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[Images above] Credit: NIST

NANOMATERIALS

Nanotubes change the shape of water

Rice University researchers used molecular models to demonstrate their theory that weak van der Waals forces between the inner surface of the nanotube and the water molecules are strong enough to snap the oxygen and hydrogen atoms into place.

Nano-imaging of intersubband transitions in few-layer 2-D materials

In a recent study published in Nature Nanotechnology, researchers report on the first theoretical calculations and first experimental observation of inter-sub-band transitions in quantum wells of few-layer semiconducting 2-D materials

US Army Research Lab scientists creating atomic-level 3-D reconstructions of specimens

Using cutting-edge technology, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory is conducting research to analyze atomic-level metal and ceramic specimens. The research could lead to lead to stronger or possibly more heat-resistant materials for military applications.

Environmentally friendly photoluminescent nanoparticles for more vivid display colors

Researchers have created non-toxic pure colors by fabricating semiconductor nanoparticles containing silver indium disulfide and adding a shell around them consisting of a semiconductor material made of two different elements, gallium, and sulfur.

Nanoparticle coating protects ceramic materials from thermal shock

Engineers used a cheap, simple, water-repelling coating to prevent thermal shock in ceramics. The findings can be used to increase thermal-shock tolerance in nuclear power plants or applied to any ceramic material used in industries operating at high temperatures.

ENERGY

Powerful new battery could help usher in a green power grid

Researchers have found that running lithium-ion batteries at high temperatures—along with a couple of other fixes—can push them to at least 150 cycles. Lithium-oxygen batteries the size of rail cars could one day underpin a green energy grid, storing excess wind and solar power and delivering it on demand.

A device to harvest energy from low-frequency vibrations

A team of researchers has developed a wearable energy harvesting device that could generate energy from the swing of an arm while walking or jogging. The device, about the size of a wristwatch, produces enough power to run a personal health monitoring system.

This bright blue dye is found in fabric. Could it also power batteries?

University at Buffalo scientists think it may be possible to give this industrial pollutant a second life. In a new study, they show that the dye, when dissolved in water, is good at storing and releasing energy on cue.

Catalyst advance could lead to economical fuel cells

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new way to make low-cost, single-atom catalysts for fuel cells — an advance that could make important clean energy technology more economically viable.

OTHER STORIES

NSF proposes $25M in grants to set up quantum foundries

The National Science Foundation has set up a new round of grants to help augment the development of quantum technology, this time pledging $25 million to help fund foundries that will produce components essential to advancing its applications.

MIT researchers 3-D print colloidal crystals

MIT engineers have united the principles of self-assembly and 3-D printing using a direct-write colloidal assembly process. The process enables them to build centimeter-high crystals, each made from billions of individual colloids, defined as particles that are between 1 nanometer and 1 micrometer across.

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