The quest for sustainable and efficient technologies in the field of hydrocarbon valorization has brought about a groundbreaking development. Natural gas, composed of potent greenhouse gases such as methane and ethane, poses significant challenges in terms of storage and conversion. Conventional large-scale facilities for transforming natural gas are costly and impractical for smaller natural gas
Chemistry
Plastics have undoubtedly revolutionized various industries due to their unique properties. However, their durability has presented a significant challenge when it comes to recycling. The recycling process is hindered by the lack of knowledge about the molecular mechanisms involved in biocatalysis. Fortunately, a recent research project led by a team from Universitat Jaume I has
The development of catalysts for hydrogen production through water electrolysis has been a challenging endeavor that researchers have been actively pursuing. However, the reliance on precious metal catalysts such as iridium has proven to be economically unfeasible, limiting the scalability of this environmentally friendly technology. In order to overcome this challenge, scientists have been exploring
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has long been recognized for its unique and interesting effects on the human brain. But what about its distinctive smell? A team of chemists at terpene distributor Abstrax Tech sought to unravel the molecules responsible for the aromatic properties of cannabis. Through an extensive study utilizing various scientific techniques, they
Creating new pharmaceutical drugs has always presented challenges for scientists, particularly when it comes to replacing a carbon atom with a nitrogen atom in a molecule. However, recent studies conducted by chemists at the University of Chicago have unveiled two groundbreaking methods that could revolutionize the process of drug development. Published in prestigious journals Science
Alkylbenzene is a crucial component in the manufacturing of detergents, including soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and industrial cleaners. However, traditional methods of alkylbenzene production generate harmful halogen byproducts. In an effort to develop a more sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing process, researchers have devised a new technique using alkanes directly as alkylating agents. This groundbreaking approach
The arid regions of the world pose significant challenges when it comes to accessing fresh water. However, nature has provided us with remarkable examples of plants and animals that have adapted to these harsh conditions and developed efficient water-harvesting mechanisms. In a recent study conducted by a team of scientists from NYU Abu Dhabi, a
Next-generation solar materials have shown great promise in terms of cost-effectiveness and sustainability compared to traditional silicon solar cells. However, one significant challenge remains – developing solar cells that are durable enough to withstand real-world conditions. In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature Energy, a team of international scientists, including Nelson Dzade from
Chemists from Oxford University and IBM Research Europe-Zürich have achieved a significant milestone in the field of chemistry. In their recent study published in the esteemed journal Nature, the researchers successfully synthesized a doubly anti-aromatic C16 carbon allotrope. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for exploration and experimentation in molecular chemistry, as well as potential
In our relentless pursuit of net-zero carbon emissions, scientists at the University of Houston (UH) have made significant progress in harnessing the hidden potential of algae. Led by Venkatesh Balan, an associate professor of engineering technology in UH’s Cullen College of Engineering’s Division of Technology, their groundbreaking research promises to revolutionize various industries and potentially
Every year, more than 100,000 tons of diapers are discarded in Germany alone, leading to a colossal waste management problem. Within these diapers lie valuable resources, such as diaper liners, that end up in landfills or incineration facilities. A significant component of these liners is superabsorbers, which comprise special polymers. Until now, recycling these polymers
Dispersions of polymer particles in a liquid phase, known as latexes, have diverse applications in various fields such as coatings technology, medical imaging, and cell biology. A recent breakthrough by a team of French researchers has led to the development of a method for producing stable polystyrene dispersions with unprecedentedly large and uniform particle sizes.
Scientists from the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have recently made significant progress in understanding and producing nitroxide, a molecule with promising potential in the biomedical field. While the physiological effects of nitric oxide (NO) have been widely studied, its lesser-known cousin, nitroxide (HNO), has remained largely unexplored. This research, published in the
Imagine if your houseplant could warn you when your water is contaminated. This vision is no longer just a concept, as scientists have made significant progress in engineering plants to sense and react to toxic chemicals. Researchers at UC Riverside have successfully developed a plant that turns beet red in the presence of a banned
Plastic waste has become a global crisis, with the majority of consumer plastics ending up in landfills or being incinerated, causing negative environmental impacts. Conventional recycling methods have struggled to effectively recycle mixed plastics due to the complexity of separating the different polymers. However, a team of scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge