A time-resolved diffraction study conducted at the ALS revealed mechanistic insight into a multi-step chemical reaction for the economical production of aluminum–cerium alloy, a high-performance material with superior temperature stability. The results provide crucial information for the application of the method on an industrial scale. Read more »
Converting N2 into Usable Form under Ambient Conditions
Researchers learned how molecular structure relates to function in catalysts that convert atmospheric nitrogen into more usable forms at room temperature and pressure. The work could lead to greater energy efficiency in producing nitrogen-based products such as fertilizer where large-scale industrial processes are unfeasible. Read more »
Engineered π⋯π interactions favour supramolecular dimers X@[FeL3]2(X = Cl, Br, I): solid state and solution structure
Intermolecular interactions drive the formation of biological supramolecular architectures, inspiring the design of artificial supramolecular assemblies and molecular machines. Here, the engineering of supramolecular interactions allows selection of a self-recognition process of dimerization over one of helicate-cage formation. Read more »
Engineering Lipophilic Aggregation of Adapalene and Adamantane-Based Cocrystals via van der Waals Forces and Hydrogen Bonding
Adamantanes are emerging building blocks for active pharmaceutical ingredients. In this work, we sought to understand how systematic modification of the hydrophobic cage in adamantanes could result in changes to crystal packing in single and multicomponent organic solids. Read more »
Superhard Materials at the Nanoscale: Smaller is Better
In the superhard material, rhenium diboride, smaller grain size leads to greater yield strength (i.e., the amount of stress tolerated before permanent deformation). Because such transition-metal borides are extremely hard, metallic, and can be synthesized at ambient pressure, they have exciting potential for use in next-generation cutting tools. Read more »
Aluminothermic reduction of CeO2: Mechanism of an economical route to aluminum–cerium alloys
In this study, we demonstrate a novel approach to producing Al–Ce alloys by reducing CeO2 in liquid aluminum at 95% reduction efficiency. This work provides the basis of an economic route to producing high-strength Al–Ce alloys with enhanced dispersion strengthening from embedded Al2O3 particles. Read more »
A Bio-Inspired Metal-Organic Framework for Capturing Wellhead Gases
Burning of natural gas at oil and gas wells, called flaring, is a major waste of fossil fuels and a contributor to climate change. In this work, researchers synthesized and characterized a metal-organic framework that uses biomimetic chemistry to convert wellhead gases into economically valuable feedstocks for petrochemical products. Read more »
Under Pressure, Gold Nanoclusters Reveal Structure-Property Relationship
Metal nanoclusters have unusual optical properties that are of interest for fundamental reasons as well as for applications like diagnostic imaging and 3D printing. To better understand how nanocluster structure relates to optical properties, researchers performed high-pressure diffraction studies on single crystals of gold nanoclusters. Read more »
Hybrid Semiconductors Perform Under Pressure
Researchers found that compressing hybrid (organic–inorganic) semiconductors significantly boosts their conductivity. The work demonstrates a novel doping mechanism in which the material’s organic molecules serve as charge reservoirs for tuning charge-carrier concentration, with promising applications in solar cells, lasers, and LEDs. Read more »
Designer Materials to Keep Plastic Out of Landfills
Scientists have designed a new material system to overcome one of the biggest challenges in recycling consumer products: mixed-plastic recycling. Their achievement will help enable a much broader range of fully recyclable plastic products and brings into reach an efficient circular economy for durable goods like automobiles. Read more »
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