Scientists unravel mysterious mechanism behind “whisker crystal” growth

Whisker-thin nanofilaments trail bubbles to grow

28-Jun-2022 - Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered the mechanism behind the rapid growth of ultra-thin nanowires or “whiskers” in organic compounds. Nanowires are both a desirable technological innovation and a hazard when they short electronics: understanding how they grow is crucial ...

Wearable chemical sensor is as good as gold

A novel Raman chemical sensor made from noodlelike threads of gold

27-Jun-2022 - Researchers created a special ultrathin sensor, spun from gold, that can be attached directly to the skin without irritation or discomfort. The sensor can measure different biomarkers or substances to perform on-body chemical analysis. It works using a technique called Raman spectroscopy, where ...

Sniffing out your identity with breath biometrics

Researchers develop an olfactory sensor using your unique chemical composition to confirm who you are

24-Jun-2022 - Biometric authentication like fingerprint and iris scans are a staple of any spy movie, and trying to circumvent those security measures is often a core plot point. But these days the technology is not limited to spies, as fingerprint verification and facial recognition are now common features on ...

Scientists synthesize new photostable organic semiconductor

Successful development of pentacene derivative that has 100 times more light durability than conventional products

21-Jun-2022 - Due to their high hole mobility, pentacene and its derivatives have been the representative organic semiconductors and have been the subject of much research, both basic and applied. In particular, they are expected to be applied to semiconductor devices such as field-effect transistors. In ...

Scientists serendipitously discover rare cluster compound

The molecule is unusual and has ‘great potential’ in catalysis, conduction and other applications

21-Jun-2022 - Scientists at Kyoto University’s Institute for Cell-Material Sciences have discovered a novel cluster compound that could prove useful as a catalyst. Compounds, called polyoxometalates, contain a large metal-oxide cluster carry a negative charge. They are found everywhere, from anti-viral ...

Iron catalyst could make important chemical reactions cheaper and more eco-friendly

06-Jun-2022 - A catalyst is a key ingredient for many chemical reactions. It facilitates a molecule to change into another molecule, without being changed itself, meaning it can be used multiple times. However, many catalysts are made of precious metals, making them expensive and potentially harmful to the ...

Electrochemical synthesis now possible without electric power source

New electrosynthesis process is independent of a power supply and can be used for sustainable organic synthesis, even in unpowered areas

02-Jun-2022 - Synthesis of organic compounds and polymers is at the core of many manufacturing industries. The new “electrifying synthesis” methods that can combine conventional synthetic chemistry with electrochemistry are a step closer to a sustainable tomorrow. These reactions don’t require potentially ...

Seeing molecules inside a nanometer-sized “sardine can”!

A clever new method for observing metal-organic frameworks and guest molecule interactions, using real-time polarized infrared spectroscopy

18-May-2022 - Most people don’t think about how molecules fit in the ultra-small spaces between other molecules, but that is what Professor Masahide Takahashi’s research team do every day at Osaka Metropolitan University. They study metal-organic frameworks (MOF), composed of modularly arranged metal ions and ...

Converting excess atmospheric CO₂ into energy-rich chemicals

Lights, catalyst, reaction! Converting CO₂ to formic acid using an alumina-supported, iron-based compound

17-May-2022 - Photoreduction of CO2 into transportable fuel like formic acid (HCOOH) is a great way of dealing with CO2’s rising levels in the atmosphere. To aid in this mission, a research team from Tokyo Tech chose an easily available iron-based mineral and loaded it onto an alumina support to develop a ...

Paper or plastic?

Rigid waterproof coating for paper aims to reduce our dependence on plastic

17-May-2022 - For our sake and the environment, there is a considerable amount of research into the reduction of plastic for many and various applications. For the first time, researchers have found a way to imbue relatively sustainable paper materials with some of the useful properties of plastic. This can be ...