Czech researchers from Charles University, Prague, led by Pavla Eliášová, have developed an advanced photocathode that helps convert the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into pure ethanol using sunlight. The new technology solves a long-standing problem of material degradation in water, achieves record conversion efficiency, and opens the way toward sustainable production of green fuels.Converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful fuels using solar energy represents the holy grail of modern green chemistry. The device enabling this conversion is called a solar reactor. Its key element is a photocathode: a material that absorbs light and enables the chemical reaction. Cuprous oxide long appeared to be an ideal material because it is inexpensive, readily available, and excels at capturing solar rays. In practice, however, it faced a fundamental obstacle: in an aqueous environment under light, it transforms and degrades extremely rapidly—much like iron undergoing swift corrosion—and loses its functionality within just tens of minutes.The team from the Chemistry Section of the Faculty of Science, CU, led by Pavla Eliášová, in collaboration with Tomáš Hrbek from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, CU, resolved this issue by creating a unique "nano-sandwich". The scientists combined cuprous oxide with advanced two-dimensional materials called MXenes and, through precisely controlled heating, created an ultrathin layer of titanium dioxide on their surface. MXene modified in this way can rapidly drain electric charge from the cuprous oxide, thereby slowing down its decomposition. At the same time, it uses the charge further to convert carbon dioxide into liquid fuel."Surface-engineered MXene combined with cuprous oxide allowed us to unite the best of both materials. The copper base enables maximum utilization of light energy, while the conductive MXene framework ensures that the material remains active even after many hours of operation," explains research team leader Pavla Eliášová from the Chemistry Section of the Faculty of Science, Charles University.In laboratory tests, the new photocathode achieved a record solar-energy-to-ethanol conversion efficiency of 2,74 %. A crucial improvement is the formation of only a single product. While other systems often produce a mixture of byproducts, the material designed by the research team produces pure ethanol as its sole liquid product, which significantly simplifies its potential industrial application."This is a major step forward for us. On our laboratory scale, the system works very well and produces ethanol over many hours. In the next step, we want to further reinforce the stability of the entire photocathode and begin testing on a larger scale and under real daylight conditions," adds physical chemist Pavla Eliášová.The research was conducted within the international European project DESIRED (Horizon Europe), with support from the Charles University Research Centre (UNCE) and the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program.<blockquote><h4>Article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aenm.71469">Surface-Engineered Ti3C2Tx MXene/Cu2O Photocathodes for Highly Selective Photoelectrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Ethanol</a></h4>Luis A. M. Carrascosa, Magdaléna Linková, Monika Remzová, Tomáš Hrbek, Pavla EliášováAdv. Energy Mater., 2026, 16, e71469<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.71469">https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.71469</a><h6>licenced under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote><h4>Abstract</h4>Cu2O is an inexpensive p-type semiconductor that promotes the photoelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (PEC CO2RR). While its low bandgap enables photoexcitation by visible light, long-term stability remains limited due to quick charge recombination and photocorrosion. Here, we enhanced charge separation and extraction by combining Cu2O with surface-engineered MXenes. In this novel architecture, TiO2 grows in situ on the surface of Ti3C2Tx and serves as a charge-transport layer, forming a junction with Cu2O. On the other side, the outer TiO2 surface exposed to the CO2-saturated electrolyte offers catalytically active sites for CO2 reduction. Acting as a central layer, the MXene conductive backbone provides an electronically continuous pathway for electron transport. In PEC CO2RR, the photocathode containing 50 wt.% of MXene and a balanced amount of TiO2 on the Ti3C2 surface outperformed the best Cu/CuxO-based systems operating in non-organic electrolytes reported in the literature. The FTO/Cu2O/ml-Ti3C2Tx-350-N2 photocathode reached 8.4&nbsp;µmol&nbsp;cm−2 h−1 ethanol production rate and 2.74% solar-to-ethanol efficiency after 2&nbsp;h. Moreover, pairing TiO2-MXene with Cu2O significantly stabilized the photocathode, which maintained 76% of the ethanol production rate after 6 h. Overall, our results establish surface-engineered Cu2O/TiO2-MXene heterostructures as a solid platform for highly selective, visible-light-driven ethanol production with significantly improved operational stability.

