Computation and theory news, April 2019

Collaboration produces first-ever 2D phosphorene nanoribbons

High-quality phosphorene nanoribbons for high-speed electronics

Novel method makes liquid crystals go against orders

For the first time, researchers have managed to create an anti-ordered state with liquid crystals, where they avoid aligning along a certain direction.

Researchers find way to explore different crystal structures of borophene

Scientists have not only visualized the nanoscale structures of borophene lattices, but also built theoretical models of their crystalline forms.

Acta Journals Editors Transitioning to Joint Appointments

‘Deep learning’ agents quickly discover characteristics of 2D materials

‘Deep learning’ agents can accurately determine a 2D material's physical characteristics, such as strength, from minimal data on its structure.

New state of matter is both solid and liquid

Applying high pressures and temperatures to elements like potassium and sodium produces a new, stable state of matter that is both solid and liquid.

Novel biological MOF can lock into DNA interactions

A metal-organic framework made of the DNA base adenine can lock the DNA base thymine within its cavities for chemical reactions.

Model shows how copper ‘islands’ become squashed under graphene ‘blanket’

Scientists have developed a model for predicting the shape of metal ‘islands’ sandwiched between or below 2D materials such as graphene.

Scientists find way to create ‘ship-in-a-bottle’ catalysts

Scientists have found a way to place catalysts inside the tiniest pores of different host materials, a bit like fitting a model ship inside a bottle.

‘Oil and vinegar’ could guide assembly of nanoparticles into complex shapes

Scientists have theorized a new ‘oil-and-vinegar’ approach for inducing spherical nanoparticles to self-assemble into unusual architectures.