How chemical reactions compute

A single molecule contains a wealth of information. It includes not only the number of each kind of constituent atom, but also how they’re arranged and how they attach to each other. And during chemical reactions, that information determines the outcome and becomes transformed. Molecules collide, ...

Risks from microplastics – public perception not in line with scientific studies

Microplastics and the possible risks for the environment are highly debated. However, whereas scientists still see many open questions and have yet to complete their risk assessment, the general public ranks the environmental and health risks posed by microplastics as relatively high. Researchers ...

Using X-rays to identify liquid chiral molecules

New method can for the first time distinguish their components in liquid form – and more effectively than ever before

Sugars, amino acids, drugs - chiral molecules are everywhere. Researchers in the AQUACHIRAL project at the Fritz-Haber-Institut have used X-rays to study hair-thin liquid jets of these molecules. Using a new method, they can now for the first time distinguish their components in liquid form – and ...

Researchers obtain promising results against capacity loss in vanadium batteries

A computational study conducted in Brazil could help extend the working lives of these batteries, which are widely used by utilities and manufacturers

An article by researchers at theCenter for Development of Functional Materials(CDMF)in Brazil describes a successful strategy to mitigate charge capacity loss in vanadium redox flow batteries, which are used by electric power utilities among other industries and can accumulate large amounts of ...

Molecular Electronics: Trapped molecule in contact

There are worlds between the Zuse Z3, the first functioning digital computer from 1941, and modern microprocessors - both in terms of speed and size. But the further miniaturization of current silicon-based electronics is reaching its limits due to fabrication methods. Paving the way to the ...

Liquid crystals for fast switching devices

Simple rod-shaped molecules with a single center of chirality self-assemble into helical structures at room temperature

An international team has investigated a newly synthesized liquid-crystalline material that promises applications in optoelectronics. Simple rod-shaped molecules with a single center of chirality self-assemble into helical structures at room temperature. Using soft X-ray resonant scattering at ...

Renewable energy through photo-electrochemistry

A new multi-modal setup determines the structural changes affecting PEC material under realistic operation conditions

Photo-electrochemistry (PEC) holds the potential to convert renewable energy such as solar light into useful green fuels. However, most known PEC materials suffer from instability issues which are difficult to track and cause a decrease in their performance under continuous operation. A research ...

Chemistry under sheer force

How to trigger chemical reaction without the use of solvent

Bottle, glass tube and solvent, those are what we usually find in a chemistry lab or industry. Chemistry using solvents, or liquid based materials is the traditional way of synthesis. Although it is very efficient, an inevitable question is how to recycle solvent safely and environment friendly? ...

A cheaper way to scale up atomic layer deposition

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) involves stacking layers of atoms on top of each other like pancakes. The atoms come from a vaporized material called a precursor. ALD is a well-established technique for manufacturing microelectronics like semiconductors and magnetic heads for sound recording, as ...

Improved detection methods for allergenic substances

BfR and LGL develop test systems

Experts deal with the development of analytical methods for the detection of allergenic substances in foods at a joint event of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL) which ends today in Berlin. The labelling of allergens on food ...