Surface science

Superlattice becomes even more super with three layers

Sandwiching a layer of graphene between two layers of 2D boron nitride can produce superlattices that confer novel electrical properties.

New X-ray technique reveals motion of atoms in 2D material

Scientists have used a new technique called ultrafast surface X-ray scattering to visualize the motion of atoms in a 2D material.

Additive manufacturing caught on camera

ultrafast X-ray imaging gives an insight into exactly what is happening during additive manufacturing of metal structures

Metal cutting improved through new technique

Improved metal cutting for defense, vehicles and health products

The Acta journals welcome new editor: Cewen Nan

Simulations show that surfaces get worn down by debris particles

Simulations of how surface roughness changes over time have revealed that surfaces are worn down by the action of debris particles between them.

Graphene and gold shine light on protein-based diseases

By combining graphene with nano-ribbons of gold, researchers have developed an ultrasensitive biosensor for detecting disease-causing proteins.

‘Tuning knob’ turns 2D semiconductors into quantum materials

The twist angle between layers of 2D semiconductors provides a ‘tuning knob’ to turn them into an exotic quantum material.

Small steps to synthesizing seamless 2D crystals

Novel simulations show that atom-sized steps on a substrate have the remarkable ability to keep monolayer crystal islands in alignment as they grow.

Excitons trapped in the moiré pattern between 2D materials

Researchers have shown that excitons can be trapped in the moiré pattern created by twisting a pair of 2D semiconductors.