Chemistry

The quest for sustainable energy sources has intensified as the global community grapples with the realities of climate change and energy demands. Among the various candidates for a green future, hydrogen gas has emerged as a front-runner due to its high energy density and emission-free combustion. However, even with its abundance in the universe, hydrogen

The presence of pharmaceuticals in water sources is an increasing environmental challenge facing communities worldwide. As urbanites and rural residents alike depend on clean drinking water, the infiltration of micropollutants—particularly antibiotics and other medicinal substances—poses a substantial risk. The effects of these contaminants not only jeopardize the health of aquatic life but also threaten the

In a groundbreaking announcement earlier this month, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three pioneering scientists who have significantly advanced our understanding of proteins—central components of all living organisms. This prestigious recognition went to Demis Hassabis and John Jumper from the DeepMind lab at Google for their innovative utilization of artificial intelligence, alongside

The vivid fantasies embedded in comic books and superhero narrative have always inspired innovation within the realms of science and engineering. For generations, children have daydreamed about wielding incredible powers similar to superhero figures like Spider-Man—swinging through the city, capturing evildoers with an adhesive web, and performing feats that defy the laws of gravity. Recent

Covalent bonds form the fundamental framework of a vast array of organic compounds, acting as the essential building blocks of molecular chemistry. Typically, these bonds arise when two atoms share pairs of electrons, resulting in a stable structural integrity. Since the early 20th century, scientists have delved deeper into the complexities surrounding these bonds, notably

The fashion industry is often criticized for its destructive environmental impact, prominently through the waste generated by discarded clothing. With millions of tons of textiles ending up in landfills each year, innovative approaches to reuse materials are imperative. Recent research from Cornell University presents an exciting new technique that not only aims to create waterproof

In the realm of organic chemistry, alkanes pose a substantial challenge due to their remarkable stability and inertness, mainly attributable to their robust carbon-carbon bonds. These compounds, found widely in fossil fuels, are essential for the synthesis of numerous chemicals and materials including plastics, solvents, and lubricants. Yet, the difficulty lies in their activation. Chemists

In the natural world, organisms often exhibit remarkable adaptations that provide insights into potential solutions for human problems. A fascinating example arises from barnacles, which cling firmly to rocky shores. These resilient creatures utilize naturally occurring chemicals to prepare their surfaces for adhesion, effectively eliminating bacteria in the process. This biological method of surface preparation

Industrial emissions are a major contributor to environmental pollution, and mitigating their adverse effects is vital for public health and ecological preservation. The focus on reducing toxic nitrogen oxides (NOx)—specifically nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O)—has led researchers to investigate the capabilities of zeolite-based catalysts. Recent findings from the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in

Plastic pollution has emerged as a global crisis, infiltrating every corner of our planet. With over 368 million metric tons of plastic produced annually, it is estimated that more than 13 million metric tons find their way into terrestrial environments, posing significant risks to wildlife and ecosystems. The grandeur of nature is increasingly tainted by

Chemistry often dances at the intersection of nature and innovation, particularly when it comes to drug development. Among the most fascinating aspects of this field is the existence of enantiomers—molecules that are mirror images of each other. These enantiomers, although chemically identical in nature, can trigger vastly different responses within biological systems. This divergence is

A recent publication by a research team led by Professor Jaeheung Cho from the Department of Chemistry at UNIST represents a significant leap in our understanding of the interactions between cobalt(III)-based metal complexes and nitrile compounds. This study, featured in the esteemed Journal of the American Chemical Society, explores the intricate reaction mechanisms involved in

In a remarkable stride in the field of asymmetric catalysis, researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have unveiled novel techniques for synthesizing chiral DNA catalysts. This innovation stems from the ingenious integration of DNA repair processes with biorthogonal chemistry, significantly enhancing the efficiency and versatility of catalytic methods. The importance of chiral molecules

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) is emerging as a pivotal technology in the quest to mitigate climate change and transform CO2 into valuable chemical feedstocks. While significant progress has been made in enhancing catalyst efficiency through innovative designs and modifications, the influence of the electrolyte composition has often been underestimated. Recent breakthrough research

Lithium and sodium are not just any elements; they are at the heart of a significant transformation in battery technology. These alkali metals promise to enhance the performance of solid-state batteries, which are gaining traction for their superior energy density, safety, and longevity compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. As the push for more efficient and