Advanced X-ray technique unveils fast solid-gas chemical reaction pathways

08-May-2023 - For the rational design of new material compounds, it is important to understand the mechanisms underlying their synthesis. Analytical techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance and spectroscopy are usually employed to study such mechanisms in molecular reactions. However, reaction pathways ...

Durable, inexpensive catalyst reduces carbon footprint of ammonia production

27-Oct-2022 - The Haber-Bosch process, which is commonly used to synthesize ammonia (NH3)–the foundation for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers–by combining hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen (N2) over catalysts at high pressures and temperatures, is one of the most important scientific discoveries that has helped improve ...

Efficient carbon dioxide reduction under visible light with a novel, inexpensive catalyst

“We believe that our study provides an unprecedented opportunity for developing a new class of inexpensive photocatalysts for CO₂ reduction consisting of earth-abundant elements”

25-Aug-2022 - The carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere during fossil fuel burning is a leading cause of global warming. One way to address this growing threat is to develop CO2 reduction technologies, which convert CO2 into useful chemicals, such as CO and formic acid (HCOOH). In particular, ...

New Photocatalyst Boosts Water Splitting Efficiency for Clean Hydrogen Production

19-Aug-2022 - In a first, a dye-sensitized photocatalyst that facilitates the most efficient solar water splitting activity recorded to date (for similar catalysts) has been optimized by researchers from Tokyo Tech. Their surface-modified, dye-sensitized nanosheet catalyst shows immense potential, as it can ...

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 ...

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 ...

Scientists show how to store liquid fuels in polymeric gels to prevent explosions and fires

Researchers from Japan investigate a new safer way to transport and store fuels

13-May-2022 - Liquid fuels with high energy density are essential in many applications where chemical energy is converted into controlled motion, such as in rockets, gas turbines, boilers, and certain vehicle engines. Besides their combustion characteristics and performance, it is also important to guarantee ...

Atom by atom: building precise smaller nanoparticles with templates

This novel approach has the potential to play an important role in exploring the last frontiers of nanomaterials

08-Mar-2022 - Nanoparticles (which have sizes ranging between 3–500 nm), and sub-nanoclusters (which are around 1 nm in diameter) are utilized in many fields, including medicine, robotics, materials science, and engineering. Their small size and large surface-area-to-volume ratios give them unique properties, ...

Reusable catalyst makes C–H bond oxidation using oxygen easier and more efficient

Findings paves the way towards highly efficient oxidation systems for organic chemistry applications

10-Feb-2022 - In the chemical industry, the selective cleavage and oxidation of carbon–hydrogen (C–H) bonds, called “oxidative C–H functionalization” is an essential step in the production of many solvents, polymers, and surfactants, as well as intermediate compounds for agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. ...

Novel hybrid nanocages for faster catalysis

Hybrid bio-nanocages could effectively catalyze reactions to yield industrially important products

26-Jan-2022 - A novel hybrid ferritin nanocage with histidine residues shows 1.5 times higher metal ion uptake and improved catalytic efficiency for alcohol production, find researchers from Tokyo Tech in a new study. Their findings suggest that hybrid bio-nanocages could effectively catalyze reactions to ...