Chemistry

News

29 Nov 2023
Researchers at Kanazawa University report in Science Advances how they can accelerate and decelerate chirality inversion in large cage molecules using alkali metal ion binding.
21 Nov 2023
Glass is a fundamental material. Yet its atomic structure still baffles scientists to this day. Researchers have developed a new way to quantify ring shapes in chemically bonded networks of glass, chipping away at some of the mysteries behind glass’s atomic structure.
Thermo-/mechano-chromism originating from monomer-dimer transformation
20 Nov 2023
This paper highlights the underexplored potential of chiral self-sorting in the design of switchable and metastable discrete supramolecular structures.
17 Nov 2023
Researchers at Kanazawa University report in Nature Communications how they can control chirality inversion in α helical peptides.
14 Nov 2023
Lithium-oxygen batteries utilize oxygen in the surrounding air to generate energy. They have shown a high degree of theoretical potential, but the technology has stymied due to the specially designed carbon cathodes lacking certain characteristics. Researchers have made a breakthrough in this regard, developing a special type of porous carbon sheet called graphene mesoponge sheets.
13 Nov 2023
Osaka Metropolitan University researchers have successfully synthesized ligands called fluorinated N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) from environmentally harmful perfluoroalkenes, a type of synthetic chemicals also referred to as PFAS. These NHCs are valuable for stabilizing unstable molecules and enhancing catalytic efficiency. Through further structural modification, these NHCs are expected to find applications in a wide range of substances, including catalysts and light-emitting materials.
06 Nov 2023
They say two heads are better than one. But in the world of fish, it appears two fins are better than one. Researchers have produced a theoretical model that demonstrates the underlying mechanisms behind how fish will synchronize their fin movements to ride each other’s vortices, thereby saving energy.
03 Nov 2023
- A research team led by Professor Jong-min Choi at the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, DGIST, collaborated with a research team of Professor Bum-joon Kim’s research team at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, KAIST, to develop bipolar polymers, which can improve the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells - Developed a process that can repair defects and maximize multifunctionality with the double introduction of bipolar polymers
27 Oct 2023
A research team at Osaka Metropolitan University has developed a new simulation method that accurately predicts powder mixing using AI, and has succeeded in increasing calculation speed by approximately 350 times while maintaining the same level of accuracy as conventional methods. This method is expected to not only pave the way for more efficient and precise powder mixing processes but also open up new possibilities for industries seeking to enhance product quality and streamline production.
27 Oct 2023
- A research team led by Professor Jong-min Choi at the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, DGIST, has successfully developed stable quantum dot thin films, which can improve efficiency and stability in perovskite quantum dot solar cells. - Suggests a new quantum dot surface stabilization strategy based on a non-polar solvent and covalent ligands
27 Oct 2023
- This team developed the PAINT technology that controls the adhesive properties of new organic materials, analyzes melanin formation processes, and facilitates selective melanin formation. - A research paper on the technology, which fabricates local patterns based on melanin-like pigments, was published in Nature Communications, an international academic journal.
Reaction pathway of the hydroflux process to form layered lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) at 300 °C. (Illustration: Masaki Matsui)
24 Oct 2023
Layered lithium cobalt oxide, a key component of lithium-ion batteries, has been synthesized at temperatures as low as 300°C and durations as short as 30 minutes.
City University of Hong Kong, CityU, CityUResearch
20 Oct 2023
A huge step forward in the evolution of perovskite solar cells recorded by researchers at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) will have significant implications for renewable energy development. The CityU innovation paves the way for commercialising perovskite solar cells, bringing us closer to an energy-efficient future powered by sustainable sources.
20 Oct 2023
A research team from Osaka Metropolitan University has found that polysulfides are abundant in broccoli sprouts. They found that the amount of polysulfides increased dramatically during growth, by an approximately 20-fold in seeds by the fifth day of germination. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of the polysulfides detected a number of polysulfide candidates whose structures have not yet been determined. The identification of these unknown polysulfides and detailed analysis of their pharmacological activities are expected to enable the development of new preventive and therapeutic strategies and medicines for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, inflammation, and other diseases.
