Posts by Lisa McDonald
Direct carbon fuel cell advancements result in cleaner, more efficient electricity
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory have created a direct carbon fuel cell that operates more efficiently than other fuel cells. Their fuel cell operates at lower temperatures and has more power density than previous versions.
Read MoreMXene materials may enable more sensitive gas sensors for medical diagnostics and more—but dog noses are still superior
A group of researchers from Drexel University and KAIST in South Korea has shown that titanium carbide MXene thin films have superior gas sensing ability over existing gas sensor materials, making them particularly suitable for enabling the next generation of medical diagnostic sensor technologies.
Read MoreIt’s elemental: Science and stories of gallium and the Periodic Table
Gallium is an interesting and incredibly useful element with a storied history—watch this short video from ACS Reactions to learn more about this interesting element, and some of the history of the Periodic Table itself.
Read MoreSmart window technology uses magnetic nanoparticles suspended in fluid to control light, heat
Most current energy-saving window technology requires electricity to power the windows. But a research team has devised a fluidic window that uses magnetic nanoparticles to control the window to capture solar energy.
Read MoreVideo: Extraterrestrial glass found in Africa questions theories of solar system’s creation
Scientists have discovered that glass stones found in Africa in 1996 consist of a mineral matrix and chemical element properties unlike anything in our solar system—leading them to question how our solar system originally formed.
Read MoreBMW, ACerS introduce new products at Daytona Beach last week
ACerS, like BMW, unveiled new products at the Hilton Daytona Beach last week. We introduced the new Bulletin Archive Online, while BMW introduced its M8 GTE race car.
Read MoreOther materials stories that may be of interest
Motion of 2-D materials could lead to new source of clean energy, metal-mesh membrane could solve longstanding problems with rechargeable batteries, and other materials stories that may be of interest for January 31, 2018.
Read MoreSkiing on ceramics and technology-enhanced fashion—Materials science heats up athletic competition in Winter Olympics
In addition to the incredible feats of human fitness and skill on display at the Olympics, there’s a lot of research and development that happens behind the scenes to make the games the to-the-finish-line competition that they are—including plenty of materials science.
Read MoreRecycled cathodes on spent lithium-ion batteries could save money and the environment
Researchers have developed a process to recycle used cathode materials in spent lithium-ion batteries. Their recycling method could lower costs of rechargeable batteries as well as reduce depletion of resources and environmental impact.
Read MoreTobermorite combines with white graphene to make heat- and radiation-resistant ceramic
Researchers have created a high-performance ceramic composite that is strong, durable, and resistant to heat and radiation. The findings could be useful in industries that require highly functional and durable ceramic materials—such as nuclear power plants, aerospace, and oil and gas industries.
Read More