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Chemistry
Customizable ‘bundlemers’ poised to become new material building blocks
Customizable ‘bundlemers’ poised to become new material building blocks
New research describes a novel type of synthetic polymer subunits that form rigid structures that could be used in applications ranging from high-performance fibers to superstrong materials.
Microscale rockets can travel through cellular landscapes
Microscale rockets can travel through cellular landscapes
A new study from the lab of Thomas Mallouk shows how microscale “rockets,” powered by acoustic waves and an on-board bubble motor, can be maneuvered through 3D landscapes of cells and particles using magnets.
Magnets sustainably separate mixtures of rare earth metals
Magnets sustainably separate mixtures of rare earth metals
Chemists at Penn have identified a new approach for purifying rare earth metals, crucial components of technology that require environmentally-damaging mining procedures.
Researchers think small to make progress toward better fuel cells
Researchers think small to make progress toward better fuel cells
A collaborative study describes how fuel cells, which use chemical energy to power cars and devices, can be developed to be more cost-effective and efficient in the long term.
Stories of Penn scientists: Edgar Fahs Smith
Stories of Penn scientists: Edgar Fahs Smith
The story of the professor and provost whose affinity for science and history led him to amass a collection that stands as a testament to his passion for chemistry.
Training the next generation of globally minded researchers
Training the next generation of globally minded researchers
As part of the Research and Education in Active Coatings Technologies for the Human Habitat program, students conduct fundamental research on materials that can improve lives while engaging in international collaborations and educational activities.
Materials for a more sustainable future
Materials for a more sustainable future
Using a collaborative approach and their expertise in fundamental chemical research, new Chemistry Department faculty member Thomas Mallouk and his group address challenges faced by engineers and materials scientists.
As molecular engineers, chemists create innovative tools for scientific research
As molecular engineers, chemists create innovative tools for scientific research
Ivan Dmochowski’s group brings together approaches from diverse fields in chemistry to build custom molecules for biologists and medical researchers.
Penn chemists to lead NSF-sponsored center for sustainable metals supply chains
Penn chemists to lead NSF-sponsored center for sustainable metals supply chains
The Center for Sustainable Separations of Metals will conduct research on metals recycling to reduce pollution, greenhouse-gas emissions, and energy usage while promoting political and environmental sustainability.
The chemistry behind fireworks
The chemistry behind fireworks
A Q&A with inorganic chemist Eric Schelter about the chemical reactions that create explosive displays and how different metals are used to create bright and brilliant colors.
In the News
Nature
Meet the unsung scientists behind the Nobel for quantum dots
Christopher Murray’s lab at the School of Arts & Sciences is delving into the next phase of quantum-dot research to make components for quantum computing, sensing, and communication.
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Live Science
Scientists propose ‘missing’ law for the evolution of everything in the universe
Stuart Kauffman of the Perelman School of Medicine comments on a study that proposed a missing scientific law identifying “universal concepts of selection” that drive evolution.
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SciTechDaily
Iontronics breakthrough: Faster thin film devices for improved batteries and advanced computing
Andrew Rappe of the School of Arts & Sciences and colleagues have developed high-quality, single-crystal oxide thin films, aligned in such a way that the lithium ions can move even faster along vertical ionic transport channels.
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Forbes
How fireworks could worsen air quality
A report by chemists from Penn reveals that firework combustion releases harmful chemicals and metals into the environment that impact air quality, drinking water and public health.
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Fast Company
A once-shuttered California mine is trying to transform the rare earth industry
Eric Schelter of the School of Arts & Sciences cautions that the economics of rare earth production are challenging and have worked against U.S. industry in the past.
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Business Insider
Study: Heat-temperature marine bacteria help detoxify asbestos
Ileana Perez-Rodriguez of the School of Arts & Sciences says that iron has been identified as a major component driving the toxicity of asbestos minerals.
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