catalysis

The electrocatalytic valorization of furfural, a key biomass-derived platform molecule, offers a sustainable pathway for the synthesis of value-added chemicals under mild conditions. In this study, we report the development and application of nanostructured carbon-based electrodes, synthesized via a hard templating approach using SBA-15 silica and carbon precursors (furfuryl alcohol, FA, and glyc…

Scientific Reports, Published online: 22 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41598-026-54455-7 Efficient catalytic degradation of crystal violet dye over FeVO 4 by spark plasma discharge: an eco-friendly approach for wastewater treatment

Nature Catalysis, Published online: 22 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01544-5 Pt-based alloys are among the most active catalysts for fuel cells, but strategies to improve their performance are still needed. Now a series of non-metal-modified Pt-based compositionally complex alloys is prepared via a general solvothermal approach and tested for the oxygen reduction reaction, where PtCuNiCoN is s…

Scientists have uncovered a strange hidden structure formed during the creation of metallocenes, a class of sandwich-like molecules used in everything from catalysis to medicine. The newly characterized intermediate features a rare “double ring-slip,” where both carbon rings partially detach from the metal atom. By finally observing this fleeting state, researchers gained fresh insight into how t…

Nature Communications, Published online: 22 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-73420-6 Chemical recycling of plastics often requires harsh conditions, costly hydrogen, noble metals, or complex catalysts with challenging design. Here, the authors report hydrogen- and solvent-free depolymerization of polypropylene consumer goods at mild temperatures, achieving >80% yield into gasoline hydrocarbons wi…

Nature Communications, Published online: 21 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-73571-6 The Z-selective semihydrogenation of alkynes plays a key role in the industrial manufacture of fine chemicals. Here, the authors report the efficient and diastereoselective semihydrogenation of alkynes to Z-alkenes through synergistic nickel/photoredox catalysts.

Scientific Reports, Published online: 21 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41598-026-53404-8 A novel copper-based magnetic nano catalyst for the synthesis of hexahydroquinolines, aminocyanopyridines, and pyranopyrazoles

Nature, Published online: 20 May 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-00430-1 From improving battery technology to speeding up reaction times, these innovative scientists are making their mark.

Nature Chemistry, Published online: 19 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41557-026-02170-1 Publisher Correction: Theory-driven design of high-valence metal sites for water oxidation confirmed using in situ soft X-ray absorption

A team at the University of Vienna, led by chemist Nuno Maulide, has developed a groundbreaking method for controlling chemical reactions in a more targeted and efficient manner.

A transformational Brown Investigator Award will help chemistry professor Jillian Dempsey study how to harness light to make new molecules. She is the first awardee at UNC-Chapel Hill. The post Catalyzing new reactions — and new projects appeared first on Department of Chemistry .

Nature Communications, Published online: 18 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-73142-9 Why hollow porous crystals speed reactions has remained unclear. Real-time imaging in a model metal organic framework shows that hollow particles separate products from reactants, and shell thickness controls this transport and catalytic gain.

Nature Communications, Published online: 18 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-73161-6 Single-atom catalysts offer high efficiency for hydrogen evolution, but control of metal–support interactions remains challenging. Here, the authors report a rhodium single-atom catalyst platform enabling continuous tuning of metal–support frontier orbital interactions via anion-engineered supports.

Researchers have developed a durable new catalyst that produces clean hydrogen without relying on expensive platinum metals. The breakthrough could make renewable hydrogen fuel cheaper, more efficient, and easier to scale for real-world energy use.