Characterization news, January 2021

Shaping light to control catalytic reactions

By using gold nanobars to 'sculpt' light around catalytic palladium nanorods, researchers managed to endow them with new abilities.

Pitcher plants create a slippery trap for insects

surface topography of the pitcher plant creates the right conditions for insects to slip into its trap

2020 Winners Announced: EnSM Achievement Award and EnSM Young Scientist Award

Thin layer ZnO generates record piezoelectricity

nanometer thin layers of ZnO on SiO2 show record levels of piezoelectricity

Materials that don't mix make stable organic solar cells

The properties of elastic modulus and glass transition temperature can determine the best materials for creating stable organic solar cells.

Chilli peppers add spice to perovskite solar cells

Researchers have found that capsaicin, the compound that makes chilli peppers spicy, can enhance the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells.

Read the latest published articles from Carbon Trends

Hidden quantum world found in 2D insulator

Physicists have observed quantum oscillations, which are normally only found in metals, in a 2D insulator made from tungsten ditelluride.

Surface rearrangement can transform catalytic activity

Researchers have discovered that the surface atomic layer of a catalyst for splitting water can re-arrange itself to boost its catalytic activity.

Novel alloy anode lets seawater into batteries

An anode made from a zinc- and manganese-based alloy opens the door to replacing the solvents commonly used in battery electrolytes with seawater.

New study shows how catalyst evolution aids oxygen evolution

Advanced characterization tools have helped to reveal the structural and chemical evolution of strontium catalyst during the oxygen evolution reaction.

Antioxidants can protect health of conducting polymers

Researchers have discovered that antioxidants can help prevent the damage to conducting polymers caused by transmission electron microscopy.

From “Makromolekel” to POLYMER: A Centennial Celebration of Staudinger's “On Polymerization”

Radical new method for visualizing polymer crystallization

Researchers have utilized reactive molecules called radical-type 'mechanophores' to visualize polymer crystallization in real time.

Bubbles of distortion clearly spotted in perovskite solar cells

For the first time, scientists have observed the formation of fleeting distortions known as polarons in the atomic lattice of hybrid perovskites.

Biodegradable iron has the strength to fix bone

porous iron has great potential as a scaffold for bone repair

New study uncovers model secrets of desalination membranes

Creating a uniform membrane density is crucial for maximizing the performance of polymer membranes for water desalination.

Soft spots determine strength of bulk metallic glasses

characterization of bulk metallic glasses reveals hierarchical structure that determines strength

Nickel clusters attracted to surface imperfections on hydrogen catalyst

An inexpensive catalyst made from tiny clusters of nickel metal anchored to a 2D substrate is highly effective at extracting hydrogen from alcohols.

New quantum properties discovered in old material

Researchers have uncovered topological properties in cobalt disulfide that could allow this magnetic material to be used for spintronics applications.

Kai Siegbahn prize 2021: the nominations are now open!

Stanford University Study - Top Materials Scientists