An Australian chemist just won the Nobel prize. Here’s how his work is changing the world

By Deanna D’Alessandro, University of Sydney The 2025 Nobel prize in chemistry has been awarded for the development of metal–organic frameworks: molecular structures that have large spaces within them, capable of capturing and storing gases and other chemicals. The prize is shared by Susumu Kitagawa from Kyoto University, Omar M. Yaghi from the University of…

From soil health to sodium-ion batteries: Team investigates biochar’s breadth of potential

Researchers at Deakin University, Barwon Water and RMIT are exploring the “many superpowers of biochar”, including in next-generation batteries through a project backed by the Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH.) According to a statement from Deakin on Wednesday, organic material from treated wastewater and household wastes is being processed into different biochar formulations…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, July 7 – July 11, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Methane-to-turquoise hydrogen catalyst project awarded $492,526 grant from AEA A team including energy technology company 1414 Degrees has been awarded an Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite grant of $492,526 for a project progressing a proprietary hydrogen reactor. According to a…

Scientists create ‘magic’ material that pulls drinking water from thin air

Australian scientists have developed a revolutionary nanomaterial that can extract clean drinking water from air humidity, potentially helping millions of people without access to safe water. The “light as a feather” material can hold more than three times its weight in water and works far faster than existing commercial technologies, researchers from UNSW announced this…

Introducing Spotlight on Scaling Up: an unmissable June 25 event about one of Australian manufacturing’s key issues

@AuManufacturing is excited to announce an upcoming event on the morning of June 25, in partnership with BDO, the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, and the Australian Business Growth Fund. An all-star cast of experts will examine the need for more manufacturers to outgrow their boutique origins — helping create a more diverse, resilient national economy…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, May 12 – May 16, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Researchers develop breakthrough solar thermal technology to reduce industrial emissions UniSA and partners have launched a world-first solar thermal demonstrator that could revolutionise how Australian industries generate heat while slashing carbon emissions, according to a statement released on Monday. The innovative…

Researchers develop breakthrough solar thermal technology to reduce industrial emissions

UniSA and partners have launched a world-first solar thermal demonstrator that could revolutionise how Australian industries generate heat while slashing carbon emissions, according to a statement released on Monday. The innovative project combines lightweight plastic mirrors with advanced reflective coatings to create a concentrated solar thermal (CST) system that can generate temperatures between 100°C and…