Materials chemistry

Novel method makes liquid crystals go against orders

For the first time, researchers have managed to create an anti-ordered state with liquid crystals, where they avoid aligning along a certain direction.

Intelligent gelatin: an engineered material for smelling

Different paths take 2D material to different places

Physicists have designed an evolutionary process that allows a wide range of nanomaterial morphologies to be synthesized from tungsten disulphide.

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Exotic phosphorene nanoribbons could find wide range of applications

Researchers have synthesized tiny, individual, flexible phosphorene nanoribbons from crystals of black phosphorous and lithium ions.

New state of matter is both solid and liquid

Applying high pressures and temperatures to elements like potassium and sodium produces a new, stable state of matter that is both solid and liquid.

Novel biological MOF can lock into DNA interactions

A metal-organic framework made of the DNA base adenine can lock the DNA base thymine within its cavities for chemical reactions.

Black polymer films can be made cooler at a stretch

By carefully stretching polymers like polyethylene, researchers have been able to produce colorful films with a range of heat-radiating capabilities.

Scientists go deep to recycle lithium-ion batteries

An environmentally friendly deep eutectic solvent can extract valuable elements from the metal oxides commonly used as cathodes in lithium-ion batteries.

New cathode material offers best of both worlds for lithium-sulfur battery

Researchers have developed a 'hybrid' cathode for lithium-sulfur batteries that combines an intercalation type material with a conversion type material.