Electronic properties

Positive results help explain metal’s negative thermal expansion

A new study shows that samarium sulfide expands at low temperatures due to electrons moving into the outermost shell of the samarium atoms.

Crumpled graphene can detect DNA without amplification

Researchers have found that crumpling graphene makes it more than 10,000 times more sensitive to DNA by creating electrical ‘hotspots’.

Making sensors from 2-D materials

Sheets that are just a single molecular layer thick could be used to detect toxic gases

Announcing the launch of Best Paper Prizes on Elseviers Leading Polymer Journals

Semiconductors can show facets of metals and superconductors

Researchers have shown that the crystal structure at the surface of semiconductor materials can make them behave like metals and even superconductors.

New study dives into solar cell materials for underwater use

Researchers have demonstrated that solar cells made from organic materials may be better than traditional silicon solar cells for use underwater.

Excluding molecular dopants improves organic conductors

Organic semiconductors improved by polymer combination

Novel separator creates spillway for lithium-metal batteries

A novel separator with conductive carbon nanotubes can prevent lithium-metal batteries from heating up and catching fire in case of a short circuit.

New model reveals graphene’s twisted state

A novel analytical model can identify how twisted graphene sheets behave and determine their stability at different sizes and temperatures.

Carbon nanotubes get into the groove

Researchers have found that small grooves in filter paper can cause single-walled carbon nanotubes to line up side-by-side in 2D films.