[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
New mechanism of superconductivity discovered in graphene
Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science reported on a novel alternative mechanism to achieve superconductivity in graphene by creating a hybrid system consisting of graphene and 2D Bose-Einstein condensate.
Quantum movements of small glass sphere controlled
Researchers at University of Vienna, Austrian Academy of Sciences, and Vienna University of Technology were able to measure a hot glass sphere consisting of about one billion atoms with unprecedented precision and to control it at the quantum level.
Electrons in graphene drag light in their wake
In new studies, two teams of researchers—one led by Columbia University and the other by University of California at Berkeley—chose to study Fizeau drag in graphene because the electrons and plasmon-polaritons in this material travel at similar speeds.
The mathematics of repulsion for new graphene catalysts
Scientists at Tohoku University and colleagues in Japan developed a mathematical model called standard realization with repulsive interaction that helps predict the tiny changes in carbon-based materials that could yield interesting properties.
ENERGY
Sweaty fingertips could help power the next generation of wearable electronics
Researchers developed a device out of carbon nanotubes that harvests energy from the sweat on your fingertips. The device produces 300 mJ of energy per square centimeter without any mechanical energy input during a 10-hour sleep and an additional 30 mJ of energy with a single press of a finger.
Tamarind shells converted into an energy source for vehicles
Researchers from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences in Norway, and Alagappa University in India found a way to convert tamarind shells into carbon nanosheets, a key component of supercapacitors.
Scientists uncover a different facet of fuel cell chemistry
An international team led by researchers from Berkeley Lab studied a model electrode material in a new way—by exposing a different facet of its crystal structure to oxygen gas at operating pressures and temperatures.
Making clean hydrogen is hard, but researchers just solved a major hurdle
University of Texas at Austin researchers found a low-cost way to split off oxygen molecules from water by creating electrically conductive paths through a thick silicon dioxide layer that can be performed at low cost and scaled to high manufacturing volumes.
Removing the lead hazard from perovskite solar cells
Scientists added a transparent phosphate salt to perovskite solar cells that does not interfere with light-conversion efficiency while preventing lead from seeping into the soil in cases of solar panel failure.
Preventing oxygen release leads to safer high-energy-density batteries
Researchers from Tohoku University and the Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute investigated the oxygen release behavior and related structural changes of cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. They found when oxygen is released, it reduces the transition metals, lessening their ability to keep a balanced charge in the materials.
The hidden culprit killing lithium-metal batteries from the inside
Researchers took the first-ever nanoscale images inside intact, lithium-metal coin batteries and discovered a hard buildup formed as a byproduct of the battery’s internal chemical reactions. The byproduct tore holes in the separator, creating openings for metal deposits to spread and form a short.
Solid-state electric vehicle battery breakthrough announced
Factorial Energy announced breakthrough capacity retention testing results of the company’s 40 Amp-hour solid-state cell technology. The initial round of cell cycle behavior testing at 25°C demonstrated a 97.3% capacity retention rate after 675 cycles.
BIOMATERIALS
Disease-detecting breathalyzers grow closer to commercialization
A New York Times article looks at research taking place around the world on disease-detecting breathalyzers, specifically ones aimed at detecting COVID-19.
ENVIRONMENT
Study evaluates biodiversity impacts of alternative energy strategies
Baylor University researchers evaluated potential tradeoffs between climate benefits and energy costs, especially any negative impacts on biodiversity. Surprisingly, they did not find a clear tradeoff between global climate mitigation and cumulative biodiversity impact.
Study puts charge into drive for sustainable lithium production
Argonne National Laboratory researchers provided critical fresh insights into the lithium production process and how it relates to long-term environmental sustainability, particularly in the area of transportation with batteries and electric vehicles.
OTHER STORIES
Data science technique helps measure atomic positions more precisely
Researchers at Kyushu University and the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology leveraged a method from the field of data science—Gaussian process regression—to measure strain distribution in materials more accurately, improving the precision of high-angle annular dark-field imaging.
Scientists created several samples of glasses for protection against nuclear radiation
An international research team created new glasses for protection against X-ray and gamma radiation.The best results came from bismuth borate glasses.
Scientists take snapshots of ultrafast switching in a quantum electronic device
Researchers from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, Hewlett Packard Labs, The Pennsylvania State University, and Purdue University demonstrated a new way of observing atoms as they move in a quantum electronic switch as it operates.
New material could mean lightweight armor, protective coatings
Researchers at the U.S. Army’s Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, and ETH Zürich found materials formed from precisely patterned nanoscale trusses are tougher than Kevlar and steel.
Webinar: Learn from the early career faculty—Part I: The application process
MRS is hosting a three-part webinar series about the faculty application process from the perspective of faculty members that have been newly appointed within the last 2 years. The first webinar will offer a discussion with young faculty about their experiences preparing and submitting applications. The webinar takes place July 27 at 11 a.m. Eastern.