16 Oct 2023
Scientists have theoretically predicted that light can be bent under pseudogravity. A recent study by researchers using photonic crystals has demonstrated this phenomenon. This breakthrough has significant implications for optics, materials science, and the development of 6G communications.
16 Oct 2023
The latest ‘large language model’ artificial intelligence system, GPT-4, could aid chemistry researchers, but limitations reveal the need for improvements.
City University of Hong Kong, CityU, CityUResearch
12 Oct 2023
Chemotherapy for cancer treatment often results in collateral damage to healthy cells and other adverse effects. A research team led by City University of Hong Kong (CityU) recently developed “sono-sensitised chemotherapy” (SSCT), a new form of ultrasound-activated chemotherapy, which further enhances the precision for eradicating deeper tumours with centimetre range of tissue penetration and minimises side effects.
12 Oct 2023
Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, synthesize a two-center zinc complex that absorbs visible light as a solid and in solution.
03 Oct 2023
Friction, an everyday phenomenon, has perplexed scientists for centuries. Though extensively researched, our understanding remains fragmented, primarily due to the multifaceted interactions that span across varying scales. Achieving an accurate grasp of the precise contact conditions between objects has been a longstanding challenge, a feat recently made possible through advancements in scanning probe microscopy.
29 Sep 2023
The behavior of electrons in liquids is crucial to understanding many chemical processes that occur in our world. Using advanced lasers that operate at the attosecond, a team of international researchers has revealed further insights into how electrons behave in liquids.
29 Sep 2023
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have succeeded in printing uniformly sized droplets with a diameter of approximately 100 µm using a liquid film of fluorescent ink. This ink, with a viscosity roughly 100 times that of water, was irradiated with an optical vortex, resulting in prints of exceptional positional accuracy at the micrometer scale.
Artistic depiction of a giant rotor molecule rotating in the solid state. (Rempei Ando, et al. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. August 31, 2023)
29 Sep 2023
Concave, umbrella-like metal complexes provide space to enable the largest molecular rotor operational in the solid-state.
26 Sep 2023
An international group of researchers have proposed a new mechanism to enhance short-wavelength light (100-300 nm) by second harmonic generation (SHG) in a two-dimensional, thin material composed entirely of commonplace elements.
21 Sep 2023
A group of researchers have unraveled the mysteries behind a recently identified material—zirconium nitride (ZrN) —that helps power clean energy reactions. Their proposed framework will help future designs for transition metal nitrides, paving a path for generating cleaner energy.
21 Sep 2023
A recent discovery in spintronics could potentially transform future electronics. A group of researchers have revealed the key role of cobalt-tin-sulfur in reducing energy consumption, unlocking new possibilities for high-speed, low-power spintronic devices.
20 Sep 2023
A team led by researchers at SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), at Osaka University has used neutron crystallography to image all of the atoms in a radical intermediate of a copper amine oxidase enzyme. They disclosed previously unknown details, such as precise conformational changes, that help to explain the enzyme's biochemistry. This work might help researchers engineer enzymes that facilitate unusual chemistry or are highly efficient at room temperature that are useful in chemical industry.
15 Sep 2023
- Research team led by Professor Hongkyung Lee at DGIST developed a manufacturing process for high-quality thin film lithium cathode based on electroplating that can replace commercial lithium foil - Expected to improve battery life and replace existing lithium foil due to simple size enlargement
15 Sep 2023
- DGIST-ETRI joint research team developed high-energy-density, high-stability all-solid-state battery electrode by applying the prelithiation technology to graphite-silicon electrodes - Selected as the back cover study by “Advanced Energy Materials,” the best international academic journal in energy
An artistic depiction of the formation of organic compounds on interstellar ice. (Image: Masashi Tsuge)
14 Sep 2023
Lab-based studies reveal how carbon atoms diffuse on the surface of interstellar ice grains to form complex organic compounds, crucial to reveal the chemical complexity in the universe.
14 Sep 2023
- Team led by Professor In Soo-Il at DGIST develops a titanium dioxide photocatalyst with enhanced optical and electrical properties utilizing silver and ruthenium - 135-fold increase in methane production compared to conventional TiO2 photocatalysts (95% selectivity proven)

