Kit Chapman
I'm a science adventurer, who's travelled to more than 90 countries searching for the greatest chemistry stories. I initially trained as a pharmacist, before moving into science journalism and eventually joining the Chemistry World team, leaving in 2019 to pursue a career in popular science books. My first, Superheavy, was a finalist for the AAAS's Suburu Prize for Excellence in Science Books, and my second, Racing Green, was named RAC Motorsport Book of the Year. I have a PhD in science history, and teach journalism at Falmouth University, UK.
NewsElement 120 may now be in reach and the hunt for it could begin next year
Particle accelerator tests have shown that titanium-50 can be used to make elements 114 and 116
ResearchFirst single crystal structure of actinium shows unexpected coordination behaviour
Work will aid novel anti-cancer therapy development and even add to debate of where the element sits on the periodic table
FeatureThe wonder of whisky
Kit Chapman takes a closer look at the chemistry of the water of life, from the slow reactions of its ageing to testing for fakes
NewsChemistry’s authority on nomenclature Iupac seeks new home
After 27 years in the US the organisation is looking for new headquarters
ResearchPromethium bond length completes picture of the size of lanthanides’ atoms
Study fills one of the last gaps in our knowledge of the periodic table
FeatureSuperconductivity: the search and the scandal
Recent high profile controversies haven’t deterred scientists from searching for one of research’s ultimate prizes: room temperature superconductors. Kit Chapman reports on the claims
NewsThe story of how the most successful US–Russia scientific collaboration collapsed
Five jointly discovered superheavy elements completed the eighth row of the periodic but then Russian revanchism reared its head
ResearchThird room temperature superconductivity paper retracted as group’s claims lie in tatters
Accusations of data manipulation and misconduct now dog the US team that made what appeared to be astounding discoveries
ResearchSecrets of the purple smoke of first high explosive created by alchemists revealed
Microscopy study uncovers why fulminating gold releases colourful fumes
NewsBerkeley Lab to lead US hunt for element 120 after breakdown of collaboration with Russia
Fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sees US go it alone on efforts to synthesise new elements
FeatureThe lithium rush
Move over, gold; lithium is now the metal in global demand. Kit Chapman untangles the global politics around the sought-after resource
ResearchSolar hydrogen production scaled up in real world test
Pilot plant could be stepping stone to industrial production of green hydrogen by splitting water
FeatureThe wonderful wizards of wood
Clever chemistry can turn humble timber into a sustainable material with many uses, Kit Chapman finds
BusinessJudge dismisses ranitidine lawsuits over lack of evidence
Drug degrades to produce nitrosamines, but the judge ruled the link between this and plaintiffs’ cancers could not be proven
Research‘Flip-flopping’ MOFs used to separate water isotopes
Porous materials with temperature controlled gateways can split heavy water from water by relying on differential diffusion effect
NewsUnder pressure? Room temperature superconductivity paper retracted over data analysis
Questions over treatment of data led Nature to remove the paper over the authors’ objections
ResearchTechnique can characterise actinides with just a microgram of a heavy element
Use of polyoxometalates offers chance to conduct in-depth research on heavy actinides chemistry
CareersThe chemists leaving their country over personal ethics
Family matters and political views are leading researchers to pursue careers abroad
ResearchNew technique reveals interactions inside indium nucleus
Study will help researchers understand how seemingly simple single-particle phenomena emerge from complex interactions among protons and neutrons
FeatureA material future for fusion?
Nuclear fusion has been a dream for decades. Kit Chapman finds out about the latest developments that could help it fulfil its promise