Optical sensor enables 100 percent quality control of ultra-thin barrier layers

30-May-2024 - A new type of sensor makes it possible for the first time to test functional barrier layers on plastic products at production speed. The Film-Inspect testing system was developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM in cooperation with plasma system specialist ...

Space Telescope unveils the dark side of pre-stellar ice chemistry

Chameleon I hides a wealth of frozen molecules

25-Jan-2023 - The discovery of diverse ices in the darkest, coldest regions of a molecular cloud measured to date has been announced by an international team of astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope. This result allows astronomers to examine the simple icy molecules that will be ...

Chemists uncover cracks in the amour of cellulose nanocrystals

The most detailed look yet at the surface chemistry and structure of individual cellulose nanocrystal particles

19-Oct-2022 - Chemists in Japan, Canada and Europe have uncovered flaws in the surface structure of cellulose nanocrystals—an important step toward deconstructing cellulose to produce renewable nano-materials relevant to biochemical products, energy solutions, and biofuels. The findings—published in Science ...

Surface chemistry reveals corrosive secrets

Precise Measurements are the Molecular Lens to Seeing Chemistry

18-Oct-2021 - One can easily see with the naked eye that leaving an old nail out in the rain causes rust. What does require the keen eyes and sensitive nose of microscopy and spectroscopy is observing how iron corrodes and forms new minerals, especially in water with a pinch of sodium and calcium. Thanks to a ...

Researchers first to link silicon atoms on surfaces

First time to produce a silicon polymer

01-Apr-2021 - A team consisting of various working groups from the fields of chemistry and physics are now the first to have linked silicon atoms on surfaces. From silicon polymers, the researchers hope for innovative material properties and new, promising candidates for potential applications. Materials such ...

How light activates MoS2 layers to become catalysts

08-Mar-2021 - Thin films of molybdenum and sulfur belong to a class of materials that can be considered for use as photocatalysts. Inexpensive catalysts such as these are needed to produce hydrogen as a fuel using solar energy. However, they are still not very efficient as catalysts. A new instrument at the ...

Decoding the way catalysts work

Good catalytic performance is driven chiefly by processes that occur on the surface of the catalyst – and not electrochemical processes

20-Nov-2020 - Splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen is an important chemical reaction, especially considering that the use of hydrogen as an energy source in sustainable mobility in the future. An international research team has now decoded how one of the catalysts used in this reaction works. Hydrogen is a ...

Tailor-made carbon helps pinpoint hereditary diseases and correct medication dosage

New method expands knowledge of carbon-based materials

18-Nov-2019 - Sensors manufactured with carbon-based materials can provide uniquely accurate and real-time information on hereditary diseases or the concentrations of drugs in the body. In addition to medicine, carbonaceous materials are used in batteries, solar cells and water purification. Other elements, ...

How frogs' tongues become sticky

Research team investigates the surface chemistry of the frog sticky-tongue mechanism

29-Nov-2018 - Frogs' capture their preywiththestickymucuscoveringtheir tongues, but this mucusisn't inherently adhesive.Frogmucus is thought to be pressure-sensitive, with tongue retraction strain triggering adhesion. A research team from Oregan State University, Aarhus University and Kiel University ...

Merck Ignites Firework of Research Initiatives During its 350th Anniversary Year

Funding of up to € 350,000 per research grant or up to € 30,000 per research challenge

23-May-2018 - Merck announced several research grants and challenges during the company’s 350th anniversary year in addition to already existing initiatives. The new research grants and challenges are mainly directed to scientists working in institutes, universities or start-up companies around the world. “The ...