Materials chemistry 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.

Novel glass material can be processed just like a polymer

A glass-polymer composite known as glassomer can be milled, laser-machined or processed in CNC machines just like a conventional polymer.

Experiment and computation combine for 2D protein crystal

A combination of experiment and computation helped to create a 2D protein crystal that toggles between states of varying porosity and density.

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.

Salty MOF baked into intricate carbon structure

Adding salt to a metal-organic framework and then baking it at a high temperature can produce an intricate carbon-based structure.

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.

Nanodiamonds and 2D materials create onion-like dry lubricant

Combining nanodiamonds with 2D molybdenum disulfide layers creates onion-like carbon that can act as a dry lubricant.

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.

Helping polymers to help themselves

A new curing process takes advantage of the chemical bonds in a polymer resin to send a cascading hardening wave through the polymer.

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.

New computational analysis shows where to look for high-entropy alloys

A novel method of computational analysis can help predict the composition and properties of as-yet-unmade high-entropy alloys.

Cell-like nanomaterials can respond to biochemical signals

Scientists have developed nanomaterials that can self-assemble, reconfigure and disassemble in response to biochemical signals.

Mathematics points the way to new, advanced materials

A new process uses mathematical algorithms to design advanced materials by reducing complexity and taking advantage of machine learning.

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.

Frustrating material may lead to quantum spin liquid

By enforcing a phenomenon called ‘magnetic frustration’, a new osmium-based material could house a quantum spin liquid for use in quantum computing.

Pomegranate-like catalyst promises hydrogen evolution

New microscopy technique can watch nanomaterials as they form

A new transmission electron microscope system is able to take dynamic, multi-frame videos of nanomaterials as they form.

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.