Materials Chemistry

Unlocking the potential of quantum dots

October 29, 2024
A groundbreaking technique opens a new world of materials for researchers growing nanocrystals.

First natural enzyme creates azides from scratch

September 30, 2024
A team of researchers reported the discovery of the first natural enzyme capable of creating complex molecules, azides, from simpler molecules, which could lead to safer drug development and biological research.

New process vaporizes plastic bags and bottles, yielding gases to make new, recycled plastics

August 29, 2024
The catalytic process, discovered by researchers at UC Berkeley, efficiently reduces polymers to chemical precursors, bringing a circular economy for plastics one step closer to reality.

With a little help, new optical material assembles itself

February 4, 2022

Nanocircles

Using 3D STEM (scanning transmission electron microscope) tomography at Berkeley Lab’s Molecular Foundry, Ting Xu and her team mapped out the precise placement of nanoparticles in a self-assembling material. (Courtesy of ACS Nano)

A research team led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has demonstrated tiny concentric nanocircles that self-assemble into an...

Print, recycle, repeat: Scientists demonstrate a biodegradable printed circuit

September 1, 2022

A Berkeley Lab-led research team has developed a fully recyclable and biodegradable printed circuit. The research could divert wearable devices and other flexible electronics from landfill, and mitigate the health and environmental hazards posed by heavy metal waste. (Credit: Marilyn Sargent/Berkeley Lab)

According to the United Nations, less than a quarter of all U.S. electronic waste gets recycled. In 2021 alone, global e-waste surged at 57.4 million tons, and only 17.4% of that was...

Omar Yaghi wins Solvay Prize for climate, materials breakthroughs

January 19, 2024
Omar Yaghi has been awarded the renowned Science for the Future Ernest Solvay Prize by Syensqo. The award honors chemistry leaders whose discoveries are shaping the future of the field and humanity.

Michael Zuerch among UC Berkeley faculty selected as 2024 Rose Hills Innovators

June 4, 2024
Zuerch's project explores a crucial yet poorly understood aspect of quantum materials.

Nine young faculty members receive prized Sloan Research Fellowships

February 20, 2024
Kwabena Bediako among the nine young UC Berkeley faculty members to receive the prized 2024 Sloan Research Fellowships.

Scientists advance affordable, sustainable solution for flat-panel displays and wearable tech

January 22, 2024
Peidong Yang and colleagues develop new 3D-printable materials that could enable a cheaper manufacturing processes for next-gen OLED televisions, smartphones, and other devices.

Birth of topological defects in a charge density wave

January 12, 2024
Published in Nature Physics, a collaboration between the Zuerch Research Group and international colleagues studied the birth of topological defects in a charge density wave.