The quest for sustainable and clean energy sources is an ongoing challenge for researchers worldwide. Among the various methods being explored, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution stands out for its potential to use solar energy to produce hydrogen — a clean energy carrier. Originally discovered by Honda and Fujishima in 1972, the field of heterogeneous photocatalysis has
Chemistry
The study of lipids, particularly sphingolipids, has a long and intricate history. The term itself was introduced by German pathologist Ludwig Thudichum in the late 19th century, who extracted unknown fatty substances from the human brain. His choice of name, derived from the Greek Sphinx, reflects the complex and enigmatic nature of these molecules. Historically,
The marriage of artificial intelligence (AI) and scientific research often showcases a world of possibilities where machines help human intellect unlock breakthroughs. Yet, the efficiency of AI in fields like chemistry has been hindered by a notorious limitation known as the “black box” problem. This limitation obscures the decision-making processes of AI systems, leaving researchers
In an era where plastic pollution has reached catastrophic levels, innovative recycling methods are paramount. With an estimated two-thirds of post-consumer plastic waste comprising polyethylene and polypropylene, the push for effective recycling strategies has never been more critical. Currently, much of this plastic escapes proper recycling channels, contributing to the alarming accumulation of microplastics in
The landscape of medical treatments has witnessed transformative changes over recent decades, emphasizing the development of sophisticated therapies. Innovations in personalized medicine, particularly in cancer therapy involving modified immune cells and advanced antibodies, have generated extensive interest in the medical community. Nonetheless, these treatments are often marred by complexity and exorbitant costs, limiting their widespread
Plastic pollution has become an increasingly critical environmental challenge, impacting ecosystems and human health worldwide. Among the various types of plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is particularly prevalent, found in ubiquitous items such as plastic bottles and textiles. This widespread usage renders efficient recycling practices imperative, yet the current recycling rates for PET remain dismally low.
Ammonia stands as a cornerstone in food production and various industrial applications, with a staggering global market size of around 175 million metric tons, translating to a market value estimated at $67 billion. Its prominence can be attributed to its applications in fertilizers, chemical synthesis, and its potential as a high-energy-density carrier in the burgeoning
In recent advances within the realm of materials science, researchers have turned their focus on porous coordination polymers (PCPs), commonly referred to as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). A groundbreaking study published in *Communications Materials* has cast new light on the characteristics and historical significance of these materials, notably revealing that one of the earliest examples of
Recent research from the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) in Leipzig has opened a new chapter in atmospheric chemistry with the revelation of sulfurous acid (H2SO3) existing under atmospheric conditions in gas phase. This groundbreaking discovery challenges long-standing beliefs about the compound’s existence and stability, redefining its significance within the sulfur cycle of our
The realm of click chemistry has historically been synonymous with efficient, reliable methods of constructing molecules with minimal waste. Recent developments in this area have pushed boundaries further, particularly with the introduction of a groundbreaking method for synthesizing sulfonyl fluorides. This latest advancement, reported in the prestigious journal *ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering*, utilizes SHC5
Recent advances in the field of nuclear chemistry signal a monumental leap towards more efficient and safer forms of nuclear energy. The publication of a groundbreaking study in the *Journal of the American Chemical Society* has provided unprecedented insights into the chemistry dynamics of molten uranium trichloride (UCl3), presenting it as a potential key player
The world of actinide chemistry is an intricate web of reactions and bonding peculiarities, with uranium standing as a compelling subject due to its complex electronic structures and multiple oxidation states. Recently, an international team of scientists has pushed the boundaries of our understanding of low-valent uranium compounds through their innovative research conducted at the
Dinitrogen, or N2, constitutes approximately 80% of the Earth’s atmosphere, yet leveraging this abundant resource in chemical synthesis has been a formidable challenge for chemists. The inherent stability of the dinitrogen molecule, characterized by its strong triple bond, renders it particularly unreactive. This poses significant difficulties when attempting to incorporate nitrogen into complex molecules, such
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has marked a significant advancement in the field of neutron imaging with the introduction of the Versatile Neutron Imaging Instrument, known as VENUS. Officially approved by the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, VENUS is poised to redefine the landscape of research across various scientific disciplines. As the brainchild
Recent research from a collaborative team at the Fritz Haber Institute, Sorbonne University, and Uppsala University sheds light on the intricate behavior of ions in liquid solutions. Their groundbreaking work, showcased in the journal Nature Communications, centers on the concept of solvation shells—an essential yet often elusive component of solutions. When a solute dissolves, solvent
In the ever-evolving discourse on environmental sustainability, the presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in waterways has emerged as a significant concern. These chemicals infiltrate aquatic environments through everyday activities—ranging from the disposal of unused medications to the washing off of cosmetics—and pose a threat not only to aquatic organisms but also to