Researchers from Charles University, Prague, Have Developed a New Photocathode for Efficient Conversion of CO2 into Ethanol

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 42, 2026

Autumn has already turned the leaves into vibrant shades, and with the end of the year approaching, we would like to thank you - before the first snowflakes arrive - for your trust, cooperation, and continued interest in our products and services.As a long-standing distributor of Thermo Scientific Finnpipette products, we know that the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results often begin with seemingly small details. Choosing the right pipette and tip is one of the first steps toward a successful analysis.That is why we have prepared an EXCLUSIVE offer to help you replenish your laboratory supplies at a more attractive price, while also thanking you for your continued cooperation and trust.<blockquote>EXCLUSIVE OFFER valid until the end of 2026<ul><li>10% off tips</li><li>10% off pipettes</li></ul>Enter the code “KAŠTANY” in your order or include it in your order e-mail.*For larger orders, an additional discount may be available.</blockquote><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/analytika_pipety_a_spicky_thermo_20c5943161.jpg" alt="analytika: Thermo Scientific Pipettes and Tips" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_analytika_pipety_a_spicky_thermo_20c5943161.jpg 146w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="1605"><h4>LIMITED OFFER WHILE STOCKS LAST</h4><h5>Everything ages. Precision remains.</h5>Finnpipette tips are proof of that.<h4>Tip Offer</h4><h5>FT 200 FLEX Tips</h5><ul><li>Code: L94060320</li><li>Pack size: 1,000 pcs</li><li>LOT: 20165B0</li><li>EXP: 20 June 2025</li><li>Price: CZK 1,761 (30% discount)</li></ul><h5>FT 1000 Tips</h5><ul><li>Code: L9401070</li><li>Pack size: 200 pcs/box</li><li>LOT: 20346A0</li><li>EXP: 20 December 2025</li><li>Price: CZK 464 (30% discount)</li></ul><h5>Labtip Blue Tips</h5><ul><li>Code: L94300250</li><li>Pack size: 60 pcs/rack</li><li>LOT: 21104B2</li><li>EXP: 20 April 2026</li><li>Price: CZK 206 (20% discount)</li></ul><h5>FT Filter Sterile 10 µL Tips</h5><ul><li>Code: L94052100</li><li>Pack size: 10 × 96 pcs/rack</li><li>LOT: 21136B1</li><li>EXP: 20 May 2026</li><li>Price: CZK 3,740 (20% discount)</li></ul><h4>Types of Thermo Fisher Scientific Pipette Tips</h4><h5>FILTERED</h5><ul><li>help prevent aerosol contamination,</li><li>suitable for PCR and critical samples.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/analytika_spicky_Thermo_s_filtrem_4eb500736e.jpg" alt="analytika: Thermo Fisher Scientific Filtered Tip" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_analytika_spicky_Thermo_s_filtrem_4eb500736e.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="450" height="120"><h5>NON-FILTERED</h5><ul><li>economical and high quality,</li><li>suitable for routine samples.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/analytika_spicky_Thermo_bez_filtru_eea16c4ae1.jpg" alt="analytika: Thermo Fisher Scientific Non-Filtered Tips" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_analytika_spicky_Thermo_bez_filtru_eea16c4ae1.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="442" height="147"><h5>EXTENDED-LENGTH</h5><ul><li>allow deeper access while helping reduce contamination risk,</li><li>suitable for tissue culture, media preparation, and tall laboratory vessels.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/analytika_spicky_Thermo_prodlouzene_2005b4125f.jpg" alt="analytika: Thermo Fisher Scientific Extended-Length Tip" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_analytika_spicky_Thermo_prodlouzene_2005b4125f.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="407" height="118"><h5>MICRO</h5><ul><li>improve accuracy for low-volume samples and support efficient sample transfer,</li><li>suitable for critical and valuable samples and low-volume pipetting.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/analytika_spicky_Thermo_micro_9b5879704a.jpg" alt="analytika: Thermo Fisher Scientific Micro Tip" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_analytika_spicky_Thermo_micro_9b5879704a.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="435" height="115"><h5>MACRO</h5><ul><li>improve accuracy when working with larger sample volumes,</li><li>can serve as an alternative to serological pipettes.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/analytika_spicky_Thermo_macro_8fb12684a7.jpg" alt="analytika: Thermo Fisher Scientific Macro Tip" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_analytika_spicky_Thermo_macro_8fb12684a7.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="395" height="121"><h5>WIDE-BORE</h5><ul><li>the wide opening helps prevent cell lysis and improves accuracy when working with viscous solutions,</li><li>suitable for cell handling, macromolecular structures such as DNA, and highly viscous solutions.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/analytika_spicky_Thermo_siroky_otvor_9d6ad5537e.jpg" alt="analytika: Thermo Fisher Scientific Wide-Bore Tip" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_analytika_spicky_Thermo_siroky_otvor_9d6ad5537e.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="397" height="127">

