Characterization news, December 2020

Hard-carbon anode supports high energy density in sodium-ion battery

Researchers have developed a novel porous, carbon-based anode material that can increase the energy density of sodium-ion batteries.

Topological quantum states found in magic-angle graphene

Researchers have discovered that the electrons in magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene can create 'topological quantum states'.

New metal alloy algorithm breaks through boundaries

Researchers have found a new way to predict the properties of metal alloys based on reactions at the boundaries between their crystalline grains.

Thermoelectric semiconductor goes against type with antimony doping

When the thermoelectric semiconductor tin monoselenide is doped with antimony, it switches between p-type and n-type as doping increases.

New study helps prevent nickel-rich, single crystal cathodes gliding to a halt

Researchers have discovered that a process known as crystal gliding is responsible for damage to single-crystal, nickel-rich cathodes in batteries.

New tool maps out quantum landscape of 2D materials

A new tool that uses light to map out the electronic structures of 2D crystals could reveal the capabilities of emerging quantum materials.

Graphene pipe delivers more efficient cooling

Researchers have found that their new graphene-based heat pipe is better at cooling electronics and power systems than a copper-based heat pipe.

Wayward titanium atom makes crystal a poor thermal conductor

A titanium atom that wants to be in two places at once is responsible for the poor thermal conductivity of the crystalline solid barium titanium sulfide.

New modelling method raises heat on composite materials

Researchers developed a method to create 3D models of the fibers within composite materials, which they used to predict thermal conductivity.

Study communicates benefits of antennas made from 2D material

Researchers have shown that flexible, ultrathin antennas made by spraying the 2D material MXene perform almost as well as copper antennas.

MOFs need to be flexible to sieve gases

Researchers have discovered that metal-organic frameworks need to be flexible in order to separate gases efficiently.

Novel platform takes blended materials down compositional gradients

Researchers have developed a platform that combines a novel electrospray deposition tool with X-ray analysis for studying blended materials.

Openings for Editors - Acta Journals

Bilayer graphene quantum dots make waves

Researchers have directly visualized quantum dots in bilayer graphene, revealing the shape of the quantum wave function of the trapped electrons.

New AI system uses closed loop to open up material discovery

A novel AI algorithm called CAMEO was able to discover a potentially useful new material without requiring additional training from scientists.