[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
Graphene sensors find subtleties in magnetic fields
Cornell University researchers used an ultrathin graphene “sandwich” to create a tiny magnetic field sensor that can operate over a greater temperature range than previous sensors, while also detecting miniscule changes in magnetic fields that might otherwise get lost within a larger magnetic background.
How to avoid coffee rings when printing graphene devices
An international research team led by University of Cambridge found the coffee ring effect can be suppressed in 2D-crystal ink droplets by using a specific mixture of alcohols as a solvent. The study could lead to better techniques for printing nanoparticles onto substrates for the manufacture of electronic and photonic devices.
ENERGY
Transparent solar panels for windows hit record 8% efficiency
Researchers led by University of Michigan set a new efficiency record for color-neutral, transparent solar cells. They achieved 8.1% efficiency and 43.3% transparency with a carbon-based design rather than conventional silicon.
No more playing with fire: Study offers insight into ‘safer’ rechargeable batteries
Okayama University researchers used a technique called “operando nuclear magnetic resonance” to track the precise mechanism of dendrite formation in lithium-ion batteries. They also extend their experiments to sodium-ion batteries.
A new design for better redox flow batteries
Researchers at D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia proposed a new design of membrane-electrode assembly for redox flow batteries. In particular, they proposed replacing conventional bipolar plates made from bulk graphite with multilayer graphite foil sheets.
BIOMATERIALS
Toward a coronavirus breathalyzer test
Researchers made an array of gold nanoparticles linked to molecules sensitive to various volatile organic compounds. In testing, the device showed 76% accuracy in distinguishing COVID-19 cases from controls, 95% accuracy in discriminating COVID-19 cases from lung infections, and 88% accuracy distinguishing sick and recovered COVID-19 patients.
Universities join forces to develop materials for the fight against COVID-19
Researchers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and the University of Georgia are collaborating to explore whether the tendency of the virus to bind to carbohydrate-based polymers, such as heparin, can be used to develop virus-trapping gels and surfaces.
ENVIRONMENT
Pothole repair made eco-friendly using grit from wastewater treatment
Researchers incorporated grit from wastewater into a chemically bonded phosphate ceramic (CBCP), a material routinely used to treat hazardous or radioactive waste for disposal. When used as an asphalt patch, the grit-CBPC mortar showed compressive strength comparable to asphalt pavement.
OTHER STORIES
Novel method of heat conduction for server farms and aircraft
Researchers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University developed a diode for aircraft thermal management. They created the diode using two copper plates in a sealed environment, separated by a microscopic gap. The first plate is engineered with a wick structure to hold water, while the opposite plate is coated with a water-repelling layer.
Ultrafast electrons in magnetic oxides: A new direction for spintronics?
Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, University of Kaiserslautern, and University of Fribourg observed how electronic charge excitation changes electron spin in metal oxides in an ultrafast and inphase manner.
Drones can be controlled from anywhere thanks to ORNL global communication system
Horizon31, of Knoxville, Tenn., has exclusively licensed a novel communication system developed by the startup’s founders at Oak Ridge National Laboratory that allows users to reliably operate unmanned vehicles such as drones from anywhere in the world using only an internet connection.
Long-range, high-power wireless electricity is now a reality
New Zealand-based startup Emrod developed the world’s first long-range, high-power, wireless electric power transmission as an alternative to existing copper line technology. The system works by transmitting energy using electromagnetic waves. The system has a transmitting antenna, a series of relays, and a receiving rectenna.