Atacamite, a vibrant emerald-green mineral found in the Atacama Desert in Chile, has been discovered to possess a rare property that defies conventional physics. The mineral exhibits magnetocaloric behavior at low temperatures, meaning its temperature changes significantly when subjected to a magnetic field. A team of researchers from TU Braunschweig and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) has been investigating this phenomenon, and their findings could lead to the development of new materials for energy-efficient magnetic cooling.

The researchers found that atacamite’s unique geometric structure, consisting of long chains of small, linked triangles known as sawtooth chains, is responsible for its magnetocaloric behavior. This arrangement creates “magnetic frustration,” where the spins in the copper ions cannot align themselves antiparallel to one another due to the triangular structure. As a result, the spins only arrange themselves at very low temperatures (under 9 Kelvin) in a static alternating structure.

When the researchers applied an extremely high magnetic field to the atacamite crystal, something surprising occurred: the material exhibited a significant cooling effect, with its temperature dropping to almost half of its original value. This strong magnetocaloric effect has fascinated the researchers, as it is unusual for magnetically frustrated materials to exhibit such behavior.

Further studies using magnetic resonance spectroscopy have revealed that the magnetic order in atacamite is destroyed when a magnetic field is applied. This destruction of magnetic order explains why the material’s temperature changes significantly in response to the magnetic field. The team has also conducted complex numerical simulations, which have provided an explanation for the mineral’s unexpected behavior: the magnetic moments on the tips of the sawtooth chains mediate a weak coupling to neighboring chains, leading to the removal of long-range magnetic order.

The researchers believe that their work could inspire further research into innovative magnetocaloric materials within the class of magnetically frustrated systems. While atacamite itself is unlikely to be mined for use in cooling systems, its unique properties provide valuable insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing magnetic behavior in solids. The discovery of this rare property could potentially lead to breakthroughs in energy-efficient magnetic cooling technologies, revolutionizing the way we think about and use refrigeration.

The world is on the cusp of a revolution in agriculture and industry, thanks to a groundbreaking discovery by researchers at the University of Sydney. By harnessing the power of human-made lightning, they have developed a more efficient method for generating ammonia – one of the most important chemicals used in fertilizers that account for almost half of all global food production.

Traditionally, ammonia has been produced through the Haber-Bosch process, which requires large amounts of energy and relies on fossil fuels. This not only leaves a huge carbon footprint but also necessitates centralized production and long-distance transportation of the product. In contrast, the new method developed by Professor PJ Cullen and his team is a game-changer.

The plasma-based electrolysis system uses electricity to excite nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air, which are then converted into ammonia gas through a membrane-based electrolyser. This two-step process has shown promising results, with the researchers successfully producing gaseous ammonia – a major breakthrough that opens up new possibilities for sustainable fertilizers.

The implications of this discovery are vast. Ammonia is not only essential for agriculture but also holds potential as a carbon-free fuel source and an effective means of storing and transporting hydrogen. The shipping industry has taken notice, recognizing the potential of ammonia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As the world grapples with climate change and sustainability, this breakthrough provides a beacon of hope for a more environmentally friendly future. With further research and development, it’s clear that green ammonia is on the horizon – and it’s an exciting time for science, industry, and humanity alike.

Professor Cullen and his team are now working tirelessly to refine their method, pushing the energy efficiency of the electrolyzer component to make it more competitive with the Haber-Bosch process. This research has been published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, a testament to the scientific community’s commitment to innovation and progress.

As we move forward into this new era of sustainable ammonia production, one thing is clear: the future of food, industry, and our planet are intertwined – and this breakthrough is a shining example of humanity’s capacity for innovation and collaboration.

The field of catalysis has revolutionized industries and everyday life, with around 80% of all chemical products relying on this principle. One particularly effective catalyst is platinum, but its rarity and expense make it essential to use it efficiently. Researchers at ETH Zurich have made a groundbreaking discovery by mapping the atomic environments of single platinum atoms in solid supports, paving the way for optimized production of single-atom catalysts.

Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), a team led by Javier Pérez-Ramírez and Christophe Copéret was able to study the individual platinum atoms in detail. This method, typically used for investigating molecules, allowed them to show that the atomic environments of these atoms can have very different properties, influencing their catalytic action.

The researchers found that each platinum atom has a unique combination of neighboring atoms and spatial orientation, similar to the distinct tones in an orchestra. By developing a computer code with the help of a simulation expert, they were able to filter out the different “tones” and create a map of the atomic environments surrounding the platinum atoms.

This breakthrough enables the optimization of production protocols for single-atom catalysts, where all platinum atoms can have tailored environments. The researchers aim to develop more efficient catalytic materials, which is crucial for a greener future in industries such as fuel cells and exhaust catalysts.

The discovery has significant intellectual property implications, allowing the precise description of catalysts at the atomic level and enabling patent protection. This innovation has far-reaching consequences for the development of more sustainable technologies and could transform the field of catalysis forever.