of efficiency and cost. A recent study published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition has introduced a new coating technique that could revolutionize the industry. One of the main challenges with traditional solar cells is their
Chemistry
Clathrate hydrates are intricate water structures that encapsulate foreign molecules within a host water-molecule shell. These structures consist of water molecules, each comprising two hydrogen atoms attached to an oxygen atom, collectively forming networks that can bind weakly to each other and other molecules. The frameworks of clathrate hydrates are known as Frank-Kasper (FK) phases
In the realm of metallic materials, the concepts of “strength” and “elongation” have long been at odds with each other. As one property increases, the other typically decreases, creating a challenging tradeoff for researchers and engineers. This conflict has limited the ability to enhance both strength and elongation simultaneously in metals. A Breakthrough Collaboration A
The Center for Integrated Technology and Organic Synthesis at the University of Liège in Belgium has been at the forefront of exploring new reaction spaces through micro/mesofluidic technologies. Their research programs have highlighted the potential of continuous flow technology and micro/mesofluidic reactors in reshaping traditional routes towards chemical manufacturing. The recent publication in the journal
In a groundbreaking study conducted at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI), researchers have made a significant advancement in the field of chemical synthesis. By leveraging the power of natural enzymes and light, the team from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has developed a revolutionary method for incorporating fluorine into olefins, essential
Ice is not just a simple frozen substance – it is far more complex than most people realize. Scientists have identified over 20 different varieties of ice, each forming under specific combinations of pressure and temperature. One of the most common forms of ice, known as ice I, is the kind we use to chill
Clean energy production is becoming increasingly important in the fight against climate change, and researchers at Oregon State University have made significant strides in this area. A recent study led by Kyriakos Stylianou has developed a material that has shown exceptional promise in converting sunlight and water into clean energy. This breakthrough could have far-reaching
Chemists at the Rijksmuseum and the University of Amsterdam (UvA) recently made a groundbreaking discovery regarding Rembrandt’s artistic technique. Through the use of advanced spectroscopic methods, they were able to uncover the presence of special arsenic sulfide pigments in one of his most famous paintings, “The Night Watch.” These pigments, pararealgar and semi-amorphous pararealgar, were
Peptides have been gaining attention in the pharmaceutical industry as valuable therapeutic agents due to their ability to target complex biological processes with more precision compared to small-molecule drugs. They are also less complex and more cost-effective than large biological drugs like antibodies. The market has seen the emergence of over 100 FDA-approved peptide drugs,
The novel technique called EndoVIA has brought a new wave of hope to the field of cancer therapy research. The ability to precisely track individual edits in cells has been a long-standing challenge for scientists worldwide. Thanks to a team of WashU chemists led by graduate student Alex Quillin, this breakthrough has opened doors to
The pervasive use of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various industries has led to significant environmental and health concerns. These “forever chemicals” are known for their exceptional stability and resistance to water and heat, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. However, their persistent nature has resulted in widespread contamination of water, soil, and
In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have created a new technique that promises to revolutionize the synthesis of molecular compounds containing heavy elements such as americium, curium, and others. This innovative method, as detailed in two recent articles published in Chemical Communications and the JACS Au, opens up a whole
The process of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water is crucial for sustainable hydrogen production. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the direct influence of the microscopic structure of interfacial water molecules on the reactivity of photocatalysis. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society delved into this aspect, shedding
In a groundbreaking collaboration between computer science and materials science researchers at the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University, a new AI-based method has been developed to revolutionize the search for new materials. This innovative approach, detailed in a recent publication in npj Computational Materials, promises to streamline the process of
Enzymes play a crucial role in various biological processes by catalyzing chemical reactions. One enzyme of particular interest is Acetyl-CoA Synthase, which is responsible for capturing carbon from the atmosphere. Scientists from King’s College London, in collaboration with Imperial College London, have made significant progress in recreating the active site of this enzyme. This breakthrough