Crystalline materials news, September 2020

New design principles identify quantum materials with useful spin textures

A novel framework for identifying and assessing the spin textures of crystalline materials could help develop low-energy computing technology.

Relationship between electricity and magnetism takes new direction

Researchers have discovered that a small change in the direction of the magnetic field in a symmetrical crystal can alter its electrical polarization.

New self-assembly system can add color to DNA nanostructures

Researchers have demonstrated on computer a novel color-coding system for getting DNA to self-assemble into desired nanostructures.

Blurry electron beams struggle to bring 2D crystals into focus

Small imperfections in the lenses used to focus electron microscope beams can lead to the crystal phases in 2D materials being misidentified.

Editor in Spotlight – Prof. Vitalij Pecharsky, Journal of Alloys and Compounds

Boundaries no barrier for thermoelectrical materials

A novel optical detection system may have shown that grain boundaries are no barrier for thermoelectrical materials, but they still can't take the strain.

Composites Part C: Open Access – new journal explores innovations across composite material science

Floppy vibrations make for efficient thermoelectric materials

Researchers have uncovered the atomic mechanism that makes tin-based thermoelectric materials incredibly efficient at high temperatures.

New open access journal brings latest developments in carbon materials science to a wide audience

Light manipulates stars to alter refractive index of 2D crystal

Atoms in 2D tantalum disulfide arrange themselves into six-pointed stars that can be manipulated by light, thus altering the material's refractive index.

Just add rocksalt for a safe, powerful battery anode

Disordered rocksalt made of lithium, vanadium and oxygen makes a safe, powerful. long-lasting anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

A touch of gold confers novel properties on semiconducting crystals

Adding a layer of a noble metal to the surface of a semiconducting crystal changes its structure and gives it completely novel electric properties.

‘Time crystals’ interact within superfluid helium

For the first time, scientists created two 'time crystals' in superfluid helium-3, and observed them interacting and exchanging constituent particles.

Nanoparticle coating discovery packs powerful punch

Researchers have discovered that the clubs used by mantis shrimp have a uniquely designed nanoparticle coating that absorbs and dissipates energy.