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ChemMatters Archive

ChemMatters is produced by the American Chemical Society in October, December, February, and April. The archive gives you access to all of ChemMatters’ past articles, dating back to February 1983. The most recently released issue is available through a complimentary subscription, if you chose to receive one when you joined AACT.

For recent articles, issues, or available teacher’s guides visit acs.org/ChemMatters.

AACT members can access the archive and generate a Student Pass that gives their students access to the articles. Available Teacher’s Guides can also be found next to the corresponding issue and article in the archive.

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  • The Search for Hidden Plastics

    Millions of tons of plastic enter the oceans every year, but only some ends up floating on the surface. Researchers are on a mission to find out where the rest of the plastic has gone and what risks it might pose.

    Issue Date | October 2020

  • What Is Hand Sanitizer, and Does It Keep Your Hands Germ-Free?

    Hand sanitizer has become an essential tool in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. But not all hand sanitizers are the same. Make sure you know which ones to buy—and what’s a better alternative.

    Issue Date | October 2020

  • Capturing Carbon

    The huge amount of carbon dioxide the world has released into the atmosphere is causing the climate to change. Learn what methods scientists and others are using to remove the greenhouse gas from the air.

    Issue Date | April 2020

  • Chemistry in Person | Protecting Water from Fire

    In 2012, Fernando Rosario-Ortiz, an environmental chemist at the University of Colorado, Boulder, was studying the stream water running through nearby forests. He was investigating how climate change might have affected the water’s levels of dissolved organic matter.

    Issue Date | April 2020

  • Chemistry in Pictures | April 2020

    After purifying an organic compound, Rich Allen was left with this tray of colorful fractions.

    Issue Date | April 2020

  • Clearing the Air

    More than 70 years ago, a deadly smog helped spur a national fight against air pollution. Today, most of us breathe cleaner air, but at least one primary pollutant is still putting the health of many at risk.

    Issue Date | April 2020

  • Cow Power!

    As the world heats up, farmers are figuring out what they can do to help fight climate change. A growing number are turning a greenhouse gas that comes from raising animals into a source of energy.

    Issue Date | April 2020

  • Open for Discussion | Is Your Phone Sustainable?

    You might have heard that the world is on the verge of running out of certain elements and compounds, and that our use of such materials is not sustainable.

    Issue Date | April 2020

  • Why Avocados Are So Appealing

    Avocados have become so popular that entire merchandise lines have been devoted to them. How did the once obscure fruit become a common ingredient to smear on toast, blend in smoothies, and top our salads?

    Issue Date | April 2020

  • Chemistry in Person | The Sweet Life of a Candy Chemist

    Sarah Houle’s love for food science began with eggs.

    Issue Date | February 2020

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About ChemMatters Magazine

Published four times a year since February 1983, ChemMatters Magazine is an award-winning high school chemistry magazine from the American Chemical Society that helps students demystify chemistry and make connections to the world around them. AACT members receive a complimentary subscription.

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