Nanomaterials news, January 2021

Shaping light to control catalytic reactions

By using gold nanobars to 'sculpt' light around catalytic palladium nanorods, researchers managed to endow them with new abilities.

Nanoparticles no longer safe from photon avalanches

Researchers have developed the first nanomaterial able to demonstrate 'photon avalanching', where one photon triggers the emission of many photons.

Synthetic shape-shifting collagen with potential biomedical applications

Synthetic collagen could offer controlled-release drug delivery and tissue engineering

Atlas shows way to colorful carbon nanotube films

Researchers have developed a new method for predicting the specific colors of thin films made by combining any of 466 different carbon nanotubes.

2020 Winners Announced: EnSM Achievement Award and EnSM Young Scientist Award

Thin layer ZnO generates record piezoelectricity

nanometer thin layers of ZnO on SiO2 show record levels of piezoelectricity

DNA shapes up to fabricate superconducting components

Using DNA origami and niobium nitride, researchers have produced superconducting nanostructures for use in nanoelectronic circuits.

Read the latest published articles from Carbon Trends

Hidden quantum world found in 2D insulator

Physicists have observed quantum oscillations, which are normally only found in metals, in a 2D insulator made from tungsten ditelluride.

Novel alloy anode lets seawater into batteries

An anode made from a zinc- and manganese-based alloy opens the door to replacing the solvents commonly used in battery electrolytes with seawater.

New biosensing platform for Covid-19 detection

Biosensing platform detects Covid-19 antibodies in seconds

Nanodroplets sound like a great way to break up blood clots

Researchers have shown that a combination of engineered nanodroplets and an ultrasound 'drill' can break up particularly tough blood clots.

Colorful gel gets its smarts from octopuses

Inspired by the color-changing skin of octopuses, engineers have created a 3D-printed smart gel that can change shape and color when exposed to light.

From “Makromolekel” to POLYMER: A Centennial Celebration of Staudinger's “On Polymerization”

Bismuth crystals stacked to produce novel topological insulator

For the first time, researchers have created a higher-order topological insulator by stacking 2D crystals of bismuth in a specific arrangement.

Soft spots determine strength of bulk metallic glasses

characterization of bulk metallic glasses reveals hierarchical structure that determines strength

Nickel clusters attracted to surface imperfections on hydrogen catalyst

An inexpensive catalyst made from tiny clusters of nickel metal anchored to a 2D substrate is highly effective at extracting hydrogen from alcohols.

Kai Siegbahn prize 2021: the nominations are now open!

Polymer nanoparticles on the brain

polymer NPs can elude the immune system and cross the blood brain barrier

Twistronics breakthrough on manipulation of 2D materials

Controlling the interlayer twist angle in 2D materials

Atomic pores produce fast flow through 2D membrane

Researchers have developed 2D membranes with single atom-sized pores that can be used for liquid and gas filtration.

Stanford University Study - Top Materials Scientists