Surface science news, August 2018

News archive…

Computer simulations show water responds to nanoscale surface patterning

Computer simulations show that nanoscale patterning on surfaces is an effective means of engineering materials for unique water dynamics.

28 August 2018

New platinum-gold alloy most wear-resistant in the world

A novel platinum-gold alloy, 100 times more durable than high-strength steel, is believed to be the most wear-resistant metal in the world.

27 August 2018

Layered 2D heterostructures offer novel twist on tuning properties

Researchers can fine-tune the electronic, mechanical and optical properties of 2D heterostructures by varying the angle between the crystals in real time.

23 August 2018

Materials based on nature’s protective armor

Multi-material smart material prototype based on seed coat of some plants.

22 August 2018Laurie Donaldson

Dual-template approach produces three-layered nanostructures

Researchers have made triple-layered hollow nanostructures consisting of a conductive organic core sandwiched between two inorganic layers.

21 August 2018

Chemical ‘tug-of-war’ causes change between solid and liquid states

By mixing nanocrystals with polymers and ligands, scientists have found a way to switch between a liquid-like state and a solid-like state.

14 August 2018

Electrons trapped between graphene nanoribbons could perform quantum computing

Quantum computing could benefit from the finding that electrons can be trapped between graphene nanoribbons with different topologies,

14 August 2018

Self-healing superhydrophobic coatings

Long-term water-repellent metal surfaces may be one step closer.

13 August 2018Laurie Winkless

Biological imaging technique reveals secrets of dendrite growth

Using a form of Raman microscopy developed for biomedical studies, scientists have explored the mechanism behind dendrite growth in lithium batteries.

6 August 2018