Surface science news

Unusual interaction between material layers could enhance data storage

A previously undiscovered interaction between two thin magnetic layers separated by a non-magnetic layer could lead to better data storage.

Researchers focus on producing lenses with magnetic droplets

Researchers have developed a liquid mold from droplets that they can manipulate with magnets for creating lenses in various shapes and sizes.

Separating ‘messy’ steps of fabrication produces better 2D semiconductors

A novel two-step, ultra-clean process for fabricating a 2D transistor separates the ‘messy’ fabrication steps from the 2D semiconductor layer.

New surface coating takes heat out of low-surface-tension liquids

A novel coating can promote droplet formation and shedding in low-surface-tension fluids, thereby improving heat transfer.

New cathode coating ‘hits five or six birds with one stone’

A new polymer coating for battery cathodes can improve the electronic and ionic conductivity of a battery while also improving its safety.

Mayonnaise experiments could lead to some tasty nuclear fusion

Studying mayonnaise when it spins can help characterize the interface between an elastic-plastic material and a light material under acceleration.

First articles now available: Materials Today Advances

Now open for Original Research and Review article submission.

ChinaNANO - submit your nomination for the Materials Today Rising Star Awards

Calling Early Career Researchers attending ChinaNANO.

Squid skin inspires new composite material for controlling temperature

Inspired by the skin of cephalopods such as squid, engineers have developed a new composite material that can trap or release heat as desired.

Graphene should make ideal quantum logic gate

A new study proposes that single photons can interact with each other on graphene surfaces, suggesting new designs for optical quantum computers.

Cracking new coating helps ice to slip off large surfaces

Novel spray-on polymer coatings cause ice to fall away from large surfaces with just the force of a light breeze, or often the weight of the ice itself.

Origami-inspired folding stretches to curved surfaces

New liquid-impregnated surfaces could lead to better bread, drugs and flow batteries

Liquid-impregnated surfaces that comprise a specially textured surface and a liquid lubricant can help thicker materials to slide without sticking.

New organic cathode forms close interface with solid electrolyte

Researchers have developed an organic cathode that dramatically improves the stability and energy density of solid-state sodium-ion batteries.

Nano-coating protects solid electrolyte from lithium metal anode

Researchers have shown that a nano-coating of boron nitride can stabilize solid electrolytes in lithium metal batteries.

Titanium coating helps make novel battery cathode more stable

Researchers have discovered why vanadium disulfide is unstable as a battery cathode material and developed a way to make it more stable.

Collaboration produces first-ever 2D phosphorene nanoribbons

High-quality phosphorene nanoribbons for high-speed electronics

Laser light and water combine to improve optical properties of 2D material

Researchers have improved the optical properties of the 2D material molybdenum disulphide by removing defects with laser light and water.