In a significant advancement in the field of 3D printing, researchers from the University of California San Diego have unveiled a novel method utilizing a straightforward combination of polymer ink and salt water solution. This innovative technique, featured in the reputable journal Nature Communications, promises to redefine how materials are manufactured by making the process
Chemistry
In the quest for sustainable solutions to combat climate change, the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemicals and fuels stands as a promising avenue. Coupling this process with renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, offers an opportunity for eco-friendly production of essential chemicals like ethylene and ethanol. These products are
Catalysts play an integral part in the chemical industry, facilitating over 90% of the products we engage with daily. These chemical agents are capable of accelerating reactions and lowering the energy threshold required for various processes. Indeed, some reactions would be entirely unfeasible without the intervention of catalysts. This pivotal role underscores the importance of
Recent advancements in polymer chemistry have emerged from researchers at the University of Tsukuba, who have pioneered a groundbreaking technique for synthesizing widely used polymers like polystyrene without the reliance on conventional catalysts or initiators. Their approach utilizes a Tesla coil, a high-voltage, high-frequency generator, to generate radical species that drive the polymerization process. This
The need for cleaner and more efficient methods in chemical production has never been more critical. As the world shifts toward sustainability, researchers are exploring innovative technologies that reduce environmental impact while improving energy efficiency. A recent groundbreaking study from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) highlights an electrochemical method that significantly enhances the production processes
Fluid management in various sectors is crucial, yet it remains an arduous task due to conventional inadequacies in handling liquid substances. From healthcare to pharmaceuticals, the effective capture, transfer, and release of fluids form the backbone of operating procedures. Recent innovation from The Polytechnic University of Hong Kong (PolyU) sheds light on this long-standing problem
In the quest for cleaner water sources, the researchers at Dartmouth College have made a significant breakthrough—an innovative self-powered pump that utilizes natural light to filter out specific water pollutants. As outlined in a recent publication in the journal Science, this technology harnesses light and synthetic chemistry to facilitate the removal of damaging contaminants from
For over a hundred years, the industrial production of ammonia has been essential in fulfilling global agricultural and industrial demands. However, researchers have encountered significant challenges in improving the efficiency and yield of the synthesis process. The standard method involves the reaction of atmospheric nitrogen with hydrogen, employing an iron catalyst. Despite the staggering annual
Embracing renewable energy sources is imperative for achieving a sustainable future. Among these, solar energy stands out due to its abundance and eco-friendliness. Central to harnessing solar power are optoelectronic devices, particularly solar cells, that play a crucial role in converting sunlight into usable electricity. Recent research from Osaka University is shedding light on groundbreaking
Piezoelectric materials are central to various high-tech applications, especially in the fields of medical imaging and underwater sonar technology. Their ability to convert mechanical stress into electrical charges makes them indispensable in generating and sensing ultrasound waves. Specifically, these materials often serve as the backbone for devices that require precise manipulation of sound waves, enabling
The human body demonstrates remarkable complexity in its tissues, particularly in how diverse and capable they are in terms of strength and elasticity. However, despite the advancements in medicine, the quest to replicate these biological attributes in synthetic materials remains a significant challenge. Traditional methods of creating biomedical implants, like molding and casting, often fall
The landscape of material science is undergoing a transformative shift with the introduction of Multi-Principal Element Alloys (MPEAs). These alloys significantly diverge from the conventional alloy framework, which typically consists of one or two principal elements supplemented with minor alloying materials. MPEAs, on the other hand, leverage multiple principal elements in nearly equal proportions, allowing
Polymers are ubiquitous in both nature and industry, often likened to trains made up of numerous cars, where each car represents a monomer, the fundamental building block of the polymer. The connections between these cars can be thought of as the chemical bonds that link monomers. This analogy highlights the complex structure of polymers, which
In a notable advancement in water purification technology, researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have unveiled a groundbreaking method that leverages microwave technology to create advanced membranes designed for efficient water filtration. As global water scarcity increasingly becomes a pressing issue, the development of tools that can effectively clean wastewater is more vital than ever.
For years, the presence of voids or pores within materials has been synonymous with weakness, treated as defects that compromise structural integrity. However, a paradigm shift is emerging from the research spearheaded by Prof. Jin Haijun and his team at the Institute of Metal Research (IMR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Their groundbreaking work,
As the world moves towards renewable energy sources and electric vehicles, the demand for more efficient and safer energy storage technologies has never been greater. Traditional batteries, which commonly use liquid electrolytes, present significant risks such as leakage, flammability, and thermal instability. Consequently, solid-state batteries have emerged as a compelling alternative, offering enhanced safety and