KAUST researchers presented their work on stabilizing nanoparticle catalysts at the 252nd American Chemical Society Meeting & Exposition. The team devised a "molecular Scotch tape" using a silica gel support coated with a single molecule layer of soft material containing sulfur. This approach allows nanoparticles to stick to one side while leaving the other side free for catalysis, preventing aggregation without killing the catalyst. Why it matters: This innovation in catalyst stabilization could lead to more efficient and sustainable chemical processes, impacting various industries.
Five KAUST professors (Mohamed Eddaoudi, Omar F. Mohammed, Nivine Khashab, Osman Bakr, and Yu Han) have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Society of Chemistry for their work in materials science. Eddaoudi's work focuses on developing functional porous materials like KAUST-7 for carbon capture, aiming to reduce carbon emissions. Mohammed's group studies charge carrier dynamics at material surfaces. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing influence in advanced materials research and its contributions to addressing global challenges such as carbon capture and energy efficiency.
KAUST Ph.D. student Zhijie Chen won the Faraday Division Poster Prize at the Royal Society of Chemistry’s "New Directions in Porous Crystalline Materials" Faraday Discussion for his poster entitled "Applying the Power of Reticular Chemistry to Finding the Missing alb-MOF Platform Based on the (6, 12)-Coordinated Edge-Transitive Net." Chen's research focuses on the reticular synthesis of metal-organic frameworks and their applications in gas storage and separation. He is a member of Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi's FMD3 research group. Why it matters: This award recognizes the high-quality research being conducted at KAUST and highlights the university's contributions to the field of advanced materials.
KAUST Professor Aamir Farooq has been named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) for his contributions to chemical kinetics research. Farooq leads the KAUST Chemical Kinetics and Laser Sensors Laboratory, which focuses on understanding fundamental processes in energy conversion. His research currently investigates the chemistry of e-fuels, biofuels, low-carbon fuels, and zero-carbon fuels, with a focus on hydrogen and ammonia. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to sustainable energy research and positions the university as a key player in developing future fuel technologies.
KAUST's Supply Chain Services implemented a Chemical Re-Use Program in February 2016 to encourage researchers to share surplus chemicals. Over 100 researchers have donated more than 3,000 bottles, with over 1,300 bottles reused across multiple divisions and centers. The Enterprise Reagent Manager (ERM) software helps researchers locate available chemicals. Why it matters: This initiative reduces chemical waste, saves costs and time associated with procurement, and promotes environmental sustainability within the university's research ecosystem.
Former Saudi Research Science Institute (SRSI) student Abdullatif, now a junior at Berkeley, published a paper in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS). The paper, "Isomerically Pure Tetramethylrhodamine Voltage Reporters," details the design, synthesis, and application of Rhodamine Voltage Reporters (RhoVRs). Abdullatif, who worked at KAUST during her SRSI program on carbon dioxide capture, plans to return for advanced studies. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in nurturing young Saudi talent in STEM and contributing to high-impact scientific research.
Michael Hickner, an Associate Professor from Penn State University, visited KAUST as part of the CRDF-KAUST-OSR Visiting Scholar Fellowship Program. Hickner specializes in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering. The visit was documented with photos by Meres J. Weche. Why it matters: Such programs foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange in science and engineering between KAUST and other leading institutions.
KAUST hosted the New Challenges in Heterogeneous Catalysis research conference from January 29-31. The conference brought together catalysis researchers from KAUST and abroad to inspire future research and discuss challenges in heterogeneous catalysis. Discussions focused on new chemistry, catalytic materials, understanding catalytic processes, and activation of small molecules like methane and carbon dioxide. Why it matters: Catalysis research is crucial for KAUST's research thrusts in food, water, energy, and environment, contributing to sustainable development and green chemistry in the region.