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Water electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity, is gaining traction in the scientific community. A key component of this process is the catalyst, which accelerates the reaction. Among the myriad catalysts available, the Fe-Ni catalyst stands out for its exceptional properties and potential. Here, we delve into why Fe-Ni catalysts are

Entropy is a complex concept. It is usually associated with disorder or randomness. Yet this is a holdover from classical thermodynamics. In the context of catalysts, entropy is better described as complexity. High-entropy alloys (HEAs) thus feature elaborate and highly configurational microstructures. This results from their diverse heterogeneity: HEAs contain no less than five elements

Platinum-based catalysts have gained significant attention in various industries thanks to their exceptional performance and versatility. As catalysts play a crucial role in numerous chemical reactions and industrial processes, it is essential to explore the advantages of platinum-based catalysts over their counterparts, particularly iridium catalysts. This article delves into the unique properties of platinum catalysts,

In a world facing numerous issues that stem from climate change, it is important to adapt our current processes, lifestyles, and activities that could further damage our environment. Human activities heavily influence climate change, but everyone can take steps to reduce their actions’ negative impact on the environment. One huge breakthrough in the scientific world

Nanoparticles are becoming significant in many industries, from chemicals to food manufacturing and electronics to pharmaceuticals, because of their wide range of benefits. When used to manufacture coatings, nanoparticles significantly improve components and processes in the energy, security, and technology sectors, and one such example is their role in electrochemical conversion. Nanoparticles are used in

Hydrogen fuel cells harness the chemical energy of hydrogen through an electrochemical reaction with oxygen. This process generates electricity without combustion, making it a clean, efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional power sources. However, their widespread adoption faces challenges, particularly in finding cost-effective and durable catalysts to optimize their performance. The Role of Platinum

Hydrogen production has emerged as a key player in the race to achieve net zero emissions, offering a clean and efficient energy source with near-limitless applicability. Yet the task of decarbonizing power generation in-line with the United Nations’ Net Zero Coalition remains formidable.  The Hydrogen Council estimates that 75 metric tons (MT) of clean hydrogen

Global energy consumption is tricky to forecast. Worldwide demand is expected to top 660 quadrillion Btu by 2050, an increase of around 15%  from 2021–but how much of that will derive from fossil fuels versus renewable energy sources?  The World Energy Outlook estimates that as much as 66% of current energy demands are met by

Gold nanoparticles are frequently used because of their outstanding properties and their varied functionalities. Owing to their properties, they have been used in many high-end applications as coatings, which are crucial for the development of nanotechnology. This blog post will look at the specific applications of gold nanoparticle coatings and the benefits they provide.  The

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and generic Raman spectroscopy are often discussed in tandem as they share many similarities. However, SERS diverges from conventional Raman imaging in various ways, making each technique applicable in different scenarios.  We discussed the working principles of SERS in our previous article How Does Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Work? This

Sputter coating and many other deposition techniques, including PVD, have become essential tools in the research scientist’s arsenal. Modern sputter deposition systems are practically unrecognisable from their earliest counterparts, with vacuum chambers and sputtering systems now operable on the benchtop. There is often a concern that championing ease-of-usability and compactness will lead to compromises on

By exploiting the plasmonic properties of nanomaterials, surface-enhanced Raman offers a dramatic increase in sensitivity compared to conventional Raman spectroscopy, enabling the detection of analytes down to parts-per-billion (ppb) levels. We’ve used our state-of-the-art nanoparticle deposition technology to develop high-performance, low-cost substrates for surface-enhanced Raman, enabling laboratories of all sizes to achieve cheap, versatile and