Characterization news, February 2016

Metallic glass reveals information under pressure

By studying metallic glasses under extreme pressures, scientists have uncovered rules that could help in the development of new varieties.

Light pulses illuminate superconductivity in fullerenes

A material made of buckyballs and potassium ions becomes superconducting at -170°C when irradiated with pulses of infrared light.

Self-cleaning gecko feet inspire micromanipulator

Micromanipulator based on graphene and polymers mimics the extraordinary ability of gecko's feet to grip any surface and self-clean.

Electron orbitals line up for superconductivity

Scientists have uncovered evidence of electronic nematicity as a universal feature in cuprate high-temperature superconductors.

DNA scaffold produces diamond-like nanomaterial

Tetrahedral cages made from DNA can be used to arrange nanoparticles in a way that mimics the crystalline structure of diamond.

Scientists caught in polar vortices for the first time

For the first time, scientists have observed 'polar vortices', which could be the electrical cousins of magnetic skyrmions, in a ferroelectric material.

You’re Invited to submit your Materials Science research to Heliyon

Submit your Materials Science research to Heliyon.

Aligned polymer chains lead to faster charge transport

Efficient vertical charge transport in semiconducting polymers can be achieved by controlling the orientation of the polymer chains.

Acta Materialia, Inc. Coordinating Editor Appointment

New journal Surfaces and Interfaces launched

Woven COFs could produce molecular cloths

For the first time, scientists have produced three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks by weaving them from helical organic threads.

Model fuel cell catalysts help solve active site mystery

Scientists have worked out the precise arrangement of nitrogen and carbon atoms that allow nitrogen-doped carbon to act as a fuel cell catalyst.

Switchable material could lead to new memory chips

The electrical properties of a new thin-film material can be switched between metallic and semiconducting simply by applying a small voltage.

New cathode material stops batteries turning crusty with age

Lithium-ion battery cathodes made from novel metal particles don't develop a crusty coating that can degrade the battery's performance.