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[Images above] Credit: NIST


NANOMATERIALS

Controlling what goes on ‘between the sheets’ is key to optimizing MXenes’ abilities

Drexel University researchers confirmed that interplay between a MXene, termination species, and intercalation species has something to do with MXenes’ conductivity. The discovery shows the source of MXenes’ behavior, and also how behavior can be altered.

New materials for high-voltage supercapacitors

A research team led by Tohoku University in Japan developed a new material for supercapacitors with higher voltage and better stability than other materials. The new material is a sheet made from a continuous 3D framework of graphene mesosponge.

Hydrophobic or hydrophilic? Aero-gallium nitride is both

Researchers at Technical University of Moldova and Kiel University made the first inorganic nanostructure with dual hydrophobic-hydrophilic behaviour. They employed hydride vapour phase epitaxy of gallium nitride on tetrapodal microstructured templates of zinc oxide to produce gallium nitride hollow microtetrapods.


ENERGY

Researchers chart path to cheaper flexible solar cells

Georgia Tech, UC San Diego, and MIT researchers used high-intensity X-ray mapping to describe in greater detail the mechanisms of how adding alkali metal to traditional perovskites leads to better performance, by increasing uniformity in the chemistry and structure.

Across the spectrum: Researchers find way to stabilize color of light in next-gen material

Florida State University physicists found a way to stabilize the color of light being emitted from halide perovskites. They believe their research could be the basis for efficient and more cost-effective optoelectronic technologies that can turn light into electricity or vice versa.


BIOMATERIALS

Nanoparticles may promote cancer metastasis

Researchers at National University of Singapore found cancer nanomedicine, which are designed to kill cancer cells, may accelerate metastasis. Common nanoparticles made from gold, titanium dioxide, silver, and silicon dioxide widen gap between blood vessel cells, making it easier for other cells, such as cancer cells, to go in and out of “leaky” blood vessels.

Graphene biosensor could provide early lung cancer diagnosis, research shows

University of Exeter scientists developed a new technique that could create a highly sensitive graphene biosensor able to detect molecules of the most common lung cancer biomarkers. Using multi-layered graphene, the team suggest current e-nose devices could revolutionise breath diagnostic techniques.


ENVIRONMENT

Ceramic holds promise for greener optical devices

Lanthanum modified lead zirconate titanate is one of the most widely used electro-optic ceramics, but it contains around 60 percent of lead (by weight). A*STAR researchers created a lead-free ceramic using potassium sodium niobate that could be used instead.

Green water-purification system works without heavy metals or corrosive chemicals

Scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yangzhou University developed an effective and energy-efficient technique for purifying water by using graphitic carbon nitride sheets. Their prototype purified pathogen-rich water in 30 minutes, killing over 99.9999% of bacteria, such as E. coli, without leaving behind secondary pollution.


MANUFACTURING

Ceramic sensors could let us know when bridges feel strain

Rice University researchers found graphene-boron-nitride becomes more electrically conductive under elastic strain and less conductive under plastic strain, which could lead to a new generation of sensors embedded into structures like buildings and bridges to monitor their own health.


OTHER STORIES

Virtual lens improves X-ray microscopy

Paul Scherrer Institute researchers applied Fourier ptychography to X-ray microscopy for the first time ever. They used a small lens and shifted it over an area that an ideal lens would cover, virtually creating a large lens. The new method delivers both higher resolution and two complementary kinds of imaging information.

Researchers use artificial neural networks to streamline materials testing

Investigators at NYU Tandon School of Engineering designed a machine learning system employing artificial neural networks capable of extrapolating from data derived from just one sample, thereby quickly formulating and providing analytics on theoretical graphene-enhanced advanced composites.

Scientists develop first fabric to automatically cool or insulate depending on conditions

University of Maryland researchers created a fabric from yarn coated in carbon nanotubes that can automatically regulate the amount of heat passing through it depending on conditions, by either blocking infrared radiation or allowing it to pass through.

Poly(amide-imide) film could replace glass in flexible displays

KAIST researchers made new polymeric material with exceptionally low CTE value while retaining high transparency and excellent thermal and mechanical properties. They confirmed the device could operate normally even when folded to a radius of 1 mm.

A self-cleaning glass keeps itself spotless underwater

Instead of micro-pillars, scientists in Norway used shorter, squatter pancake shapes to create a self-cleaning glass surface. They believe the new technology could be useful for self-cleaning windows on ships and ocean-exploration vessels, to prevent biofouling.

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