Fab-bow-lous synthesis: Researchers grow graphene nanoribbons for lower cost at higher yield

Graphene nanoribbons are a family of carbon allotropes that exhibit semiconducting properties promising for electronic applications. However, the conventional bottom-up synthesis method for graphene nanoribbons is a costly and low-yield process. Researchers led by the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology developed an alternative method that is higher yield and lower cost.

Read More

Stretching the possibilities: Bendable single-crystalline diamonds hold potential for next-generation electronics

Diamonds have many desirable properties for application in electronic devices, but their rigid crystalline structure and brittle nature make it difficult to use diamonds for such a purpose. An international team of researchers led by City University of Hong Kong revealed in 2018 that diamonds are bendable on the nanoscale, and a follow-up paper published by them this month expands on that finding.

Read More

Video: The evolution of touchscreen displays in cars

Touchscreen displays are an increasingly standard feature in new car models and, like smartphone screens, they grow larger each year—Mercedes-Benz plans to feature a 56-inch touchscreen display in an upcoming luxury electric sedan. But do touchscreens really help drivers—or lead to distracted driving?

Read More

Achieve success by inversing expectations—scientists show promise of antiperovskite oxides in photovoltaic applications

Perovskite materials are some of the most hotly researched materials in the photovoltaic field right now. However, antiperovskite materials, which have an inverse perovskite structure, show promise as well. Two researchers in Korea used simulations to explore the potential of two antiperovskite oxides in photovoltaic applications.

Read More

Video: Robot dance party kicks off 2021

What better way to celebrate the start of 2021 than with a dance party—for robots? Engineering and robotics design company Boston Dynamics posted a new video that showcases the best of their robots’ abilities and offers a lighthearted way to celebrate the start of 2021.

Read More