Chemistry

For over a century, X-ray crystallography has served as a cornerstone of materials science, enabling scientists to decipher the intricate structures of crystalline materials. Understanding these structures is crucial for various applications ranging from superconductivity to photovoltaic systems. The ability to reveal atomic arrangements facilitates the development of new materials, but a significant hurdle exists

In today’s increasingly digital world, the rise of modern integrated microelectronic devices has led to challenges in their repairability and recyclability. As the demand for electronic devices continues to surge, the environmental burden associated with their production and disposal becomes more pronounced. As a result, there is an urgent need for innovative materials that not

Ion solvation is a fundamental process impacting various electrochemical applications, from battery technology to renewable energy generation. The behavior of ions in solution is governed by their need to reorganize their solvation shells—this complex interplay affects their ability to intercalate into battery cathodes, traverse through ion channels in biological membranes, or participate in chemical transformations

Lasso peptides represent a fascinating class of natural products synthesized by specific bacterial strains. Distinguished by their unique lasso-like configuration, these peptides possess a remarkable resilience against harsh environmental conditions, making them of immense interest in therapeutic development. Recent research published in *Nature Chemical Biology* has shed light on the structural mechanics behind these peptides,

In a groundbreaking development, researchers from the University of Birmingham and Queen’s University Belfast have pioneered the use of porous liquids (PLs) for the first-ever liquid-liquid separation process. This innovative approach holds significant implications for environmental sustainability and public health, addressing pressing challenges faced in various industries. The study recently published in *Angewandte Chemie International

Perovskites have emerged as a vital class of materials with significant implications in modern electronics, characterized by their unique crystal structures typically comprising calcium titanium oxides. This category of materials is especially coveted for its ferroelectric properties, which allow for reversible control of electric polarization via external electric fields. Such properties offer crucial advantages for

For half a century, the peculiar reactions involving graphite oxidation remained an intriguing mystery within the scientific community. Researchers at Umeå University have finally shed light on this decade-long enigma, revealing an unexpected dimension of chemical reactivity. This recent study unveils the transformation of graphite into graphite oxide during electrochemical oxidation, significantly enriching our understanding

Helices are ubiquitous in the realm of biochemistry, serving as fundamental structures within various biomolecules, particularly proteins. Their helical formations are not merely structural curiosities but are pivotal in influencing how proteins perform their complex functions within living organisms. The twist and turn of a helix are dictated by its constituent amino acids, which are

Ethers, a class of compounds that play crucial roles in pharmaceuticals, food production, and personal care products, have long been important in the field of organic chemistry. Their versatility stems from their functional properties, making them integral in formulations ranging from medicinal drugs to consumer goods. Despite their prevalence, the conventional methods for synthesizing ethers

In recent years, the quest for sustainable solutions to combat climate change has intensified, leading researchers to explore the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemicals. A pivotal study published in *Nature Energy* has employed cutting-edge spectroscopic techniques and theoretical analysis to illuminate the complex pathways involved in transforming CO2 into high-demand substances like

A recent study conducted by scientists from the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz IPHT) and the Universities of Jena and Ulm has revealed the significant impact that small changes in the chemical structure of iron compounds can have on their light-absorbing properties. Specifically, the researchers found that alterations in the second coordination sphere of

In a groundbreaking study conducted by the School of Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), researchers have developed a new method that promises to revolutionize the manufacturing of cellular ceramics. This innovative approach overcomes the limitations of traditional additive manufacturing (3D printing) and offers a simplified and accelerated production process

The chiral structure of molecules, which refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms, plays a crucial role in the development of new drugs. Molecules exist in pairs known as enantiomers, which are mirror images of each other, much like a left and right glove. The twisted structure of a molecule can be left-handed or right-handed,

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is an essential biological molecule that plays a crucial role in the genetics of organisms. It shares a similar composition to DNA and is involved in various biological functions that are influenced by its spatial conformation. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences sheds light on

In the quest for sustainable energy sources, green hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution for storing renewable energy. Electrolytic water splitting, a process that produces hydrogen and oxygen gas using electricity, is a key technique in the production of green hydrogen. The efficiency of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical in this process,