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The main mission of the Faculty of Science is to create highly qualified experts in biology, chemistry, geography, geology and in other interdisciplinary fields. Its scientific and research effort aims to solve key problems concerned with the development of human society. Some of the priority long-term subjects are human health, the study of the function and prediction of the development of ecosystems and the biosphere, and the development of environmentally-friendly materials based on the utilization of renewable resources.

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Analytika is a Czech company that offers and produces certified reference materials (CRM) and (ultra)pure chemicals for quality control and quality assurance in laboratories, including accredited laboratories.

Our portfolio also includes pipettes and tips, digestors, PFA labware and other equipment for analytical laboratory and trace analysis.

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Watrex xTrovert XT Automatic DNA/RNA extractor

Watrex xTrovert XT is an automatic DNA/RNA extractor. It streamlines the extraction process, making it more efficient and reproducible.

Automatic extractor utilises a simple principle of two pipetting heads serving a 96-well plate.Thanks to easy replacement head options of pipetting with 300 μl tips or 1000 μl tips are available. Automatic optical sensor calibration enables the use of pipetting tips and 96-well plates from virtually any supplier. The device is equipped with two magnetic arms for protocols including paramagnetic SPR beads. It also allows for thermal incubation in the range of 25 to 85 °C. In addition to internal LED lighting, the station is equipped with an integrated UV-C sterilisation unit. Intuitive control from TFT touch panel user interface facilitates easy set-up. xTrovert™ XT is a fully programmable open system where user can create their own workflow scripts downloadable as text files from USB flas disk.<h3>APPLICATIONS</h3><ul><li>Sample prep for PCR testing</li><li>NGS library prep</li><li>Sanger DNA sequencing</li></ul><h3>CURRENT PROTOCOLS</h3><ul><li>DNA/RNA extraction</li><li>DNA purification</li><li>PCR clean-up/desalting</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Watrex_x_Trovert_XT_Automatic_DNA_RNA_extractor_Compatible_with_any_magnetic_bead_based_kit_23886eea52.jpg" alt="Watrex: Watrex xTrovert XT Automatic DNA/RNA extractor - Compatible with any magnetic bead based kit"><h3>TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION</h3><ul><li>Capacity: 16 or 32 samples/run</li><li>Volume range: 10 – 600 μl</li><li>Temperature: 25 – 85 °C</li><li>Sterilization: UV-C</li><li>Display: 3,5“ TFT touch display</li><li>Connectivity: USB 1.0/2.0</li><li>Power source: 24 V adaptor</li><li>Dimensions in cm: 65(w) x 65(h) x 34(d)</li><li>Weight: 25 kg</li></ul><h3>Ordering information:</h3><h5>PN/Component:</h5><ul><li>XTR000-001 xTrovert™ XT Universal robotic pipettor for DNA/RNA extraction &amp; handling</li><li>XTR000-003 Replaceable 8-channel 1000uL pipetting head for xTrovert™ XT</li><li>XTR000-004 Replaceable 8-channel 300uL pipetting head for xTrovert™ XT</li><li>XTR000-100 Deepwell plates (empty) for xTrovert™ XT</li><li>XTR000-220 DNA/RNA extraction kit, mgn. beads, 16-rxns per plate</li></ul>The entire system was designed and developed by Watrex Praha and is manufactured in the Czech Republic and promises a shift in the performance and efficiency of laboratory processes worldwide!You can also visit this product on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/obchod/laboratory-automation/xtrovert-xt/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_produkty">Watrex website</a>.

