Materials news, February 2021

Graphene and perovskites make sensitive X-ray detector

Using 3D aerosol jet-printing, scientists have produced a highly sensitive X-ray detector by printing arrays of perovskite pillars on a graphene substrate.

Bismuth-rich electrode surface lifts electrons higher

Bismuth vanadate electrodes that contain more bismuth on their surface generate higher amounts of electrical current from sunlight for water splitting.

Conjugated polymers present novel window on energy collection

Researchers have developed a 'windowpane' with a conjugated polymer that can direct light that falls on it to solar cells at the edges of the pane.

Researchers form attachment with mesocrystals

For the first time, researchers have used advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques to see mesocrystals form in solution in real time.

Polymer Testing goes open access

Kagome graphene reveals exciting properties

For the first time, researchers have produced kagome graphene and shown that it has very different properties to conventional graphene.

Organic molecules improve the electronic properties of perovskites

Molecular component improves on perovskites

Materials & Design - Call for Papers: Special Issue on Low Dimensional and Nanostructured Materials for Advanced Functional Applications

Superconducting nanowires reach junction in their development

Researchers are developing superconducting nanowire devices that could replace the Josephson junctions in superconducting electronics.

Socially distancing electrons show pattern of insulation

The moiré patterns produced by 2D monolayers of tungsten disulfide and tungsten diselenide can turn these conductors into insulators.

New optical coating increases the lifetime of photovoltaic cells

New class of optical coating that transmit and reflects the same color simultaneously

Cancer cells get a load of ZIF

A metal organic framework coated with a cancer cell membrane has proved effective at delivering and releasing a cancer immunotherapy drug.

Mixed-up way to produce exotic gels

Researchers have found a better way to produce an exotic class of gel, by simply mixing together water, oil and nanoparticles of quartz.

Molecular sweat sensor offers quick drug detection

Wearable sensor that can detect illegal drugs in sweat

Conventional resin could produce unconventional circuits

Researchers have shown that a standard resin from semiconductor manufacturing can be used to integrate 2D materials with silicon semiconductors.

'Dancing' platinum atoms could lead way to cheaper catalysts

Using various analytical techniques, researchers have identified the specific platinum atoms that form the active site on a hydrogen-producing catalyst.

'Magnetic graphene' under pressure to exhibit new form of magnetism

Researchers have identified a new form of magnetism that appears at high pressures in the 2D material iron thiophosphate, also known as magnetic graphene.

Defective carbon makes effective catalyst

Treating metal-free carbon black with oxygen plasma produces an efficient catalyst for converting oxygen into hydrogen peroxide.

13th Elsevier Distinguished Lecture in Mechanics - Sponsored by Elsevier and the Journal: Mechanics Research Communications

Quantum Information and Deep Learning for Turbulent Combustion Modeling & Simulation

Novel optical coating shows off colorful ability

For the first time, researchers have developed an optical coating that can simultaneously reflect and transmit the same wavelength, or color.

Organic molecules power up perovskite materials

Researchers have enhanced the electronic properties of perovskite materials by incorporating specially designed organic molecules.

No limit for nanolight in layered crystal

Changing the electronic structure of a tungsten diselenide crystal with light allows researchers to image features that are normally too small to see.

Promising natural molecule produces fully recyclable polymers

Scientists have produced polymers from lipoic acid, a natural molecule, that can be easily depolymerized under mild conditions.

Scientists produce previously theoretical semiconducting 2D alloy

Scientists have produced the first 2D silicon-germanium alloys and demonstrated an easy way to fine-tune their electronic properties.

Novel gel bends laws of thermodynamics

By combining polymers and nanoparticles, researchers have created an injectable gel that doesn't melt when exposed to the temperature inside the body.

Corkscrew light could open up topological insulators

Researchers predict that shining circularly polarized laser light on topological insulators can reveal information about their electrical properties.

Twisted graphene sheets learn new magic tricks

Researchers have observed superconductivity in a sandwich of three graphene sheets, where the middle layer is twisted at a specific 'magic' angle.

Polymer gels can move rather snappily

Researchers have found a way to get polymer gels to snap and reset themselves, relying solely on energy flow from their environment.

Materials Today Energy – New Editor in Chief: Professor Hongjin Fan

Professor Hongjin Fan announced as new Editor-in-Chief of Materials Today Energy.

Acta Biomaterialia makes the Special Issue on Biomineralization: From Cells to Biomaterials free for 3 months

A little soap produces 2D nanoflakes of quality

Chemists have managed to obtain quality 2D hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets by processing its natural bulk form with surfactants and water.

Battery researchers stare into the void

Researchers used X-ray tomography to discover that voids can form at the interface between electrodes and the solid electrolyte in solid-state batteries.

Diamond-like hardness just a phase for 2D boron nitride

Experiments and simulations have revealed how 2D boron nitride can transform into its ultra-hard, diamond phase at room temperature.

Researchers drink to new class of tough, functional biomaterials

Inspired by Kombucha tea, researchers have developed a new way to generate tough, functional materials using a mixture of bacteria and yeast.

Recycling gives a PET new lease of life

instead of recycling, PET can be transformed into a useful sorbent material for removal of insecticides from water

Gas-attracting material boosts carbon-capture process

Using a specially textured, gas-attracting material, researchers have greatly boosted the performance of catalytical systems for capturing carbon dioxide.

Stretchable circuits share the strain

By utilizing a patterned, flexible elastomer, researchers have created stretchable electronics that are less compromised by deformation.

Materials Today Physics appoints a new Associate Editor: Professor Ying Yu from the College of Physical Science and Technology of Central China Normal University.

Smashing new method builds metals from the bottom up

Researchers have developed a new method for smashing individual metal nanoclusters together to form macro-scale hunks of solid metal.

Graphene sheets head over heels about new filtration role

Researchers have found a way to flip the horizontal channels between graphene sheets to make them vertical, which is an ideal orientation for filtration.

SMART microscopy technique reveals details of crystal growth

Using a novel real-time electron microscopy technique and carbon nanohorns, researchers have observed crystal growth in unprecedented detail.