Scientists often struggle to watch how tiny catalysts behave in tough acidic environments. These catalysts help speed up chemical reactions, like splitting water into oxygen, but their structures can shift unpredictably. A team found a way to track the same iridium nanocatalysts over long periods us
Scientists have figured out exactly which parts of a cobalt‑based material make it good at turning glycerol into useful energy. Instead of guessing, they built three similar crystals that differ only in the tiny details around cobalt atoms. The key discovery was that the reaction happens mainl
Fuel cells are like the heart of clean energy. They convert hydrogen into electricity. But there's a catch. The process isn't as smooth as it could be. Especially in alkaline environments. The hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) is often slow and easily disrupted by carbon monoxide (CO). This is a big
The quest to improve energy storage and conversion has led to some clever tricks with carbon materials. One standout method involves using a special salt to create carbon nanosheets with plenty of defects and pores. These aren't flaws, but features that make the carbon better at storing energy and c
First, let's talk about nanotubes. These are tiny tubes made of special materials like platinum, nickel, and rhodium. Scientists have found a way to make these nanotubes even better by creating tiny holes, or cavities, in them. These cavities cause something called structural defects, which actually
Imagine a tiny particle, so small you can't see it with the naked eye. This particle is made of platinum, a metal known for its catalytic superpowers. Scientists placed this nanoparticle on a tiny carbon electrode and dipped it into a solution containing hydrazine, a compound with the chemical formu
Scientists have been trying to figure out how to make the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) work better for industry. They looked at a natural protein cluster in something called PS-II for inspiration. They mixed up different organic and inorganic bits to make new electrocatalysts using a hydrothermal
Clean energy is a big deal, and hydrogen is a superstar in this field. One cool way to generate hydrogen is by breaking down urea in water. This happens in a process called urea oxidation reaction (UOR). Scientists have created a special electro-catalyst to make this happen in salty water, similar t
Today, scientists are finding clever ways to connect enzymes with electronic gadgets, called electrodes. These tools help enzymes generate electricity or make important chemical compounds. In the past, these connections weren't very strong, but now, thanks to improved protein engineering, we can mak
Scientists are boosting the power of tiny metal particles by making them more porous and packed with multiple metals. Imagine a small house (the core) with a unique shape, surrounded by a wall made of many types of bricks (the shell). When these tiny 'houses' are made just right, they can do amazing
