Materials comment, February 2014

Recyclable nanosheets as high-performance barrier material

New nanosheets for electronics, energy storage, and health and safety applications

Molten salt takes the heat out of lithium-metal batteries

Researchers have developed a lithium salt that melts at 45°C for use as an electrolyte in lithium-metal batteries.

Novel titanium alloy produces infection-resistant implants

A novel titanium alloy with tantalum and copper can produce surgical implants that kill 87% of the bacteria that cause staph infections.

Cracking the secrets of nacre

Nacre, or mother-of-pearl, is a natural material with hard and soft components that attains high stiffness, strength, and fracture toughness.

Towards strength–ductility synergy through the design of heterogeneous nanostructures in metals