Chemistry

Professor Yutaka Amao’s review gives a comprehensive overview of natural photosynthesis, the principles and history of artificial photosynthesis research, and carbon dioxide capture, utilization, and storage technologies.

Single monomer containing thiolactone and pyridyl disulfide molecules allows for variable polymer functionalities

A novel computational approach reveals an oxygen vacancy-mediated synthesis mechanism, overcoming longstanding limits in atomic-level structural control

Holds potential for use in developing next-generation catalysts

A joint research team between the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB) at The University of Osaka and Fixstars Corporation has demonstrated one of the world's largest classical simulations of iterative quantum phase estimation (IQPE) quantum circuits for quantum chemistry on up to 1,024 GPUs, surpassing the previous 40-qubit limit. The result expands the scale of molecular systems available for the development and validation of quantum algorithms for future fault-tolerant quantum computers, supporting progress toward industrial applications in drug discovery and materials development.

In response to the global demand for clean energy transition, tandem solar cells are recognised as a crucial next-generation technology that will significantly improve solar power efficiency. Scholars from Lingnan University’s Wu Jieh Yee School of Interdisciplinary Studies (WJYSIS) and their collaborators have innovatively developed a novel interfacial structure, which substantially reduces energy loss and successfully overcomes the current limitations of perovskite solar cells in voltage, further improving the efficiency of converting sunlight into electricity. Their findings, published in the top-tier international journal Nature Communications, affirm Lingnan University’s research capabilities in the fields of renewable energy materials and photovoltaic technology.

- Professor JaeDong Lee’s team discovers the cause of “ultrafast electronic decoherence” in open quantum environments - Provides a decisive breakthrough, bridging ideal quantum theory and real-world quantum technologies - Published in the leading interdisciplinary science journal Advanced Science

- Professor Jiwoong Yang’s team has developed a quantum-dot-based “circularly polarized light” sensor covering ultraviolet to infrared spectrum. - Breakthrough design introduces chiral structures into charge transport pathways, overcoming material and wavelength limitations of conventional optical sensors. - Published in Advanced Materials, a top-tier international journal in the field of materials science.

- DGIST Professor Kim Jinsoo’s team has developed dry-electrode technology for batteries using paraffin material - Achieving a primer-free, solvent-free process… Stable charge-discharge performance for over 1,000 cycles - 95% reduction in costs compared to conventional fluorine-based binders, with a global warming potential of 0.05%

Production of aromatics and cyclohexane-based compounds through an electrochemical process without external hydrogen

Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a polymer material that combines high mechanical durability with controllable enzymatic degradation. The material contains movable cross-links formed by cyclodextrin rings that slide along polymer chains. By using light to control the position of these rings, enzymatic degradation can be switched on or off and even spatially patterned.

Metal oxide semiconductor gas sensors can detect harmful pollutants in the air, but they only operate at extremely high temperatures. A new material design guideline using vanadium oxide may help us overcome this challenge.

A new method that uses nanoparticles could help overcome a manufacturing challenge that has slowed the development of advanced cell-based treatments

Move over lithium-ion batteries – researchers found a creative way to combine materials (lithium metal and a ceramic surface) that may prove to be better for energy storage used in electric vehicles and portable electronics.

Researchers at National Taiwan University have developed a tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy platform that can identify tiny structural differences in oligosaccharides without fluorescent labels. The method can distinguish glycosidic linkages, estimate chain length, and even follow glycan synthesis in real time.

A newly developed spray-on fabric coating could allow clothes to be cleaned using only water, reducing water and detergent needs.

Enhancement of OER has been demonstrated via co-doping of Co/Ni into FeS2, which surpasses the performance of traditional expensive RuO2 as OER electrocatalyst.

The complete set of nucleobases found in terrestrial DNA and RNA have been detected in samples returned from the asteroid Ryugu, offering insights into the early Solar System's chemistry.

This invited publication highlights the contributions of Distinguished Professor Hao Li to AI and materials science – focusing on their original concept for a digital materials ecosystem.

Researchers used electroluminescence-detected magnetic resonance to directly observe electron-hole pairs in operating light-emitting electrochemical cells. They found that ion-driven changes in the internal electric field strongly affect recombination efficiency. Lower-voltage, more stable electric fields promote light emission, a discovery that identifies electric field management as a key factor in improving organic optoelectronic devices.

By placing single-atom-thick adlayers of p-block metals on commonly employed gold electrodes (d-block), a research team at National Taiwan University has successfully quantified the "interfacial hopping integral" between molecules and electrodes. This new model establishes a universal descriptor to predict conductance trends in single-molecule junctions, resolving long-standing variations in molecular measurements.

Researchers found that Y-doping (adding yttrium) to an inexpensive nickel catalyst was the key to speeding up an otherwise sluggish reaction that results in hydrogen – which can be used as a sustainable fuel.

Kelli canines, Healthy fats in rice, Mercury and Earth in chorus, AI lights up materials discovery, Radiation detection with phones and Down to one. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice. Plus Women's Month 2026.

- Breakthrough in solar hydrogen production efficiency of heavy-metal-free eco-friendly quantum dots through anion defect control - Demonstrates commercialization potential of sustainable energy transition materials; published in the international journal eScience

What’s going on in there? An international research team developed a method to pull back the veil on the unknown processes going on inside quantum computers - which may help us build more reliable quantum machines.

Diastereomers are molecules with identical structures that are not mirror images of each other, described as anti or syn for molecules without rings. Researchers at The University of Osaka developed a strategy for using a rigid cage-like molecule to produce an anti-diastereomer in high yield. This diastereomer can only be obtained as a minor byproduct by traditional methods. The strategy is expected to become a key technology for making medicines and other bioactive substances.

A team led by researchers at Tohoku University have taken the first step toward developing antiferromagnetic technology. They detected a liquid-crystal phase that may change the game for spintronic devices.

Chemists at National Taiwan University and collaborators discovered that a seemingly solid, nonporous crystal can “come alive” when heated. A two-step transformation releases trapped molecules, drives a vivid blue → green → yellow glow, and even propels the crystal forward through bubble-powered motion.

Study of 56 japonica rice varieties finds black and green rice to be healthier choices

Researchers from The University of Osaka have developed a mouse model for achondroplasia. The model identified the importance of a signaling molecule called FGFR3 and a pathway called CREB in regulating bone growth. This pathway is also at least partially responsible for the pathology associated with achondroplasia and impaired bone growth. Their findings advance our understanding of the process of bone growth and provide novel therapeutic targets for achondroplasia.