Characterization news, February 2020

Chemistry reveals promising properties of 2D material

Researchers have uncovered a layered compound with a trio of properties, including high electronic mobility, not previously known to exist in one material.

New textured surface helps to stop foam from forming

Novel bubble-attracting sheets of specially textured mesh can make bubbles collapse as fast as they form, reducing the build-up of foam.

Tomography and papyrus algorithm unravel secrets of wound electrodes

Using two forms of tomography and an algorithm for unrolling papyrus scrolls, researchers have investigated the surfaces of cylindrical electrodes.

Conductive atomic chains inside insulating nanotubes create true nanowires

Physicists have created novel nanowires by threading conductive tellurium atomic chains through insulating boron nitride nanotubes.

New technique reveals benefits of a few defects in battery cathodes

A new technique for precisely measuring the concentration of defects in cathodes has revealed that a small amount of defects can enhance performance.

New study reveals SEI not so solid after all

Secondary ion mass spectrometry has confirmed that the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) consists of two layers: one hard and one more liquid-like.

Hydrogen atoms squash up surprisingly close in metal hydride

A new analysis of neutron scattering data has revealed that the hydrogen atoms in a metal hydride are much more tightly spaced than expected.

Elsevier - The Researcher Journey Through a Gender Lens

Overdoping reveals role of electron spin in high-temperature superconductivity

Researchers have discovered that spin fluctuations may bind electrons into the pairs required for high-temperature superconductivity in cuprates.

Spotting trapped hydrogen settles embrittlement debate

detecting trapped hydrogen could help design of embrittlement-resistant steels for low-carbon technologies

Hydrogen and titanium atoms finally appear together

Using a novel transmission electron microscope technique, scientists have been able to visualize hydrogen atoms and titanium atoms in a single image.

Novel machine learning algorithm can predict crystal structures

A novel machine learning algorithm can accurately determine the crystal structure of materials by analyzing electron backscatter diffraction patterns.

Template offers control over self-assembled composites

well-known organic synthesis growth technique is applied to inorganic eutectic composites to control their physical structure

Introducing the three new editors of Nuclear Materials & Energy

Blue LED shines light on limitation of halide perovskites

Scientists have discovered that the crystal structure of halide perovskites changes with temperature, humidity and the chemical environment.

New technique sees 2D material defects in the dark

A novel technique that utilizes second harmonic generation and dark field imaging can quickly and sensitively characterize defects in 2D materials.

Electrons like to mix it up in nickelate superconductors

The first detailed study into the electronic structure of superconducting nickelates has found that it differs markedly from the related cuprates.