Materials news, July 2016

Correction and apology - Atom Probe Tomography: Put Theory Into Practice

Retraction and correction of an erroneous statement.

Recipients of the 2015 Acta student awards

Recipients of the 2015 Acta student awards

Graphene oxide slips through the body

freshly made stacks of a few graphene oxide sheets are excreted quickly and efficiently from the body

Recharging with added vitamins

Polymerizedvitamin B2 derivative recharges lithium batteries

Carbon Journal welcomes Michael Strano

Michael Strano joins Carbon Editorial Board.

Lipid-like peptoids produce cell-like membrane

Novel lipid-like peptoids can spontaneously form a membrane with similar properties to cell membranes found in nature.

Tungsten nanoparticles gives lubricants the slip

Tungsten-based nanoparticles promise more efficient and greener lubricants.

Photonic antennas produce more efficient catalysts

Scientists have unveiled a new method for uniting light-capturing photonic nanomaterials and high-efficiency metal catalysts.

Nanoparticles’ sticky surface holds onto drugs

New film curls up and straightens with humidity changes

Scientists have developed a film that curls up and straightens out when exposed to tiny changes in ambient humidity.

Genetically-engineered microbes produce highly-conductive nanowires

A genetically engineered strain of bacteria can spin out extremely thin and highly conductive wires made up of amino acids.

Old tires find new life as material for train tracks

A novel material for use in the sub-ballast layer of train tracks incorporates shredded rubber from used tires.

Carbon Journal - A tribute to Harry Kroto (1939-2016)

Carbon Journal Prize 2016 winner: Dr. Martin Oschatz

Self-assembled supercapacitor wires for e-textiles

Italian researchers have developed a supercapacitor from graphene and copper that can be integrated into fabrics.

Improving hydrogen fuel and rechargeable batteries

cleaner fuel for transportation using hydrogen fuel from water and better energy storage from zinc batteries

Nanocomposite makes curved surfaces appear flat

A practical cloaking device made from a nanocomposite material allows curved surfaces to appear flat to electromagnetic waves.

Riveting new graphene material shows its mettle

Scientists have produced enhanced 'rivet graphene' by adding carbon nanotubes and carbon spheres encasing iron nanoparticles.

White light hydrogels

Lanthanides bring color and white light properties to responsive hydrogels.

Self-pumped MFCs that need no external power source

3D paper-based MFC that uses capillary action and so does not need an external power source

Solar boost

Stretched out photovoltaic materials based on polymers rather than silicon

Osmotic power receives boost from atom-thick membrane

An atom-thick membrane made of molybdenum disulphide has helped produce the most effective osmotic power system yet.

A step towards the white light

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) used to generate light

NASA scientists produce first-ever carbon nanotube mirrors

Scientists at NASA have developed a mirror made from carbon nanotubes embedded in an epoxy resin for use in a satellite telescope.

Long-term in-vivo tests assess the degradation of bone implants

In a two-year study, Austrian researchers have investigated the behaviour of magnesium-alloy implants in mammalian femurs.

Printing 3D porous carbon networks in a zeolite

Using lanthanides as catalysts in zeolites for producing porous, 3D graphene-like networks

Novel bismuth-based Zintl phase makes efficient thermoelectric material

Scientists have reported a record thermoelectric performance in rarely-studied bismuth-based Zintl phases.

2016 Energy Storage Materials Lecture Award to Prof. Jeff Dahn

Professor Jeff Dahn is the 2016 Energy Storage Materials Lecture Award winner.

A better understanding of glass

Gaining a better understanding of microscopic mechanisms of glass.

CNT sensors that can detect toxic gases

Cheap wireless smartphone-integrated sensors that detect toxic gas.

Scientists create atomically-thin transistor from 2D crystals

Scientists have combined graphene with molybdenum disulfide to create an atomically-thin transistor.

Bacteria add a wrinkle to graphene’s electronic properties

Using rod-shaped bacteria to introduce nanoscale wrinkles into graphene causes it to conduct electrons differently in perpendicular directions.

Graphene displays electrowetting without the current

Scientists have discovered that the wettability and adhesion of graphene can be controlled by doping it with metals and polymers.

Oxygen vacancies improve battery performance

Treating lithium-rich cathode materials with carbon dioxide to create surface oxygen vacancies can improve their energy storage capacity.

Three nanomaterials produce voltage-controlled oscillator

By integrating graphene with two other nanomaterials, scientists have produced a simple, compact and high-speed voltage-controlled oscillator.

Harsh conditions test artificial photosynthesis materials

Scientists have developed a new method for determining how well artificial photosynthesis materials will weather harsh environments.

Scientists produce new dimension in perovskite solar cells

A new 2D layered perovskite has outstanding stability and more than triple the power conversion efficiency of previous versions.

Zeolite nanocomposites: a new breed of fertiliser?

Adding nanoparticles to soil could improve its water retention and nutrient-release qualities, according to Pakistan researchers

Ancient Egypt brings new touch to solving crimes

5500-year-old pigment known as Egyptian blue could help modern-day forensics detect fingerprints more accurately

It’s all in the scale: pangolins inspire flexible armor

Scientists have studied the pangolin to learn the secrets of its protective outer armor.

Waste material can help to reduce power plant emissions

An innovative material made from waste biomass offers an efficient and selective approach for capturing carbon dioxide emissions.

Applied Materials Today welcomes Prof Martin Pumera

New Editor-in-Chief for Materials Today's sister title

Scientists discover unknown facet of perovskite solar cells

Scientists have found a huge difference in energy conversion efficiency between different facets on individual perovskite crystal grains.

Silicon nano-sponge can manipulate individual cells

A new silicon-based nanomaterial can be used to stimulate individual nerve cells and manipulate the behavior of muscles and organs.

New smart material shows off its abilities

Several smart abilities, including shape-memory behavior, light-activated movement and self-healing behavior, have been combined in a single material.

Richard Hoogenboom wins the 2016 Polymer International IUPAC Award

For innovation in polymer technology and applied polymer science.

Boron nitride layer produces surface with switchable wettability

Scientists have found a way to switch the surface of a single layer of boron nitride between states with high and low wetting and adhesion.

Congratulations to Prof. Gogotsi on winning the 2016 Nano Energy Award

Freeing trapped electrons could lead to better batteries

Scientists have discovered the cause of a ‘traffic jam’ of ions that can slow down the charging and discharging of lithium-ion batteries.

Printed cartilage strands could patch up worn-out joints

A novel 3D bioprinting process that uses strands of cow cartilage as ink may one day create cartilage patches for worn out joints.