Nanomaterials news

Superlattice becomes even more super with three layers

Sandwiching a layer of graphene between two layers of 2D boron nitride can produce superlattices that confer novel electrical properties.

New X-ray technique reveals motion of atoms in 2D material

Scientists have used a new technique called ultrafast surface X-ray scattering to visualize the motion of atoms in a 2D material.

The Acta journals welcome new editor: Cewen Nan

Graphene and gold shine light on protein-based diseases

By combining graphene with nano-ribbons of gold, researchers have developed an ultrasensitive biosensor for detecting disease-causing proteins.

‘Tuning knob’ turns 2D semiconductors into quantum materials

The twist angle between layers of 2D semiconductors provides a ‘tuning knob’ to turn them into an exotic quantum material.

Hybridization offers novel twist for 2D semiconductors

Physicists have discovered that placing 2D semiconductors on top of each other and twisting them causes the emergence of novel hybrid properties.

Magnetic nanostructures modify bone regenerating scaffolds

Small steps to synthesizing seamless 2D crystals

Novel simulations show that atom-sized steps on a substrate have the remarkable ability to keep monolayer crystal islands in alignment as they grow.

Right match can double storage capacity of 2D electrodes

The energy storage capacity of electrodes made from the 2D material MXene can be doubled by adding an appropriate solvent to the electrolyte.

Scientists apply directed evolution to optical nanosensors

Scientists have used directed evolution to enhance the optical properties of complexes of DNA wrapped around carbon nanotubes.

Excitons trapped in the moiré pattern between 2D materials

Researchers have shown that excitons can be trapped in the moiré pattern created by twisting a pair of 2D semiconductors.

New blueprint points way to understanding complex nanoparticles

Researchers have developed a blueprint for understanding and predicting the properties and behavior of nanoparticles containing multiple elements.

Perspectives on the materials research landscape

Two new reports, now available for download.

Scientists strain to produce better catalytic nanosheets

Scientists have shown that applying strain to thin metal sheets can increase their catalytic ability by 10 to 20 times.

Silicon anodes for Li-ion batteries receive boost from 2D material

An anode made from a combination of silicon and the 2D material MXene could extend the life of lithium-ion batteries by as much as five times.

Fully-filled holes lead to growth of regular nanowires on silicon semiconductors

Researchers have come up with a way for growing nanowire networks in a highly controlled and fully reproducible manner on silicon semiconductors.

Scientists find novel electrical properties in graphene holes

Graphene's electrical properties can be engineered by covering it with another 2D material and then patterning it with an array of nanoscale holes.

Vitamin C helps gold nanorods grow up into long nanowires

A boost of vitamin C can help small gold nanorods grow into long gold nanowires for use in sensing, diagnostic and imaging applications.