Surface science news, March 2016

The more wrinkles the better for graphene

Repeatedly crumpling and wrinkling a sheet of graphene can make it water-repellent and enhance its electrochemical properties.

Materials bring breath of fresh air

European Commission EUR 3 million challenge for materials solutions to reduce concentration of particulates in urban areas

In memory of Dr John W. Cahn

Geometry throws light on novel tunable windows

By coating transparent elastomers with silver nanowires, scientists have developed a novel technique for quickly changing the opacity of a window.

New microscopy technique spots holes forming in silicon dioxide

A new electron microscopy technique can follow atomic-scale physical processes occurring at the surfaces of materials in situ and in real time.

New rubbery coating helps ice slide away

A novel ice-repellent coating made from a blend of common synthetic rubbers can cause ice to slide off surfaces.

5 finalists selected for Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge

Details of the five finalists for Elsevier's Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge.

Vibrations help explain nanomaterial behavior

The vibrations of the outermost atomic layers at the surface of a nanomaterial are comparatively large and play an important role in how it behaves.

Atomic-scale ‘sandblaster’ produces novel 2D material

Scientists have used a helium ion microscope to control the conductivity and distribution of ferroelectric domains on a 2D material.

Novel materials bring excitons in from the cold

New excitonic devices made from the 2D materials molybdenum disulfide and hexagonal boron nitride can control excitons at room temperature.

New ‘meta-skin’ offers advanced radar cloaking

A new flexible, stretchable and tunable ‘meta-skin’ uses rows of small, liquid-metal devices to cloak an object from radar.

New metamaterial can separate and concentrate

A new metamaterial made from specially-patterned polymeric materials can separate and concentrate chemical compounds.

Scientists find new track to flexible electronics

New flexible conductive tracks made from a liquid metal alloy can be stretched up to four times their original length in all directions.

New plasmonic surface increases speed on data highway

A new surface for controlling infrared plasmons could form the basis for faster, more efficient ways of transmitting massive amounts of data.

Tiny crystals could light way to smart contact lenses

By depositing tiny titanium oxide crystals on a rubber-like material, scientists have developed a novel device for manipulating light.

Nano Today 2016 cover competition: Now open

See your image on the cover of Nano Today in 2016.

Graphene captures light with moth eyes

Using a technique known as nanotexturing, graphene can be manipulated to create the most light-absorbent material for its weight developed to date.

Slippery coating sticks fast to different surfaces

A novel anti-fouling coating comprises a hydrophilic polymer that forms strong covalent bonds with various materials.

Scientists find electrons in graphene behave like fluid

For the first time, scientists have observed electrons in graphene behaving like a fluid.

New polymer proves adept at creating micro-scale shapes

Researchers have developed a new polymer suited for photostructuring, a technique for creating micro-scale shapes.