[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
On-demand control of terahertz and infrared waves
A theory from 2006 predicted that graphene could not only absorb terahertz and infrared light on demand in a magnetic field but also control direction of the circular polarization. Researchers from the University of Geneva and University of Manchester succeeded in testing this theory and achieved the predicted results.
Nanoscale visualization of the distribution and optical behavior of dopant in GaN
In gallium nitride implanted with a small amount of magnesium, National Institute for Materials Science researchers visualized the distribution and optical behavior of the implanted magnesium at the nanoscale, which may help scientists improve electrical performance of GaN-based devices.
Vitamin C is key to protection of exciting new nanomaterial
Researchers from Texas A&M University discovered a simple, inexpensive way to prevent MXenes’ rapid degradation by exposing MXenes to anything in a family of compounds best represented by a natural dietary supplement such as vitamin C.
Carbon nanotube tape stays sticky in extreme temperatures
Researchers developed a new type of tape composed of superaligned carbon nanotube films. The ultrathin, ultra-lightweight and flexible tape outperformed conventional adhesives, at temperatures ranging from -321°F to 1,832°F.
Will your future computer be made using bacteria?
Researchers at University of Rochester and Delft University of Technology mixed oxidized graphite with bacteria, creating a more cost-efficient, time-saving, and environmentally friendly way of producing graphene materials versus those produced chemically.
Sheaths drive powerful new artificial muscles
The University of Texas at Dallas researchers and international colleagues created sheath-run artificial muscles by applying a polymer coating to twisted carbon nanotube yarns. The polymer sheath drives actuation and provides much higher work-per-cycle and power densities than previous muscles.
ENERGY
On the way to printable organic light emitting diodes
Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research scientists developed an organic light-emitting diode that, unlike current 5–7 layer OLEDs, consists of a single layer that is supplied with electricity via two electrodes. The researchers measured an external efficiency of 19%.
Device channels heat into light
Rice University scientists are designing arrays of aligned single-wall carbon nanotubes to channel mid-infrared radiation (heat) and greatly raise the efficiency of solar energy systems. Nanotube films work well because they stand temperatures up 1,700°C (3,092°F).
New method turns unrecyclable plastic into electricity
Researchers from University of Chester and PowerHouse Energy found a way to convert unrecyclable plastic waste into electricity. They cut plastic waste into two-inch strips and melt it in a kiln. As the plastics melt, the gases produced are converted into energy.
ENVIRONMENT
This solar-powered device produces energy and cleans water at the same time
By mounting a water distillation system on the back of a solar cell, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology engineers constructed a device that doubles as an energy generator and water purifier. A prototype device converted about 11% of incoming light into electricity, and could pump out about 1.7 kilograms of clean water per hour.
Bricks made from loofah and charcoal could promote biodiversity in cities
Indian School of Design and Innovation researchers created eco-friendly biobricks from soil, cement, charcoal, and organic luffa fibers. The luffa’s fibrous network creates air bubbles that are important because they enable the bricks to harbour animal and plant life.
MANUFACTURING
Thicker pavement is more cost effective down the road
University of New Hampshire researchers determined a 7% to 32% increase in asphalt-layer thickness might be the best way to maintain service ability of some roads. They point to considerable future savings of between 40% and 50% if done now rather than later.
GTS develops glass-specific periodic table to celebrate 150 years
Glass Technology Services developed a glass-specific periodic table of elements. It highlights the elements commonly used in glass manufacturing, while a graphical legend indicates the role that these elements take in the glass manufacturing process.
OTHER STORIES
Theory explains ferromagnetic superconductor behavior
Researchers from France and Russia offered a theoretical explanation for the behavior of a recently discovered material combining superconducting and ferromagnetic properties.They demonstrate how a nonuniform magnetic structure with a sinusoidal magnetization profile gradually transforms into a domain-type structure as temperature goes down.
Weyl fermions discovered in another class of materials
Scientists at Paul Scherrer Institute PSI experimentally proved the existence of Weyl fermions in another type of material: a paramagnet with intrinsic slow magnetic fluctuations. This finding shows it is possible to manipulate Weyl fermions with small magnetic fields, opening further possibilities to use Weyl fermions in spintronics.
Interstellar iron isn’t missing, it’s just hiding in plain sight
A team of cosmochemists at Arizona State University claim iron in interstellar environments is not really missing but instead hiding in plain sight. They say the iron combined with carbon molecules to form molecular chains called iron pseudocarbynes.
New superomniphobic glass soars high on butterfly wings using machine learning
Researchers from University of Pittsburgh created a nanostructure glass that takes inspiration from the wings of the glasswing butterfly to create a new type of glass that is not only very clear across a wide variety of wavelengths and angles, but is also antifogging.