Chemistry

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is an electrochemical process in which water or hydroxide ions are oxidized to produce oxygen gas, playing a crucial role in water splitting and energy conversion. The OER requires efficient catalysts, and now a research group has enhanced the efficiency of traditional cobalt oxide catalysts by doping them with erbium.

Researchers from Osaka University created ‘smart’ microparticles that self-assemble in response to the addition of a specific molecule. This work can help explain the behavior of biomolecular complexes, as well as pave the way for novel polymers that respond to their environment.

As global demand for clean energy solutions grows, the development of cost-effective and efficient catalysts will be pivotal in advancing renewable energy systems. Now, a group of researchers has made significant progress in this regard by employing chromium doping on transition metal hydroxides.

How can we make certain electrochemical reactions faster and more efficient? Researchers at Tohoku University investigated the use of Co X-ides for the electrocatalytic hydrogenation of quinoline.

Ceramic-rich composite electrolytes: An overview of the paradigm shift from high-performance lithium metal batteries to solid-state electrolytes

Researchers at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, develop a biosensor that improves sensitivity to 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA) in urine by orders of magnitude without the need for sample purification.

New filter removes chemical contaminants from water even at very low concentrations

A capacitor is like a highspeed battery that can quickly store and release energy. What happens when it becomes “super?” Researchers at Tohoku University have potential solutions to improve energy-efficiency.

A re-analysis of early gas storage materials shows that they could adjust their shape to hold more gas, a property generally associated with newer, more advanced materials

A research group including researchers from SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research) at Osaka University has developed a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly method to synthesize sulfonyl fluorides. By reacting thiols and disulfides with SHC5® and potassium fluoride, they achieved a green synthesis process with non-toxic by-products. This method simplifies the production of sulfonyl fluorides, making it suitable for chemical and industrial applications, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.

Foaming plastic carriers creates uneven surfaces, more area for necessary microorganisms

A new fuel cell catalyst made from platinum and magnesium delivers exceptional efficiency and durability, potentially transforming clean energy technology.

If we are to realize better renewable energy technologies, it is vital that scientists develop catalysts that improve the oxygen evolution reaction. A group of researchers has done just that by introducing rare-earth single atoms into manganese oxide.

Ammonia is a gas that plays a crucial role in agriculture and industry and has the potential to become a zero-carbon fuel for energy conversion and storage technologies. However, the current methods of producing ammonia are highly energy-intensive, contributing to approximately 1.8% of global CO2 emissions. By focusing on spinel cobalt oxides, a research team has revealed how understanding and optimizing these catalysts could offer a solution to this challenge.

- A joint research team from DGIST, UNIST, and IBS has developed a double-layer dry transfer printing technology that simultaneously transfers light-emitting and electron-transferring layers onto a substrate, enhancing AR/VR immersion. - Research results have been published in Nature Photonics.

By putting theory into practice, Prof. Pi-Tai Chou’s research team has repeatedly broken the world record for NIR organic luminophores, overcoming the energy gap law. In 2017, we developed a material with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 24% at 740nm, followed by a molecule with an EQE of 10% at 800nm in 2018. In 2020 and 2022, through deuterium substitution, we successfully developed unprecedented OLEDs with an EQE of 4% at 1000nm. However, developing new cutting-edge materials is challenging. Alternatively, in terms of device engineering, we have been continuously exploring new techniques to further enhance efficiency using existing materials. This paper, published in Nature Communications (2024, 15 (1), 4664), marks the first time internationally that transfer technology has been successfully utilized to break the energy gap law through energy transfer, achieving record-breaking efficiency.

Pathogens hijack host cell functions by expressing or secreting effector proteins, creating environments conducive to their survival and reproduction. These pathogenic microorganisms—including eukaryotic parasites, prokaryotic bacteria, and viruses—express effector proteins that function as their "ammunition depot". These proteins are crucial for pathogen survival and dissemination, enhancing the efficiency of invasion, suppressing the host's immune system, or initiating pathogen replication. For instance, viruses may interfere with host signaling pathways, pushing cells into states that favor viral replication. Similarly, certain bacteria secrete toxins that disrupt the host cell cytoskeleton, facilitating pathogen invasion and spread. Additionally, pathogens can evade immune surveillance by suppressing the host's immune response, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful infection.

Hidden hand that carves life, Plant-inspired water purification, 3D-printed meals, Fast-glowing molecule, See less to move better. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

A catalyst that significantly enhances ammonia conversion could improve wastewater treatment, green chemical and hydrogen production.

- Developed green energy solutions using high-performance triboelectric generator - Developed an ionic polyurethane with self-healing, biodegradable, and high triboelectric properties and published the paper in "Nano Energy"

Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, IMDEA Nanoscience (Madrid, Spain) and CNB-CSIC (Madrid, Spain) report in ACS Nano experiments that reveal a cycle of conformational stages that recombinant Influenza A genomes pass through during RNA synthesis.

Distinctive processes could provide hints on how to use next-generation materials

- DGIST Prof. Lee Hongkyung, LG ENERGY SOLUTION, and Yonsei Univ. Prof. Lee Yong-min collaboratively develop a protective film for lithium metal cathodes to improve the lifespan of Li-S batteries - Unlike conventional methods, the film prevents the initial protective layer from peeling off, which is expected to lengthen the operation time of Li-S batteries

- Insert electrodes inside the luminescent layer to luminate stably even in harsh environments - Strong brightness and durability even in variations... Expected to be used across many different applications, such as outdoor displays and luminous banners

Approach could have applications for microchemistry, quantum dots

Topological insulators have an interior that acts as an electrical insulator, with a surface that acts as an electrical conductor. Most of the discovered topological insulators to date have been either three or two-dimensional. But researchers have recently unveiled a one-dimensional topological insulator, with the discovery paving the way for further developments in qubits and solar cells.

DGIST Professors Jang Jae-eun and Kwon Hyuk-jun and the research team develop ferroelectric field-effect transistors suitable for heterojunction following a low-temperature annealing process using laser - The development of ferroelectric-based memory devices enables next-generation AI semiconductor systems - The results are published in Advanced Science, a top international journal in the field

- Professor Kyung-In Jang’s team from DGIST, in collaboration with Professor Taeho Park’s team from POSTECH, has developed a stretchable electronic device based on hybrid polymers. - The device maintains high mechanical stability even when it is severely bent or impacted, making it applicable in various industries such as displays, healthcare, and wearables. - Research results published in ACS Nano, the prestigious nanoscience journal.

The selective bond-breaking powers of enzymes bring new versatility for building nanoparticles with a wide range of technical and medical potential.

Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University report in Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X a novel approach for detecting a particular biomolecule associated with several diseases. The results show good sensitivity and selectivity, and may lead to the development of a low-cost, rapid detection device useful in cancer prognosis.