Durable, inexpensive catalyst reduces carbon footprint of ammonia production

27-Oct-2022 - The Haber-Bosch process, which is commonly used to synthesize ammonia (NH3)–the foundation for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers–by combining hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen (N2) over catalysts at high pressures and temperatures, is one of the most important scientific discoveries that has helped improve ...

Efficient carbon dioxide reduction under visible light with a novel, inexpensive catalyst

“We believe that our study provides an unprecedented opportunity for developing a new class of inexpensive photocatalysts for CO₂ reduction consisting of earth-abundant elements”

25-Aug-2022 - The carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere during fossil fuel burning is a leading cause of global warming. One way to address this growing threat is to develop CO2 reduction technologies, which convert CO2 into useful chemicals, such as CO and formic acid (HCOOH). In particular, ...

New Photocatalyst Boosts Water Splitting Efficiency for Clean Hydrogen Production

19-Aug-2022 - In a first, a dye-sensitized photocatalyst that facilitates the most efficient solar water splitting activity recorded to date (for similar catalysts) has been optimized by researchers from Tokyo Tech. Their surface-modified, dye-sensitized nanosheet catalyst shows immense potential, as it can ...

Converting excess atmospheric CO₂ into energy-rich chemicals

Lights, catalyst, reaction! Converting CO₂ to formic acid using an alumina-supported, iron-based compound

17-May-2022 - Photoreduction of CO2 into transportable fuel like formic acid (HCOOH) is a great way of dealing with CO2’s rising levels in the atmosphere. To aid in this mission, a research team from Tokyo Tech chose an easily available iron-based mineral and loaded it onto an alumina support to develop a ...

Reusable catalyst makes C–H bond oxidation using oxygen easier and more efficient

Findings paves the way towards highly efficient oxidation systems for organic chemistry applications

10-Feb-2022 - In the chemical industry, the selective cleavage and oxidation of carbon–hydrogen (C–H) bonds, called “oxidative C–H functionalization” is an essential step in the production of many solvents, polymers, and surfactants, as well as intermediate compounds for agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. ...

Breaking ammonia: A new catalyst to generate hydrogen from ammonia at low temperatures

Producing Hydrogen from Ammonia Using State-Of-The-Art Calcium-Supported Nickel Catalyst

01-Sep-2021 - The current global climate emergency and our rapidly receding energy resources have people looking out for cleaner alternatives like hydrogen fuel. When burnt in the presence of oxygen, hydrogen gas generates huge amounts of energy but none of the harmful greenhouse gases, unlike fossil fuels. ...

Less is more: 'Reduction' allows for cleaner and more efficient catalytic reactions

17-Aug-2021 - In an ongoing effort to accelerate catalytic reactions, oxidation of metal complexes using light has emerged as a standard method to synthesize aromatic compounds. Now, researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have demonstrated a high-yield synthesis pathway through reduction of rhodium ...

Just Mix It Up

New Synthetic Method for Making Amphiphilic Molecules without Additives

29-Jun-2021 - Amphiphilic molecules, which aggregate and encapsulate molecules in water, find use in several fields of chemistry. The simple, additive-free connection of hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules would be an efficient method for amphiphilic molecule synthesis. However, such connections, or bonds, ...

Dethroning electrocatalysts for hydrogen production with inexpensive alternative material

Iron-based bimetallic electrocatalysts may be key for hydrogen synthesis

16-Mar-2021 - Today, we can say without a shadow of doubt that an alternative to fossil fuels is needed. Fossil fuels are not only non-renewable sources of energy but also among the leading causes of global warming and air pollution. Thus, many scientists worldwide have their hopes placed on what they regard ...

Template-Free Synthesis of Mesoporous β-MnO2 Nanoparticles

Way, shape and form: Synthesis conditions define the nanostructure of manganese dioxide

06-Aug-2020 - Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology explore a novel and simplistic method to synthesize manganese dioxide with a specific crystalline structure called β-MnO2. Their study sheds light on how different synthesis conditions can produce manganese dioxide with distinct porous structures, ...