Materials chemistry news

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.

Scientists find way to create ‘ship-in-a-bottle’ catalysts

Scientists have found a way to place catalysts inside the tiniest pores of different host materials, a bit like fitting a model ship inside a bottle.

Wood membrane can convert heat to electricity

Researchers have developed a wood membrane than can generate an ionic voltage from a small temperature differential.

Gripping applications for new dual-polymer hydrogel

A new dual-polymer hydrogel able to respond dynamically to its environment could find use in a variety of ‘soft robotic’ and biomedical applications.

Novel dual-personality material can hold both electrons and holes

Researchers have found a layered material made from sodium, tin and arsenic that can act as both an electron-holder and a hole-holder.

‘Living glue’ inspired by nature

‘living glue’ inspired by marine organisms like barnacles and mussels works underwater or in highly damp or humid conditions

Novel microfluidic system can produce quantum dots of many colors

A new microfluidic system for synthesizing perovskite quantum dots reduces manufacturing costs and can be tuned on demand to any color.

Spiral staircase leads to best topological conductor ever

Researchers have discovered the strongest topological conductor yet, in the form of thin crystal samples with a spiral-staircase structure.

New test pinpoints catalysts’ activity

fast-screening of potential non-noble metal two-dimensional catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction

Scientists discover why nickel-rich materials feel degraded in lithium-ion batteries

Scientists have identified the causes of degradation in a nickel-rich layered cathode material in lithium-ion batteries, as well as possible remedies.

Defective MOF filters prove better at soaking up pollutants

A metal-organic framework proved better at soaking up the pollutant PFOS from contaminated water when it contained additional nanometer-sized holes.