Materials news, January 2021

New model shows path to stronger carbon nanotube fibers

A new model has revealed that the strength of carbon nanotube fibers depends on the length of the nanotubes and the friction between them.

Defects can turn perovskite crystals metallic

Researchers have observed metallic line defects in a perovskite crystal, which offer a novel way to create materials that are transparent and conductive.

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.

Improved egg hunt offers faster way to high-tech alloys

By enhancing an algorithm based on the nesting habits of cuckoo birds, scientists have greatly reduced the search time for new high-tech alloys.

High-quality material predictions from low-quality data

By combining low-fidelity and high-fidelity data, researchers have developed a new machine-learning method to predict the properties of materials.

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.

Pitcher plants create a slippery trap for insects

surface topography of the pitcher plant creates the right conditions for insects to slip into its trap

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

Materials that don't mix make stable organic solar cells

The properties of elastic modulus and glass transition temperature can determine the best materials for creating stable organic solar cells.

DNA shapes up to fabricate superconducting components

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

Chilli peppers add spice to perovskite solar cells

Researchers have found that capsaicin, the compound that makes chilli peppers spicy, can enhance the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells.

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.

Surface rearrangement can transform catalytic activity

Researchers have discovered that the surface atomic layer of a catalyst for splitting water can re-arrange itself to boost its catalytic activity.

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 study shows how catalyst evolution aids oxygen evolution

Advanced characterization tools have helped to reveal the structural and chemical evolution of strontium catalyst during the oxygen evolution reaction.

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.

Antioxidants can protect health of conducting polymers

Researchers have discovered that antioxidants can help prevent the damage to conducting polymers caused by transmission electron microscopy.

Single stage process for converting coal into graphite

Alternative uses for coal shown in single stage process

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”

Scientists learn how to speed up materials simulations

Using machine learning, researchers have been able to complete cumbersome materials science calculations more than 40,000 times faster than normal.

Radical new method for visualizing polymer crystallization

Researchers have utilized reactive molecules called radical-type 'mechanophores' to visualize polymer crystallization in real time.

Bubbles of distortion clearly spotted in perovskite solar cells

For the first time, scientists have observed the formation of fleeting distortions known as polarons in the atomic lattice of hybrid perovskites.

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.

Biodegradable iron has the strength to fix bone

porous iron has great potential as a scaffold for bone repair

New study uncovers model secrets of desalination membranes

Creating a uniform membrane density is crucial for maximizing the performance of polymer membranes for water desalination.

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.

3D printing helps improve biocompatibility of metallic implants

Biomedical metallic implants improved with 3D printing

New quantum properties discovered in old material

Researchers have uncovered topological properties in cobalt disulfide that could allow this magnetic material to be used for spintronics applications.

Kai Siegbahn prize 2021: the nominations are now open!

Cracks reveal thermal change in biomimetic composite

Cracks reveal thermal change in biomimetic composite

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.

Gelatin-based film that can self-repair smartphones

Self-repairing gelatin-based film that can repair itself multiple times

Hard machine learning can predict hard materials

A novel machine-learning model can accurately predict the hardness of new materials based solely on their chemical composition.

Stanford University Study - Top Materials Scientists