For over a century, X-ray crystallography has been a crucial tool in material science, allowing researchers to unveil the intricate structures of crystalline materials ranging from common metals to complex ceramics. This analytical technique excels when faced with intact single crystals, where the orderly arrangement of atoms can be easily observed. However, when presented with
Chemistry
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, modern microelectronic devices have become increasingly integral to our daily lives. However, a pressing issue looms over these devices: they are notoriously difficult to repair and nearly impossible to recycle. This quandary not only contributes to environmental waste but also underscores a broader need for sustainable
The behavior of ions in various electrochemical processes is fundamental to advancements in energy storage and conversion technologies. Whether in batteries, bioelectrochemical systems, or electrocatalysts, the ability of ions to reorganize their solvation shells determines their effectiveness and efficiency in these applications. Recent insights from researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute’s Interface Science Department shed
Lasso peptides have emerged as a fascinating topic of research, owing to their unique structural features and their wide range of therapeutic applications. Synthesized by bacteria, these molecules are renowned for their extraordinary stability, a characteristic that sets them apart from other peptide types. Their notable lasso-like structure—akin to a slip-knot—endows them with remarkable resistance
In a groundbreaking advancement, researchers at the University of Birmingham and Queen’s University Belfast have embarked on a pioneering study that has leveraged the unique properties of porous liquids (PLs) to achieve liquid-liquid separation. This remarkable research opens up new avenues in ensuring environmental sustainability and enhancing public health, paving the way for innovative solutions
Recent advancements in material science reveal exciting prospects for the future of electronic devices, thanks to a team of researchers from Nagoya University in Japan. Their latest findings on layered perovskites—specifically 4- and 5-layered versions—have unveiled a remarkable property: the ferroelectric behavior of these materials varies based on the number of layers present. This groundbreaking
For five decades, chemists have wrestled with the perplexing behaviors of graphite as it undergoes electrochemical oxidation to form graphite oxide. Recent breakthroughs from Umeå University have finally shed light on this intricate process. The researchers’ keen observations have revealed unexpected intermediate structures that fluctuate during galvanic reactions, suggesting a previously undocumented form of oscillating
Helices are prevalent structural motifs found in a multitude of biological molecules, particularly in proteins. These spiral shapes are not merely aesthetic; they play a vital role in determining how these molecules behave and interact within our bodies. The precise arrangement of constituent elements gives rise to a helical structure, and understanding this arrangement is
In the ever-evolving field of chemistry, the quest for more efficient synthesis methods is continuous. Recently, researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have made significant strides toward this goal, focusing on the synthesis of ethers—essential components found in a myriad of products ranging from pharmaceuticals to personal care items. Spearheaded by Professor M. Christina
Recent advancements in the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) herald a new era in sustainable chemical manufacturing. A pivotal study published in Nature Energy reveals significant insights into how CO2 can be efficiently transformed into high-value chemicals, such as ethylene and ethanol. This research is crucial for deconstructing the traditional chemical production paradigm, enabling
Iron compounds have been shown to absorb light differently based on small changes in their chemical structure. Specifically, the second coordination sphere, which is not directly bound to the iron atom, plays a crucial role in influencing the behavior of these compounds. By adding protons, the reaction of the iron complexes to absorbed light is
The groundbreaking collaboration between researchers from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Voxalytic GmbH has led to the development of a novel method that has the potential to revolutionize the elucidation of the chiral structure of molecules. This method, utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, marks a significant advancement in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a crucial biological molecule that plays an essential role in the genetics of organisms and the evolution of life on Earth. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences sheds light on how the process of RNA folding at low temperatures can offer new insights into
The School of Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has made groundbreaking strides in the field of additive manufacturing with the development of a new method for producing geometrically complex cellular ceramics. This method, known as the Surface Tension-Driven Route Toward Programmed Cellular Ceramics, has the potential to transform the
The use of MXene materials as catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction in electrolytic water splitting has recently been demonstrated by an international team of researchers. Led by HZB chemist Michelle Browne, the team has shown that functionalized MXenes are superior to traditional metal oxide catalysts in terms of stability and efficiency. This discovery has
