Optical materials news, August 2011

New design could blast 2D solar cells into space

Using computational modeling, researchers have shown that new a design for 2D transition metal dichalcogenide solar cells could double their efficiency.

Colorful future for new plasmonic paint

A novel plasmonic paint utilizes a nanoscale structural arrangement of aluminum and aluminum oxide to create different colors.

Nanoparticles blink in near-infrared light

Using near-infrared light, researchers have darkened and brightened lanthanide-doped nanoparticles over 1000 times with no degradation.

Direct Z-scheme photocatalysts: Principles, synthesis, and applications

Pyramid-shaped gold nanoparticles assemble into complex crystals

Scientists have shown that DNA can control the assembly of bipyramidal gold nanoparticles into a complex crystal structure known as a clathrate.