Characterization news, November 2020

Ions behave strangely at graphene-water interface

Computer simulations and X-ray analysis have uncovered new findings on the role of ionic interactions at the interface between graphene and water.

Call for Papers: Special Issue - Fundamentals of Phase Change Materials (PCM)

Moth eye inspires antireflective coating

Moths’ eyes inspire design of antireflective coating for solar panels, smartphones and tablet computers

Picking polymers to vanquish viruses

Researchers have developed a high-throughput method for analyzing the interactions between polymers and virus-like particles.

New technology for imaging nanoparticles takes gold

A new optical imaging technology uses a glass slide covered with gold nanodiscs to detect nanoparticles as small as 25nm in diameter.

ZnO permittivity takes control over light

huge changes in permittivity ZnO can be used to control light in advanced optical devices

Scientists mix and match to find perovskite candidates

Researchers have developed a quick and easy method for assessing new compositions of perovskite materials for use in solar cells.

Nanowire radius selects crystal structure

framework evaluates how a single nanowire grows and effects of different growth factors

Graphene-based superlattice plays host to new family of quasiparticles

Researchers have discovered and characterized a new family of quasiparticles in graphene-based superlattices under an applied magnetic field.

Materials Today Sustainability - Impact Factor Incoming

Lateral interactions set stage for fiber performance

lateral interactions at different scales determine the performance of polymers fibers in composites

Microscope helps synthesize nanographene from the bottom up

Researchers have shown they can synthesize nanographene by removing hydrogen from organic molecules with an atomic force microscope.

Silica-coated DNA helps construct superconducting nanomaterials in 3D

By coating self-assembled DNA structures with silica, researchers were able to use them as scaffolds for the construction of 3D nano-superconductors.

Novel technique takes CNTs to new lengths

novel approach based on chemical vapor deposition produces forests of nanotubes 14 cm long

2020 Materials Today Innovation Award Winner

Call for papers: Biomaterials for Future Food

Potassium additives can prevent dendrite growth in lithium-metal batteries

Researchers have discovered that adding potassium ions to the electrolyte in lithium-metal batteries can prevent the growth of dendrites.

Aluminum nanoparticles take heat out of carbon dioxide removal

Localized surface plasmons on aluminum nanoparticles can power the conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide by graphite.

JMBBM Frontiers Webinar - Celebrating the Life and Work of John Currey

Thursday, Nov. 19, 9am Boston, 2pm London, 3pm Berlin, 6am San Francisco, Honolulu 4am

Nanoparticles alert to composite failure

adding nanoparticles to carbon fiber composites could provide an early warning of failure

Vanadium dioxide light sensors heat up

improved photoresponse of vanadium dioxide make it a candidate for photodetectors

Valleys on view in layered 2D perovskite

Researchers have found that a layered 2D perovskite is adept at storing the valley states of electrons, making it potentially ideal for valleytronics.