Crystalline materials news, December 2020

New metal alloy algorithm breaks through boundaries

Researchers have found a new way to predict the properties of metal alloys based on reactions at the boundaries between their crystalline grains.

New study helps prevent nickel-rich, single crystal cathodes gliding to a halt

Researchers have discovered that a process known as crystal gliding is responsible for damage to single-crystal, nickel-rich cathodes in batteries.

Perovskite crystal bulks up for detecting gamma-rays

Researchers have developed a perovskite crystal that can detect gamma rays and a method to produce it in large volumes.

Boosting solar energy conservation using photoswitches

Improved solar energy storage using a molecular machine

New tool maps out quantum landscape of 2D materials

A new tool that uses light to map out the electronic structures of 2D crystals could reveal the capabilities of emerging quantum materials.

Wayward titanium atom makes crystal a poor thermal conductor

A titanium atom that wants to be in two places at once is responsible for the poor thermal conductivity of the crystalline solid barium titanium sulfide.

MOFs need to be flexible to sieve gases

Researchers have discovered that metal-organic frameworks need to be flexible in order to separate gases efficiently.

Plasma processing for rapid perovskite production

Researchers have developed an ultrafast way, based on plasma processing, to produce stable perovskite cells and assemble them into solar modules.

Openings for Editors - Acta Journals

New AI system uses closed loop to open up material discovery

A novel AI algorithm called CAMEO was able to discover a potentially useful new material without requiring additional training from scientists.