Crystalline materials

Growing crystal islands communicate with previous layers

Scientists have discovered the islands that form a new layer in a crystalline material tend to form in a pattern similar to the preceding layer.

Defective MOF filters prove better at soaking up pollutants

A metal-organic framework proved better at soaking up the pollutant PFOS from contaminated water when it contained additional nanometer-sized holes.

Novel polymer runs hot and cold over light-induced phase change

A novel type of polymer can alter its thermal conductivity by switching between a crystalline state and a liquid state in response to light.

New X-ray technique reveals motion of atoms in 2D material

Scientists have used a new technique called ultrafast surface X-ray scattering to visualize the motion of atoms in a 2D material.

Additive manufacturing caught on camera

ultrafast X-ray imaging gives an insight into exactly what is happening during additive manufacturing of metal structures

Hybridization offers novel twist for 2D semiconductors

Physicists have discovered that placing 2D semiconductors on top of each other and twisting them causes the emergence of novel hybrid properties.

Magnetic nanostructures modify bone regenerating scaffolds

Small steps to synthesizing seamless 2D crystals

Novel simulations show that atom-sized steps on a substrate have the remarkable ability to keep monolayer crystal islands in alignment as they grow.

Perspectives on the materials research landscape

Two new reports, now available for download.

New database reveals that topological materials are quite common

A new database has revealed that topological materials are quite common, and include everyday elements such as arsenic and gold.