[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
New platform generates hybrid light-matter excitations in highly charged graphene
Columbia University researchers report that they have achieved plasmonically active graphene with record-high charge density without an external gate. They accomplished this feat by exploiting novel interlayer charge transfer with a 2D electron-acceptor.
Novel method to fine tune ‘twistronics’
An international group of researchers at The University of Manchester developed a method to fine tune the “twist” between 2D materials layers stacked in a superlattice structure. The technique uses a polymer resist patch on target 2D crystals and a polymer gel manipulator.
ENERGY
New cathode and electrolyte for high-power Mg battery rivaling Li-ion
Researchers from University of Houston and Toyota Research Institute of North America developed a new cathode and electrolyte—previously the limiting factors for a high-energy magnesium battery—to demonstrate a magnesium battery capable of operating at room temperature and delivering a power density comparable to that of lithium-ion batteries.
Study shows promising material can store solar energy for months or years
Lancaster University researchers studying a metal-organic framework discovered it has properties that allow it to capture energy from the sun. The energy can be stored for several months at room temperature, and it can be released on demand in the form of heat.
Ionic defect landscape in perovskite solar cells revealed
Researchers at the Technical Universities of Chemnitz and Dresden uncovered the ionic defect landscape in metal halide perovskites. They found that the motion of all observed ions, despite their different properties (such as positive or negative charge), follows a common transport mechanism and also allows the assignment of defects and ions.
Battery of tests: Scientists figure out how to track what happens inside batteries
Scientists demonstrated a combination of techniques that allows for the precise measurement of ions moving through a battery. The techniques include using ultrabright X-rays to measure the velocity of the ions moving through the battery, and to simultaneously measure the concentration of ions within the electrolyte, while a model battery discharged.
ENVIRONMENT
Shuttering fossil fuel power plants may cost less than expected
A Georgia Institute of Technology assistant professor created a generator-level model that suggests most fossil fuel power plants could complete normal lifespans and still close by 2035 because so many facilities are nearing the end of their operational lives.
MANUFACTURING
This 3D printer doesn’t gloss over the details
Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers developed a combined hardware and software printing system that uses off-the-shelf varnishes to finish objects with realistic, spatially varying gloss patterns.
Bend, don’t break: New tool enables economic glass design
Computer scientists developed a design tool that opens up the use of a cost-efficient technology for curved glass panels. The tool is based on a deep neural network and allows for the free-form design of beautiful glass façades.
Researchers confront optics and data-transfer challenges with 3D-printed lens
Researchers led by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign developed new 3D-printed microlenses with adjustable refractive indices using direct-laser writing. They addressed the refractive index limitations by printing inside of a nanoporous scaffolding support material.
OTHER STORIES
New method sees fibers in 3D, uses it to estimate conductivity
A recent two-part study at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign developed a method to create 3D models of the fibers within composite materials and then used that information to predict the thermal conductivity of the material.
Hollow-core fibers outperform silica glass counterparts
Researchers from the University of Southampton Optoelectronics Research Centre introduced three unique hollow-core fiber designs that each exhibit losses comparable to or lower than those of solid glass fibers. The fibers also withstood testing at high lasing intensities, such as those needed to melt rock and drill oil wells.
To accelerate or decelerate in the light-emitting process of zinc-oxide crystals
Tohoku University researchers used omnidirectional photoluminescence spectroscopy to measure the internal quantum efficiency of zinc oxide crystals in both the light-emitting process and non-light-emitting process. They determined that the origin of the efficiency increase was dominated by the deceleration of the non-light-emitting process.
Cooling electronics efficiently with graphene-enhanced heat pipes
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that graphene-based heat pipes can help solve the problems of cooling electronics and power systems used in avionics, data centers, and other power electronics.
Mineral body armor helps some leaf-cutting ants win fights with bigger kin
Researchers report the first observance of an external, whole-body mineralization in an adult insect. The armor consists of a thin layer of calcite containing high levels of magnesium, and it at least doubles the exoskeleton’s hardness.