Carbon

Impurity helps form SEI in lithium-ion batteries

Scientists have discovered that a reaction involving the impurity hydrogen fluoride helps form the solid-electrolyte interphase in lithium-ion batteries.

Novel UV-responsive composite could find use in future rotorcraft

A novel technique for inducing a composite material to become stiffer and stronger when exposed to UV light could find use in future military rotorcraft.

Soaking up metals improves carbon capture

Soaking up metals improves carbon capture.

Gold nanoparticles switch around at high temperatures

Gold nanoparticles are remarkably robust when exposed to very high temperatures, but their atomic structures tend to fluctuate.

Graphene oxide nanosheet prevents dendrite growth in lithium-metal batteries

When placed between the two electrodes of a lithium-metal battery, a graphene oxide 'nanosheet' can prevent the formation of lithium dendrites.

Nanodiamonds boost 3D printed polymer performance

Carbodeon and Dutch 3D printing specialist Tiamet 3D have announced the first nanodiamond-enhanced filaments for 3D printing.

Turning sunlight into steam, thanks to graphene

New method gains edge on producing single-crystal-like graphene films

A new chemical vapor deposition method can produce single-crystal-like graphene films by supplying hydrocarbon molecules to the edge of the growing film.

Better material ‘sandwich’ produces more efficient organic solar cell

Adding a small molecule to act as an electron donor and enhance the absorption of the active layer can improve the efficiency of an organic solar cell.

Graphene could form in depths of space

Lab experiments retracing the chemical steps leading to the creation of complex hydrocarbons in space could offer new ways to produce graphene.