Characterization news

Artificial intelligence helps speed up search for metallic glasses

An artificial intelligence system has discovered three new metallic glass materials 200 times faster than could be done before.

NREL builds inorganic thin-film materials database

A novel database of inorganic thin-film materials for energy applications developed by NREL scientists contains more than 140,000 sample entries.

Defects help create perfect structure for solid-state electrolyte

A new material made of sodium, phosphorous, tin and sulfur, with a tetragonal crystal shape, should make an effective electrolyte in solid-state batteries.

High-spin disguise produces novel superconductivity

Scientists have witnessed exotic superconductivity in the material ytterbium-bismuth-platinum that relies on highly unusual electron interactions.

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.

Perovskites work harder after relaxing in the sun

Constant illumination relaxes the crystal lattice of a perovskite material, making it more efficient at collecting sunlight and converting it to energy.

Thin layer of aluminum oxide can flow to protect

A solid oxide protective coating for metals, when applied in sufficiently thin layers, can deform as if it were a liquid, filling any cracks and gaps.

Novel metal oxide web held together by boron

A novel method can produce linked networks of metal oxides, held together by boron, that possess interesting catalytic or electronic properties.

Multiple elements ‘shocked’ to form single nanoparticle

Scientists have developed the first technique able to meld ions from up to eight different elements to form high entropy alloyed nanoparticles.

Scientists turn up the heat on plastic conductors

A polymer thermal conductor with rigid, ordered monomer chains can conduct 10 times more heat than most commercially used polymers.

Scientists discover novel ‘piezomagnetic’ material

Scientists have discovered that a barium-iron-arsenic superconductor changes its magnetic properties when put under mechanical strain.

Japanese baskets inspire novel quantum electronic material

Scientists created an electrically conducting crystal made from layers of iron and tin atoms, with each layer arranged in the pattern of a kagome lattice.

New study helps clarify liquid-to-glass transition process

Scientists have furthered their understanding of how, when and where the atoms in molten metal ‘lock’ into place during the production of metallic glass.

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.

Analogue confirms charges confined to corners in new phase of matter

Using an array of circuit boards, scientists have produced a ‘human scale’ analogue of a new phase of matter known as quadrupole topological insulators.

New electron microscope can take nanoscale temperature of 2D materials

By observing atomic vibrations with a new electron microscope, scientists have been able to measure the nanoscale temperature of hexagonal boron nitride.

Professor Jie Yin named as the winner of the 2017 Young Investigator Award

Black phosphorous keeps shape memory alive

Polyurethane/black phosphorous composite is a biodegradable, remotely trigged shape memory polymer.