Crystalline materials news, January 2020

Stellar material is older than old

Stellar material is older than old

DNA frames assemble nanomaterials into ordered 3D structures

A new DNA-programmable nanofabrication platform can organize and assemble a variety of different nanomaterials in the same prescribed ways.

New growth method strains to control perovskite properties

The properties of perovskites can be controlled with strain engineering by growing thin films on substrates with different compositions.

10th International Colloids Conference - Abstract submission deadline: 14 February 2020

New composite material can defeat toxic nerve agents

A novel composite material based on a metal-organic framework that can destroy toxic nerve agents has been integrated with textile fibers.

Sparks don’t fly with novel growth mechanism

A new method for growing thin layers of the semiconductor gallium nitride can produce high-power transistors.

Gold triangles make titanium dioxide slab go all nonlinear

Second-order nonlinear optical effects can be induced in a titanium dioxide slab by covering it in gold triangles.

Scientists discover ripple in development of complex oxides

Scientists have found a way to study the structure and properties of the underside of a freestanding complex oxide thin film.

Aqueous electrolyte and novel electrode produce better battery

By using aqueous electrolytes with a novel electrode, researchers have been able to produce a safe, cost-efficient battery that still performs well.

Liquid crystal molecules branch out into strange structures

Droplets containing chain-like liquid crystal molecules with different lengths can transform into complex shapes when the temperature drops.

Novel polymer sponge likes to soak up oil

A novel polymer sponge covered in nanocrystalline silicon can remove over 90% of oil microdroplets from wastewater within 10 minutes.

Nanocrystals put new face on oxygen reduction

nanocrystal core-shell catalyst for fuel cells uses less Pt but drives the oxygen reduction reaction more efficiently and is more durable

Winner of the 2019 Materials Today Innovation Award announced

2019 Materials Today Innovation Award recognizes the development of high-quality growth methods for III-V compound semiconductor materials

Novel polymer can keep cool as the heat rises

A novel polymer can quickly transform from a thermal conductor to an insulator, and back again, in response to temperature changes.

Diamond anvil cells put pressure on material analysis

Turning natural atomic flaws inside diamond anvils into quantum sensors offers a novel way to study the effects of pressure on materials.

Announcement of 2019 Materials Today Agents of Change Award Recipients