Headline: Let there be light: Bright future for solar panels, TV screens and more

■ Release Date: 2024.10.14

■ Published by: Curtin University

■ Keywords: solar panels, nanocrystals, zinc sulfide

■ Abstract:

From brighter TV screens to better medical diagnostics and more efficient solar panels, new research has discovered how to make more molecules stick to the surface of tiny nanocrystals, in a breakthrough that could lead to improvements in everyday technology.

Headline: Major step toward fully 3D-printed active electronics

■ Release Date: 2024.10.15

■ Published by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

■ Keywords: silicon, semiconductor, copper

■ Abstract:

Researchers produced 3D-printed, semiconductor-free logic gates, which perform computations in active electronic devices. As they don't require semiconductor materials, they represent a step toward 3D printing an entire active electronic device.

Headline: Chemistry: Light broadens the scope of alkene synthesis

■ Release Date: 2024.10.15

■ Published by: National University of Singapore

■ Keywords: alkene, alcohols, alkanes

■ Abstract:

Chemists have developed a straightforward method to convert common chemicals like carboxylic acids, alcohols, and alkanes directly into valuable alkenes.

Headline: Mechanism of cobalt-manganese catalysts deciphered

■ Release Date: 2024.10.16

■ Published by: Ruhr-University Bochum

■ Keywords: cobalt, manganese, catalysts

■ Abstract:

Conventional catalysts for hydrogen production via water electrolysis usually contain precious metals and are expensive. However, cheaper alternatives have been developed -- for example, cobalt-manganese catalysts. They have a high activity and are stable over a long period of time. The decisive factor for these characteristics is their manganese content. Why manganese plays this essential role was unknown for a long time. The mechanism behind this has now been deciphered.

Headline: Visible light energy yields two-for-one deal when added to CO2 recycling process

■ Release Date: 2024.10.17

■ Published by: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau

■ Keywords: hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide

■ Abstract:

By combining visible light and electrochemistry, researchers have enhanced the conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable products and stumbled upon a surprising discovery. The team found that visible light significantly improved an important chemical attribute called selectivity, opening new avenues not only for CO2 conversion but also for many other chemical reactions used in catalysis research and chemical manufacturing.

Headline: Material stimulated by light pulses could be leap toward more energy-efficient supercomputing

■ Release Date: 2024.10.17

■ Published by: DOE/Argonne National Laboratory

■ Keywords: ferroelectric, microelectronics, light pulses

■ Abstract:

Researchers used X-ray microscopy to discover a ferroelectric material that tailors its response to controlled ultrafast external stimuli, such as light pulses. The material might be applicable to energy-efficient microelectronics.