Chemistry

For over nine decades, scientists have been intrigued by the mysterious behaviors of polyelectrolyte solutions—mixtures of polymers bearing multiple charged groups. When oppositely charged polymers mingle, they tend to segregate into distinct phases, creating complex structures with valuable industrial applications. Yet, despite the long-standing interest, a comprehensive understanding of how each component—particularly the polymers and

In the realm of material science, a remarkable innovation has emerged that challenges long-standing distinctions: glassy gels. These materials are redefining what we consider possible by combining the brittle firmness of glassy polymers with the fluid flexibility of gels. Traditionally, glassy polymers such as those used in windows or water bottles have been characterized by

The landscape of chemical research is constantly evolving, yet ionic liquids have remained enigmatic in many respects due to the limitations of traditional measurement techniques. These versatile solvents, characterized by their organic salts that are liquid at room temperature, exhibit extraordinary acidity levels—up to 100 million times more intense than water. But capturing this super-acidity

Mechanophores, molecules that respond to mechanical force by changing their chemical or physical properties, are at the frontier of materials science, organic synthesis, and medicinal chemistry. These unique molecules have demonstrated enormous promise for creating smart materials and innovative therapeutic agents. A particularly captivating development involves a mechanophore named NEO, engineered by researchers from the

In a groundbreaking advancement in the realm of material science, Dr. Florian Auras and his team at Dresden University of Technology (TUD) have made significant strides in the development of covalent organic frameworks (COFs). These innovative materials, characterized by their ordered porous structures and the flexibility to manipulate their properties, have emerged as a beacon

As the world increasingly shifts toward renewable energy sources, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are emerging as distinguished players in the energy sector. These fuel cells stand out due to their remarkable efficiency and versatility, as they can utilize a variety of fuels including hydrogen, biogas, and natural gas. In an era where environmental sustainability

In the world of organic chemistry, the development of new strategies for synthesizing complex molecular structures is of paramount importance. Recently, a groundbreaking approach utilizing inexpensive quinolines has emerged, offering a promising method for creating 2D/3D fused frameworks. This innovative synthesis method, pioneered by a team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology, highlights the

Recently, the Theory Department of the Fritz Haber Institute shed light on an underappreciated aspect of electrocatalysis: catalyst morphology. Instead of simply focusing on the atomic characteristics of active sites, the team emphasizes the significance of the surface roughness of catalysts, which profoundly impacts the selectivity of various reactions. This new insight can redefine our

Recent advancements in the field of chemical sensing have introduced a cutting-edge platform that promises to significantly improve how we detect harmful pesticides in our food supply. Spearheaded by Prof. Jiang Changlong and his team at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, this innovative DNA aptamer-based sensor offers a swift and accurate means of identifying

The quest for stronger, heat-resistant materials has reached a pivotal point with the groundbreaking research by a collaborative team from NIMS, AGC Inc., and JASRI. Their recent study, published in *NPG Asia Materials*, highlights the initial stages of glass transforming into glass-ceramic through a process known as partial crystallization. This finding is not merely an

In an exciting development for the world of sustainable materials, scientists at the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences have unveiled a revolutionary class of PISOX polymers, which are derived from both biological sources and CO2. Their recent publication in ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering reveals the remarkable characteristics of these new polyesters and

The rapidly evolving field of chemical sensing is poised for groundbreaking advancements with the recent innovations from researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology. Drawing from the realms of supramolecular chemistry, the team, led by Associate Professor Gaku Fukuhara, has pioneered a dynamic approach to signal amplification in chemosensors, which could significantly enhance the sensitivity and

In the ever-evolving realm of energy conversion and storage systems, understanding electrochemical reactions at a granular level has become paramount. The recent advancements spearheaded by researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) offer a transformative lens through which we can observe these essential processes. By leveraging a novel polymer liquid cell (PLC) in conjunction

Perfume-making, an art that captures our senses and evokes emotions, stretches back over three millennia, with its roots firmly planted in the civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia. Among the notable figures of this illustrious past is Tapputi-belat-ekalle, revered as the first chemist in history. Inscriptions from clay tablets during the Middle Assyrian period (1400–1000 BC) reveal

Carboxylic acids are fundamental to the framework of organic chemistry and find their applications in a spectrum of pharmaceuticals, including widely-used drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. The integration of fluorine atoms into these acids has the potential to significantly enhance their properties, leading to more effective therapies. However, the endeavor to add fluorine usually involves