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[Images above] Credit: NIST

 

NANOMATERIALS

 

UIC chemical engineers first to functionalize boron nitride with other nanosystems

Researchers have discovered a route to alter boron nitride, a layered 2-D material, so that it can bind to other materials, like those found in electronics, biosensors and airplanes. Being able to better-incorporate boron nitride into these components could help improve their performance.

OU researcher determines catalytic active sites using carbon nanotubes

Researchers developed a new and more definitive way to determine the active site in a complex catalyst. A method of separating active sites, while maintaining the ability of the metal to create potential active sites on the support, uses vertically grown carbon nanotubes that act as “hydrogen highways.”

 

ENERGY

 

A cryogenic process for perovskite solar cells without anti-solvents

Scientists have proposed a straightforward and effective technique which can yield homogenous perovskite films without the use of anti-solvents and regardless of the complexity of the precursor compositions.

Flowing salt water over this super-hydrophobic surface can generate electricity

Engineers have developed a super-hydrophobic surface that can be used to generate electrical voltage. When salt water flows over this specially patterned surface, it can produce at least 50 millivolts. The work could lead to development of new power sources and energy harvesting methods.

Battery testing and prototyping facility grows to meet demand for next-generation technologies

Argonne recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the expanded Cell Analysis, Modeling and Prototyping facility. A key piece of equipment that will go into the expanded facility is a multi-functional coater to test and develop new electrode-separator designs needed for solid-state lithium battery systems.

Transition metal dichalcogenides could increase computer speed, memory

Transition metal dichalcogenides possess optical properties that could be used to make computers run a million times faster and store information a million times more energy-efficiently, according to a study led by Georgia State University.

 

ENVIRONMENT

 

Toward a smaller carbon footprint

Researchers have made a breakthrough in removing carbon dioxide from the air to convert it into useful chemicals. They used a class of nanomaterials called metal-organic frameworks which take CO2 out of the atmosphere and combine it with hydrogen atoms to convert it into valuable chemicals and fuels.

Cornell College researchers study carbon dioxide capture

Student researchers at the Cornell Summer Research Institute at Cornell College are exploring different materials and methods of carbon dioxide capture—in particular, graphene, to see how graphene-like structures can interact with carbon dioxide.

Wind farms might heat up the planet, after all

Two scientists found that if Americans reduce the amount of carbon energy—fossil fuels and natural gas—and switch to energy generated by wind, the drag from so many wind turbines would prevent flowing air that naturally cools the Earth.

 

OTHER STORIES

 

Defects promise quantum communication through standard optical fiber

An international team of scientists has identified a way to create quantum bits that emit photons that describe their state at wavelengths close to those used by telecom providers. These qubits are based on silicon carbide in which molybdenum impurities create color centers.

DHS restructures research office to meet emerging threats head on

The U.S. Homeland Security Department restructured its science and technology office to speed up the innovation process and ensure agencies have a hand in shaping the research done on their behalf.

R&D Market Pulse: Autonomous vehicle regulations to be rewritten

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that it plans to rewrite its regulations that bar self-driving cars from the road without steering wheels, pedals and mirrors. The NHTSA also said it will consider a more fundamental revamping of its approach to safety standards.

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