Category archives: Chemistry

The secret structures of benzodithiophene polymers unlock solar energy

The secret structures of benzodithiophene polymers unlock solar energy

ChemistryDIPC PolymersEnergyMaterials

By DIPC

Organic electronics in the form of organic solar cells — thin, flexible, and printable on everyday surfaces — promise a sustainable future in renewable energy. Unlike traditional silicon-based solar panels, organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices rely on carbon-based polymers, a class of molecules more commonly associated with plastic bags than power generation. Among these, a family […]

Deep learning techniques, a game-changer for quantum chemistry

Deep learning techniques, a game-changer for quantum chemistry

ChemistryCondensed matterDIPC Computer ScienceDIPC Electronic PropertiesQuantum chemistry

By DIPC

Quantum chemistry is a field that dives into the behaviour of atoms and molecules at their most fundamental level, using the principles of quantum mechanics to understand how electrons interact within these systems. For researchers, one of the biggest challenges is studying systems where electrons are strongly correlated—meaning their movements are highly interdependent, like dancers […]

A new recycling approach to complex plastic waste

A new recycling approach to complex plastic waste

Chemical engineeringChemistry

By Invited Researcher

PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a widely used polymer in packaging due to its favourable properties, increases rapidly in global plastic production and waste. Between 2000 and 2019, global plastic production rose from 234 to 460 million tonnes and is projected to reach 1,231 million tonnes by 2060. As a result, plastic waste more than doubled from […]

Unlocking magnetism in nanographenes: The role of oxyradicals and molecular design

Unlocking magnetism in nanographenes: The role of oxyradicals and molecular design

ChemistryDIPC Advanced materialsDIPC InterfacesMaterialsNanotechnology

By DIPC

Nanotechnology is like a playground for scientists, where they tinker with materials at the scale of atoms to create new tools and devices with extraordinary properties. One of the most exciting areas in this field involves nanographenes, which are tiny pieces of graphene—a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb pattern, known for […]

Living beings emit light that extinguishes upon death

Living beings emit light that extinguishes upon death

BiochemistryBiologyChemistryPhysicsPhysiologyPlant biology

By Mapping Ignorance

The light of someone’s life might not be just another person, but light in the literal sense. According to a recent study , every living system emits light without requiring external excitation due to a biological phenomenon known as ultraweak photon emission (UPE). In mice, UPE was linked to vitality as live mice emitted significantly […]

Revolutionizing barium ion detection for neutrino research

Revolutionizing barium ion detection for neutrino research

ChemistryDIPC Particle PhysicsParticle physics

By DIPC

In the quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe, scientists are turning to tiny glowing molecules and powerful microscopes to detect elusive particles. Two groundbreaking studies, one published in ACS Sensors in 2025 and another in Nature Communications in 2024, showcase innovative approaches to detecting barium ions in high-pressure xenon gas. These advancements are […]

First video of catalysis in action at the atomic level

First video of catalysis in action at the atomic level

CatalysisChemistry

By Mapping Ignorance

An international team of scientists has, for the first time, directly observed catalysis in-action at the atomic level. In mesmerizing new videos, single atoms move and shake during a chemical reaction that removes hydrogen atoms from an alcohol molecule. By viewing the process in real time, the researchers discovered several short-lived intermediate molecules involved in […]