Events

26 Oct 2022 to 28 Oct 2022
Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES) is the region's leading summit and exhibition focusing on clean and renewable energy growth and adoption, technology, policy and finance supported by leading government agencies, research institutes and industry.
07 Nov 2022 to 09 Nov 2022
FCS2022 is jointly organized by eight major research institutes in Singapore and includes a line-up of internationally renowned cancer experts. The conference converges the latest cancer discoveries around the world and promises ground-breaking and innovative insights into cancer research.
17 Jan 2022 to 21 Jan 2022
World’s brightest minds converge at virtual summit to inspire young researchers and discuss key issues
12 Jan 2021 to 15 Jan 2021
Organised by the National Research Foundation – Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore, the ninth edition of the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS@one-north) will take place 12 to 15 January 2021 as a virtual event.
08 Sep 2020 to 09 Sep 2020
Connecting Industry with Academia.
14 Jan 2020 to 17 Jan 2020
Organised by the National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore, the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) brings together distinguished scientists, post-graduates and academics for four days of learning and mentoring from 14 to 17 January 2020.
29 Oct 2019 to 01 Nov 2019
The Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) is an annual platform for energy professionals, policymakers and commentators to share best practices and solutions within the global energy space.

Researchers

Fabien Grasset
Dr Fabien Grasset is a Research Director at the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) and currently serving as Director of Research for Rennes Institute of Chemical Sciences (ISCR). His areas of expertise include materials chemistry, solid-state chemistry, nanotechnology, nanoparticles, optical coatings and thin films.
Naoka Nagamura
Dr Naoka Nagamura is senior researcher at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) and visiting associate professor at Tokyo University of Science. She researches advanced materials, electrochemistry and photoemission spectroscopy.
Alex Jen Kwan-yue
Professor Alex Jen Kwan-yue is Chair Professor of Materials Science and Director of the Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU). His expertise includes the use of molecular engineering and self-assembly for hybrid materials.
Zheng Chen
Dr. Zheng Chen is an environmental chemist and associate professor at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. His research interests include nutrient recycling from agricultural waste, soil contamination and remediation.
Akira Kakugo
Dr. Akira Kakugo is an Associate Professor at Hokkaido University. He has researched biomolecular motors and swarming of active matters.
Dr. Hira Khalid is serving as Associate Professor at Forman Christian College University, Lahore, Pakistan. She is also a US Fulbright Fellow and a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the American Chemical Society (ACS), the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), and the Chemical Society of Pakistan (CSP).
I am an organic chemist with broad interests in biochemistry and protein evolution.
Ricky Wong Man-shing
Ricky Wong Man-shing is a Professor of the Chemistry Department at the Hong Kong Baptist University
Prof. Cai Zongwei is now the Chair Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Director of both State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis as well as Dioxin Laboratory, Hong Kong Baptist University.
Michihiro Okuyama is the principal data scientist at Konica Minolta, Tokyo.
Professor Shinya Maenosono leads his research group at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST). His research in JAIST has focused on two main areas of interest in the field of materials chemistry and nanotechnology. The first area involved wet chemical synthesis of semiconductor nanoparticles with controlled size, shape and composition for energy conversion device applications. The second area has focused on the synthesis and bioapplication development of monometallic and alloyed multimetallic nanoparticles.
Michinao Hashimoto
Dr Michinao Hashimoto's research interest is on low-cost device fabrication and their application in point-of-care setting.
Revathi
Lecturer in Forensic Chemistry field. Actively engaging in agricultural waste upcycling into nanatechnology products.
Picture of Prof. Eriko Kage-Nakadai
Eriko Kage-Nakadai is a professor at the Graduate School of Human Life Science of Osaka City University.
Hochun Lee is a professor at the Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Daegu Kyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST).
Picture of Ann-Marie Chacko
Prof. Ann Marie Chacko lead the translational efforts for a portfolio of in vivo PET, SPECT, CT and optical imaging agents that span key therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, infectious disease and neurobiology.
Prof. Yun Hee Jang
Yoonhee Jang is a Professor at the Department of Energy Science and Engineering of Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Korea
Picture of Dr. Ren Kangning
Dr. Ken is currently an assistant professor in the department of Chemistry at HKBU. His current research interests center on advanced analytical chemistry technologies, with particular emphasis on creating and applying novel instrumental analysis technologies based on microfluidics and materials engineering.
Prof. Muneyuki Matsuo
Prof. Muneyuki Matsuo is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry, School of Science / Program of Mathematical and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University
Ganesh Pandian Namasivayam
Prof. Ganesh Pandian Namasivayam's research goal is to create "Smart Genetic Switches" that precisely ON and OFF the genetic and epigenetic factor(s) of interest.
Dr. Yuichi Ohya
Dr Yuichi Ohya’s research fields are functional polymers and biomaterials, especially biodegradable polymers and drug delivery systems.
Kenneth Leung Mei Yee
Prof. Kenneth Leung Mei Yee has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles which are principally related to marine ecology, pollution, ecotoxicology, environmental risk assessment and ecological restoration using eco-engineering.
Carla Portugal
Carla Portugal is currently an Assistant Researcher at LAQV-Requimte, NOVA.iD.FCT and is experienced in the development, implementation and monitoring of membrane based processes.
Mayuko Nakagawa is a biochemist at Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) based at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan.
Tony Z. Jia is a researcher at Japan’s Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), based at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. His research focuses on astrobiology, prebiotic chemistry, and origins of life.
A Tenured Professor at the Institute of Space Technology (Pakistan), Dr. Shabbir is working on Polymer based Nanomaterials for water treatment, food safety, nano-drug delivery systems, solar cells and carbon dioxide capture.
I do research on dysmennorrhoea and gender-based violence. I am a pioneer in registered clinical trials on indigenous and Ayurveda medicines in Sri Lanka. I have approval for a herbal preparation, for COVID patients.
Professor Kazuaki Ishihara leads the laboratory of catalysis in organic synthesis at the Department of Molecular & Macromolecular Chemistry, Nagoya University, Japan.
Dr.Ms.Aruna Dhathathreyan is a professor and emeritus scientist at the Advanced Materials Lab, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, India.
Nimanthi Jayathilaka is a professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

