Headline: Liquid platinum at room temperature

■ Release Date: 2022.6.6

■ Published by: ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science

■ Keywords: liquid platinum, emissions reductions, liquid gallium 

■ Abstract:

Researchers in Australia have been able to use trace amounts of liquid platinum to create cheap and highly efficient chemical reactions at low temperatures, opening a pathway to dramatic emissions reductions in crucial industries.

Headline: Chemists design chemical probe for detecting minute temperature shifts in the body

■ Release Date: 2022.6.6

■ Published by: Colorado State University

■ Keywords: cobalt, cobalt complex

■ Abstract:

A chemistry team has engineered a cobalt complex to act as a noninvasive chemical thermometer. They've done so by making the cobalt complex's nuclear spin --- a workhorse, fundamental magnetic property ---- mimic the agile, but less stable sensitivity of an electron's spin. The noninvasive, life-saving technique known as magnetic resonance imaging works by aligning hydrogen atoms in a strong magnetic field and pulsing radiofrequency waves to convert the response of those atoms into an image.

Headline: Nano-sensor detects pesticides on fruit in minutes

■ Release Date: 2022.6.7

■ Published by: Karolinska Institutet

■ Keywords: silver, nanoparticles, sensors

■ Abstract:

Researchers have developed a tiny sensor for detecting pesticides on fruit in just a few minutes. The technique uses flame-sprayed nanoparticles made from silver to increase the signal of chemicals. While still at an early stage, the researchers hope these nano-sensors could help uncover food pesticides before consumption.

Headline: Merging physical domain knowledge with AI improves prediction accuracy of battery capacity

■ Release Date: 2022.6.7

■ Published by: Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)

■ Keywords: lithium-ion batteries, battery capacity, EV 

■ Abstract:

Researchers succeed in increasing the prediction accuracy of the battery capacity by up to 20% by merging physical domain knowledge with AI.

Headline: Sponge-like solar cells could be basis for better pacemakers

■ Release Date: 2022.6.7

■ Published by: University of Chicago

■ Keywords: solar cells, pacemakers 

■ Abstract:

Scientists find that holes can also improve technology, including medical devices. The article describes an entirely new way to make a solar cell: by etching holes in the top layer to make it porous.

Headline: Lithium-ion batteries that last longer in extreme cold

■ Release Date: 2022.6.8

■ Published by: American Chemical Society

■ Keywords: graphite, carbon-based material, lithium-ion battery 

■ Abstract:

When temperatures fall below freezing, cellphones need to be recharged frequently, and electric cars have shorter driving ranges. This is because their lithium-ion batteries' anodes get sluggish, holding less charge and draining energy quickly. To improve electrical performance in the extreme cold, researchers have replaced the traditional graphite anode in a lithium-ion battery with a bumpy carbon-based material, which maintains its rechargeable storage capacity down to -31 F.

Headline: Lifespan of solid-state lithium batteries extended

■ Release Date: 2022.6.8

■ Published by: University of Surrey

■ Keywords: lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries, electrolyte 

■ Abstract:

Researchers have successfully increased the lifespan and stability of solid-state lithium-ion batteries, creating a viable approach for future widespread usage.

Headline: Photosynthesis-inspired process makes commodity chemicals

■ Release Date: 2022.6.9

■ Published by: Northwestern University

■ Keywords: ethylene, cobalt, catalyst

■ Abstract:

A team used light and water to convert acetylene into ethylene, a widely used, highly valuable chemical that is a key ingredient in plastics. While this conversion typically requires high temperatures and pressures, flammable hydrogen and expensive metals to drive the reaction, a photosynthesis-like process is much less expensive and less energy intensive. Not only is the new process environmentally friendly, it also works incredibly well -- successfully converting nearly 100% of acetylene into ethylene with 99% selectivity.