Research Highlights

Stability of metal-sulfur complexes on metal surfaces and ramifications for the fluxional dynamics of surfaces under reaction conditions

Theoretical analysis of the stability of M3S3 complexes on various metal M surfaces, and development of a framework to systematically compare this with the gas-phase behavior.

New Quantum Criticality Discovered in Superconductivity

Understanding the link between magnetism and unconventional superconductivity remains a grand challenge in quantum materials. Significant progress gaining deeper insight into this challenge has been made via the first observation of a quantum criticality (QC) with a hedgehog spin-vortex crystal antiferromagnetic state.

Rapid Characterization of Organolead Halide Perovskites

Organolead halide and mixed halide perovskites (CH3NH3PbX3, CH3NH3PbX3–nYn, X and Y = Cl–, Br–or I–), are promising materials for photovoltaics and optoelectronic devices but phase segregation halide ion speciation in mixed halide perovskites remain a challenge. Here we show that both fast MAS and DNP-enhanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy can increase sensitivity while reducing data acquisition time.

Localization-Based Super-Resolution Cellular Imaging with a Photoactivatable BODIPY Probe

Developed a boron-alkylated BODIPY single-molecule-localization-microscopy (SMLM) probe that is photoactivated with a single low-power visible laser. Nucleophile-containing compounds can be bound to the probe for super-resolution imaging of cellular structures.

microscopy of boron-alkylated BODIPY molecules

CMI’s Al-Ce research on major journal cover

CMI-developed Al-Ce alloys featured on the cover of a high-impact journal

Pathway for C1 Conversion into Acetate Energy Carrier is Dictated by Kinetics in both Synthetic and Natural Systems

Metal acetate compounds mediate methane activation; this together with the new oxidative carbonylation suggests new approaches for CH4 utilization in chemical synthesis.

Dynamics of Reactant Binding at the Water-Solid Interface in Nanostructured Pd/CeO2 Catalyst

Understanding how reactants bind to active sites at solid-liquid interfaces is fundamental to guiding the design of new catalysts for conversions via low-energy pathways.

Spatial Distribution of Surface Functional Groups Revealed by DNP-enhanced Solid-State NMR

Understanding the atomic-scale distribution of surface-bound sites is of fundamental importance for rational design of catalysts and other functional materials, yet remained a challenge for spectroscopists.

Spatial distribution of molecules/sites on complex amorphous surface

Predictive Beyond-Mean-Field Rate Equations and Precise Energetics for Catalytic Surface Reactions

A long-standing challenge is the development of realistic molecular-level models for catalytic reactions on metal surfaces under low-pressure conditions. Here interactions between adsorbed reactant species produce subtle reactant adlayer ordering and also impact both (non-reactive) desorption and reaction kinetics.

New Capabilities Developed: Additive Manufacturing of Catalysts

Additive manufacturing enables the development of novel tools for catalysis science by combining customizable support architectures with a wide variety of chemical functionalities.