[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
A research group has designed conductive and porous nanotubes assembled with vertically aligned metallic MoS2 nanosheets, which enormously benefits for avoiding nanosheets restacking, stabilizing metallic phase, and improving ion transport efficiency.
Scientists create continuously emitting microlasers with nanoparticle-coated beads
Researchers have found a way to convert nanoparticle-coated microscopic beads into lasers smaller than red blood cells. These microlasers, which convert infrared light into light at higher frequencies, are among the smallest continuously emitting lasers of their kind ever reported.
Collaboration yields discovery of 12-sided silica cages
A team of researchers at Cornell University reports discovery of 10-nanometer, individual, self-assembled dodecahedral structures—12-sided silica cages that could have applications in mesoscale material assembly, as well as medical diagnosis and therapeutics.
MXenes’ spontaneous oxidation harnessed to create 2-D nanocomposites
Researchers at Missouri S&T have discovered a new way to harness the potential of a type of spontaneously oxidized MXene thin films, to create nanocomposites that could sense both light and the environment.
ENERGY
Rutgers physicists create new class of 2-D artificial materials
An international team verifies a 53-year-old theory that suggests ferroelectric metals could conduct electricity despite not existing in nature. These findings could spawn a new generation of multi-functional devices and applications.
Turbocharge for lithium batteries
A team of material researchers has succeeded in producing a composite material that is particularly suited for electrodes in lithium batteries. The nanocomposite material might help significantly increase storage capacity and lifetime of batteries as well as their charging speed.
Rice University scientists have developed a simple way to produce conductive, three-dimensional objects made of graphene foam. The squishy solids offer new possibilities for energy storage and flexible electronic sensor applications.
Tripling the energy storage of lithium-ion batteries
Researchers have developed and studied a new cathode material that could triple the energy density of lithium-ion battery electrodes. Their findings could improve lithium-ion batteries as well as grid-scale energy storage.
Kirigami-inspired OLEDs: Cut and paste OLEDs into any shape
Researchers from Penn State University have introduced a new opportunity for creative OLED lighting design by cutting and folding thin OLED films into a variety of three-dimensional shapes using ideas related to kirigami, the Japanese art of paper cutting and folding.
ENVIRONMENT
Simulation for grid transmission, distribution
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists have kicked off a two-year project with private power management company Eaton Corporation to develop and commercialize a tool capable of performing coupled simulations of transmission and distribution grids.
Cementless fly ash binder makes concrete ‘green’
Rice University engineers have developed a composite binder made primarily of fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power plants, that can replace Portland cement in concrete. The material is cementless and environmentally friendly.
Creating a new composite fuel for next-generation fast reactors
A team of researchers has produced and studied fine-grained composites based on Y2.5Nd0.5Al5O12garnet with additives including highly heat-conductive metals (nickel, molybdenum, tungsten) and silicon carbide having a low neutron capture cross-section.
OTHER STORIES
NSF supports development of new nationwide data storage network
The National Science Foundation is funding $1.8 million for the initial development of a data storage network over the next two years. It will enable academic researchers across the nation to work with and share their data more efficiently than ever before.
Magnetic 3-D-printed structures crawl, roll, jump, and play catch
MIT engineers have created soft, 3-D-printed structures whose movements can be controlled with a wave of a magnet, much like marionettes without the strings. Their technique could be used to fabricate magnetically controlled biomedical devices.
NASA science and NSF do well in Senate spending bill
A U.S. Senate spending panel has proposed giving healthy boosts to space research at NASA and the National Science Foundation next year. The increases are part of a 2019 spending bill marked up by the Senate Appropriations Commerce, Justice, and Science subcommittee.