[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
Scaling down ionic transistors to the ultimate limit
University of Hong Kong researchers developed an atomic-scale ion transistor based on electrically gated graphene channels of around 3 angstrom width, which demonstrated highly selective ion transport.
New atomically precise graphene nanoribbon heterojunction sensor developed
An international research team led by the University of Cologne succeeded in connecting several atomically precise nanoribbons made of graphene to form complex heterojunctions, which they were then able to integrate into an electronic component.
ENERGY
A long-lasting, stable solid-state lithium battery
Researchers at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science designed a stable, lithium-metal solid state battery that can be charged and discharged at least 10,000 times at a high current density. With its high current density, the battery could pave the way for electric vehicles that can fully charge within 10 to 20 minutes.
Study suggests new route for perovskite solar cells
Researchers from the University of Bath and Imperial College London showed how the careful selection of layers within perovskite can prevent degradation. They looked specifically at the degradation process of tin perovskite.
MANUFACTURING
Lasers, levitation, and machine learning make better heat-resistant materials
Argonne National Laboratory researchers created a new process for testing and predicting the effects of high temperatures on refractory oxides. The solution is called aerodynamic levitation and involves scientists using gas to suspend a small (2–3 mm in diameter) spherical sample of material about a millimeter in the air.
OTHER STORIES
Domino-like crystallization of glass
Researchers from University of Tokyo, Fudan University, Peking University, and collaborating institutions conducted experimental and computational studies on fast crystal growth under deep supercooling. A key reveal is that the solid-liquid interfaces in the supercooled liquids are thick and rough.
Magnetic nanoparticles pull valuable elements from water sources
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and startup business Moselle Technologies developed magnetic nanoparticles to capture valuable materials from brines. The core nanoparticle consists of magnetite (a form of iron oxide), and it is used to anchor the adsorbent shell that selectively binds the compounds of interest.
Mineral found in human bone can help fight toxic organic compounds
Nagoya Institute of Technology researchers reported a complete catalytic decomposition of volatile organic compounds using hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring form of the mineral calcium phosphate that makes up most of the human bone structure.
Causes of concrete and asphalt deterioration explained
A team of scientists from six institutions revealed that the presence of trace quantities of organic matter in modern concrete structures and asphalt pavements drive the deterioration of these structures. Of the organic matter present, phthalates have the highest effect on deterioration.
Future sparkles for diamond-based quantum technology
University of Technology Sydney scientists accelerated the development of synthetic diamond-based quantum technology by developing a new hard masking method to pattern diamond nanostructure and an innovative step to grow single crystal diamond photonic structures with embedded quantum defects from a polycrystalline substrate.
Webinar series: Future of space technology and exploration
Explore The Space, an international educational NGO, is launching a new international webinar series called “Future of space technology and exploration.” The first edition of the webinar series takes place June 25 and focuses on advanced materials and space exploration vehicles. Students can register for a special discounted price here.