http://phys.org/ en-us Phys.org internet news portal provides the latest news on science including: Physics, Nanotechnology, Life Sciences, Space Science, Earth Science, Environment, Health and Medicine. Efficient, robust and economic catalyst materials hold the key to achieving a breakthrough in fuel cell technology. Scientists from Jülich and Berlin have developed a material for converting hydrogen and oxygen to water using a tenth of the typical amount of platinum that was previously required. With the aid of state-of-the-art electron microscopy, the researchers discovered that the function of the nanometre-scale catalyst particles is decisively determined by their geometric shape and atomic structure. This discovery opens up new paths for further improving catalysts for energy conversion and storage. The results have been published in the current issue of the respected journal Nature Materials. http://phys.org/news290682099.html Chemistry Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:02:06 EST news290682099 Researchers have developed a method that can reduce engine friction and wear even during production of engine components. Special coatings can help to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. http://phys.org/news289635650.html Technology Wed, 05 Jun 2013 08:10:03 EST news289635650 (Phys.org) —The American Nobel Prize Laureate for Physics Richard Feynman once described turbulence as "the most important unsolved problem of classical physics", because a description of the phenomenon from first principles does not exist. This is still regarded as one of the six most important problems in mathematics today. David Radice and Luciano Rezzolla from the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute/AEI) in Potsdam have now taken a major step toward solving this problem: For the first time, a new computer code has provided relativistic calculations that give scientists a better understanding of turbulent processes in regimes that can be found in astrophysical phenomena. http://phys.org/news284224873.html Physics Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:21:47 EST news284224873 A quick pit-stop at the gas station is enough to put a good dent in your wallet. New technology is set to lower the high cost of filling up your car, by enabling combustion engines to consume two to three percent less gas and signifi cantly less oil, while eliminating a step in engine production. http://phys.org/news268300999.html Technology Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:30:02 EST news268300999 (Phys.org)—Take the time to enjoy a deep breath next weekend when the 405 freeway closes for Carmageddon II. If it's anything like last year, the air quality is about to get amazing. http://phys.org/news268037914.html Space & Earth Fri, 28 Sep 2012 07:58:54 EST news268037914 Northwestern University scientists have developed a thermoelectric material that is the best in the world at converting waste heat to electricity. This is very good news once you realize nearly two-thirds of energy input is lost as waste heat. http://phys.org/news267281340.html Physics Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:49:16 EST news267281340 A newly published article in Physical Review Letters eliminates one of the top unsolved theoretical problems in chemical physics as ranked by the National Research Council in 1995. Scientists now can more accurately predict the dynamic behavior of electrons in atoms and molecules in chemical reactions that govern a wide range of phenomena, including the fuel efficiency of combustion engines and the depletion of the atmospheric ozone. http://phys.org/news260553545.html Physics Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:59:14 EST news260553545 Chemists at UCL have discovered a new property of flames, which allows them to control reactions at a solid surface in a flame and opens up a whole new field of chemical innovation. http://phys.org/news258292232.html Chemistry Thu, 07 Jun 2012 12:50:40 EST news258292232 Through a combination of atomic-scale materials design and ultrafast measurements, researchers at the University of Illinois have revealed new insights about how heat flows across an interface between two materials. http://phys.org/news254319439.html Nanotechnology Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:17:37 EST news254319439 Researchers at Aalto University in Finland have developed a new and significantly cheaper method of manufacturing fuel cells. A noble metal nanoparticle catalyst for fuel cells is prepared using atomic layer deposition (ALD). This ALD method for manufacturing fuel cells requires 60 per cent less of the costly catalyst than current methods. http://phys.org/news243588973.html Technology Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:36:30 EST news243588973 (PhysOrg.com) -- Whether a common atmospheric particle stays in a stable form or twists into something else depends on the amount of water it encounters in the atmosphere, according to scientists at the University of Iowa and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. This result for malonic acid challenges conventional wisdom; the results are based on the complementary experiments conducted at two Department of Energy user facilities in a collaborative project facilitated through PNNL's Chemical Imaging Initiative. http://phys.org/news227869839.html Chemistry Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:11:30 EST news227869839 In the automotive industry, combustion engines are still assembled mostly manually. Researchers from Fraunhofer are developing procedures and methods to automate assembly processes to continuously improve the quality of the engines. The use of the latest technologies helps to eliminate uncertainties during engine assembly. http://phys.org/news226751485.html Technology Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:31:48 EST news226751485 The five engines in Song-Charng Kong's Iowa State University laboratory have come a long way since Karl Benz patented a two-stroke internal combustion engine in 1879. There are fuel injectors and turbochargers and electrical controls. There's more horsepower, better efficiency, cleaner burning and greater reliability. http://phys.org/news140883083.html Technology Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:11:23 EST news140883083