Quantitative analysis of proteins (Bioanalytic) 

In our laboratory, proteomic analyses, including quantitative analysis of proteins, are performed by HPLC-MS or HPLC-MS/MS methods on a ZenoTOF 7600 high-resolution mass spectrometer (SCIEX).

Quantitative analysis of proteins is important in many industries and applications. Proteins include a diverse group of compounds that participate in virtually every biological process. Proteins are building blocks, hormones, transport molecules, cell receptors, cell growth and differentiation factors. Because of this, the analysis of protein interactions is crucial in drug design and production.Proteins are macromolecules - the basis of their structure are polypeptide chains containing from 100 to more than 10000 amino acids (10 - 100 kDa). Proteins are found in simple and complex forms. Complex proteins contain a non-protein component (sugar, lipids, metal ions or dyes) in their structure.In our laboratory, proteomic analyses, including quantitative analysis of proteins, are performed by HPLC-MS or HPLC-MS/MS methods on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=52&amp;search=ZenoTOF+7600">ZenoTOF 7600</a> high-resolution mass spectrometer (SCIEX). We process the obtained results using Sciex OS, Spectronaut, Skyline software.<h4>MS vs MS/MS</h4>Quantitative analysis of intact protein (whole protein in intact form) leads to the concentration (determined from a prepared curve from a standard (with or without matrix) and confirmation of the identification by superimposing (on a mirrored basis) the MS spectrum of the protein determined in the sample to the MS spectrum of the standard. For your needs, we can generate a list of protein-structured compounds (impurities) that were identified in the sample and determine the ratio of their signal area to the signal area of the analyzed protein.The result of proteomic quantitative peptide analysis allows precise and much more sensitive determination of protein concentration. The analysis is based on MS/MS data obtained for peptides obtained by digestion with proteolytic enzymes. The reported result consists of the concentration of the protein under study and confirmation of its presence based on the determined amino acid sequence. For such analyses, it is recommended to add standards internal standards.<blockquote>Our offer:<ul><li>For proteins and peptides with low masses - intact analysis with MS detection;</li><li>Proteins with masses &gt;20kDa require optimization of the digestion method and MS/MS detection. This results in specific signals from the analyzed protein in the mixture/matrix;</li><li>From complex matrices (including serum, cell culture, fungal suspension), sample analysis involves several steps:&nbsp;<ul><li>Sample purification;</li><li>Digestion to obtain unique peptides to distinguish the analyzed proteins from other proteins in the sample;</li><li>Sample preparation requires appropriate method optimization and validation (let's set validation criteria individually);</li></ul></li><li>Reported quantitative result includes confirmation of the presence of the protein in native form or a peptide derived from it (usually confirmation includes at least two peptide sequences);</li><li>Statistical analysis using tools: MarkerView (PCA), GraphPad Prism, Trends, Sciex OS.</li></ul>To optimize and validate the method, it is necessary to provide a standard, in the case of proteins with high masses - it is recommended to add an internal standard.See also:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labexperts.com.pl/service/identyfikacja-bialek/">Protein identification</a>,</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1296">Analysis and characterization of monoclonal antibodies</a>.</li></ul></blockquote><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bioanalytic_Bioanalytic_Quantitative_analysis_of_proteins_1_de494646f2.jpg" alt="Bioanalytic: Quantitative analysis of proteins." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bioanalytic_Bioanalytic_Quantitative_analysis_of_proteins_1_de494646f2.jpg 200w," sizes="100vw" width="777" height="606">

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Equip Your Laboratory for Autumn at a Better Price

Researchers from Charles University, Prague, Have Developed a New Photocathode for Efficient Conversion of CO2 into Ethanol

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 42, 2026