Catalysts

A breakthrough in hydrogen fuel cell technology, achieved through collaborative research, has substantially lowered costs by replacing platinum metals with silver in catalysts, marking a significant step towards affordable and efficient green energy storage.As the global shift towards renewable energy sources gains momentum, there arises a crucial challenge: how to store energy effectively for periods when solar and wind power aren’t available.One leading contender, the hydrogen fuel cell, just got a big boost, thanks to …

Reversible activation and catalytic transfer of ammonia via a compound of main group elements. Credit: Frank Breher, KIT Researchers at KIT have unveiled a novel system for the activation and catalytic transfer of ammonia – catalysis is based on main group elements. Ammonia (NH3), composed of nitrogen and hydrogen, stands as one of the most commonly manufactured chemicals globally. It plays a crucial role in creating numerous nitrogen-based compounds. If amines could be produced by the simple addition of ammonia to…

Scientists have developed a novel photocatalyst system for efficient syngas production from methane steam reforming, using solar energy and operating under atmospheric pressure. This technology marks a significant step towards sustainable syngas production and a post-carbon energy future. A new solar-driven photocatalysis method for syngas production from methane steam reforming promises a more sustainable and efficient approach to syngas generation. Recent research reveals a breakthrough in solar-driven syngas…

New process recovers 99% of monomers (shown here), nylon’s building blocks. After recovering monomers, industry can upcycle nylon into higher-value products. Credit: Northwestern University Fishing nets, carpets, and clothing decompose without producing harmful byproducts. Many people are familiar of the disturbing scenes of marine creatures, such as sea turtles, dolphins, and seals, ensnared in discarded fishing nets. The main issue behind Nylon-6, a plastic found in these nets as well as in carpets and garments, is its…

Researchers at Washington State University have discovered self-sustained oscillations in the Fischer Tropsch process, a key industrial method for converting coal, natural gas, or biomass into liquid fuels. This breakthrough, revealing oscillatory behavior rather than a steady state in the reaction, could lead to more efficient and controlled fuel production. The discovery offers a new, knowledge-based approach to catalyst design and process optimization in the chemical industry. Researchers at Washington State…

By Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences November 29, 2023 A breakthrough study team introduces an efficient and recyclable photocatalytic system for borylation reactions using NHC-BH3, facilitating sustainable, high-value chemical syntheses under mild conditions. Credit: DICP A team headed by Professor Dai Wen at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, successfully realized borylation reactions using N-heterocyclic carbene boranes (NHC-BH3). They…

TU Wien researchers have revolutionized the understanding of catalyst promoters by directly observing the role of lanthanum atoms in enhancing rhodium nanoparticle catalysts. Their study reveals how these promoters control crucial areas of the catalyst, significantly impacting the chemical reaction process. Above is an image depicting water molecules and the nanoparticle. Credit: TU WienResearchers at TU Wien have made a significant breakthrough by observing the function of promoters in catalytic reactions in real-time…

By Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences November 21, 2023Tandem single atom electrocatalyst realizes reduction of CO2 to ethanol. Credit: DICPA recent breakthrough in CO2 reduction research involves a newly developed Sn-based catalyst that efficiently produces ethanol, representing a significant step forward in renewable energy technology.The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) into carbon-based fuels provides a promising strategy to mitigate CO2 emission and promotes the utilization…

Researchers have pioneered a more efficient, eco-friendly method for chemical synthesis, promising significant improvements in sustainability. The innovative technique involves the dispersion of isolated atoms on carbon nitride supports, forming a catalyst more active in esterification reactions—crucial for producing items like medicines, food additives, and polymers. The catalyst reduces reliance on rare metals and can be activated by sunlight, curbing energy consumption. Credit: Politecnico di MilanoScientists developed…

Researchers have made progress in the development of iridium-based catalysts used in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), a process used to generate green hydrogen from renewable energy sources. The team has discovered a lattice-water-assisted mechanism that can increase the efficiency of an iridium oxide catalyst by 5-12%, resulting in higher energy output and less energy consumption.Scientists have enhanced the efficiency of iridium-based catalysts used in green hydrogen production by 5-12%. This reduces…