Crystalline materials news, October 2017

Superstructures can form at grain boundaries in polycrystalline alloys

Scientists have unexpectedly discovered ordered, segregation-induced superstructures at general grain boundaries in polycrystalline alloys.

Julie Christodoulou, recipient of the 2018 Acta Materialia Inc. Hollomon Award

Amorphous ice suggests uniform way to design new materials

Computer simulations have shown that the molecules in glasses such as amorphous ice can sometimes be arranged in a previously undetected order.

Titanium oxide films display promising superconducting properties

Researchers have reported superconductivity in two kinds of higher titanium oxides prepared in the form of ultrathin films.

Ultracold atoms in a laser lattice reveal secrets of superconductivity

Using ultracold atoms, researchers have discovered an intriguing magnetic behavior that could help explain how high-temperature superconductivity works.

‘Jiggle and wiggle’ simulations explain metal strength

Using dynamic atomistic simulations, researchers have resolved every ‘jiggle and wiggle’ of atomic motion that underlies metal strength.

Surface tension helps to produce large, pure perovskite crystals

Scientists have uncovered a strategy for using surface tension to grow perovskites into centimeter-scale, highly pure crystals.

Precise positioning gives precise control over optical properties

By precisely controlling the size and positioning of quantum dots in a superlattice, scientists are able to finely tune its optical properties.

Aluminum with diamond structure would be lighter than water

Computer simulations predict that crystallized aluminum with a diamond-like structure would have a lower density than water.

New analysis shows how to harness defects in metal oxides

A new study shows that defects in the crystal lattice of insulating metal oxides could be key to their use in a variety of high-tech applications.

Introducing Materials Science Research at Heliyon

Simple chemical can improve quality of perovskite thin films

Glycol ethers can significantly improve the structure and alignment of perovskite grains in the thin films used in solar cells.

Improving solar cells with light and humidity

Using light and humidity to heal the defects in perovskites for solar cells.

Scientists unwrap the beneficial role of oxidation in hydrogen storage

A thin layer of oxidation on graphene-wrapped magnesium nanoparticles can enhance rather than hinder their hydrogen storage.