Materials news, January 2020

Physicists untangle quantum criticality in strange metal

By studying a 'strange metal', physicists have uncovered direct evidence of quantum entanglement's role in bringing about quantum criticality.

New way to measure quantum materials is a bit MER

Scientists have come up with a new approach to measuring the properties of quantum materials, which they term magneto-elastoresistance (MER).

Luminescent memory material remembers where it was hit

Mechanoluminescent material visualizes the location of impacts

Turn and face the strange

Strange metals and quantum entanglement

Templates add depth to layered composites

Researchers have shown how a simple layered material transforms into a composite material with a 3D structure when it freezes around a template.

AC field makes piezoelectric crystals disappear

Applying an AC electric field to a piezoelectric crystal can turn it transparent by realigning its crystalline domains.

Custom-designed hydrogels offer effective inflammation control

Tuning the body’s inflammatory response with hydrogels

Too many defects can spoil the battery

Although intentional defects in a battery cathode can improve its performance, too many defects can leave the cathode at risk of fracture.

Single isotopes help cubic boron nitride stay cool

Researchers have confirmed experimentally that, as predicted, isotopically enriched cubic boron nitride does have a high thermal conductivity.

Stellar material is older than old

Stellar material is older than old

DNA frames assemble nanomaterials into ordered 3D structures

A new DNA-programmable nanofabrication platform can organize and assemble a variety of different nanomaterials in the same prescribed ways.

Caged atoms influence properties of new ‘super-diamond’ material

A newly synthesized class of ‘super-diamond’ carbon-based material can alter its properties depending on which guest atoms are trapped in its cages.

Light-activated biomimetic hydrogel for infection-beating wound dressings

Light-activated biomimetic hydrogel for infection-beating wound dressings

Light-powered metal nanoparticle hits the gas

A nanoparticle comprising tiny spheres of copper dotted with single atoms of ruthenium makes an effective light-powered catalyst for producing syngas.

Researchers watch whiskers grow on a battery

By combining electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, researchers have been able to watch the growth of lithium dendrites.

New growth method strains to control perovskite properties

The properties of perovskites can be controlled with strain engineering by growing thin films on substrates with different compositions.

10th International Colloids Conference - Abstract submission deadline: 14 February 2020

Firm findings from growth of first 2D amorphous carbon

For the first time, researchers have been able to grow, image with atomic resolution and investigate the properties of 2D amorphous carbon.

New composite material can defeat toxic nerve agents

A novel composite material based on a metal-organic framework that can destroy toxic nerve agents has been integrated with textile fibers.

Smart glue from soybean oil and pine

A plant-based adhesive can repair itself if damaged and could be more green than conventional glues

Nano Today – New Editor in Chief: Professor Yuliang Zhao

Sparks don’t fly with novel growth mechanism

A new method for growing thin layers of the semiconductor gallium nitride can produce high-power transistors.

New carbon nanotube production method makes effective replacement

Researchers have developed a new version of the high-pressure carbon monoxide gas-phase process for producing single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Making your phone last longer with sulfur

Making your phone last longer with sulfur

Gold triangles make titanium dioxide slab go all nonlinear

Second-order nonlinear optical effects can be induced in a titanium dioxide slab by covering it in gold triangles.

New study brings astronomical approach down to the nanoscale

Researchers have used a ‘multi-messenger’ approach to probe the properties of quantum materials at nanoscale resolutions.

Scientists discover ripple in development of complex oxides

Scientists have found a way to study the structure and properties of the underside of a freestanding complex oxide thin film.

Aqueous electrolyte and novel electrode produce better battery

By using aqueous electrolytes with a novel electrode, researchers have been able to produce a safe, cost-efficient battery that still performs well.

New growth technique could bring space-age solar cells down to Earth

For the first time, scientists have managed to grow aluminum-based semiconductors for solar cells using hydride vapor phase epitaxy.

Liquid crystal molecules branch out into strange structures

Droplets containing chain-like liquid crystal molecules with different lengths can transform into complex shapes when the temperature drops.

Novel polymer sponge likes to soak up oil

A novel polymer sponge covered in nanocrystalline silicon can remove over 90% of oil microdroplets from wastewater within 10 minutes.

Doped halide perovskites offer cheap option for turning heat into electricity

Researchers have found that doping can turn the halide perovskite caesium tin iodide into an inexpensive, non-toxic thermoelectric material.

New thermal process creates plastic-like material from silk

A new method for the solid-state thermal processing of silk allows the biopolymer to be molded directly into bulk parts with tunable properties.

Nanocrystals put new face on oxygen reduction

nanocrystal core-shell catalyst for fuel cells uses less Pt but drives the oxygen reduction reaction more efficiently and is more durable

Winner of the 2019 Materials Today Innovation Award announced

2019 Materials Today Innovation Award recognizes the development of high-quality growth methods for III-V compound semiconductor materials

Breakthrough in rapid manufacturing of perovskite solar cells

Novel polymer can keep cool as the heat rises

A novel polymer can quickly transform from a thermal conductor to an insulator, and back again, in response to temperature changes.

New surface wraps up antibiotic-resistant superbugs

A plastic wrap with a nanostructured, chemically treated surface can repel everything that comes into contact with it, including viruses and bacteria.

Neutrons scatter to help optimize zeolite catalyst

Neutron scattering experiments have helped to optimize a novel zeolite catalyst that can convert biomass into fuel sources with a high efficiency.

3D-printed polymers for lightweight structures

More durable materials from 3D printing of polymers

Diamond anvil cells put pressure on material analysis

Turning natural atomic flaws inside diamond anvils into quantum sensors offers a novel way to study the effects of pressure on materials.

Announcement of 2019 Materials Today Agents of Change Award Recipients

New automated approach to producing polymers

Automating polymer synthesis with robotics

Improving disease control by changing fabric color

New color fabric approach that helps control its spread of disease

New MOFs soak up carbon dioxide from wet flue gas

Taking inspiration from drug discovery, scientists have developed metal-organic frameworks that can capture carbon dioxide from wet flue gasses.

Holes can make silicon solar cells transparent

Researchers have found that opaque silicon solar cells can be made transparent by simply punching lots of tiny holes into them.