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Typically thought of as inert and non-participating atoms, noble gasses adsorbed onto freshly cleaved single crystal surfaces enhance their electronic band structures, potentially creating more active heterogeneous catalysts.
Semiconducting polymers require narrow molecular weight distributions for optimal efficiency. Synthesizing such polymers is no easy task, however a combined ultrasonication-assisted Stille polymerization reaction could be the solution to this problem.
Providing a stable and reliable supply of electrons is crucial for the future of quantum computing processors. Here, electron withdrawing groups are added to species which improve the flow of electrons.
The reduction of molecular species containing arene to alkali metal cation interactions with other alkali metals has been found to contradict the expectation provided by simple considerations of relative reduction potentials.
By drawing inspiration from ion transport in biology, researchers have developed highly selective channels for the separation and enrichment of Li+ ions from complex aqueous solutions.
Cable bacteria are able to conduct electrons to interconvert oxygen and water. Here, researchers have isolated the conducting cable bacteria skeletons to demonstrate their activity in an electrochemical cell.
If intense ionizing radiation was present at a time of prebiotic life, protocells would have needed protection. Researchers have shown that peptide-containing coacervates can harbour DNA strands, which can then be coated with Mn-containing coacervates protecting the interior from radiation.
A new class of adhesive is reported where the two-component glue adheres via electrostatic interactions. The glue works efficiently in wet and dry conditions, while exhibiting reversible properties in acidic and alkaline media.
In the interstellar medium, complex organic molecules are believed to form on icy dust grains in dark molecular clouds. Research now shows that carbon atoms, previously considered immobile, can diffuse across ice surfaces to take part in reactions with other adsorbed species.
The mercury drop test is widely used to distinguish between heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis. However, testing the test revealed the unexpected issue of mercury reacting with protected and unprotected catalysts alike, leading to the reliance of this test being questioned.
The structure of pheromone, produced by microalgae in vanishingly small quantities as part of a signalling cascade that controls sexual reproduction, has been determined.
A general method to depolymerize plastic waste from resin codes 2–7 — including multilayered packaging and oil-contaminated packaging — and produce platform chemicals has been described.
The volatility of certain ionic liquids can be controlled electrochemically by applying a voltage to break their aromatic components. Cathodic reduction creates combustible species, but once the power is switched off and aromaticity restored, the liquid is thermally stable again.
Drawing inspiration from helical structures in nature, researchers have developed a cobalt-based complex able to twist and untwist, converting between nanohelix and nanowire structures.
The synthesis of a new family of self-assembled Ca2+-seamed capsules is reported. The interior volumes are the largest currently reported voids in molecular capsules, and they are completely isolated from the exterior environments.
A living catalyst transfer polymerization enables access to low dispersity polyphenylenes and ultimately to length-selective synthesis of graphene nanoribbons.
