Electronic properties news, May 2018

Enhanced reaction helps produce enhanced nanotubes

Chemists have found a way to functionalize boron nitride nanotubes using a chemical process known as the Billups-Birch reaction.

New imaging technique spots defects in quantum dots

Using a novel X-ray scattering technique, researchers have uncovered previously unknown defects in tiny electronic devices called quantum dots.

Inorganic semiconductors more flexible in the dark

Scientists have discovered that crystals of the semiconductor zinc sulfide are brittle when exposed to light but flexible when kept in the dark.

Squeezing a band gap out of graphene

Compressing layers of boron nitride and graphene can enhance graphene's band gap, bringing it one step closer to becoming a viable semiconductor.

Novel honeycomb material could form basis for magnetic diode

A novel magnetic material with a unique honeycomb structure could help produce electronic components that utilize less energy and produce less heat.

Common solvent produces carbon nanotube dough

A novel method for producing disperse carbon nanotubes at high concentrations can create a gel, paste and kneadable dough.

Biochemical signals prompt self-configuring nanomaterials

Nanomaterials with electrical connections triggered by biochemical signals.

Thinning down for enhanced magnetic properties

A novel iron-based alloy has promising magnetic properties for spintronics applications, provided it’s created in layers less than 200nm thick.

Ultrathin material lights up at a stretch

A six-atom thick bilayer of tungsten diselenide exhibited a 100-fold increase in photoluminescence when subjected to strain.

Diamond sensor probes secrets of superconductivity

A new type of optical magnetometer, the NV magnetoscope, can map a unique feature of superconductive materials known as the Meissner effect.

Carbonate-free electrolyte gives Li-ion batteries a boost

Combination of sulfolane and a metal salt makes a stable electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries that overcomes shortcomings of conventional electrolytes.

Ceramic nanoparticles turn light around

Ceramic transition metal nanoparticle complexes coated with amino acids combine optical properties and chiral asymmetry.

Light boosts hydrogen generation on graphene

Giant photo-effect in graphene decorated with Pt nanoparticles boosts proton transport and hydrogen generation.

Acta Journals’ Outstanding Reviewers in 2017

The Acta Journals are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2018 Outstanding Reviewer awards for excellence in reviewing in 2017.

Remote-controlled DNA nanodevice on when needed

New sensing strategy enables biological targets to be tracked and imaged in vitro and in vivo with high spatial and temporal accuracy.

Glucose monitoring no sweat for new biosensors

New soft, smart glucose detectors can by monitor glucose levels directly and in real-time in tears and sweat.

New designer's toolkit can produce sophisticated nanoparticles

A new designer's toolkit can build various levels of complexity into nanoparticles using a simple, mix-and-match process.

Floating silicon particles self-assemble on demand

Researchers have fabricated silicon microparticles of various shapes and sizes that can reversibly assemble and disassemble in water.

Zirconium nanoribbons wrap up high current densities

Engineers have discovered that zirconium tritelluride nanoribbons can carry a current density 50 times greater than conventional copper interconnects.

Photodoped silicon cylinders produce highly versatile metamaterial

By photodoping silicon cylinders, researchers have built the first metal-free, dynamically tunable metamaterial for controlling electromagnetic waves.

New algorithm speeds up search for novel exotic materials

A new algorithm for predicting exotic materials helped to reduce the time needed to develop a thermoelectric material from 15 years to 15 months.

Pomegranate-like catalyst promises hydrogen evolution

Why a dash of salt can spice up 2D materials

Salt aids the creation of 2D materials by lowering the energetic barrier that otherwise prevents the component molecules from reacting with each other.