Giants in history

Japanese chemist Takamine Jokichi (3 November 1854 – 22 July 1922) founded the Tokyo Artificial Fertilizer Company, where he isolated a starch-digesting enzyme (named takadiastase) from the fungus Aspergillus oryzae.
A pioneer of bio-organic chemistry, Darshan Ranganathan (4 June 1941 – 4 June 2001) is remembered for developing a protocol for synthesising imidazole, a compound used to make antifungal drugs and antibiotics. Widely considered India’s most prolific researcher in chemistry, she also published dozens of papers in renowned journals on protein folding, molecular design, chemical simulation of key biological processes, and the synthesis of functional hybrid peptides and nanotubes.
Known as Mr. Natural Rubber, chemist and researcher B. C. Shekhar (17 November 1929 – 6 September 2006) introduced a number of technical innovations that helped put Malaysia’s natural rubber industry on the world map.
The research of Filipino pharmaceutical chemist Luz Oliveros-Belardo (3 November 1906 – 12 December 1999) focussed on essential oils and other chemicals derived from native Philippine plants.
Japanese chemist Kenichi Fukui (4 October 1918 – 9 January 1998) was the first Asian scientist to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Together with Roald Hoffman, he received this honour in 1981 for his independent research into the mechanisms of chemical reactions.
Filipina chemist María Orosa (29 November 1892–13 February 1945) fought malnutrition and food insecurity in the Philippines by devising over 700 culinary creations including Soyalac, a nutrient rich drink made from soybeans, and Darak, rice cookies packed with Vitamin B1, which could prevent beriberi disease caused by Vitamin B1 deficiency. She was also a partisan of the guerrilla movement resisting Japanese occupation during World War II, and died after being struck by shrapnel while working in her laboratory during the Battle of Manila.
Eminent Filipina scientist and educator Clara Lim-Sylianco (18 August 1925 – 23 July 2013) is remembered for her extensive research on mutagens – often-carcinogenic agents that permanently alter genetic materials such as DNA – antimutagens and bioorganic mechanisms.
Filipino chemist and pharmacist Manuel A. Zamora (29 March 1870 – 9 July 1929) is best remembered for his discovery of the tiki-tiki formula to combat beriberi, a disease caused by Vitamin B1 deficiency.
The field of solid-state ionics originated in Europe, but Takehiko Takahashi of Nagoya University in Japan was the first to coin the term ‘solid ionics’ in 1967. ‘Solid-state ionics’ first appeared in 1971 in another of his papers, and was likely a play on ‘solid-state electronics’, another rapidly growing field at the time.
Indian organic chemist Asima Chatterjee (1917 to 2006) studied the medicinal properties of plant products, especially compounds known as vinca alkaloids.
Cyril Andrew Ponnamperuma (16 October 1923 – 20 December 1994) was a Sri Lankan chemist who was interested in the origins of life on Earth. His research in chemical evolution showed how inanimate molecules may have given rise to the building blocks of life – a process known as abiogenesis.
Chika Kuroda (24 March 1884 – 8 November 1968) was a Japanese chemist whose research focussed on the structures of natural pigments.
Osamu Shimomura (27 August 1928 – 19 October 2018) was a Japanese organic chemist and marine biologist who dedicated his career to understanding how organisms emitted light.
Kikunae Ikeda (8 October 1864 – 3 May 1936) was a Japanese chemist who discovered the fifth basic taste, umami.
Hsien Wu (24 November 1893 – 8 August 1959) is widely regarded as the founder of biochemistry and nutrition science in China. He was the first to propose that protein denaturation was caused by the unfolding of the protein, instead of chemical alteration.
Umetaro Suzuki (7 April 1874 – 20 September 1943) was a Japanese scientist best remembered for his research on beriberi, a disease caused by vitamin B1 deficiency, characterized by limb stiffness, paralysis and pain.
Salimuzzaman Siddiqui (19 October 1897 – 14 April 1994) was an artist and chemist from Pakistan whose research focused on natural products from plants.
Japanese geochemist Katsuko Saruhashi developed the first method and tools for measuring carbon dioxide in seawater