Characterization

Understanding Li-plating could boost fast charging

in-situ optical microscopy reveals how lithium plating occurs on graphite particle anodes

'Frustrated' quantum magnet goes through a critical phase

By studying the discontinuous transition between two quantum magnetic phases, researchers have observed the first ever critical point in a quantum magnet.

Helium atoms illuminate growth of 2D materials

Using a technique called helium spin-echo, researchers have followed the movement of individual atoms as they cluster together to form 2D materials.

Superconducting 2D puddles offer gateway to another dimension

Scientists have witnessed 2D puddles spontaneously emerging inside a 3D high-temperature superconductor as it transitions to an insulating state.

Acta Journals’ Outstanding Reviewers in 2020

Hopfions caught emerging from skyrmions in a magnetic nanomaterial

Researchers have reported the first demonstration and observation of 3D hopfions emerging from 2D skyrmions in a magnetic nanomaterial.

Cool result with superactivated carbon particles

Researchers have shown that superactivated carbon particles can act as an alternative regenerator material to enhance the capability of cryocoolers.

Caged ions make faster escape from battery membrane

Adding molecular cages to the polymer membrane in a lithium-ion battery can increase the flow of lithium ions by an order of magnitude.

Water-splitting material gets better with age

Rather than degrading over time, a water-splitting material made of silicon and gallium nitride actually becomes more efficient and stable.

Tension rises as plates keep spinning

The positions of tiny rigid plates integrated in a thin membrane can be controlled by mechanically varying the elastic forces in the membrane.