UK chemical optimism takes a tumble
Business optimism in the UK chemical supply sector fell in Q2 2024, compared with Q1, according to the latest survey by the UK Chemical Business Association (CBA), which represents the chemical supply chain. Only 22% of respondents reported improvements in their order books, compared with 31% in Q1. However this still represents a 7% increase over that reported in the same period of 2023, when only 15% reported an improvement.
Enhancing perovskite solar cells
Hong Kong researchers have developed a treatment that significantly enhances the efficiency and durability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Their breakthrough could potentially accelerate the large-scale production of this clean energy.
Self-watering and self-fertilising soils
Agriculture uses 70% of the world’s fresh water. It often uses more than the environment can sustainably provide and depletes this vital resource. Now, scientists at the University of Texas Austin, US, created small hydrogel beads, which reduce water use. The gel is mixed with soil, captures water from the air and then uses it to irrigate the soil – while also providing nutrients to surrounding plants.
Organic Chemistry
Read the organic chemistry highlights for September 2024 written by G. Richard Stephenson, University of East Anglia, UK.
Cool coating from chalk
On hot summer days, heat-repellent textiles that simultaneously deflect the sun’s rays and radiate away body heat offer a useful strategy to keep cool. Several materials look promising in the lab. However, scaling their manufacture for commercialisation is challenging, particularly as regards sustainability.
How recycled glass particles help plants grow faster
Recycled glass diverted from landfill could find application as a partial soil substitute – helping plants not only to grow faster, but potentially also with fewer chemicals.
Chemistry's AI revolution
As a tool for handling, investigating and analysing vast amounts of data, AI has no equal. The chemical industry, and particularly the pharmaceutical sector, has come to appreciate the impact of AI in terms of identifying new compounds, leading to new materials and therapies as well as new routes to manufacture for both new and existing compounds.