Headline: New route to fluorochemicals: Fluorspar activated in water under mild conditions

■ Release Date: 2024.11.13

■ Published by: University of Oxford

■ Keywords: fluorspar, fluorine, fluorochemicals

■ Abstract:

Researchers have developed a new method to extract fluorine from fluorspar using oxalic acid and a fluorophilic Lewis acid in water under mild reaction conditions. This technology enables direct access to fluorochemicals, including commonly used fluorinating agents, from both fluorspar and lower-grade metspar, eliminating reliance on the supply chain of hazardous hydrogen fluoride (HF).

Headline: Game changer' in lithium extraction: Researchers develop novel electrochemical reactor

■ Release Date: 2024.11.13

■ Published by: Rice University

■ Keywords: lithium, batteries, brine

■ Abstract:

Researchers have developed an innovative electrochemical reactor to extract lithium from natural brine solutions, offering a promising approach to address the growing demand for lithium used in rechargeable batteries.

Headline: Transforming anion exchange membranes in water electrolysis for green hydrogen production

■ Release Date: 2024.11.14

■ Published by: Waseda University

■ Keywords: hydrogen, anion exchange membrane, electrolysis

■ Abstract:

Researchers have implemented polyphenylene-based anion exchange membranes poised to make hydrogen production more efficient and durable. The robust hydrophobic design enables effective ion transport while resisting chemical degradation.

Headline: Long-sought measurement of exotic beta decay in thallium helps extract the timescale of the Sun's birth

■ Release Date: 2024.11.14

■ Published by: GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH

■ Keywords: thallium, radioactive lead, beta decay

■ Abstract:

How long did it take our Sun to form in its stellar nursery? Scientists are now closer to an answer. They succeeded in the measurement of the bound-state beta decay of fully-ionized thallium ions at the Experimental Storage Ring (ESR) of GSI/FAIR. This measurement has profound effects on the production of radioactive lead in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and can be used to help determine the Sun's formation time.

Headline: Breakthrough in capturing 'hot' CO2 from industrial exhaust

■ Release Date: 2024.11.14

■ Published by: University of California - Berkeley

■ Keywords: carbon dioxide, metal-organic framework, adsorbent

■ Abstract:

Capturing carbon dioxide from the hot industrial exhaust of cement and steel plants requires cooling the exhaust from around 200 C to 60 C so that liquid amines can react with the CO2. Chemists have now created a new type of metal-organic framework that captures CO2 at high temperatures, avoiding the need to expend energy and water to cool the exhaust. The MOF opens up a new field of high-temperature gas capture.

Headline: Novel magnetic field integration enhances green hydrogen peroxide production

■ Release Date: 2024.11.15

■ Published by: Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

■ Keywords: hydrogen peroxide, catalyst, nanoparticle

■ Abstract:

A sprinkling of magnetic nanoparticles is just enough to power up catalysts, so they can make hydrogen peroxide production more efficient.