[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
Bending light around tight corners without backscattering losses
Duke University engineers used photonic crystals to direct photons of light around sharp corners with virtually no losses due to backscattering on a rectangular device just 35 micrometers long and 5.5 micrometers wide. This ability is key if light-based devices are to replace electronics.
‘Smart skin’ simplifies spotting strain in structures
Rice University researchers used fluorescing carbon nanotubes to measure strain. When a light is shone onto structures coated with the two-layer nanotube film and protective polymer, the strain shows as changes in the wavelengths of near-infrared light emitted from the film.
Researchers create new ‘smart’ material with potential biomedical, environmental uses
Brown University researchers combined seaweed-derived alginate with the nanomaterial graphene oxide to develop a new material that’s durable and can become stiffer or softer in response to different chemical treatments, meaning the material can react to its surroundings in real time.
ENERGY
Next-gen batteries possible with new engineering approach
Penn State researchers developed a 3D, cross-linked polymer sponge that attaches to the metal plating of a lithium battery anode. The material acts as a porous sponge that not only promotes ion transfer, but also inhibits deterioration.
Flexible, foldable supercapacitors for energy storage
Researchers from Islamic Azad University discovered a way of making carbon nanotube paper supercapacitors for electricity storage. At one sheet thick, these new supercapacitors can bend, fold, flex, and still hold electricity.
Alliance with 2D materials boosts sulphur-based batteries
Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers developed a hybrid interlayer combining graphene and Co(OH)2 nanosheets that prevents sulphide movement and enhances use of the sulphide ions to improve the battery capacity and cyclability.
ENVIRONMENT
Sustainable ‘nano-raspberry’ to neutralize poisonous carbon monoxide
Nagoya Institute of Technology scientists developed a sustainable method to neutralize carbon monoxide, the odorless poison produced by cars and home boilers. The team uses a raspberry-shaped nanoparticle that makes carbon monoxide gain an extra oxygen atom and lose its most potent toxicity.
MANUFACTURING
Electrical cable triggers lightweight, fire-resistant cladding discovery
A University of Melbourne researcher and construction materials company Envirosip discovered that the plastic insulation around electrical cables uses tiny ceramic particles that spread a heat resistant network through the material. They used this knowledge to create an organic, non-combustible, and lightweight cladding core.
OTHER STORIES
Scientist continues work on ceramics to create ‘super’ turbines
A study funded by the National Science Foundation Partnerships for International Research and Education will generate knowledge on structure-property-processing of multicomponent silicon-based polymer-derived ceramic fibers and ceramic matrix composites for gas turbine engine applications.
Exploding stars make key ingredient in sand, glass
A new study using observations by NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope reports that silica—one of the most common minerals found on Earth—is formed when massive stars explode. Silica is a key ingredient in glass, and most of the silicon used in electronic devices comes from silica.