Materials Science news, July 2018

Nanoscale imaging could lead to better artificial photosynthesis materials

Scientists have used a photoconductive atomic force microscope to better understand the nanoscale properties of artificial photosynthesis materials.

Green light for polymer material that can change from hard to soft and back again

A novel polymer material can change its structure in response to light, converting from a rigid substance to a softer one that can heal itself.

Large-area graphene membrane can separate gas mixtures

For the first time, chemical engineers have developed a large-area graphene membrane that can separate gas mixtures with a high-efficiency.

Firm findings about brittle mechanisms in nickel

By examining general grain boundaries, engineers have shed new light on the mechanisms behind sulfur embrittlement of nickel.

Fredy Zypman receives the 2018 Materials Today Embracing Challenge Award

Boundaries no barrier for borophene

Unlike with graphene, the boundaries between different structural phases of borophene, a 2D form of boron, retain the material's metallic nature.

Fluorine electrolyte keeps aggressive electrodes under control

By stabilizing aggressive electrodes with a highly-fluorinated electrolyte, researchers have been able to increase the capacity of lithium-ion batteries.

Improving nuclear reactor performance is a gas

Nearly a third of the reaction products generated during fission of U235 in light-water reactors are unwanted gases.

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Symmetric, magnetic boron lanthanide nanoclusters could lead to new materials

Nanoclusters made from boron and lanthanide elements form highly stable and symmetric structures with interesting magnetic properties.

Silk composite helps artificial skin last longer

Longer-lasting human skin equivalent alternative based on silk-collagen composite.

MOPs self-assemble into porous, gel-like materials

Researchers have developed a way to fabricate soft, porous materials via the self-assembly of metal-organic polyhedra made of rhodium atoms.

Biogenic solar cells developed that work on cloudy days

Biogenic solar cells that work effectively on cloudy days

Polymerized over-easy

Synthetic biopolymers from egg white albumen.

Microfluidics compresses cells to gain entry

Microfluidics compresses cells to gain entry.

Ultra-thin parylene used as a gate insulator in nanoscale devices

Custom-built parylene deposition system for a field-effect transistor.

Materials Today discussion group: Open research data in materials science

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Congratulations to EPJ Board Member Professor Cyrille Boyer

Professor Cyrille Boyer was awarded two awards at MACRO2018 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of polymer science.

Graphene coatings make contact with water evaporation

A graphene coating can control water evaporation by suppressing the rate on hydrophilic surfaces and accelerating it on hydrophobic ones.

Gold star for novel hydrogen-producing photocatalyst

Star-shaped gold nanoparticles coated with titanium dioxide can harness visible and infrared light to generate hydrogen from water.

No place to sit keeps electrons on the move in graphene

Connecting a graphene layer with two other atomic layers can extend the lifetime of excited electrons in graphene by several hundred times.

New study sheds light on hybrid improper ferroelectrics

Researchers have found that a novel hybrid improper ferroelectric possesses ferroelectric, magnetoelectric and optical properties.

New microscopy technique reveals strengths of new alloy

A new microscopy technique can track microstructural changes in materials in real time as they are exposed to extreme heat and stress.

Metal alloy nanowires help confirm superconducting theory

Using nanowires of a molybdenum-germanium alloy, scientists have been able to explore the transition from a superconducting to a normal metal state.

Twisting and bending nanoscale materials creates novel optical devices

By using an ion beam to twist and bend a nanometer-thick layer of metal, scientists have created nanodevices for manipulating light.

Diamond flaws could hold secret to quantum communication

Researchers have been able to store and transmit bits of quantum information using a diamond containing specially-designed silicon vacancies.

Heat-conducting crystals could help computers keep their cool

Researchers have succeeded in producing crystals of a semiconducting material called boron arsenide with an extremely high thermal conductivity.

New study provides window on benefits of mixing and matching materials

By mixing and matching different materials, researchers have created a window coating that can prevent excessive heating and generate electricity.

Polymers find different ways to relax after stress of processing

Researchers have discovered that entangled, long-chain polymers in solutions relax at two different rates after processing.

Scientists find way to tune magnetism in layered halide materials

Altering the composition of a layered halide material allows researchers to vary its magnetization continuously between in-plane and out-of-plane.

New sintering process produces novel ceramic composite

Researchers have used a novel cold sintering process to produce, for the first time, a composite made from a ceramic and the 2D material MXene.

New short-chain polymer coating doesn’t slip up on repelling water

Using a novel coating process, scientists have been able to develop a highly effective water-repellent coating based on a short-chain polymer.

Electron camera produces atomic movie of melting gold

Using a high-speed electron camera, researchers have recorded the most detailed atomic movie of gold melting after being blasted by laser light.

Graphene gets a charge out of its crinkles

Researchers have discovered that, under lateral compression, graphene forms sharp, saw-tooth kinks with interesting electrical properties.

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Communicating with nanoparticles

Researchers at the frontiers of nanotechnology—the fabrication of tiny functional materials—are looking at communication.

Materials Today Journal Impact Factor reaches 24.537

Elsevier's extended Materials Today family also delivered very strong results.

Magnetic fluid helps create highly versatile dynamic surface

By infusing a magnetic fluid in a micro-structured solid substrate, researchers have created a dynamic surface with reconfigurable topography.

New carbon material designed to make efficient battery electrode

A new porous carbon material designed at the molecular level shows great potential for use as the anode in lithium-ion batteries.