Chemistry

Rice’s Naomi Halas awarded Optica’s C.E.K. Mees Medal

Rice University’s Naomi Halas has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the C.E.K. Mees Medal by Optica for her “original use of optics across multiple fields.”

Aluminum nanoparticles make tunable green catalysts

The Rice lab of nanotechnology pioneer Naomi Halas has uncovered a transformative approach to harnessing the catalytic power of aluminum nanoparticles by annealing them in various gas atmospheres at high temperatures.

Rice’s Wiess School launches Center for Nanoscale Imaging Sciences

The Wiess School of Natural Sciences at Rice University has launched the Center for Nanoscale Imaging Sciences to improve the capture, analysis and interpretation of images at the nanometer scale. The center will push the frontiers of nanoscale imaging, contributing to breakthroughs in fields such as nanotechnology, materials science, biology and biomedicine.

Rice lab finds better way to handle hard-to-recycle material

Rice researchers have developed a new, energy-efficient upcycling method to transform glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) into silicon carbide, widely used in semiconductors, sandpaper and other products.

Advancing materials science, Rice professors examine chirality in nearly 2D

Hanyu Zhu and Boris Yakobson shared their perspective on chirality in 2D materials in Nature Materials.

Rice’s James Tour named to National Academy of Engineering

Rice chemist James Tour was named to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional distinctions accorded “in recognition of distinguished contributions” to the field.

Bruce Weisman wins Electrochemical Society’s Richard E. Smalley Research Award

Rice University chemist Bruce Weisman’s three-decade career in nanocarbons research has been honored with the namesake award of the Rice colleague who founded the field and sparked Weisman’s interest in it.

Rice research unveils key dynamics of 2D nanomaterials with view to larger-scale production

A team of Rice researchers mapped out how flecks of 2D materials move in liquid ⎯ knowledge that could help scientists assemble macroscopic-scale materials with the same useful properties as their 2D counterparts.

Rice study shows coal-based product could replace sand in concrete

A new study by Rice researchers found that graphene derived from metallurgical coke, a coal-based product, through flash Joule heating could serve not only as a reinforcing additive in cement but also as a replacement for sand in concrete.

Rice study unlocks breakthrough for breast cancer bone metastases

Rice University researchers in the lab of chemist Han Xiao have identified a promising new immunological pathway to treat stubborn bone tumors, one of most prevalent forms of metastases in breast cancer patients.

Rice chemists find new way to rid boron nitride nanotubes of impurities

Rice scientists in the lab of Angel Martí have uncovered a new way to make high-purity boron nitride nanotubes, hollow cylindrical structures that can withstand temperatures of up to 900 degrees Celsius while also being stronger than steel by weight.

Molecular jackhammers’ ‘good vibrations’ eradicate cancer cells

Rice scientists and collaborators at Texas A&M University and University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have found a new way to kill cancer cells by using near-infrared light to make a small dye molecule attached to their membrane vibrate strongly. It is the first time this kind of mechanical molecular action has been used as a potential therapy.

For this emergent class of materials, ‘solutions are the problem’

Rice materials scientists developed a fast, low-cost, scalable method to make covalent organic frameworks (COFs), a class of crystalline polymers whose tunable molecular structure, large surface area and porosity could be useful in energy applications, semiconductor devices, sensors, filtration systems and drug delivery.

Kavli Exploration Award backs Rice-led sustainable carbon materials research

An international team of scientists led by Rice’s Matteo Pasquali has won a $4.1 million grant to optimize carbon nanotube synthesis. The award is a joint effort by The Kavli Foundation, with a $1.9 million Exploration Award in Nanoscience for Sustainability, and Rice’s Carbon Hub, which contributed an additional $2.2 million.

Fluorine catch-and-attach process could boost drug efficiency

Rice scientists have developed a new low-cost, safe and effective process to free up and reattach fluorine to chemical compounds. In pharmaceuticals, fluorine can expand lifetime, increase absorption and minimize side effects.