A research led by ITQ (UPV-CSIC) has demonstrated the possibility to replace molecular catalysts in solution for all-solid catalysts based on isolated metal atoms for selective gas-phase ethylene hydroformylation, an important industrial chemical reaction. The discovery paves the way for greener chemical processes, with greater energy efficiency and lower carbon footprint, for the valorization of unconventional raw materials, alternative to crude oil. To test the designed catalyst, synchrotron light techniques have been used, among others, at the ALBA Synchrotron.
ALBA researchers from the XALOC beamline have discovered a common transcription factor protein domain in bacteria and humans. They named it TetD. This discovery shows that the basic functional principles of the system are very similar for living beings and suggests the existence of a common ancestor before multicellular life appeared. Moreover, the human protein that presents TetD is related with the occurrence of cancer, thus this study can help in the understanding of the regulation of cancer development.
A team of international researchers from Spain (ICMAB, EUSS, ICN2, INMA, ICMM, ALBA) and UK (University of Southampton) have discovered a method to synthesize carborane-based Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) incorporating any desired combination of multiple rare earth ions. The optical, thermal and magnetic properties of a proof-of-concept multi-metallic MOF including 8 different rare earth ions have been reported. Element-selective XAS & XMCD spectroscopy at BOREAS beamline of ALBA was used to characterize the individual magnetic properties of the 8 ions. This innovative approach allows for multifunctionality à la carte, and this newly discovered multi-metallic MOFs could have potential applications in fields such as quantum computing, luminescence, anticounterfeiting and thermometry.
Scientists from the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CIB-CSIC) have used the electron microscope devoted to structural biology of the new JEMCA center, located at the ALBA Synchrotron, to study at the atomic level transposases, enzymes that catalyze DNA rearrangements events. The results have been published in the journal Nature Communications.
Researchers from TU Wien have studied the structural evolution of gold nanoclusters catalysts during pretreatment and reaction conditions. The results, published in the journal Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, are the first reported from NOTOS beamline.
