Characterization news, July 2020

Hydrogel shows ability to degrade and reform in stomach

A novel 'GI tract-on-a-chip'has shown that covalent adaptable hydrogels can degrade and spontaneously reform in the gastrointestinal tract.

Insects inspire coating for repelling speedy water droplets

By investigating insect surfaces, researchers have identified a nanostructure that can be used to engineer better water-repellent coatings

Call for Nominations: EnSM Award and EnSM Young Scientist Award

Study reveals how indium oxide grows on graphene

Researchers have used an electron microscope to observe the individual steps of growing indium oxide on graphene at atomic-scale resolution.

New material in a state over quantum spin liquid

A newly synthesized compound has helped scientists understand the elusive quantum spin liquid state, but also raised questions as well.

New technique uncovers rule-breaking in 2D material

By studying the 2D material gallium telluride in real time using ultrafast electron diffraction, researchers have discovered that it breaks Friedel's Law.

Quantum fluid found in ‘dirty’ 2D semiconductor

For the first time, researchers have observed a quantum fluid known as the fractional quantum Hall state in a 2D semiconductor.

Three-in-one instrument can probe quantum materials

Scientists have developed a novel instrument for studying quantum materials that can make three kinds of atom-scale measurements simultaneously.

New flexible CNT film can heat, cool and generate electricity

A carbon nanotube film possesses a combination of thermal, electrical and physical properties that could make it of use for next-generation smart fabrics.

Perovskite solar cells last longer with a dash of salt

Researchers have found that a salt based on the organic compound piperidine can greatly improve the longevity of perovskite solar cells.

New study gets to the core of enamel’s strength

Researchers have identified a small number of impurity atoms that may contribute to the strength of enamel, but also make it more soluble.

Biomaterials Science 4th Edition

New study probes effect of stress on granular materials

X-ray measurements have revealed how the fine-scale structure of a granular material influences the behavior of waves propagating through them.

Recipients of the 2019 Acta Student Awards

Smashing new technique for creating heterostructured materials

A new technique for making heterostructured materials uses ball milling to smash structurally incommensurate solids and then reassemble them.

New study pinpoints active atomic structures in catalyst nanoparticles

Researchers have identified which pairs of atoms in a nanoparticle of palladium and platinum are the most active in breaking down car exhaust gases.

Fluorine helps produce stable electrolyte for lithium-metal batteries

By adding fluorine to a commercially available liquid electrolyte, researchers have boosted its stability and performance in lithium-metal batteries.

Fish scales prove to be a smart material

Scientists have characterized carp scales down to the nanoscale, potentially allowing their toughness to be replicated in synthetic structural materials.