Magnetic materials

Mopping up microplastics: Nanopillar-stabilized metal-organic framework removes contaminants from water

By Lisa McDonald / December 13, 2022

Adsorption is an effective way to remove microplastics from water by adhering them to an easily removable/retrievable surface. Researchers at RMIT University in Australia developed a nanopillar-stabilized metal-organic framework adsorbent that effectively removes microplastics from water, as well as the toxic pollutant methylene blue.

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A guide to synthesizing magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

By Lisa McDonald / July 20, 2021

Magnetite (Fe3O4) and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) are two types of iron oxide known for their magnetic properties. A new open-access paper summarizes the main synthesis protocols for obtaining these magnetic nanoparticles.

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Magnonics, an alternative to conventional electronics

By Lisa McDonald / September 3, 2019

Magnonics, an emerging field of magnetism, could provide an alternative method of data manipulation to silicon electronics. Researchers from universities in Russia, the Netherlands, and Germany developed a superconducting/ferromagnetic material for magnonic applications.

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Video: VCRs are no more—but magnetic tapes are still the rage

By Lisa McDonald / August 21, 2019

Although VHS tapes are viewed as a dead technology in the public entertainment sector, magnetic tapes provide valuable archive storage for companies and organizations handling big data—but an ongoing patent battle makes obtaining the newest tapes difficult.

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“Spring” cleanup: Carbon nanosprings break down marine microplastic pollution

By Lisa McDonald / August 20, 2019

Microplastic pollution is a threat to marine ecosystems. A research collaboration between several Australian and Chinese universities created carbon nanosprings that can break down microplastics into compounds that dissolve harmlessly in water.

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Magnetic oxides provide alternative to clean up oil spills

By Lisa McDonald / April 23, 2019

Researchers in Germany developed functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles that can attract hydrocarbons. They are working with industry partners to transfer the concept to real-world oil spill cleanup operations.

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Change colors like a fish: Iron oxide nanoparticles mimic neon tetra skin

By Lisa McDonald / April 2, 2019

North Carolina State University researchers, inspired by neon tetra fish, created a material that changes color by changing the orientation of nanostructured columns on its surface.

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Video: This ceramic artist combines science and art to create beautiful sculptures

By Faye Oney / August 8, 2018

Ceramic artist Sabri Ben-Achour creates unique sculptures by mixing a little science with art. He gets his inspiration from wabi-sabi, the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection. Watch the video to see his distinctive techniques.

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Video: Watch these 3-D printed magnetic devices change shape and perform tricks

By Faye Oney / July 11, 2018

Researchers at MIT have fabricated small flexible magnetic structures using a 3-D printer and ink fused with magnetic particles. The structures could be used to remotely control biomedical devices for drug delivery or for pumping blood, among other functions.

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The future of additive manufacturing: A 3-D multiple materials printing process

By Faye Oney / June 26, 2018

3-D printing typically involves only one material. Researchers have now developed a way to print multiple materials in one process. This method could eventually replace welding and other materials joining technologies.

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