Headline: Watch water form out of thin air

■ Release Date: 2024.9.30

■ Published by: Northwestern University

■ Keywords: palladium, hydrogen, oxygen

■ Abstract:

Palladium, a rare metallic element, can rapidly generate water from hydrogen and oxygen. Researchers witnessed this process at the nanoscale for the first time with an electron microscope. By viewing the process with extreme precision, researchers discovered how to optimize it to generate water at a faster rate. Process could be used to generate water on-demand in arid environments, including on other planets.

Headline: Sustainably produced covalent organic frameworks for efficient carbon dioxide capture

■ Release Date: 2024.10.1

■ Published by: Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf

■ Keywords: carbon dioxide, covalent organic frameworks, phosphonic acids

■ Abstract:

Researchers have synthesized a new compound, which forms a so-called covalent organic framework. The compound, which is based on condensed phosphonic acids, is stable and can for example be used to capture carbon dioxide.

Headline: New method of generating multiple, tunable nanopores could revolutionize membrane technology

■ Release Date: 2024.10.2

■ Published by: University of Chicago

■ Keywords: membrane, molybdenum disulfide, battery

■ Abstract:

Engineers found a novel path around tedious process of tunneling individual sub-nanometer pores for nanoporous membranes one by one. The team created a new method of pore generation that builds materials with intentional weak spots, then applies a remote electric field to generate multiple nano-scale pores all at once.

Headline: New design overcomes key barrier to safer, more efficient EV batteries

■ Release Date: 2024.10.2

■ Published by: McGill University

■ Keywords: lithium, battery, electrolyte

■ Abstract:

Researchers at McGill University have made a significant advance in the development of all-solid-state lithium batteries, which are being pursued as the next step in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology.

Headline: Mystery of Uruguay's amethyst geodes: New model to explain amethyst formation

■ Release Date: 2024.10.2

■ Published by: University of Göttingen

■ Keywords: amethyst, quartz, geodes

■ Abstract:

Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz which has been used as a gemstone for many centuries and is a key economic resource in northern Uruguay. Geodes are hollow rock formations often with quartz crystals, such as amethyst, inside. Amethyst geodes in Uruguay have been found in cooled lava flows, which date from the original breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana around 134 million years ago. However, their formation has remained a mystery.

Headline: Discovery of promising electrolyte for all-solid-state batteries

■ Release Date: 2024.10.2

■ Published by: Osaka Metropolitan University

■ Keywords: electrolyte, batteries, tantalum

■ Abstract:

Researchers have developed a solid electrolyte that could be a suitable material for all-solid-state batteries. Solid electrolyte composed of nanoparticles embedded in an amorphous matrix shows high conductivity, formability, and electrochemical stability.

Headline: Liquefied natural gas carbon footprint is worse than coal

■ Release Date: 2024.10.3

■ Published by: Cornell University

■ Keywords: natural gas, coal, carbon dioxide

■ Abstract:

Liquefied natural gas leaves a greenhouse gas footprint that is 33% worse than coal, when processing and shipping are taken into account, according to a new study.

Headline: Scientists develop novel method for strengthening PVC products

■ Release Date: 2024.10.3

■ Published by: Ohio State University

■ Keywords: plastics, polymer, plasticizer

■ Abstract:

Researchers have developed a way to make one type of plastic material more durable and less likely to shed dangerous microplastics.