Materials news, May 2019

Wearable polyester batteries produced from 2D materials

Inks made from 2D materials like graphene can be coated onto a polyester fabric in a simple dyeing process to produce electronic components.

Solution processing of perovskite thin films

Chinese researchers offer a simple route to bandgap engineering

Energy-absorbing materials inspired on the hoof

hierarchical structure of horse's hoof inspires energy-absorbing, impact-resistant materials

Adhesive patch that helps treat heart disease

Cardiac patch that can be placed directly onto the heart for treatment of heart disease

Nominations Now Open for 2020 Robert Cahn Award

Novel machine-learning algorithm helps to identify tough MOFs

Researchers have developed a machine-learning algorithm that can accurately predict the mechanical properties of metal organic frameworks.

Recyclable graphite-cellulose composite stronger than steel

researchers have developed an alternative to plastic in the form of a recyclable composite made from graphite and cellulose extracted from wood pulp

New crystalline material with quasiparticles on the inside

quasiparticles detected experimentally for the first time

New surface coating takes heat out of low-surface-tension liquids

A novel coating can promote droplet formation and shedding in low-surface-tension fluids, thereby improving heat transfer.

Recipients of the 2019 Rising Stars in Computational Materials Science Award Announced

New cathode coating ‘hits five or six birds with one stone’

A new polymer coating for battery cathodes can improve the electronic and ionic conductivity of a battery while also improving its safety.

Bowl-shaped electrode acts like electrochemical leaf

A novel a bowl-shaped electrode catalyst with 'hot edges' can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into carbon-based fuels and chemicals.

Strain changes the superconducting properties of 2D materials

Scientists have discovered that applying strain to 2D materials such as doped-graphene could increase their critical superconducting temperature.

New nanocellulose foam insulates better than Styrofoam

A novel foam made primarily from cellulose nanocrystals works better than Styrofoam for insulation.

Ignored semiconducting material turns out to be hidden treasure

Scientists have discovered a new layered ferromagnetic semiconductor, a material that could find use in next-generation electronic technologies.

Tool Foundry initiative is advancing accessible tools for scientific discovery

The four-month accelerator, offering $50,000 in funding, is now accepting applications - apply before 30th May

Mayonnaise experiments could lead to some tasty nuclear fusion

Studying mayonnaise when it spins can help characterize the interface between an elastic-plastic material and a light material under acceleration.

Machine learning for better metals

Researchers are replacing trial and error with computational methods to more readily reveal promising new compositions

Mussel glue can help heal nerves

A glue extracted from mussels and bio-active peptide molecules can help repair damaged nerves

Light triggers nano-container to release cargo and dismantle itself

A novel nano-container can take up hydrophobic compounds of various sizes and shapes in water and then release them in response to light.

The great doped nanodiamond bake-off

Scientists have used extremely high pressures and temperatures to dope nanodiamonds with elements such as silicon and argon.

Novel plastic can be broken down and recycled again and again

Scientists have developed a next-generation plastic that can be recycled again and again into new materials of any color, shape or form.

First articles now available: Materials Today Advances

Now open for Original Research and Review article submission.

‘Ultra-pure’ boron nitride measures up to high thermal conductivity

By making an ultra-pure version of boron nitride, researchers have been able to provide the first measurements of its predicted high thermal conductivity.

Lifelike materials show value of DNA as a polymer

‘Lifelike’ material with artificial metabolism made from DNA

Gold builds impossible biocages

Gold builds impossible biocages

Supercomputers help raise the heat on cobalt oxide configurations

Using supercomputers, researchers are identifying the best combination of cobalt oxides and transition metals for converting heat to electricity.

3D bioprinting of entangled artificial organs

3D bioprinting of entangled artificial organs

The ties that bind

Hydrogen binds to 2D, all-carbon graphene quicker than predicted

Innovative bone implant could help heal broken bone

A biodegradable implant encourages the natural repair of broken bones using heat

Additive manufacturing of designer biomedical and bioinspired materials (Call for Papers)

ChinaNANO - submit your nomination for the Materials Today Rising Star Awards

Calling Early Career Researchers attending ChinaNANO.

Squid skin inspires new composite material for controlling temperature

Inspired by the skin of cephalopods such as squid, engineers have developed a new composite material that can trap or release heat as desired.

New algorithm provides window on the behavior of glasses

A new algorithm that can accurately predict the mechanical behavior of glass at different temperatures could aid the discovery of new materials.

New protective layer protects carbon nanotubes from ‘poisoning’

Researchers have developed a new protective layer for carbon nanotubes that can protect them from environmental contamination.

Nerve Regeneration using Nano-fibres supplemented with reduced graphene oxide

Straighter chains produce heat-conducting polymer film

By finding a way to untangle polymer chains, researchers have managed to produce thin polymer films that can conduct heat.

Researchers find way to remove water traps from organic semiconductors

Researchers have shown that water in pores can slow the motion of charges in organic semiconductors and found a way to prevent this happening.

Acta Journals’ Outstanding Reviewers in 2018

Graphene should make ideal quantum logic gate

A new study proposes that single photons can interact with each other on graphene surfaces, suggesting new designs for optical quantum computers.

3D printed nanogenerator powered by snow

Canadian researchers say that their device could find multiple uses in snowy environments

Using sunlight to suck salt from seawater

Polymer foam offers potential route to practical solar desalination

Cracking new coating helps ice to slip off large surfaces

Novel spray-on polymer coatings cause ice to fall away from large surfaces with just the force of a light breeze, or often the weight of the ice itself.

New method could capture liquid-like electrons in graphene

Researchers have calculated that applying an oscillating voltage should cause the electrons in graphene to flow like a liquid.

Origami-inspired folding stretches to curved surfaces

Charge rather than atomic disorder responsible for Cooper pair insulators

In Cooper pair insulators, pairs of electrons are held in check by repulsive interactions between them, not by any disorder in the atomic lattice.

New liquid-impregnated surfaces could lead to better bread, drugs and flow batteries

Liquid-impregnated surfaces that comprise a specially textured surface and a liquid lubricant can help thicker materials to slide without sticking.

Simple synthesis produces complex nanoparticles

one-pot synthesis produces Au nanoparticles with porous shells of tiny CeO2 nanoparticles of varying thickness for catalysis and plasmonics

Newly explained item in the bagging area

Genomics and protein properties of bagworm silk for biomimetics

Hydrogels become stronger when they work out

Repeatedly stretching hydrogels in a water bath aligns their nanofibers, producing a strong, soft and hydrated material that resists breakdown or fatigue.

Strontium stimulates stem cells to form bone

Bioglass nanoparticles containing strontium ions stimulate human-derived stem cells to differentiate into bone-forming cells