Characterization news, April 2021

Photon avalanche in nanoparticles opens way to bioimaging

photon avalanching in single nanoparticles doped with lanthanide ions observed for the first time

Strain could switch on diamond for optoelectronics

large diamond structures can be elastically deformed in a uniform and controlled way at the nanoscale

Rusty photoelectrodes better in theory than practice

Researchers have discovered that only part of the energy of the light absorbed by hematite photoelectrodes generates mobile charge carriers.

Oxygen imperfections lead to nanoscale ferroelectricity

Researchers have discovered that migrating oxygen atoms are responsible for the unconventional ferroelectricity of hafnium-based thin films.

Understanding Li-plating could boost fast charging

in-situ optical microscopy reveals how lithium plating occurs on graphite particle anodes

'Frustrated' quantum magnet goes through a critical phase

By studying the discontinuous transition between two quantum magnetic phases, researchers have observed the first ever critical point in a quantum magnet.

Helium atoms illuminate growth of 2D materials

Using a technique called helium spin-echo, researchers have followed the movement of individual atoms as they cluster together to form 2D materials.

Superconducting 2D puddles offer gateway to another dimension

Scientists have witnessed 2D puddles spontaneously emerging inside a 3D high-temperature superconductor as it transitions to an insulating state.

Acta Journals’ Outstanding Reviewers in 2020

Hopfions caught emerging from skyrmions in a magnetic nanomaterial

Researchers have reported the first demonstration and observation of 3D hopfions emerging from 2D skyrmions in a magnetic nanomaterial.

Cool result with superactivated carbon particles

Researchers have shown that superactivated carbon particles can act as an alternative regenerator material to enhance the capability of cryocoolers.

Caged ions make faster escape from battery membrane

Adding molecular cages to the polymer membrane in a lithium-ion battery can increase the flow of lithium ions by an order of magnitude.

Water-splitting material gets better with age

Rather than degrading over time, a water-splitting material made of silicon and gallium nitride actually becomes more efficient and stable.

Tension rises as plates keep spinning

The positions of tiny rigid plates integrated in a thin membrane can be controlled by mechanically varying the elastic forces in the membrane.

Metallic glass reveals its amorphous structure

Using atomic electron tomography, researchers have determined the 3D atomic structure of an amorphous material, specifically a metallic glass.

Porous electrodes are forever blowing bubbles

Researchers have found there are three ways bubbles can form on and depart from the surface of the porous electrodes in electrochemical reactions.

New study reveals why lithium-metal batteries don’t age well

Using a cryogenic electron microscope, researchers have taken the first atomic-scale look at how 'calendar aging' attacks lithium-metal anodes.