Surface science news

Acta Journals Editors Transitioning to Joint Appointments

‘Oil and vinegar’ could guide assembly of nanoparticles into complex shapes

Scientists have theorized a new ‘oil-and-vinegar’ approach for inducing spherical nanoparticles to self-assemble into unusual architectures.

High conductivity measured at surface of semimetal nanobelts

Researchers have found that thin layers of niobium arsenide, a Weyl semimetal, have three times the conductivity of copper at room temperature.

Phase-switching liquids can help switch off ice formation

Researchers have found that phase-switching liquids can delay ice and frost formation up to 300 times longer than state-of-the-art anti-ice coatings.

‘Living glue’ inspired by nature

‘living glue’ inspired by marine organisms like barnacles and mussels works underwater or in highly damp or humid conditions

New test pinpoints catalysts’ activity

fast-screening of potential non-noble metal two-dimensional catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction

Growing crystal islands communicate with previous layers

Scientists have discovered the islands that form a new layer in a crystalline material tend to form in a pattern similar to the preceding layer.

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.

Perspectives on the materials research landscape

Two new reports, now available for download.